Can somebody please explain how to *do* holidays?

[TreacherousPissFlap]

I've managed to become a fully fledged adult and don't seem to have mastered this most crucial of skills.

When DS was younger we always did EuroCamp type places, a combination of flying or driving depending on location. These inevitably ended up as somewhat like being at home, just with better weather and more water slides.

Now DS is 15 and our priorities seem to have changed, yet I have no idea how to adapt

In a fit of uncharacteristic organisation I've managed to book leave for all of October half term so have triumphantly announced we are "going away". The thing is, how does one go away with a 15 year old and a DH who is definitely enjoying a slower pace of life? We've never done AI or indeed even a hotel and I wouldn't know where to begin!

My favourite ever holiday as a teen was Pompeii!! It was BRILLIANT. We went for October half term. Lovely weather and so much to see.

Cape Town.

Mexico or Costa Rica. The AIs in Mexico if you book the right one have absolutely loads of activities on and you can do excursions to lots of beautiful places. It's easy to book as well if you want something low stress. Go for 5* and book something with lots of restaurants and activities. Some websites call them "ultra inclusive" or something.

Souhern Spain. Several fabulous cities to keep you occupied and beaches a plenty for the downtime. Weather should still be good - hope so as I'll be there then as usual

Bestiswest and Jings are definitely onto something - I live in Cascais and there is so much to do here and in the surrounding area.

I have 14 and 12yr old boys the older one comes home for school holidays as he is at boarding school in the UK and we always find loads of stuff to get up to. The weather last Oct 1/2 term was hot too, definitely still pool weather.

I would recommend a couple of days in Lisbon, a trip to Sintra, maybe have a surf lesson at Guincho beach. Carcavelos beach is good to wander/swim, Quinta de Pisao is a nature reserve close by.

@hettie Jordan is a great idea, not sure why the OP thinks it's volatile, it's not a warzone.

You could go to Petra, Dead Sea, Wadi Rum and then do a few days in Aqaba for beach/snorkeling.

Malta, specifically Mellieha Bay is good in October. Scuba, parascending, more history than you can shake a stick at. Sea temperature is at its highest too.

Duh and I have been to Malta before - it was simultaneously bonkers and beautiful at the same time.

DS has never forgiven us for leaving him at home but he was only 5 and it wouldn't have suited him at the time, so that might be another excellent option to stop him moaning once and for all

I also have a friend who heads to Portugal several times a year for the surfing, so I'll pick her brains when I see her.

Oh, that post was a little ambiguous- we left 5yo DS at home with his grandparents

A cruise is the perfect thing for a 15 yo, other 15 yos on board but other stuff to do so he doesnt have to see them all the time. Loads of stuff for older teens to do. Various ports mean there will be plenty of stuff that would suit all your tastes. If you are not massively into just sitting by a pool for a week or so then it is better than an AI resort IMO.

So I've now fallen in love with a Neilson holiday, I've found a week in Sardinia in October half term for under £2k. This includes flights from Bristol which is infinitely easier for us than schlepping up to London.

Will be having a family chat over the weekend to gauge interest

@PottyPotterer may I ask where you're going as it sounds perfect for us!

I always say this but cruising works absolutely perfectly for us with our 15yo DS. As well as plenty of freedom and other teens for him to meet, there is loads of food and drink on tap, plus we are delivered to a new port every couPle of days to explore.

If Sardinia doesn't work out, go to Turkey. The lycean coast is gorgeous, still great weather in October. Lots of incredible history and culture, excavations, great food, friendly people. Also, lots of day trip options offered by Turkish tour companies in any reasonably sized town, like Kas for example. Things like sailing, rafting, hiking etc.

@imsorryisaked We're going to corallejo in fuerteventura. The complex is called Atlantic garden beach mate. You can book standard apartments through a few of the holiday companies. I booked a private one through trip advisor as I find they're generally a better standard and better equipped, have proper comfy beds and furniture, plus I like to know I have a half decent view! Also cheaper than the holiday companies.

Thanks potty.