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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
ERthree · 10/10/2025 21:56

The children are old enough to understand their father has let them down so please don't get yourself into debt over this.

BellissimoGecko · 10/10/2025 21:55

He doesn’t even pay CMS? How on earth, if he is so well paid?

He should be ashamed. He doesn’t deserve your dc.

You, on the other hand, rock!

Yessiricanboogieallnightlong · 10/10/2025 21:51

mynamechangemyrules · 10/10/2025 20:20

All London ones really

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What about train as PP suggested or ferry to Spain. Go for cheaper transport and make the journey part of the holiday.

CrackingOn50 · 10/10/2025 21:51

Have a look on Holiday Pirates. They tend to collate all the super cheap holidays and you can search for them too

Happyjoe · 10/10/2025 21:47

Next door neighbours son going to Ibiza on Monday, that's still 24oC. Had a quick google and not bad priced for half board. Ibiza is a lovely place if steer away from the nightclub bit! And you're a great mum btw.

Germanyddff · 10/10/2025 21:47

Check the weather with the Med at this time of year. You are booking close enough to see a long range forecast.

Travel agents selling last minute packages. Particularly if you are flexible on when you fly.

Do you drive? I just put some random days into the cross channel ferry site for five days in those dates. It looks like you could do Dover-Calais for 100 each way. Could have a fun road trip - Bruges, Netherlands, Paris if it is in budget, stock up at a French supermarket, then home. I know it isn’t what you were looking for in the initial post, but thought it was worth a look.

Chrunchienuts · 10/10/2025 21:44

Weather in Cyprus looks good next week! There are options on EasyJet in your budget x

saraclara · 10/10/2025 21:44

mynamechangemyrules · 10/10/2025 21:22

thanks this place looks amazing- any tips on where to find a place to stay? Airbnb?

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I just checked booking. com and there were LOADS of places available in Essouaira for cheap

DorothyStorm · 10/10/2025 21:39

I recommend Morocco. I went in summer to Agadir and loved it. Very family friendly. Danialand waterpark, cable car to the kasbah, crocopark were our highlights.

Offloadontome · 10/10/2025 21:37

Look up The travel mum on insta. Specialises in cheap family holidays, you might find some deals or tips on her website x

saraclara · 10/10/2025 21:36

I went to Morocco in November and it was like the height of summer here. Flew out with easyJet, booked a riad in Marrakech for three days, then got the bus to Essaouira for silly cheap and booked a nice hostel/guesthouse.

Give your kids the fantastic experience of old Marrakech and the souks, then time at the beach. It's a long, wide, straight and fairly windy beach, but full of action. Everyone's playing games of football or volleyball etc, so much more active than just a lazing in the sun beach holiday.

I got the bus back, had a night in Marrakech, then flew home.

Donttellempike · 10/10/2025 21:28

mynamechangemyrules · 10/10/2025 20:19

Oh god I’m getting excited and don’t know if it’s doable..
ages 15/13/10
i have a credit card I’ve just finished paying off (😬😩) so I have wriggle room but I’d love to spend as little as humanly possible when their fucking dad doesn’t even pay maintenance and then pulls this on them.

Malaga? Costs del sol. Still warm. Quite short flight. That was my criteria. Nothing much for tinies but plenty for say 12 plus

PassOnThat · 10/10/2025 21:27

What a twat.

I'd be tempted to pour a couple of bags of sand through his letter box, together with a small rubber duck and a cocktail umbrella.

"You can't take the kids to the beach, love. Well, I've brought the bloody beach to you, you're welcome!"

I'm not sure whether it would be within budget (you might get 5 nights not 7) but my suggestion would be Magic Natura Resort in Alicante. Lots for the kids to do (waterpark and animal park).

ELS20 · 10/10/2025 21:25

What about Malta?

oldFoolMe · 10/10/2025 21:23

Definitely doable within that budget.
North Africa will be hotter - Tunisia and Morocco 28/29+
Greece is hot but may rain 1/2 days depending which island you go for.
Turkey will likely be lovely and warm likely 25+

look at love holidays or on the beach.

Go with trip adviser ratings vs hotel ratings.

i can find some examples if you tell me what is just important for you on holiday?
eg beach, activities, relaxing ect.

Original poster
mynamechangemyrules · 10/10/2025 21:22

FriedFalafels · 10/10/2025 20:58

Have you considered Essaouira in Morocco? I’ve never been however I’ve seen some great content from the travelynn family. Check out their blog focused on it https://exploreessaouira.com

Ryanair have Stansted flights Saturday to Wednesday for £650 and you can get an apartment on the beach for £250. £900 for all of you. Food is very cheap there

thanks this place looks amazing- any tips on where to find a place to stay? Airbnb?

OP posts:
HappyHedgehog247 · 10/10/2025 21:20

Single parent here. I go to Skyscanner and type in All London airports to Everywhere and see where the cheapest flights are to somewhere warm. Then I look on Airbnb and Booking.com to see what's coming up. Then I Google the name of that accommodation to check if booking directly is cheaper. Last year flew to south of France in July for £23. Canaries is a good shout weather wise for October. I also have a cock of an ex who pays no maintenance. Happy holidays are the best revenge!

samarrange · 10/10/2025 21:19

If you want guaranteed, without-it-the-holiday-is-ruined heat (28° and above) at this time of the year, it's going to have to be the Red Sea or the Canaries. Anywhere in the Mediterranean is going to be hit and miss with possible storms, and the pools are getting a lot cooler.

TwistedWonder · 10/10/2025 21:18

Id say canaries or Morocco - try jet2 they’ve got some good offers on at mo

Mozzarellaballs · 10/10/2025 21:16

First one that came up on Love Holidays....

Idiot ex just let kids down big time- last minute holiday ideas please
Ellie56 · 10/10/2025 21:16

RawBloomers · 10/10/2025 20:58

As an alternative perspective, OP, I would suggest you don’t let your feckless ex’s actions dictate how you spend your£2k.

your kids are old enough to weather a little disappointment. It might be better, instead of trying to step in and fulfill your ex’s promises, that you just commiserate with them a bit. Tell them you’ll help them make the best of the week anyway and get them involved in planning next year’s holiday for the 4 of you.

I’m not saying a last minute holiday right now is a bad idea. (And I’m sure the idea of a week in the sun appeals on its own merits, not just as a way to make your kids less upset). Just pointing out you may get further in the medium to long term if you forge your own path.

I agree with this too. He is an absolute twat and your kids are old enough to realise he's a twat too. They are also old enough to know that that doesn't mean you have to clean up after him.

In the long run you may be better saving your money and doing something more low key over half term. Let it sink in what a useless shit dad they have.

Have you thought of reporting the twat to HMRC?

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