Affordable all-inclusive package holidays: where to go for great value family escapes

Between spiralling flight prices, budgeting for meals and the near-impossible task of finding somewhere that keeps everyone happy (teenagers, toddlers and tired parents alike), it’s no wonder many of us end up feeling overwhelmed before we’ve even packed a suitcase.

And that’s before factoring in extra costs including snacks, drinks, ice creams and activities that somehow add hundreds to your final spend.

It’s why families turn to all-inclusive package holidays. Done right, they can take the guesswork and stress out of travelling with kids. No daily debates about where to eat. No budgeting spreadsheet to keep track of every coffee and cocktail. And crucially, no mid-holiday panic about how much you’ve already spent. But not all destinations offer the same value.

So where should you go to get the most bang for your buck?

To answer that, we’ve done what Mumsnet does best: gone straight to the source. Drawing on real user recommendations, we’ve rounded up the destinations and hotels that offer affordability and family appeal, with a little help from TUI’s extensive portfolio of family-friendly properties.

Mumsnet user, Spongecake556 

Best-value destinations for all-inclusive holidays according to Mumsnet users

Lanzarote: year-round sunshine and affordable resorts 

The Canary Islands have long been a go-to for affordable family holidays, and Lanzarote is one of the most reliable picks, especially outside peak school holiday windows. While summer temperatures can climb, the Atlantic breeze keeps things more comfortable than some Mediterranean hotspots as Mumsnet user, reluctantbrit points out “Canaries are actually quite nice in Summer compared to the Med, incl. Turkey, as the Atlantic wind cools the temperature down.”

TUI SUNEO El Trebol, Costa Teguise

We did a TUI Suneo Club and it was three star all inclusive cheap and cheerful (El Trebol in Lanzarote) [...] AI is great for breakfast selection, kids drinks and endless ice creams!

Mumsnet user, Thehungryteacher

Budget-friendly and low-fuss, this “cheap and cheerful” TUI Suneo option is a firm favourite among families. Apartments offer space to spread out, while the all-inclusive setup covers the essentials, from generous breakfast spreads to unlimited ice creams (always a win with kids). The vibe is relaxed rather than luxury, but that’s part of the appeal. Pools and entertainment keep younger guests happy, while parents can settle into an easy rhythm without worrying about the daily spend. It’s a great example of how a three-star hotel can still offer a genuinely enjoyable family break.

Bulgaria: value for money on the Black Sea 

If you’re looking to stretch your budget further, Bulgaria consistently comes up as one of the best-value destinations in Europe. As Mumsnet user, LittleLlama puts it: “Bulgaria is a more affordable destination than Croatia with a range of attractions, from golden beaches, breathtaking mountains and historical sites.” 

Sunny Beach itself divides opinion, but many families agree that choosing the right hotel makes all the difference.

TUI BLUE Nevis, Sunny Beach

We have been to the TUI BLUE Nevis resort in Bulgaria a few times. The kids loved the pools and water slides.

Mumsnet user, NatWestPigFamily

Purpose-built for kids, with multiple pools, splash zones and water slides to keep them entertained for hours, TUI BLUE Nevis is a top pick on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. Rooms are spacious and modern, and the all-inclusive offering is strong, meaning you can stay put and enjoy the facilities without feeling the need to venture out. While Sunny Beach might not be everyone’s cup of tea, this hotel is a self-contained family haven, making it a solid option for those prioritising value and convenience. And you’re a 15-minute drive from Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town home to Byzantine churches and Roman ruins.

Button: Book now

Portugal: reliable, child-friendly and easy

Portugal might not always be the cheapest option on paper, but it consistently delivers excellent value when you factor in quality, safety and ease.

It’s also famously child-friendly - something Mumsnet users regularly highlight: “We do AI in Portugal every year as it's so child friendly and we get really well looked after. We explore the local area on foot or using Uber/Bolt apps if travelling further. We also go to the beach daily and go to the local shops and bars as they're really cheap and it's nice to have a break from the hotel.” - Husbandcallsmepickle

3HB Clube Humbria, Algarve

3HB Clube Humbria in Portugal is a great AI family friendly place.

