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Original poster

Idiot ex just let kids down big time- last minute holiday ideas please

155 replies

mynamechangemyrules · 10/10/2025 20:06

My ex husband was supposed to be taking my children on holiday at half term. He just told them he’s already gone by himself 😳😆 so they’ve been prepared for a beach holiday which they won’t now have.

I would like to take them somewhere but it’s going to smash my budget.

I started searching for heat and fun any dates between 17-26 Oct (poss later as well), 4-7 nights, but I’m bewildered and not sure it can be done for the money I’m prepared to spend.

cyprus? Turkey? Morocco? Egypt?

Need it to come in under £2000. Would obv love it to be with breakfast or any food inclusive.

ideas and links if anyone believes it’s possible?!!

OP posts:
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5
Melx42 · 11/10/2025 20:01

I have just looked at tui last minute and they have all inclusive with free chill places coming in at less then £1500 for a week

Lifealwaysgetsbetter · 11/10/2025 19:59

Lifealwaysgetsbetter · 11/10/2025 19:58

On the beach threw up a week half board
for all of you in salou for 879 for a week! Csn have a day or two in port aventura too! Ohtels Villa Dorada Hotel gets 4.5 on TripAdvisor too!

It’s only 129 each for 4 nights! Could do a couple of days in the theme park too!!

Lifealwaysgetsbetter · 11/10/2025 19:58

On the beach threw up a week half board
for all of you in salou for 879 for a week! Csn have a day or two in port aventura too! Ohtels Villa Dorada Hotel gets 4.5 on TripAdvisor too!

whereisthatcathidingnow · 11/10/2025 19:57

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

tommyhoundmum · 11/10/2025 19:26

mynamechangemyrules · 10/10/2025 20:20

All London ones really

Show quote history

I hope you all have a great holiday together. Best of luck.

GreenCandleWax · 11/10/2025 18:58

Hope you all have a lovely holiday, OP.🍷

Lovetoplan2 · 11/10/2025 18:11

Greece is very reasonable now and the westher is still good. Look for cheap flights to any airport and then local accommodation possibly airbnb or booking.com. Look at Ryanair to Corfu.

Lovetoplan2 · 11/10/2025 18:09

Greece is very reasonable now and the westher is still good. Look for cheap flights to any airport and then local accommodation possibly airbnb or booking.com.

Southshore18 · 11/10/2025 15:57

If it's such a stretch financially, I wouldn't go. The DC aren't tiny and old enough to understand. I get they are disappointed but it doesn't sound like you can really afford it.

Thephantom · 11/10/2025 15:48

Selectum Collection Bodrum. £2355 for 5 nights 26/10 (arriving at destination very late though) to 31/10 arriving back in uk on 1/11 early morning. 1 adult, 3 children with the ages youve given. All inclusive . Jet2

BatsInSummer · 11/10/2025 15:48

You are a wonderful parent, first off.

Have you thought about The Netherlands?
Drive on the ferry from Harwich for £4-500 return
Stay somewhere like Duinrell with amazing indoor water park and a theme park on site.
Have a day or overnight at Efteling.
Ferry plus holiday park cancelled come in for £1000 ISH
Then it is up to you if you upgrade on accommodation or stay at Efteling etc
Not a hot destination but a fantastic family holiday

BlueMum16 · 11/10/2025 15:42

I've been pricing up half term 4 nts from Manchester, so you'll be cheaper from south.

easyJet have lots in Spain. I've been looking around £1000 for 4. You'll find something.

Good luck.

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 11/10/2025 15:04

titchy · 10/10/2025 21:00

All inclusive for £500 total: https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/l/?date=2025-10-21&boardBasis=AI&masterId=1485&departureAirports=LON&rooms=1-15-12-10&nights=4&source=srp

That’s amazing value. Assume it’s just with the basic rucksack luggage allowance, but even so.

Original poster
mynamechangemyrules · 11/10/2025 14:17

@loveawineloveacrisp good tips thanks. They’ve been to Egypt as my brother lives there and lots of my friends from school. Love it but want to try somewhere new if we’re spending.

it’s looking like Canaries and our travel agent in town reckons they can beat online but I had 5 kids with me when I went in so they’re emailing me details to look at later.

thanks everyone.

OP posts:
Conniebygaslight · 11/10/2025 09:09

Love Holidays are usually pretty good, or try ChatGPT

seriousandloyal · 11/10/2025 08:52

What a total disgrace your ex-husband is. Good luck finding somewhere for you and the kids, they are lucky to have you for their mum. For October I would pick Cyprus or the Canaries, have the best time!

triplechoc · 11/10/2025 08:13

No suggestions for location or deals, but just wanted to second the recommendation to talk to a travel agent, we used our local independent to book this years holiday as I was frazzled trying to consider all the options - gave them a list of our preferences and the budget (not a large one!), and they came back with five options. All we had to do was check out the details and then book our preference, and the cost was the same as if we’d booked on the jet 2 website.

Hdpr · 11/10/2025 07:30

I 💯 would take them away too, what an amazing mum you are. Please update us where you choose and have a brilliant time

loveawineloveacrisp · 11/10/2025 07:21

harriethoyle · 10/10/2025 20:26

Alicante is known for its almost year round sun - have a look on easyjet holidays or jet2 they do great package deals

There's major flooding in Alicante right now. I'm in southern Spain where it's warm and sunny.

Try canaries, Cyprus or Turkey. I wouldn't touch Egypt with a barge pole, awful place.

spoonbillstretford · 11/10/2025 06:57

mynamechangemyrules · 10/10/2025 20:58

Amazing suggestions, thanks so much. @Cerialkillerwe have a lovely looking travel agent in town and always assumed they’re only for the big money people but might ask tomorrow.

@Pudmyboy totally useless

he earns x4 my salary. He avoids CMS as he cooks his own books. An actual wanker banker. Have given up on the system tbh.

Report him to HMRC. Sounds like he needs a full tax investigation.

Sequinsoneverythingplease · 11/10/2025 06:41

Malaga or one of the smaller towns along that coast. There’s a train right outside Malaga airport that travels along the coast. We like Benalmadena and this is a fab hotel with the best views.

www.sunsetbeachclub.com/en

LoudSnoringDog · 11/10/2025 06:26

Your ex husband sounds like a dick and hopefully your kids see it. You are a great mum. Hope you find something.
my cousin has just booked albufeira 7nts all inclusive for £400 each and the hotel has a huge indoor pool too so even if there is rain, there’s still something for the kids to do.
Hope you find something!

workingitout1234 · 11/10/2025 01:13

What a mum, well done
good luck finding somewhere but what a lovely thing to do for your children when they have been let down

monty2020 · 10/10/2025 23:22

There’s lots on Tui, look under late deals!

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