Going on holiday is such an exciting time of year for everyone. We tend to go away with my Mum and step-Dad and we do like somewhere abroad and warm. It doesn’t feel like a holiday when it’s cold at all!
Going away with children can be hard work but can also be a total joy. It is important to think about this when choosing where to stay. Choosing accommodation is really important and has to fit you and your family.
Every year we toy with where we would like to go and often have the same debate: do we go all inclusive (which we love) or do we consider a holiday home, with a company like Clickstay or a villa? Clickstay have 32,000 villas, apartments and holiday rentals worldwide, so there is tonnes of choice.
We are off to Crete next year and are desperate to see the nearby Island Santorini where there are some beautiful holidays homes.
But what to choose?
The Pros and Cons of All Inclusive
Pros
– You don’t have to think about food or drinks at all. This includes paying for them, as everything is included. No rationing cocktails or needing to buy lots of water when it is so hot. You don’t have to visit the supermarket, cook or plan meals.
– No washing up or cleaning up after yourself. You choose your food, eat it and can leave like a restaurant and this is truly a luxury.
– Ice-cream and snacks on demand.
– There is usually so much choice and most people will find something they like.
– Plenty of organised activities and things to do during the day if you like to keep busy.
Cons
– No flexibilty. Unless you go out and pay to eat out you have to eat in the restaurants and at the times stipulated.
– If you are staying in an all-inclusive hotel, you can’t put the kids to bed and go down for your dinner and have your evening. You all stick together and this usually means an early night and a couple of drinks on the balcony.
– The food can get boring, especially if you stay for more than 1 week. It can be quite repetitive and rich.
– You do eat and drink more, as it’t just there and you want to get your money’s worth. Not so good for the waistline.
The Pros and Cons of a Holiday Home
Pros
– Flexibility and freedom. You don’t have a hotel regime to stick to. You can eat out one day. You can put the kids to be early and have adult time.
– You have more space. No being cooped up in a small room for the whole holiday.
– Privacy. You don’t have to share a pool or facilities with other guests. It is just you and your family.
– You have more choice over what you want to eat, as can cook and buy what you want.
– You are likely to eat wisely and eat less, as it saves money and is less wasteful.
Cons
– You have to think about what you will eat. No being lazy. Whether it’s hitting the supermarket daily, checking out restaurant reviews or cooking, you have to take the responsibility, which is like being at home.
– You have to clean up after yourself, which for some is a big no no on holidays.
– You may not splurge and enjoy yourself as much, if thinking about the costs of eating out.
– You may need to hire a car and do more research on what is around you for activities, as there will be no hotel doing that for you.
I’m quite keen to try and holiday home or villa but my hubby and Mum, not so much! Hubby tends to do the cooking at home and he likes to idea of a break. My Mum doesn’t want to do any cleaning up but I’d love a bit of kid-free time at night!
What would you choose?
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
I think, like you say, there are so many pros and cons to both sides. I’ve stayed in a villa before and we had a lovely time but it did get a bit boring at times. I think I prefer holiday villages/resorts because they have so much to do. We are planning our first all inclusive resort holiday next year and I am looking forward to the break from cooking/cleaning/extensive planning though!!