Abroad....Should have stayed at home

Not read the full thread. But did you not talk to your family before you booked/came away? Did you not discuss what you’d get up to?!

Leave teen in the hotel - teens are teens and so long as he’s joining dinner I’d let him do what he wants after. Say to dh, after dinner tonight, let’s go to that bar in the harbour (or wherever) that looked really nice and take a walk along the beach front. Set expectations for the evening earlier in the day.

for me, our holidays are an opportunity to reconnect away from the daily life/work pressures. Dh not wanting to spend time with me would be me considering things being over. Honestly, what’s the point?

can you structure the day differently tonorrow so back to room 4-5 to chill. Drinks at 6. Dinner at 8? Spread it all out a bit?

Find a nice Spanish waiter to have a flirt with. DH doesn't seem fussed, you might as well!

First I would tell DS either now or later: "No worry about any more boredom with trips, you aren't going on another one." I had this happen with one ds - the oldest - and did that to him, no other younger children (12, 11, 5) ever DARED to complain on a family vacation, knowing they would be left behind!

Then I would tell dh what is expected on the next vacation with only him...or you won't go.

Then I would book my own vacation each year and skip the one with dh. Why go with someone who does things he can do at home rather than take his lovely wife to dinner?

Playing devil's advocate here but it sounds like you want different things from.your holidays. You can't make people do what you.want.to do but, equally you should do.what YOU want too. For those saying they.should make you feel.special and go out late, etc, well it works both.ways. Hope your holiday improves OP.

I'd have thought your son would have wanted to go out, or at least socialise within the hotel complex. Teenagers usually do.

6pm is ridiculously early for dinner, it's nice to get dressed up and go out to eat on holiday. Afterwards, just a walk outside is pleasant and there is usually a lot going on around you.

What a waste. Don't go away with them again and then you can please yourself.

Just do your "own thing"

Keeping quiet as your husband be me with a good book...mind you not read a book unless it's a Julia Donaldson for a few years so my idea of heaven.... However op why don't you go out to the bar yourself or sit by the pool with a good book...(I would). I agree with the phones...

If you’re stuck with going on holiday with DH and DS, go on a cruise. You can dress up for dinner, talk to anyone you like, join in quizzes, see shows and have a generally lovely time. DH and DS can bury their heads in their phones and you won’t even notice. I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone, but it sounds like what you need.

Yes,this.

Compromise is the key. Tbh, I’m one of those who, when I go on a beach holiday, I just love to chill. Read a book (which I never get to don’t home). We go out for an evening meal, but tends to be 7ish, and back at the hotel, and in our room by 8.30. We tend to go on two hols a year though, the second one being a city break, where it’s a lot more hectic and filled with stuff. Maybe you could ask that you alternate and have an evening out every other night you’re there? Teen doesn't need to go with you both if he’d rather stay in the room.

Can you have light lunch in your room or hotel and then have siesta time 2-4 where you all lay on beds sleeping, reading or on screens (in room or under shade outside) then go for swim / walk then back to room for showers and get ready to go out for 6ish and enjoy an evening out together?

I would hide their phones/phone chargers!

I would love this, peace, book, chilling after hopefully a nice day

At 6 we are still in the pool!!

I don't think your needs are more valid than theirs but I agree everyone's needs should be catered for one way or another. Perhaps best to have a chat about this before the next holiday. In the meantime, as others have suggested, perhaps go out on your own?

That sounds so rubbish. Is there any evening entertainment at the hotel? I would get dressed up and go watch it on my own. Failing that, take your book down to the bar and have a drink. You may find someone to chat to and if not, enjoy your book

I feel awfully selfish thinking of my own needs

@Waterdrophead and yet what I take from your posts is that you're thinking of the family needs and dynamic, the marital relationship needs and dynamic and then, when you identify they're not good and you're unhappy, then you look for what you can do.

I don't think putting yourself third on a list of three is selfish.

What would you say about your husband and your son and if they're being team players, or selfish?

It sounds like you’re really struggling to enjoy the holiday, and I completely understand why. You’re definitely not wrong to feel frustrated—holidays are supposed to be a time for everyone to enjoy, and it’s disappointing when you’re the only one making an effort to get out and do things.

In the short term, I’d suggest trying to make the most of it for yourself. Maybe find a bar with some live music or a spot where you can have a nice dinner and people-watch. You might find that you enjoy the time to yourself more than you expect. It’s also worth having a calm, honest chat with your husband about how you’re feeling. It’s important that your needs are considered too, and it’s okay to ask for a bit of compromise.

Looking to the future, maybe think about different types of holidays that might suit everyone better—or even consider taking a solo trip or one with friends where you can really enjoy yourself without feeling held back. It’s clear you love to get out and about, so finding ways to meet that need, whether on this trip or the next, is key.

You deserve to have a good time, and it’s important to address these feelings now so that future holidays don’t leave you feeling the same way. Enjoy the rest of your trip as best you can, and don’t feel guilty for putting yourself first sometimes!

Look on Facebook for a group related to the resort you sre in and put a post up looking for solo travellers and meet up fr a drink. I see this lots on the group I belong to for a mainland Spain resort

No! dress up, go see the evening entertainment, and then have a drink at the bar. Kindle can wait.

@Waterdrophead ah that sounds rubbish ?
What part of Gran Canaria
We have been to Maspalomas and taurito the last few years and loved it

Highly recommend a trip to mogan

Sitting in the shade and reading a book sounds really nice. What are you expecting him to do during the day? Why dont you read a book, listen to music, podcast, chill out etc.

That sounds rubbish though regarding the evening. Why are you going out so early for dinner? Stay out by yourself and go and watch some entertainment.