What is half board? Are half board holidays worth it?

Every year, many travellers evaluate various packages when planning their holidays. Depending on the hotel, there are modest options, such as breakfast only, as well as richer options, such as half board, full board or all-inclusive.
One of the best advantages of holidays is that you don’t need to cook or clean afterwards. However, if you want to be out all day, being tied to your hotel’s schedule can limit you.
With so many different options available in holiday packages, it is important to know exactly what they include. After reading what All Inclusive is and whether it’s worth it, we will examine half board holidays as it is an option that can cause confusion.

What are half board holidays?

Half board means that the accommodation offers breakfast and one additional meal – usually dinner. Drinks are not included in the price.
Breakfast and dinner are usually served buffet-style at larger resorts for faster service and a more relaxed atmosphere. Smaller hotels often offer more personalised services through à la carte meals.

Half Board versus Full Board

In the 11th and 12th centuries, the first inns resembling modern hotels appeared throughout Europe. They provided accommodation and meals, which meant a place to sleep and food. According to some sources, the term (board “plank”) referred to the physical plank that served as a table on which a meal was served. While our dining environment has evolved and hotels now provide a variety of options with tables and rotundas to eat on, this traditional language has remained.

For two reasons, hotels continue to rely on half board packages with the ability to book for their visitors. First of all, it helps with planning operations and managing costs. Secondly, it gives them the opportunity to provide their visitors with different and appropriate options. City hotels, for example, often offer discounts for bed and breakfast or room-only. Resorts provide additional alternatives, such as half board (HB, Half-Board), full board (FB, Full Board) and all-inclusive (AI).

What does a half board hotel include?

If you want to start your day with a full meal before heading out to explore, half board holidays are for you. Even better, when you return from exploring the surrounding area, tanning on the beach or taking part in one of the local water sports, you will find a wonderful, fresh meal waiting for you!
Half board trips include breakfast and dinner, so you have the option to eat your lunch somewhere out. If you have a limited budget, half board is an excellent alternative – two of your main meals are covered and for your lunch, you can grab a cheap snack or street food to save money. If you are on holiday and budget is not a problem, you can enjoy your lunch at a small taverna by the sea.

If you’re asking whether half board includes drinks, the answer is no. However, tea, coffee and juices are usually served during breakfast. It is also worth mentioning that some hotels allow you to swap your dinner meal for lunch, giving you the freedom to go out for dinner without feeling obligated to return for anything. If this is an option you prefer, check that this facility is offered at the hotel when making your booking.

Why can visitors choose half board?

Half board is ideal for visitors who leave the hotel during the day and return in the evening for dinner. Half board works effectively if someone doesn’t want to constantly search for different places or if surrounding options are limited.
Half board works beautifully for visitors who know they don’t have a big appetite and can get by without three meals.

Benefits of booking half board

Flexibility

Half board packages give you the opportunity to explore the destination you have chosen and eat lunch at restaurants throughout the city. If you decided to spend your holiday in a place known for its food, such as Greece, Turkey, Spain or Italy, half board means you can enjoy some of the local cuisine without missing meals you have already paid for.

Economy

Warm weather can suppress your appetite, resulting in you eating less or choosing different things than you would normally consume at home. Booking full board can force you to eat more than you want to get value for money. Keeping one meal flexible each day means that if you’re hungry, you can eat at a restaurant for lunch and if not, a quick snack on the way can be enough.

Enhance Your Gastronomic Experience

Taste is another sense that should be experienced on holiday, apart from sight. Cuisines and food preparation processes differ between countries and cultures.
Although half board does not include one meal, this does not mean you will forgo a meal every day. You can try various restaurants and cuisines while exploring. Try street food if you have the stomach for it. Because large resorts often offer international meals, this is the best way to explore and discover local specialities.

Check out all half board offers now

Conclusion

All-inclusive holidays have more alternatives than ever, offering everything but you won’t eat as much real local cuisine. Think about how adventurous you want to be with your meals. Half board is a worthwhile option if you want to try local delicacies.