Cheat code unlocked – Half Board holidays

Buckle up budget babes. We’re back with another major travel hack, and the next cheat code in the series is… Half Board holidays. If you love finding local foodie spots but also want the convenience of All Inclusive, this board basis is the best of both worlds – plus, it’s seriously good value for money. Here’s the lowdown on Half Board holidays and why you should book one for your next trip… 

What is Half Board?

Half Board is a board basis option available in hotels where you get breakfast and an evening meal included in the price of your stay. Usually, lunch, snacks and drinks aren’t included, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use the bar or à la carte restaurants – you’ll just pay for anything extra either when you order or when you’re checking out. Half Board is pretty common in beach hotels, but you might find it in city hotels and guesthouses with restaurants, too.  

Waking up each morning without having to go in search of brekkie = the dream. Fuel up at the hotel before heading out for the day, grab lunch somewhere local, then, you’ll always have dinner waiting for you back at the hotel. It’s a great way to line your stomach for an evening out, or you can always stay in and hang out in the hotel bar – you do you.  

Why pick Half Board 

It’s a win for sticking to a budget and spreading the cost. By the time you go away, you’ve already paid for most of your meals – you’ll only need to bring spending money for lunch, snacks and drinks. If you look at the prices, too, you’ll notice that Half Board generally works out cheaper per meal out of all the board bases… Room Only starts from £276pp and Bed and Breakfast from £219pp, but then Half Board is from £325pp – that’s just over £100pp for seven extra meals… that’s value for money fr.*  

Half Board is an ideal combo of convenience and flexibility. You’ll have loads of opps to try what’s local – spontaneous drinks at beach clubs, laidback lunch from street food markets or small plates in that family-run spot you stumbled across are so on. It’s the perfect hack for swerving the All Inclusive guilt, AKA when you feel bad for buying food and drink out, knowing the buffet you’ve paid for is waiting for you back at the hotel… Take that weight of your shoulders with Half Board, and that paella and jug of sangria will taste a whole lot better.  

It’s a major win for different types of trips, too. If you’re away with the entire group chat, you don’t need to worry about finding a table somewhere every night or reserving ahead of time – you’ll always have space in the hotel buffet. Families with little ones can keep their evening routine and you’ll never have far to walk back to your room after dinner. Travelling solo? Half Board means you don’t have to head out in the evening by yourself, and you might even meet other people staying in the hotel.  

*Prices correct at time of posting. Based on a 5-night Room Only holiday, and a 7-night Bed and Breakfast and Half Board holiday.  

If Half Board sounds like a bit of you, check out these hot deals…  

Golden Costa Salou 

Costa Dorada, Spain  

7 nights Half Board from £439pp* 

A buffet restaurant takes care of your breakfast and dinner, featuring a solid spread of international and local food, plus show-cooking stations where you can watch the chefs whip up your meal. You can eat outside on the terrace for those immaculate holiday vibes, too. If you don’t fancy heading out during the day, there’s a snack bar where you can buy pizza, burgers and hot dogs. There’s also a bar if you want to pay for drinks here during the day or in the evenings. Otherwise, the resort centre is packed with traditional Spanish restaurants and bars, so tapas for lunch and lively evening drinks are GO.  

Melia Isla Canela 

Costa de la Luz, Spain  

7 nights Half Board from £399pp* 

Melia Isla Canela’s Mosaico restaurant is your go-to for breakfast and dinner. The buffet loves international and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as show-cooking and weekly themed nights to keep things fresh. There’s also a pool bar where you can buy snacks, sandwiches and sweet treats during the day, plus an à la carte restaurant if you want to spice up your evening meals without going into the resort. If you’re out and about at lunchtime, the upmarket marina is known for its ice-cream places and boujie restaurants. Then, the beachfront is lined with your classic seafood restaurants and cafés, too. 

Atrium Ambiance Hotel 

Crete, Greece  

7 nights Half Board from £499pp* 

It’s a buffet for brekkie and dinner at Oinos restaurant – a lovely, airy spot with an outdoor terrace overlooking the pool. If you’re an early bird, a light continental spread is available from 6.45-7.15am – hello, first dibs on the croissants when they’re still warm. There’s also a local Cretan place that does lunch, so you could buy food here if you’re having a pool day. But, Rethymnon’s beachfront is lined with cafés, restaurants and plenty of places to grab a quick gyros or souvlaki for lunch. Or, if you’re exploring the old town, there are loads of traditional Greek tavernas by the harbour. 

If you’re ready to holiday smarter not harder, take a look at all our Half Board deals.  

Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.  

Author: Daisy Colley (she/her)
Last updated: 15/04/2025