An all-inclusive holiday can make planning a European getaway considerably easier. Instead of worrying about the cost of every meal or drink, travelers pay for their accommodation and selected services upfront.

However, the phrase "all inclusive" does not mean exactly the same thing at every resort. Understanding what is included before booking can help prevent unexpected expenses during your trip.

Most all-inclusive European resorts include accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Many also include snacks between meals and selected drinks. Depending on the property, this could include soft drinks, coffee, tea, local alcoholic beverages and sometimes a selection of premium drinks.

Entertainment is another common inclusion. Resorts may offer evening shows, live music, children's activities, sports and organized daytime entertainment.

Some properties also include access to swimming pools, fitness centers and non-motorized water sports.

The important point is that every resort defines its package differently.

Spain is one of Europe's most popular destinations for package and all-inclusive holidays.

The Canary Islands, Balearic Islands and mainland coastal resorts all offer a broad range of accommodation.

The Canary Islands are particularly appealing to travelers looking for sunshine throughout much of the year. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura each have their own character.

The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca and Ibiza, can provide a mixture of beaches, nightlife, culture and family-friendly resorts.

Greece is another major destination for all-inclusive holidays.

Large resorts can be found on islands such as Crete, Rhodes and Corfu, as well as in other coastal areas.

A Greek all-inclusive holiday can be particularly attractive to families because having meals and activities available onsite reduces the need to plan every part of the day.

However, travelers should still consider leaving the resort occasionally. Greece's historic villages, archaeological sites, beaches and local restaurants can provide some of the most memorable parts of a holiday.

Although technically spanning Europe and Asia, Turkey is frequently included in European holiday searches and is especially well known for large all-inclusive resorts.

The Turkish Riviera around Antalya, for example, has numerous properties offering extensive facilities.

Some resorts operate almost like self-contained holiday destinations, with multiple restaurants, pools, children's clubs, entertainment and beach access.

This can be ideal if your main goal is relaxation.

The answer depends on how you travel.

If you enjoy spending most of your holiday at the resort and expect to eat and drink there regularly, an all-inclusive package can provide excellent value.

It can also make budgeting easier because many everyday holiday expenses are paid before departure.

On the other hand, travelers who spend most of their days exploring cities, visiting attractions and eating in local restaurants may get less value from an all-inclusive package.

There is little benefit in paying for meals at a resort if you are rarely there for lunch or dinner.

Before booking, look carefully at the details.

Some resorts charge extra for certain restaurants, premium drinks, spa treatments, room service or selected activities.

Wi-Fi may also be free only in specific areas, while airport transfers and tourist taxes may be additional.

If you're travelling with children, check whether the kids' club is included and whether there are age restrictions.

All-inclusive holidays work particularly well for travelers who want simplicity.

You can arrive at the resort, unpack, find a sun lounger and settle into holiday mode without constantly reaching for your wallet.

For others, a breakfast-only or half-board package may provide greater flexibility.

Before choosing all inclusive, think about what your ideal holiday looks like.

If it involves long beach days, resort restaurants and plenty of relaxation, all inclusive may be an excellent choice. If you want to spend every day exploring European cities, a more flexible accommodation option could make more sense.