Half board - enjoy set meals with freedom to experience

Half board is a simple way to make your trip more relaxed because a large part of the day's meals are already planned. You typically get breakfast and one main meal included, so you can spend your time on experiences rather than logistics, without being locked into having all your meals at the hotel.

Half board is a type of hotel accommodation where the stay usually includes breakfast and either lunch or dinner. Which main meal is included depends on the place, so it's worth checking what's in the booking conditions. For many people, half board is a good option because you have a fixed base with two meals, but still have the freedom to explore local cafes, excursions and spontaneous plans.

The difference is mainly about flexibility. Full board usually includes three meals a day, while all inclusive often also covers drinks and several extras. Half board is somewhere in between: enough to make everyday life feel easy, but without you necessarily planning your entire day around the hotel's dining options.

If you want to leave early and come back late, half board can be a calm solution where you still get the regular rhythm of breakfast and a meal that brings the day together.

The biggest advantage is convenience. When breakfast and a main meal are included, your budget and schedule are typically easier to manage, and you can cut down on decisions that otherwise take up space on a trip. At the same time, half-board can provide a nice feeling of “home base” at the hotel, where you know that food is waiting without any extra planning.

It can also be an advantage if you would like to prioritize excursions and activities during the day, but still have a regular meal to round off the day.

Once meals are in place, it's often the little things that make a stay extra enjoyable: a shower after a long day, textiles that feel fresh, and a practical everyday routine in the room. Here, a travel-friendly towel can be a discreet but effective upgrade, especially if you're moving between spa, pool, workout, or excursions.

An example is a towel with Polygiene StayFresh as an antibacterial treatment, which prevents bacterial growth in the textile and can help keep it fresh for longer. This can mean less need for washing along the way, which also saves water and energy. At the same time, it is an advantage when you want to pack simply and avoid unnecessary wrapping, because packaging is omitted. Consider, for example, the Nordifakt indoor towel if you want a solution that is suitable for both hotel bathrooms and short trips out the door.

If you want a towel to dry faster, it's often a matter of routine: Hang it up to air the surface, rather than wringing it out and folding it. It's a small thing, but it makes it easier to stay fresh between meals, outings, and relaxation.

First, check which meal is included with breakfast and when it is served. This says a lot about how freely you can plan your day. Also check whether the hotel has the option of adapting meals for allergens, or whether there are alternatives if you return late. Half board works best when the framework matches your rhythm: freedom during the day and a simple end to the day without extra planning.