Bringing your own food to an island resort

Whether you can bring your own food depends on the resort, so ask before you pack. Many resorts are happy with sealed snacks, baby food and medical needs, and less happy with cooked meals brought into the dining area. A short written question avoids an awkward moment at the jetty.

If meals are already in your package, our guide on full board on islands shows what you may be paying for. To keep an eye on the total, use the island trip cost calculator.

Why do resorts have rules about outside food?

On a small island, the kitchen plans meals around the guests it expects. Outside food can affect hygiene, rubbish, pests and the restaurant’s business. A rule is rarely personal, and a polite question usually gets a polite answer.

Think about it from the resort’s side, as well. If you have paid for full board, the kitchen has already planned your meals. Bringing a second set of meals mostly wastes your money and your luggage space.

What may be allowed, and what may not?

Type of food	Often asked about	What to ask
Sealed dry snacks	Biscuits, nuts, dried fruit	Any limit on eating them in the room or at the beach?
Baby food and milk	Pouches, formula	Can the kitchen warm it? See baby food and milk
Medical or dietary food	Allergy-safe items	Can I store it in the kitchen or in my room fridge?
Fresh or cooked food	Home-cooked meals	Is it allowed? Where may I eat it?
Drinks	Bottled water, juice	Is there a fee for outside drinks?
Alcohol	Wine, spirits	See our page on alcohol

Do not assume a rule. Ask for the answer in writing and mention the exact items.

What travels well on a boat?

Sealed, dry items last best. Heat and time at sea are hard on anything fresh or cooked.

• Sealed biscuits, crackers and snack bars.
• Dried fruit and nuts, if nobody in your group has a nut allergy.
• Tea bags or coffee sachets, if the resort allows hot water.
• Baby pouches or formula tins in hand luggage.
• A reusable water bottle.
• A small cool bag for items the doctor says must stay cool.

Leave behind anything that smells strongly or leaks. Our island packing checklist can add these to your list.

Is it fair to the kitchen and to your budget?

Bringing a few snacks to keep a child happy is a small saving and a kindness to yourself. Bringing a whole set of meals to avoid the restaurant is a larger saving that may not be allowed. It may also feel unfair if your package already pays for the kitchen.

If cost is the real worry, compare options before you book. Read half board versus full board and self-catering and kitchen access. They may be a better route than carrying food.

Questions to put in writing

• May I bring sealed snacks, baby food or medical food into the resort?
• Is there a fee for outside food or drinks?
• Where may I eat it: in the room, on the beach, or at the restaurant?
• Can the kitchen store or warm my items?
• Is there a rule about bringing cooked food?
• Does the rule differ for children, elders or dietary needs?
• Is there a rubbish rule I should know?

A better fit if…

Bringing a few snacks may be a better fit if you have children, a medical need, or a strict diet and the resort confirms it is fine.

Relying on the package and the resort’s menu may be a better fit if you have paid for meals, want to travel light and prefer not to carry perishables.

Whatever you decide, a clear written reply is worth more than an assumption.