Brits and Buffets: Why Nearly Half Overeat on All-Inclusive Holidays
All-inclusive holidays have long been a British favourite, offering the appeal of unlimited food, flowing cocktails, and the promise of stress-free relaxation. But are they really as indulgent as they seem—or do they keep travellers from truly experiencing local culture?
A new survey by Radical Storage of 1,050 British holiday-goers sheds light on why so many opt for “fly and flop” breaks, and what really happens once they check into an all-inclusive resort.
Boozy Brits Abroad
Holidays often mean loosening the rules, especially when alcohol is included. More than half (53.1%) of Brits admit they drink more on holiday, and all-inclusive packages make it easy to overdo it.
In fact, 58.3% of respondents said an all-inclusive holiday was only worth the money if they planned to drink heavily. It’s no wonder some Spanish resorts have introduced limits—like the now-infamous three-drink-per-night rule—to curb tourist excess.
Food, Glorious Food
Buffets are a defining feature of the all-inclusive experience, and many holidaymakers can’t resist. Almost half (48%) admitted to overeating while away.
While most Brits still want a taste of the local cuisine, catering often dominates. On average, those on an all-inclusive ate at a local restaurant just 2.4 times in a week, compared with 4.4 times for travellers on other types of holidays.
Who’s Booking All-Inclusive Holidays?
It’s not just families and retirees. In fact, 91.3% of Gen Z travellers (18–28) have taken an all-inclusive holiday—far more than Baby Boomers (62.6%).
Pop culture may be driving this trend. Love Island, which has partnered with Jet2 Holidays since 2022, has glamorised villa living for a younger audience. Searches for “Jet2Villas holiday” have jumped 414% since April 2024.
The appeal stretches to wealthier travellers too. Nearly all (97.6%) of those earning £100,000–£124,999 annually had been on an all-inclusive trip, compared with just 58.6% of those on under £10,000.
And thanks to shows like HBO’s The White Lotus, luxury resorts have never been more aspirational. Searches for Thailand’s Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, featured in season three, surged 1,019% year-on-year.
Fly and Flop? What Really Happens on Holiday
All-inclusives are designed for convenience, removing the stress of booking restaurants, navigating transport, or finding activities. But does this come at a cost?
Survey data shows that compared with other types of holidays, all-inclusive travellers:
- Left the resort less often (3.4 days per week vs. 5.1).
- Explored fewer attractions (3 days vs. 3.7).
- Spent less time engaging with culture (2.9 days vs. 3.6).
Still, all-inclusives encourage some habits: guests were more likely to dress up for dinner (5.8/10 vs. 5.2) and slightly more likely to make friends—or even spark a romance.
The Verdict
All-inclusive holidays continue to dominate, with over 80% of Brits having tried one. Younger travellers and high earners are particularly keen, inspired by reality TV and luxury dramas alike.
But while they guarantee relaxation, indulgence, and convenience, all-inclusives also risk keeping travellers inside the resort bubble—at the expense of authentic cultural experiences.
For many Brits, though, the buffet and cocktail bar remain irresistible.
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