I never thought I'd be the person who goes on holiday to the same place every year

[Prestia]

But every year it comes to booking and look at loads of options and then think that it might not be as lovely as the place we usually go.

If you'd have asked me in my 20s I'd have been very disappointed in my 30-something-self.

I am currently on holiday in the same place I've been to for the last 15 years.

Pre-dc we were making it our mission to stay on as many Greek islands as possible, recklessly island-hopping without even having accommodation pre-booked and trusting we would find somewhere suitable (we always did). Now we have ds we can't be that casual and also believe that researching places is getting harder - I find I'm getting overwhelmed with the massive range of options and places to go, even using the filters. So it was a small step to decide "let's just go back to that apartment we loved on Corfu". Then we thought "We shouldn't get stuck in a rut - let's try this place on Crete". Then we ended up going to the place in Crete repeatedly, for the same reasons as everyone else: it ticked all the boxes and was so relaxing knowing where everything we needed was...

This year we are going back to the lovely apartment in Corfu. If I could, I would buy a nice villa there. Failing that, sufficient funds and annual leave to have one "familiar place" holiday plus one "new place" holiday.

Not too much to ask, I'm sure...

We've also been to Lake Garda several times OP - stayed at Desenzano, Peschiera, Lazise, Malcesine, Riva and Salo. Before DC we stayed in hotels, more recent holidays we've booked a hire car and apartment.

For those travelling with DC I think that Lazise / Peschiera are great. They are nearer the south end of the lake than the north and whilst I agree that the scenery in the north is fabulous, I think that the south east of the lake is a better base. For DC there are a couple of theme parks and a zoo.

Peschiera has a train station where you can get train to Venice, Verona and also Milan.

You can either drive or get a boat on the lake to visit the more northern towns - Malcesine is lovely, you can get a cable car to the top of Monte Baldo.

Not been for a few years though as we also have a couple of other favourite places we alternate with!!

@DarklyDreamingDexter Desenzano also has a station you can get train to Venice / Verona / Milan. There is a good street market. Definitely go on a boat trip on the lake, Sirmione is nice (next village along)
Desenzano is a bit larger than many other resorts and has a town part as well. You are also close to theme parks at Peschiera if you have DC.

We've been to one place three times purely because there is so much to do for kids of all ages, but only as an extra holiday. I want to see new places for main holidays.

Makes great sense to me - our 15th year in the same place, so easy/feels like home/know what to expect/it's gorgeous... but we also go to other/new/very different types of places at other times too...

@Nanamilly we're thinking of going there next summer. What do you love about it and is there a particular town or area you'd recommend staying?

@User67836 Atlantica Akti Zeus in Crete is lovely

Growing up I had an aunt that lived in Bournemouth so we were down there for every holiday at half term, end of term, ling weekends and I loved it, said Aunt now lives in Northern Ireland and I haven't been back to Bournemouth since I was about 20, now holiday is in Northern Ireland and I love where she lives

We've been back to the same small cottage in the same Peak District village 5 times now, not every year but probably every other year since our children were small. It's such a beautiful, peaceful location with lots to see and do in the area and lovely walks from right outside the house. I find it really relaxing going back to the same place and knowing where to find things like the supermarket and which pubs are good to eat out. I like exploring other countries and areas too, so we alternate it with going to other locations. This year we're off to France (Annecy) and I'd love to take the kids to Lake Garda soon. Wish we weren't restricted to the school holidays though as everywhere gets so busy (and expensive).

Some of my husband's family have been going to the same place in Devon for about the last 14 years and they have already booked for next summer. We are going this year again for the fifth time, but if we weren't joining in with them I would probably prefer a bit of variety. It is a lovely place though and it is good to know our way around.

DarklyDreamingDexter Desenzano is great! They have a large market every Tuesday (it's the largest on the lake) it gets very crowded though and there's the off chance you might see Teresa May
You can get a ferry to most of the other towns in the lake as it's the biggest port. We liked Garda and Bardolino.
The shops are absolutely lovely and plenty of restaurants, bars and gelateria. There is a very good pharmacy in Piazza Cappelletti if needed, very helpful staff.
It's also a good hub for bus and train travel. Verona or Venice is easily doable on the train.
There is usually something going on in the town, either at the castle or in the squares. White Nights run throughout the summer to September with music and entertainment and shops and restaurants opening late.
There's a newish lake promenade and a Marina near the small beach.
There's also an Antique/Vintage market the first weekend of every month.

One caveat about Lake Garda in September is that there seem to be a lot of biting insects. That's one of the reasons we now go in June. So take insect repellent!
Would it be ok to ask where you're staying?

Yep, just booked the same campsite in France for the third year! We start out looking at loads of others but are always scared that we won't like it as much. We do take 4 days driving down though so always go to lots of different places on route.

We're on our fifth year to the same New Forest cottage. Found somewhere faily remote, with swimming pool tennis court and sauna...bliss

Whereabouts do you stay @Yokohamajojo? Do you take your own camping gear all the way down to the South?

Emmapeeler we go to the middle, by the Dordogne river and yes take all gear and dog but rent a fridge for the stay!

Iceland felt like home to me and I bloody hate the cold!

Been three times now. Such a beautiful friendly country