When deciding where to spend your well-earned holiday time, there can be a lot of appealing prospects – with two options in particular having grown in popularity: island hopping between multiple destinations, and having a more extravagant time in one location. You might find yourself torn between the two, especially as we seek better value for money in today’s economic climate, so we’re breaking down the fundamentals to help you choose.
The Appeal of Variety vs Stress-Free Simplicity
Starting with island hopping, it can offer the ultimate adventure for those who get itchy feet after a few days in one spot. You can bounce between different locations within larger areas. The Mediterranean and Canary Islands are a very popular choices for this, due to all the beautiful locations they have to offer. This means you don’t just have to stick to a Tenerife holiday, but also experience Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma too – all in one trip. Keeping things interesting with fresh scenery and adventures to be had.
On the other hand, all-inclusive holidays have many of their own merits. It can be the pinnacle of relaxation, with no decisions about where to eat dinner, no unexpected bills, and certainly no need to research ferry timetables at 6am. Everything’s sorted, leaving you free to focus on what really matters when it comes to unwinding your way.
Budgeting and Value: Comparing the Costs
You might think the maths on working out which gives better value would be straightforward, but it’s not as simple as you’d think. All-inclusive packages can often appear more expensive on the face of it, but the money you can save by not having to pay for meals, drinks or activities if they’re also included. This can save you hundreds over the course of your stay, and you can indulge to your heart’s content without having to worry about budget.
Island hopping has more little costs that can add up as you book travel from place to place, but depending on where you go the average cost for accommodation and meals can be lower. The key here is flexibility, being willing to go with the flow in terms of travel arrangements and be careful with your budget. Missing one of your bookings here and there could leave you with additional costs too.
Activity and Exploration: Tailoring Your Holiday Style
Arguably the biggest difference between the two is the appetite for exploration and activity levels. All-inclusive resorts will have you land in one location as your home base, with potential activities spanning from there using transport to and from – but you’ll always return to comfort at the end of the day.
Meanwhile, island hopping lets you see more in the time you’re away for. You can see sunsets from all manner of different spots and make your own path, finding activities as you go but with the main activity being the island hopping itself. For example, snapping pictures from a boat during golden hour to take you to your next hostel could be a truly magical experience.
Considering Your Travel Style and Preferences
If you’re deliberating between the two, the big question you need to ask yourself is – what are you searching for with this time off? Has everyday life got a bit stale and you want something energising? Or is the 9 to 5 overwhelming and you want a little peace and quiet?
The beauty is that neither option is inherently better. They serve different needs and different moments in your life. Sometimes you need the adventure, sometimes you need the simplicity. Anyone can do both, but it’s more about what you need right now.