Meals – Your Quick Guide to Food on Holiday

Whether you’re booking an all‑inclusive resort, renting a cottage with a kitchen, or just wondering what to eat on the beach, the right food plan can make or break a trip. This page pulls together the most useful advice from our articles so you can decide fast, save money, and actually enjoy your meals instead of stressing about them.

All‑Inclusive Dining Made Simple

All‑inclusive resorts promise unlimited food, but the reality varies a lot. First, check the dining schedule. Some places serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at set times, while others have 24‑hour buffets. Knowing this helps you plan when to hit the restaurant and when to snack in your room.

Next, look at what’s included. Most all‑inclusive packages cover meals and soft drinks, but alcohol often has a daily cap – like six drinks per day – or is limited to certain bars. If you love cocktails, read the fine print or ask the front desk before you book.

Finally, think about variety. Resorts with multiple restaurants (Italian, Asian, grill) usually give you more choice and better quality than a single buffet hall. A quick online review check can reveal if the food gets repetitive after a few days.

Catering vs Self‑Catering: Choose What Fits

When you stay in a cottage or holiday home, you’ll see two main options: full catering (meals prepared for you) or self‑catering (you cook). Catering saves time and effort, especially for families with kids, but it adds a per‑person charge that can add up quickly.

Self‑catering lets you control costs and customize meals to your taste. It works best if the property has a well‑stocked kitchen, a local grocery store nearby, and you enjoy cooking. Even simple meals like pasta, salads, and grilled fish can feel special when you’re on a beach holiday.

To decide, list your priorities. If you want to spend every day exploring the coast and don’t want to think about grocery lists, catering might be worth the extra fee. If you love cooking, have dietary restrictions, or want to stretch your budget, bring a few basic pantry items and plan simple meals.

Whatever you pick, remember the basics: pack a reusable water bottle, bring a small cooler for snacks, and always check the property’s policy on outside food. Small steps like these keep you fed, happy, and ready for the next adventure.