+357 26 945222

The Great Holiday Dilemma: All-Inclusive Vs Self-Catering

By in Holiday Blog with 0 Comments

If you are planning a holiday, you will be looking for the best value break for your money. And a common dilemma for holidaymakers looking for the most cost-effective holiday is which board type to go for.

Some holidaymakers religiously travel on a self-catering basis in order to keep their costs to a minimum, while others are all-inclusive converts – but which will actually work out cheaper for you? Here we place the board types head-to-head to help you decide.

Round one: The food and drink

Whether you want to keep healthy snacks in the cupboard for the kids, or like to have a glass of wine or two with your evening meal, travelling on a self-catering basis will allow you to buy all of your items for less in local shops, markets or supermarkets – so you can enjoy guilt-free treats. Travelling on this basis is also a great choice if someone in your group has a special dietary requirement, or if you want to cook familiar meals.

However, be honest with yourself before you book. Will you really use the kitchen in your villa and stick to a budget when in the supermarket? If not, all-inclusive might work out as a better option for your wallet as it’s amazing how an ice cream here and a can of pop there can soon add up when you are away for a week or two.

All-inclusive holidays – where snacks and drinks are included – can be particularly appreciated by parents as children won’t be nagging for expensive snacks, and you can treat the whole family without worrying about the pennies. But, if you like to eat out in local restaurants while away and don’t tend to spend much time in your resort, think carefully about booking on an all-inclusive basis. If you think you will end up eating out of your hotel more than a couple of times, all-inclusive probably isn’t for you as you will effectively end up paying for everything twice.

Round two: Your cash

Self-catering holidays tend to be cheaper to book in the first place and suit those who are good at sticking to a budget while they are away. They work out particularly well if you’re travelling in a large group as you can split the costs of everything from accommodation to food, drink and other holiday essentials. And, you can all put money into a holiday kitty and take it in turns to cook and do the food shopping.

However, on all-inclusive holidays you can budget before you even board the plane as they tend to include everything from your flights and accommodation to food, drink and entertainment. So, you can work out what the bulk of your holiday will cost, and pay for it, before you even get to the airport.

All you will need to think about is spending money for any extras – such as excursions, souvenirs and money to spend at the airport.

And, within your hotel you probably won’t need any cash – unless you would like to tip your waiter or upgrade to an expensive bottle of wine – so travelling all-inclusive is great for those who only want to take minimal amounts of cash away with them. But, be sure to check what’s included in your all-inclusive package before you book. As while many hotels offer brilliant all-inclusive packages which include everything you need, some have limitations which may catch you out if you haven’t budgeted for them.

Look out for items you class as an essential such as bottled water, wine, branded soft drinks, snacks and activities. And, be aware that your meals may be served buffet style.

Round three: The overall experience

Want to eat breakfast at midday? No problem. Or perhaps the kids like to eat their main meal at 5pm but you prefer to wait until they’re in bed? Self-catering accommodation offers you the flexibility to come and go as you please and to set your own holiday timetable.

This flexibility can also help you to budget as you can choose to nip back to your holiday home for lunch after a morning of exploring or make a packed lunch before you set off. Staying self-catering often makes travellers more adventurous in getting to know their new surroundings too as you don’t feel obliged to take part in activities as you might in large hotel complexes.

However, if you are travelling with children who need constant entertainment, all-inclusive might suit you better. You’ll have everything you need in the resort – such as kids’ clubs and evening entertainment – and can stick to a set routine every day with meal times and venues sorted out for you. Or, if for you holidays are the perfect chance to switch off and get away from the stresses of daily life, all-inclusive breaks could be ideal. Everything will be on your doorstep and you can be waited on hand and foot.

Round four: Your accommodation

Self-catering properties are often more spacious than hotel rooms so are a good choice for large groups or families. They also have communal living spaces where you can all socialise in the evening and kitchens where all of the group can take it in turns to prepare a meal.

But, before you book your accommodation, check it has all of the appliances and equipment you need. For example, some basic apartments may not have an oven, meaning you may not be able to cook everything you want.

However, if you or the kids like to socialise while away, an all-inclusive break might be better for you as you’ll meet lots of new people. But, carefully research your accommodation by reading reviews before you book to stand the best chance of meeting like-minded people.

And, while you are ferreting through the reviews, look out for snippets on the factors that are important to you – such as how varied the food is and what the night-time entertainment is like.

Round five: Your destination

While certain destinations such as France, Spain, Cyprus and Portugal are well set up for self-catering holidaymakers and may work out as good value for money, others such as Egypt, the Dominican Republic, Morocco and Cuba aren’t, meaning you will struggle to find a good range of inexpensive food to stock your fridge.

So research your destination before you choose this option as your good intentions may actually result in your trip costing far more in both money and energy.

Z&X Holiday Villas are offering a wide selection of luxurious, modern or traditional holiday villas, our guests have the choice of selecting between two to five bedrooms. Comprising of their own private swimming pool, Z&X Holiday Villas, all acquire fully equipped kitchens, main bathrooms and en-suite showers, attractively furnished living areas and lead outdoors, to covered patios equipped with garden furniture.

Close to all amenities, our holiday villas in Cyprus are within a driving distance of between 1-20 km from the beach and no more than 5 km from supermarkets, shops and restaurants. Z&X Holiday Villas are located in the surrounding villages of Pafos and are set in secluded areas, offering the choice of tranquil countryside with breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains or magnificent panoramic Mediterranean views.

But, for both options, don’t forget to factor in the location of the place you are staying. For example, will you feel stuck in an all-inclusive hotel miles away from the action of the main resort? Or perhaps you will end up resenting the rural villa you have set your heart on as petrol and public transport costs will eat into your budget?

Autumn and Winter are great time to get away for a final blast of sunshine

Although, things are moving very quickly, there is still availability in some exceptional villas in October and November. Or why not escape winter and spend your holidays at the Cypriot Sunshine Coast. Check out our special offer for long stay rentals between October and April. Our Cyprus holiday houses are well-heatable and have a large terrace or garden, some of them wind-sheltered and facing south. Most of our long-term winter rentals are equipped wth AC and wood fireplace for the cold cozy nights. Please contact us for an indvidual offer.

October getaway is perfect for sun lovers. It is not so hot and also, you do not have the summer crowded beaches. If you wish to book for an Autumn/ Winter or wish to make a booking for 2021, please contact us below and we will be more than happy to assist. Let Z&X Holiday Villas personalized planning, support and deep knowledge of the area will help you to set up a vacation to remember.

    Your name (required)

    Your e-mail(required)

    Your phone

    Adults(required)

    Children 2-15 years (required)

    Infants (0-2 years) (required)

    Your message

     

    Via Travel Supermarket

    Photo credits: Shutterstock

     

    Share This