We all know the routine. The deal pops up, and you’re immediately enthralled: an all-inclusive holiday for that price? How could you possibly refuse? Yet, lately, there has been some hesitation and backlash — people want more from these traditional deals. So, how do you break the routine and form a slightly less rigid holiday?
For anyone bored of the traditional all-inclusive, these are some out-of-the-box suggestions for an exciting getaway.
1. Explore Off‑the‑Beaten‑Track Cities & “Detour Destinations”
A word of advice: don’t sacrifice your major cities. Big hubs, like Barcelona or Rome, are great destinations for budget-friendly flights — an important consideration when replacing the standard all-inclusive. Instead, simply combine these cities with nearby hidden gems.
Detour destinations are a rising trend in 2025; travellers want to combine multiple places in a single trip. For instance, tourists might road-trip rural Tuscany after flying into Florence or visit Girona when flying into Barcelona.
2. Walking Holidays Abroad: Scenic Trails with Added Culture
Immersive multi‑day walking holidays are another rising trend. Did you know that, as of 2025, 18% of UK adults are planning a hiking holiday abroad? Walking a scenic trail is an incredible way of combining culture with fitness. You return fitter, with a calmed nervous system. Perhaps you could hike the Dolomites? Or maybe the Camino in Spain?
3. Active ‘Bravecation’ Escapes: Combine Adventure & Wellness
“Bravecations” aren’t for everyone, but they certainly shrug off the monotony of standard all-inclusive. Combine adrenaline with relaxation, and seek out experiences like zip-lining, surfing, or kayaking. You’d be surprised what’s out there. For instance, Tuscany isn’t just perfect for wine tasting; it also has a thriving white-water rafting scene. Why not (literally) push the boat out and try something new?
4. Wildlife & Dark‑Tourism Journeys: From Serengeti to Somme
Connection is at the heart of any fulfilling travel experience. Notably, this is a major pain point in the existing package holiday model; shake things up. The simplest way to build that connection is through adjusting itineraries. You could go wildlife sightseeing or embrace dark tourism through sites of humanitarian importance.
Visit the Amazon Rainforest or head off the beaten track with birdwatching treks in the Himalayas. If humanitarian sites are more of interest, consider destinations like the Normandy Beaches or Cambodia’s Killing Fields.
5. Multi‑Destination & Long‑Haul Holiday‑Hopping
When surrounded by choices, why limit yourself? Multi-destination holidays are becoming popular, and for good reason. Limit your spending on flights by combining multiple countries (or even continents) in one trip. For instance, plot a Latin America circuit or visit Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia at the same time.
Traditional all-inclusive holidays might be relaxing, but it’s possible to recreate that same value for money while adding adventure. Where will you go?
