Turning a Holiday into a Financial Challenge
By lunchtime on the first day of my January 2026 holiday, I had already achieved what seemed impossible: I was making a 'profit' on my all-inclusive vacation. Standing in the lobby of a five-star hotel in Antalya, Turkey, with a glass of white wine in hand, I checked my notes app and saw the tally had surpassed £50 from breakfasts, coffees, beers, and buffet plates alone. The day was still young, and I celebrated with another sip, realizing that the all-inclusive model could be leveraged to my advantage if I consumed more than the daily cost of the holiday.
The Concept of Holiday 'Profit'
The idea of 'making a profit' on an all-inclusive trip has gained traction online, with YouTubers and social media influencers documenting their attempts to cover trip costs by tallying up the price of cocktails and meals. While this doesn't align with traditional accounting principles, it offers a playful way to test whether an all-inclusive package delivers true value for money. My goal was to see if strategic timing and consumption could tip the balance in my favor, turning a holiday into a financially rewarding experience.
Strategic Timing and Booking Details
To execute this experiment, I booked a week at the five-star Akka Antedon in Antalya for £489 per person, traveling with my partner, James. After deducting flight costs of approximately £94, I calculated a daily target of £56.42 to break even. The timing was crucial: booking in January instead of August meant saving significantly, as the same holiday would have cost £1,729 per person during peak season. In January, Turkey offers average highs of 15 degrees Celsius—warmer than home—and the promise of a less crowded hotel, making it an ideal time for this challenge.
On-Site Experience and Initial Impressions
The hotel made a strong first impression with its vast, shiny-floored lobby, expansive bar, and newly renovated buffet restaurant featuring lamb kofta, fresh pide, and baklava. However, we encountered some setbacks: the wine bar was closed for renovations, and five à la carte restaurants were unavailable, leaving only a buffet option. Despite this, I meticulously tracked every item consumed, pricing them conservatively based on local menus. Breakfast items like an omelette (£6), coffee (£1), and a small beer (£2) quickly added up, and by lunchtime, I had already exceeded my daily target.
Activities and Value Drivers
Drinks emerged as the primary value driver, with included basic spirits and cocktails served in generous pours. A mojito, for instance, was valued at £6 on my tally. Over 12 hours, my partner and I each had eight drinks, contributing significantly to the 'profit'. We also enjoyed activities like the aquapark, which was surprisingly open and empty in January, and spa access. By the end of the first day, my total consumption reached £122.50, exceeding the target by £66.08. However, not every day was as lucrative; quieter days saw minimal 'profit', and tracking every item began to feel more like an accountancy task than a relaxing holiday.
Challenges and Drawbacks of Off-Peak Travel
Visiting in January presented drawbacks, including repetitive buffet options, limited food stations, and unpredictable weather. One blustery day confined me to my room, away from the indoor pool. Yet, when the sun appeared, even at 12 degrees, it felt glorious, with heated outdoor pools and sunbathing opportunities. The 'profit' concept, while whimsical, highlights that January offers a cost-effective way to experience a five-star all-inclusive that would be prohibitively expensive in peak season. Key advice: verify which facilities are open beforehand, as you're paying for amenities like spas, pools, and food, not guaranteed sunshine.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the experiment proved that with careful timing and consumption, it's possible to extract more value than the cost of an all-inclusive holiday in off-peak months. I wouldn't attempt this in August due to high prices, but in January, when costs drop and facilities remain accessible, the maths—and the holiday—make perfect sense. This approach transforms travel into a fun challenge, blending leisure with a touch of financial strategy.