Mumsnet user, husbandcallsmepickle

A standout choice for families, this all-inclusive resort strikes a balance between comfort and practicality. Located in Olhos d’Água, it’s close enough to explore local beaches and towns, but with enough going on onsite that you don’t have to. Expect spacious apartment-style accommodation, a strong food offering and plenty for kids, from pools to organised activities. Parents particularly appreciate the option to dip in and out of the local area, with affordable restaurants and easy transport links adding to the overall value.

Salou, Spain: easy access and flexible options

Spain remains a perennial favourite for UK families, and for good reason. With short flight times and popular resorts, it’s an easy and familiar option.

Salou, in particular, offers great value, especially when factoring in flights to Reus, a budget-friendly alternative to Barcelona 

Golden Avenida Family Suites

Search for aparthotels. Usually these were previously self-catering apartments and they're now offering all-inclusive as an option e.g. Golden Avenida Family Suites in Salou.

Mumsnet user, CrazyCatMam

This aparthotel-style option offers a flexible take on all-inclusive - ideal for families who like a bit of independence. Originally self-catering apartments, properties like this now offer all-inclusive packages, giving you the best of both worlds. Rooms are designed with families in mind, often with separate sleeping areas, while pools and entertainment provide plenty to do onsite. It’s a smart choice for those who want the convenience of all-inclusive without feeling too “locked in”.

Croatia: beautiful, but choose wisely

Croatia has surged in popularity in recent years, and while it can be pricier than some European alternatives, there are still pockets of value to be found, particularly if you focus on booking an affordable hotel like one of TUI’s Suneo properties which are geared up for great value all-inclusive beach breaks.  

TUI Suneo Supetar, Brac Island

Try Split. You can stay on an island like Brac - supetar has TUI SUNEO Supetar which is a fab spot and family friendly. But 10 mins walk and you can get the ferry into split or over to other islands.

Mumsnet user, keepingsanity 

We went to the Suneo Supetar in Croatia with two teenagers last year. On the slightly cheaper end of all inclusive for Croatia, but lovely, clean and the surrounding area is stunning!

Mumsnet user, Holdonforsummer

This family-friendly hotel on Brac Island offers a scenic, laid-back alternative to busier resorts. The setting is a big part of the appeal: think crystal-clear water, charming harbour towns and easy ferry access to Split. The hotel itself is relaxed and welcoming, with all-inclusive options that keep things simple. It’s particularly suited to families who want a mix of downtime and light exploring without the premium price tag of some Croatian hotspots.

Gran Canaria: dependable sunshine and great facilities

Another Canary Islands classic, Gran Canaria ticks a lot of boxes for families, from reliable weather to a wide range of accommodation options. Mumsnet user, Cherryassam agrees: “The Canaries can be better value than the Med in the summer - Gran Canaria usually the best value followed by Tenerife, Fuerteventura can also be on the cheaper side.” 

Hotel LIVVO Koala Garden, Maspalomas

We went to Koala Garden in Gran Canaria two years running in April and loved it. The food was great and I’m a vegetarian. Lots of variety, freshly made, no issues. Fab kids club and kids disco each night. The rooms were a brilliant set up with young children.

Mumsnet user, mnahmnah

A repeat-visit favourite for many families, this hotel stands out for its thoughtful setup and strong food offering. Rooms are designed with young children in mind, making day-to-day life easier, while kids’ clubs and evening discos add to the appeal. The all-inclusive package is particularly well-reviewed, with plenty of variety, including options for different dietary needs. It’s a solid choice for families who want a straightforward, enjoyable break without any nasty surprises.

About TUI

When it comes to booking a holiday, we know everyone likes something different - from great value all-inclusive deals with TUI MAGIC LIFE where kids can go free* at selected hotels to our action packed Holiday Village options and our TUI BLUE hotels with a “Family Fun” highlight which cater for everyone and are handpicked just for your family.

Our holiday portfolio ticks off everything from beach holidays and city breaks through to lakes and mountains getaways. We also offer tours that let you experience exotic places like Costa Rica, South Africa and Japan in a brand new way, and multi-destination trips with over 5,000 combinations to choose from. As one of the biggest UK holiday companies, we're here whenever you need us - via our stores, website or 24/7 Holiday line. Book now for a £0 deposit* when you pay via Direct Debit*.

About the author

Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel.

She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London. She loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far, as well as trawling the Mumsnet holiday forum for inspiration for her next trip away with her husband and two kids.

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