Compare self-catering, bed and breakfast, half board, full board, and all-inclusive costs to find the best value.
Last updated
Best value
Half-board
The cheapest board type for 7 nights and 2 people.
Option
Accommodation
Meals
Total
Saving
Self-catering
560
630
1,190
310
Half-board
840
210
1,050
450
Full-board
1,120
0
1,120
380
All-inclusive
1,400
0
1,500
—
How it works
Self-catering pays for 3 meals per person per day. Half-board includes breakfast and dinner, so you pay for 1 meal. Full-board includes all meals. All-inclusive covers meals plus extras with an additional premium.
Compare holiday board types to find the best value
A holiday board type calculator compares the cost of self-catering, bed and breakfast, half board, full board, and all-inclusive options. Enter your daily food budget and trip length to see which board basis offers the best value for your travel style.
What each board type includes
Self-catering provides accommodation with kitchen facilities but no meals. Bed and breakfast adds a morning meal. Half board includes breakfast and one main meal, usually dinner. Full board covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All-inclusive adds drinks, snacks, and sometimes activities.
The best choice depends on destination meal costs, your eating habits, and how much flexibility you want. All-inclusive can save money at resort destinations with expensive dining, while self-catering suits travellers who prefer local markets and restaurants.
Hidden costs to consider
Self-catering requires grocery shopping time and cooking effort. All-inclusive may include lower quality food or drinks. Half board locks you into eating at the hotel for one meal, reducing flexibility. Factor in the value of your time and dining preferences alongside the raw cost comparison.
Worked example and interpretation
A worked example helps translate the compare holiday board types to find the best value maths into a realistic scenario so the user can compare the headline result with a concrete set of inputs.
That matters because a result is easier to trust when the page shows how the same logic behaves in a practical case instead of leaving the formula abstract.
Frequently asked questions
Is all-inclusive always the cheapest option?
Not always. In destinations with affordable local dining, self-catering or half board can be cheaper. All-inclusive tends to offer better value at resort-style destinations where restaurant prices are high and you plan to eat and drink at the hotel for most meals.
What is the difference between full board and all-inclusive?
Full board covers three meals per day at set times. All-inclusive adds drinks (often including alcohol), snacks between meals, and sometimes activities, entertainment, or spa access depending on the property.
How can I check this compare holiday board types to find the best value by hand?
You can usually check this compare holiday board types to find the best value by applying the same conversion factor step by step on paper or with a basic calculator. That manual check is useful when you want to confirm the unit direction, decimal placement, and whether the chosen starting value matches the quantity you meant to convert.
