Half Board, Full Board or All Inclusive?

We often hear or read the terms; Half board, Full board or All Inclusive while booking for our next trip’s hotel or resort. This post is to help you understand the difference before you book; Here we go:

Half Board (HB) would include two of your meals, usually Breakfast and Dinner. Lunches usually are not included. I would argue that soft drinks are included, however and to my latest visits to one of the resorts in the GCC, half board did not even include water. I was charged extra for sparkling water; for that you might want to almost ‘always’ whether or not drinks are included in the board offers.

I would recommend the half board in case you’d like to keep option to go out and try local cuisines or even spend the day out for an excursion, but back for dinner at the hotel maybe?

Full Board (FB) is your standard 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), which include drinks (soft drinks). Sometimes, any drinks or snacks outside of these meal times will cost you extra.

All Inclusive (AI) is the option where all your food during your stay is inclusive all day. If you’re traveling with children or a big family, this option is very convenient.

Pretty much everything is included in the package price in this option. This is the best type among the three for those who do not plan to go out or even far from the hotel/resort they are staying in, or who don’t want to worry about carrying cash around while on holiday. You may also be entitled to water sports and other activities which you would usually expect to pay for.

Keep in mind, if you are booked in a resort where you will spend all your vacation time there, choose All Inclusive option, it would be best.

Finally, there’s a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) which usually includes breakfast only. This is a good option if you’re spending all day outside the hotel.

REMEMBER, always ask the hotel/resort about their options provided since it differs from one to another.