Don’t know what the main options are when it comes to selecting a holiday type? Booking a holiday is a big decision and you want to make sure you pick the most suitable holiday for you and your family. First of all you need to think about what you want to get out of your holiday.
Different types of holiday tend to range in flexibility, for example all-inclusive holidays don’t give you as much freedom as self-catering holidays. Think about your budget and how you would prefer to pay for your holiday. Are you happy to pay one lump sum and not have to worry about paying for things while you are away? Or would you prefer to try and save money by eating in when you are travelling? These are the questions you need to ask yourself before you decide which holiday board type to go for. Here is a list of the different types of holiday and the benefits of each option.
Self-Catering
Self-catering is where you don’t have any meals included in the price of your accommodation. It means you have to organise eating arrangements and make sure you have access to food. You will have to mix a few meals out with some nights in so that you can save a bit of money.
Lots of holiday makers love this option because it means they can eat where they like. It’s nice to explore the local restaurants when you visit a new destination so that you can taste the local food and soak up the atmosphere. You are also not restricted to mealtimes like you are with all-inclusive holidays. There is much more variety in the meals you eat because you can try lots of different places, rather than having to eat at the same hotel restaurants.
All-Inclusive
If you select all-inclusive, you will have all your meals provided for you. This usually includes drinks and snacks. This is a very popular board option because it reduces the amount of money you spend while you are away. You know exactly how much you have to pay when you book your holiday and you can rest assured that you won’t be spending lots of money on food and snacks when you get there. You won’t have to bring any cash with you down to the pool or by the beach because you will have access to food and drink.
Ice creams, drinks and small snacks throughout the day can cost a lot when you have a large family. There is no need to go out and buy supplies or cook any meals, everything is included for you.
Full-Board
Full-board is very similar to all-inclusive, except you don’t get extra drinks or snacks included. You just get three meals a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you eat enough food and have all three meals you shouldn’t need to spend too much extra money on drinks and snacks. Just head to the local bars in the evening instead of the hotel if you want to have a few drinks.
Half-board
Half-board means you get breakfast and dinner included in the price of your accommodation. Some hotels will let you swap breakfast for lunch if you prefer this alternative. Half-board works well because you get some meals included but you can still eat out or get your own food for one meal each day. This means you will have most of your food paid for, and you only have to fork out for one meal per day. You then have the opportunity to try local restaurants and cafes and get a taste of the local cuisine.
B & B
B & B stands for bed and breakfast. So if you choose this board basis then you will get breakfast included in the cost of your accommodation. When you wake up in the morning hungry you won’t need to venture out of your hotel in search of food. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day so it’s useful to have it included. It will set you up for a day of activities or exploring, and give you the energy you need to keep going. Then when lunch and dinner time arrives you can eat wherever you like. It’s probably more difficult to get breakfast in an unfamiliar destination than lunch or dinner. You will also get drinks included so you can get properly hydrated for a day in the hot sun.
