Compare self-catering holidays

There’s a reason self-catering package holidays are popular. Offering you more flexibility, more space and often better value than catered hotel stays, they’re an especially good option for families, groups and longer trips abroad.

Eat what you want, when you want

Fussy eater? Food fanatic? Self-catering holidays mean there’s no rushing down for breakfast before 10am, paying over the odds for a poolside burger or being limited to the hotel buffet.

Simply put, a self-catering break gives you the freedom to holiday on your own schedule. Want pastries and coffee on the balcony? Easy. Fancy cooking dinner one night and eating out the next? Go for it.

Having access to a kitchen or kitchenette means you can mix supermarket shops with meals out, which is one of the easiest ways to cut the cost of your trip without cutting the fun.

For families especially, this can be a game changer. Snacks, drinks, breakfasts and quick lunches soon add up in resorts, not to mention if you have a picky eater in your midst. Booking cheap self-catering holidays means you can spend less on the basics and more on the experiences that matter.

And, if you love discovering local food markets, bakeries and fresh ingredients while travelling, self-catering makes that part of the holiday, not just a way to save money.

Self-catering vs all-inclusive - which is best?

Honestly? That depends on you and how you like to travel. All-inclusive holidays usually bundle meals, snacks and drinks into the upfront cost. That works well for travellers who want everything sorted in advance, like to know their total holiday cost before they board the plane and plan to spend most of their time at the resort.

With self-catering package holidays, accommodation and flights are typically included, while meals are up to you. That means flexibility, no fixed dining slots, no pressure to stay around the hotel all day and more freedom to explore local restaurants, beaches and nearby towns.

For couples and groups, self-catering often feels more relaxed and independent. For parents, family self-catering holidays can make travelling easier too – especially with nap schedules and kids who seem hungry every five minutes.

The verdict? All-inclusive works brilliantly for convenience. Self-catering wins for flexibility, freedom and often better value overall.

What actually counts as self-catering accommodation?

Good question. The term “self-catering” covers more than many realise with accommodation ranging from apartments to aparthotels, villas and studios, to hotel rooms with kitchenettes.

An aparthotel - or apartment hotel – combines hotel facilities with apartment-style living. You’ll usually get a small kitchen or kitchenette alongside extras like pools, receptions, bars and housekeeping. A self-catering apartment, however, is often more independent. Some are part of holiday complexes, while others are privately owned properties without hotel services attached.

Villas tend to offer the most space – ideal for groups and families – especially if you want multiple bedrooms, outdoor areas or a private pool.

Many hotels offer self-catering options, with basic facilities such as a hob, fridge and microwave.