What is the Difference Between Full Board and All Inclusive?

So you’re looking to book your holiday but are not sure which board to go for? The difference between Full Board and All Inclusive can sometimes be confusing. What really is the difference? Which is the most value for money and which will help you make the most of your holiday? Which will allow you the most comfort or the most freedom on your holiday? Which will allow you to make the most of the culture? Here, we explore both options and look at the pros and cons.

Full Board

When you opt for Full Board, you’ll receive all three meals each day in the price of your holiday but pay extra for drinks and snacks between meals. This means you can enjoy the luxury of dining without worrying about the cost as each meal has already been paid for. You’ll have the freedom of being out and about the during the day and spending your money in shops or cafes while you explore the cities, beaches, boat trips, excursions and nightlife.

Pros

All your meals are included while you also have the freedom of exploring outside the resort. This holiday option will usually cost less than an All Inclusive holiday. If you want a quieter couples’ holiday, you might find fewer families in a Full Board resort.

Cons

Although Full Board is cheaper on the outset than an All Inclusive holiday, it can end up costing as much if not more than All Inclusive as you will have to pay out for all extra snacks and refreshments between meals as well as all your evening beverages. You may find all your spending money is going on drinks rather than excursions or souvenirs and you may find yourself watching the pennies. Consider all the bottled water you’ll need to buy when you travel abroad as, usually, the tap water is not safe to drink, and as we all know it is important to keep hydrated in a hot country.

All Inclusive

With All Inclusive, you not only get all your meals included in the price of the holiday, but also most of your drinks and snacks between meals, as well as most alcoholic beverages. All Inclusive usually runs from breakfast time until midnight but some resorts offer All Inclusive around the clock. An All Inclusive holiday can generally cost more in the initial outlay than a Full Board holiday but when you consider you don’t have to take as much spending money, it can cost less overall. Most All Inclusive resorts offer day time activities and evening entertainment. All Inclusive holidays are ideal for families with more than one mouth to feed as you can take comfort in knowing you have already settled the bill upfront so it will not run away with you.

Pros

An obvious advantage to an All Inclusive holiday is not having to worry about money. You can enjoy as many beverages and ice-creams as you like in luxury knowing the bill has already been paid for.

Cons

Going All Inclusive can mean you feel obliged to stay in your resort as you have paid for all your food and drinks and you may not feel like enjoying many excursions or visiting any bars as you have already paid for drinks and food in the hotel and may feel you want to get your money’s worth. You can then feel like you are missing out on the culture of the country you are visiting.

Now you know the difference between Full Board and All Inclusive, you can weigh up what is important to you on a holiday. Do you want to just relax by the pool enjoying a steady stream of cocktails while the kids eat icecreams without the worry of extra costs, or do you want to see more of the culture and not be tied to one spot? Neither is right or wrong; it’s entirely up to you what you want from your holiday.