All Inclusive, Full Board, Half Board... Which Package to Choose for Your Holidays?

Half board, full board, and all inclusive: definitions

Half board includes one night's accommodation, breakfast, and dinner; with full board, lunch is also included.

All inclusive is a more vague arrangement. Some hotels offer, in addition to full board, afternoon tea and certain alcoholic beverages. But be careful, because not all drinks (alcoholic or not) on the menu are offered as part of this package. The alcoholic beverages may also be “locally” produced.

Other resorts offer more comprehensive packages including airfare, transfers, accommodation, sports activities or mini clubs for children, as well as all meals and unlimited drinks. Excursions are sometimes added on during your stay.

It is therefore important to find out what is really included and what you will be charged for at the end of your stay.

Is the price difference between these packages justified?

To find out which package is more appealing, ask for two quotes: one for half board and one for full board. Also ask about the prices you will be charged for, say, lunch, snacks, or a bottle of wine. A quick calculation will tell you which is the best package.

To compare an all-inclusive package, ask about the price of excursions, or lift passes and equipment hire.

Again, once you have added up all the expenses, you can coolly compare offers.

Which package will suit you best?

If you don't plan to stay in the resort all day or if you're more of a packed-lunch person, half board is the right choice for you. Ditto if the meal times are too strict and don’t fit your holiday pace.

Full board means you never have to worry about meals and you can keep your expenses under control, while still giving you a little extra from time to time.

With the all-inclusive package (if it is truly “all inclusive”), you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest and there will be no unpleasant surprises on the day of your departure.