Full Board vs All Inclusive - What’s The Difference?

When planning a trip, you might notice the phrases "Half Board (HB)", “Full Board” (FB) and “All Inclusive” (AI) floating around – leaving you wondering what these actually mean.

Each option offers specific benefits for travellers, and one may be more appropriate than the other for different reasons.

In this guide, we will explore the difference between Full Board vs All Inclusive to help you make an informed decision on which option is best for your upcoming adventures.

Specifically, we will discuss the following:

• What Full Board and All Inclusive mean
• Each option’s pros and cons and who can benefit
• Which option is objectively better?

Although both options offer many similarities, there are some variations that you must also consider.

What is Full Board?

Essentially, Full Board means that breakfast, lunch, and dinner are already included in the price you pay for the hotel you’ll be staying at.

As long as you show up on time, you’ll enjoy the meals you paid for. However, note that Full Board options don’t always include any additional drinks, snacks, or hotel amenities — make sure you check what perks come with the price.

What’s Included in Full Board?

With your Full Board reservation, you’ll typically get breakfast, lunch, and dinner only.

Full Board Pros

One of the best things about Full Board hotels is that they allow guests to have a little more freedom between meals to enjoy drinks and snacks elsewhere.

You can freely get a taste of the local street food scene while not worrying about the main dishes you’ll eat for the day.

Your holiday will usually cost less than an All Inclusive stay. For couples looking for a relaxing time, you may find fewer families at a Full Board resort.

Full Board Cons

Typically, snacks and drinks must be paid for separately. However, because some places may offer extra freebies, it’s best that you check with your hotel to see what’s included.

This is generally good practice to do so you don’t accidentally consume items that will end up costing you extra.

It’s also important to note that many hotel facilities like spas, gyms, and hotel entertainment are most likely not included in the costs.

If you want to indulge during your holiday, you may have to watch your spending as all the extra snacks and evening drinks will quickly add up and may cost you more than if you just went for an All Inclusive holiday in the first place.

Consider the fact that tap water in many abroad countries is not safe to drink and you’ll have to buy bottled water. It may not seem much, but over the course of a week or two, you’ll end up spending quite a significant amount on drinking water.

Who Is Full Board Best For?

Full Board is the choice for guests who are looking for cost-effective and convenient accommodation while also having the opportunity to purchase food and drinks outside of the hotel.

Couples who want to partly enjoy the hotel’s offerings and spend time exploring the area’s cuisine may also find Full Board hotels the perfect option.

Examples of Full Board Hotels

• DoubleTree by Hilton, Kings Cross: Near one of the most iconic settings of the Harry Potter series.
• Winchester Royal Hotel, Winchester: Banquet hall and observatory restaurant located at the hotel.
• Gran Hotel Bali, Spain: For something international, this hotel is an excellent choice for a Full Board hotel as it includes two grand buffet restaurants.

What Is All Inclusive?

Aside from the three main meals that come with Full Board hotels, All Inclusive establishments also include additional snacks and drinks. Some also include entertainment and other hotel amenities in the price.

However, note that what’s considered “All Inclusive” varies between hotels – so it’s best to double-check the perks before booking.

What’s Included in All Inclusive?

Basically, an All Inclusive reservation already includes the following:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Snacks and drinks
• Other amenities that the hotel specifically offers

All Inclusive Pros

The primary advantage of booking an All Inclusive hotel is that you can have everything organised and paid for in one go. This is a great way to budget your trip while knowing precisely what you’re in for.

All Inclusive options are also an excellent option for hotels with top-tier facilities and food.

All Inclusive Cons

While All Inclusive options can cover different hotel amenities, there may be a limit on just how much you can indulge in.

For instance, while some establishments’ offers are available around the clock, others only allow you to use these perks until midnight each day.

There’s also the risk that what’s on offer might not be up to a high standard – potentially leaving you very disappointed in the end.

For example, the cheaper varieties of alcoholic drinks may only be available in your All Inclusive package. For more expensive brands, you may have to fork out more money for the privilege.

Make sure to do some thorough research beforehand to see if the food and amenities look like something you’d actually enjoy and be willing to pay for.

Who Is All Inclusive Best For?

All Inclusive is best for guests who want to stay in and maximise their hotel stay experience knowing that everything has already been sorted for them.

This is also a great choice for families as they can relax and no longer need to worry about organising meals, snacks, drinks or even entertainment for the kids each day.

Examples of All Inclusive Hotels

• Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, Maldives: Known for its overwater villas and pristine beaches, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi provides an unparalleled luxury experience, where everything from meals to water sports is included, offering a piece of paradise with no hidden costs.

• Ikos Dassia, Greece: Located on the idyllic island of Corfu, Ikos Dassia revolutionizes the all-inclusive experience with its “Infinite Lifestyle” concept, offering guests Michelin-starred menus, personalized beach service, and an extensive list of included activities and amenities.

• Rixos Premium Belek, Türkiye: Set amidst a pine forest on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Rixos Premium Belek offers a unique all-inclusive experience that combines world-class hospitality, a variety of dining options, and activities like golf and spa treatments, all rolled into one.

• Voyage Sorgun, Türkiye: Situated on a private beach in Side, Voyage Sorgun is lauded for its family-friendly atmosphere, offering an all-inclusive package that features an array of dining choices, kids' activities, and entertainment, making it perfect for vacationers of all ages.

• Ikos Aria, Greece: Nestled on the beautiful island of Kos, Ikos Aria delivers the ultimate all-inclusive experience with its tailor-made service, offering an assortment of gourmet dining options, top-tier cocktails, and an array of recreational activities, all in a stunning setting.

Full Board vs All Inclusive: Which is Better?

If you’re after a relaxing holiday where everything is already sorted for you from the food to the entertainment, then the All Inclusive option may be the best for you.

With this option, you can maximise your hotel experience and enjoy everything the hotel offers without ever having to leave during your stay.

However, if you’re on a budget and still want the freedom to get out and enjoy the local drinks, food, and entertainment while still having your main meals sorted, then you may want to look into the Full Board option.

No choice is wrong as both options offer great benefits — you just have to decide how you want to spend your holiday. The question of whichever option is better depends entirely on your needs.

The Bottom Line

We all know just how stressful picking the best spots to eat your main meals can be. With either Full Board or All Inclusive hotels, that’s pretty much solved!

Both options remove the stress of meal planning while you’re away on your trip, which means you have more time for enjoying fun adventures and relaxing escapes.

Now that you’re all clued up, it’s time to decide which choice works best for you as you plan your next trip.