All-Inclusive Travel Packages: A Guide to the World's Most Popular Destinations

When people talk about all-inclusive travel packages, a handful of destinations almost always dominate the search results — white sand beaches, giant resorts and buffets that never seem to end. Before we talk about our own favorite destination, São Tomé and Príncipe, it's worth taking a quick tour through the most famous all-inclusive destinations in the world.

Zanzibar: white sand beaches and beachfront resorts
The Tanzanian island has become, in recent years, one of Africa's most sought-after destinations for all-inclusive vacations, with resorts like Riu Palace Zanzibar, in Nungwi, on the island's north coast — long beaches, turquoise water and Swahili architecture always present in the setting.

Mexico: the mecca of all-inclusive, in Cancún and the Riviera Maya
If there's one destination synonymous with all-inclusive, it's Mexico. Cancún and the Riviera Maya are home to some of the largest resort complexes in the world, such as Hard Rock Hotel Cancún, Moon Palace Cancún and Grand Palladium Riviera Maya — true cities within the resort, with multiple pools, nightlife and countless restaurants included in the price.

Dominican Republic: Punta Cana and the all-inclusive giants
Punta Cana is another of the great classics, with a strip of resorts along Bávaro beach that rivals Mexico in scale — names like Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana and Barceló Bávaro Palace are familiar to anyone who has ever searched for all-inclusive Caribbean vacations.

Cape Verde: Sal Island, the closest all-inclusive to home
For those looking for the concept closer to Portugal, Sal Island, in Cape Verde, has become one of the favorite destinations for Portuguese travelers, with hotels like Riu Palace Cabo Verde, Meliá Tortuga Beach and Meliá Dunas Beach Resort & Spa, all by Santa Maria beach.

And what about São Tomé and Príncipe?
If you came to this article looking to compare São Tomé and Príncipe with these destinations, here's an honest answer: São Tomé and Príncipe is not an all-inclusive destination, at least not in the sense of giant resorts with buffets and organized entertainment. And for us, that's one of its greatest qualities.

A destination still off the mass-tourism map
While Zanzibar, Cancún, Punta Cana and Sal Island already welcome millions of tourists every year, São Tomé and Príncipe remains, fortunately, off the main routes of mass tourism. There are no rows of resorts along the coast, no organized poolside entertainment — there are historic roças, untouched rainforest, practically deserted beaches and a population that still welcomes visitors with genuine curiosity, not as just another number.

That's exactly why our circuits are designed differently: all-inclusive in the practical sense — flight, guide, driver, accommodation and excursions, all handled by us — but without giving up the authenticity that makes São Tomé a unique destination. We've already explained all of this in detail in our article on all-inclusive vacations to São Tomé.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular destinations for all-inclusive vacations?
Zanzibar, Mexico (Cancún and the Riviera Maya), the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) and Cape Verde (Sal Island) are among the world's most popular destinations for all-inclusive packages.

Does São Tomé and Príncipe have all-inclusive resorts like these destinations?
No. São Tomé and Príncipe doesn't follow the giant all-inclusive resort model — it's instead a destination still off the mass-tourism map, offering a more authentic and less crowded experience.

Is that a disadvantage for visitors to São Tomé and Príncipe?
For us, it's exactly the opposite: it's what makes the experience more genuine, with historic roças, preserved nature and beaches that aren't yet crowded with tourists.

You already know the big all-inclusive destinations — now discover the destination mass tourism hasn't reached yet. Talk to us and find out how we organize your trip to São Tomé and Príncipe.

Book with confidence
Vamos Fugir is a travel agency licensed by Turismo de Portugal (RNAVT no. 4155). Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.