What is the Difference Between Full Board and All Inclusive

Hotels and resorts offer different types of packages to their guests, like bed and breakfast, half board, full board, and all inclusive. Full board and all inclusive are two packages that include all three meals. However, full board is not the same as all inclusive.

What is the difference between full board and all inclusive? Full board includes the three main meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, whereas all inclusive includes drinks and snacks in addition to the three main meals.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Full Board  
     – Definition, Features
2. What is All Inclusive
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Full Board and All Inclusive
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Full Board and All Inclusive
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Full Board and All Inclusive
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Full Board, All Inclusive

What is Full Board

Full board is a type of meal plan that hotels and resorts offer their guests. It includes all three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Unlike all-inclusive packages, full board does not usually cover drinks or snacks. Meals can be served in different ways. Some hotels offer buffet-style dining, whereas others have a sit-down service where you order from a menu. Sometimes, it’s a mix of both; breakfast and lunch are served as buffets, and dinner is served by waiting staff.

Full board is a good fit for travelers who don’t plan on drinking a lot of alcohol or those who want to explore local restaurants and bars outside the resort. Since you’re not paying extra for unlimited drinks and snacks, it’s also often a more budget-friendly choice compared to all-inclusive.

What is All Inclusive

An all inclusive package means that your meals, drinks, and snacks are all covered in the price of your stay. You can eat and drink as much as you like at any time of the day without worrying about extra costs. But all-inclusive doesn’t just involve food and beverages. Depending on the hotel, it may also include extras like airport transfers, mini-bars, entertainment, fitness classes, kids’ clubs, and even watersports with lessons.

The exact benefits vary by location and hotel, so it’s always a good idea to check what’s included before you book. All-inclusive holidays are perfect for families who want a stress-free vacation where everything is taken care of, which makes budgeting easy. They’re also great if you just want to relax in the sun without worrying about planning activities or exploring too much outside the resort.

Similarities Between Full Board and All Inclusive

1. Both are packages provided by hotels and resorts.
2. Both include breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the cost of your stay.
3. They are more expensive than bed and breakfast and half board packages.

Difference Between Full Board and All Inclusive

Definition

• Full board is a meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All-inclusive, on the other hand, is a package that includes all meals, drinks, snacks, and often extra amenities like entertainment and activities.

Drinks and Snacks

• Full board usually does not include drinks and snacks, while all-inclusive covers them.

Extras & Activities

• All-inclusive often includes extras like entertainment, fitness classes, and watersports, whereas full board generally only covers meals.

Cost

• Full board is generally cheaper than All-Inclusive.

FAQ: Full Board and All Inclusive

1. What is better, full board or all-inclusive?

Full board is better if you don’t need drinks and snacks included or plan to eat out sometimes. All-inclusive is better if you want everything covered, including drinks, snacks, and extra perks.

2. Are drinks included in full board?

No, full board does not include drinks. Generally, full board packages only include three main meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

3. What is the difference between full board and fully inclusive?

Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but not drinks or snacks. Fully inclusive (all-inclusive) includes meals, drinks, snacks, and sometimes extra perks like activities or entertainment.

4. Does full board include water?

Full board usually includes water with meals, but not unlimited drinks throughout the day. Some hotels may include water bottles in the room. But you should always check with the hotel to be sure.

Reference:

1. “Hotel Board Types: Full Board, Half Board, Bed and Breakfast.” Barcelona Field Studies Centre S.L.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Buffet Table with Food Served on It” (CC0) via Pexels

2. “Drinks at Pool” (CC0) via Pexels