Booking a family holiday comes with a dizzying array of choices, and the jargon around meal plans can be the most confusing. Getting it right can save you money and stress, ensuring your vacation is relaxing and suits your family's needs.
Decoding the Breakfast Options
The most common
inclusion is 'Bed and Breakfast' (B&B), but not all breakfasts are created equal. A 'Continental Breakfast' is typically a light, cold offering that includes pastries, bread, fruit, yogurt, and coffee or tea. It's designed for a quick start. A 'Full' or 'American' breakfast is more substantial, featuring hot items like eggs, bacon, sausages, and potatoes. Many family-friendly hotels offer a 'Buffet Breakfast', which combines elements of both and provides a wide variety of choices, making it a great option for satisfying different tastes and appetites. When booking, if the type of breakfast isn't specified, it’s wise to assume it will be the lighter continental option.
Half Board, Full Board, and All-Inclusive
Moving beyond breakfast, you'll encounter board-based plans. 'Half Board' (HB) includes breakfast and one other meal, usually dinner. Drinks are almost always excluded from the evening meal and will be charged separately. This plan offers flexibility for families who plan to be out exploring during the day. 'Full Board' (FB) includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but again, typically excludes drinks with lunch and dinner. This is convenient for those who plan to spend most of their time at the hotel. 'All-Inclusive' (AI) is the most comprehensive option, covering all meals, snacks, and a selection of drinks, which may or may not include alcohol. The specifics can vary greatly between hotels, so checking the fine print is crucial.
Is All-Inclusive Worth It for Families?
The biggest draw of an all-inclusive plan is budget predictability; you know the bulk of your food and drink costs upfront. For families with children over four who have hearty appetites, it can represent excellent value and reduce the stress of constantly calculating meal costs. However, the 'all' in all-inclusive often has limits. Specialty restaurants, premium-brand alcohol, motorized water sports, and even some kids' club activities can carry extra charges. If your family enjoys exploring local culture and dining in different restaurants, you might end up paying for meals at the resort that you don't eat, making a half-board or B&B option more cost-effective.
Tips for Traveling with Children
For families with picky eaters, the freedom of a buffet can be a lifesaver, as it provides a wide range of choices and allows kids to see the food before choosing. However, a self catering apartment with a kitchenette can be even better, giving you full control over meals and snacks. This is also a great way to manage a tight budget. Always check the hotel's policy on child pricing. While many resorts offer discounted rates for children, some may charge kids as adults if they are in a room with only one paying adult. Don't assume infants stay and eat for free; always confirm the policy for all age groups.
Read the Fine Print Before You Book
Before finalizing any booking, it’s essential to understand exactly what your chosen meal plan includes and excludes. Check the service times for meals; a late arrival might mean you miss the included dinner on your first night. Confirm which restaurants on the property are part of your plan, as many resorts have premium à la carte dining venues that incur a surcharge. Also, clarify the policy on drinks—even bottled water at dinner can be an extra charge on full board plans. Getting a written breakdown of what’s included can prevent unexpected bills at checkout and ensure your holiday budget stays on track.
