4/5 Days DC free! where should I go?

[Crapbags]

My DH and I both turn 40 next year and our families have kindly said they will take care of our 3 DC’s for up to 5 days so we can have a break away.

We can’t decide where to go. At first we considered Las Vegas so we could ‘let our hair down’ eat, drink etc. But after some thought I’m now wondering if somewhere more relaxing might be better? We have 3 young DC and I think I might regret not taking the time to actually chill, read a book, lounge about etc. Also considered New York but again wondered if this might be too hectic?

Does anyone have any recommendations?
We enjoy sightseeing, would like a bit of sunshine if possible and we both enjoy good food. Budget will be £1,000-£1,500 and we would probably look to go Between April-June.

Where would you go with 5 days DC free time?

For our big anniversary we had a similar amount of precious child free time, and we went to Cuenca in Spain and stayed at the Parador, in a suite with the most stunning views. It is a spectacular former monastery on the edge of a gorge, and featured on The Trip to Spain. You can walk across a rather hairy pedestrian bridge to wander round the old town, and go for long walks through the gorge and up the hills. Lots of characterful restaurants serving great food, and we had an amazing meal in the Parador itself. Long lazy breakfasts to die for. I thoroughly recommend it.

From the title, before reading your actual post, I was going to say "the pub, adults only nightclubs, the back of Ann Summers, the betting shop..."

I see you're after a more sensible answer.

Porto. Beautiful. Do a boat trip to the duouro valley for a couple of days.

Well, I'd go to Jersey.
Nice weather. Nice food. Relaxing, and short journey time.
But might not be exciting enough for you.

I hope to have the same problem myself
I was thinking maybe Cairo. Short flight, no jet lag, and definitely not a child friendly destination. Any thoughts from others?

We were given the same wonderful opportunity by our families this year! We had 4 nights away and DH and I plumped for an adults only resort in Cyprus. It was so relaxing and a real rest. Having someone else responsible for 3 meals a day for me was probably my highlight! I loved just turning up for whatever food I fancied! I ate, drank, swam and read from the comfort of my sun lounger and I hadn't done that in years.

At one point we were considering booking a busy city break and I'm so glad we booked a luxury rest instead! It was amazing! Loved every second and it was a real recharge.

I've recently been in New York for a holiday and it was brilliant too but I needed a rest when we got back!!

Enjoy your planning!

I wouldn't rule out Las Vegas. You can sunbathe by the pool in the daytime - most hotels are quite relaxed and chilled during the day. You could have a trip to the Grand Canyon for some incredible sightseeing and the food is delicious. If I were you I would eat at Nobu, see an amazing show, wander along the strip, sunbathe. It has it all going on (well apart from a beach but there's plenty of fake ones!)

£1000 -£1500 wont get you flights & accommodation for 4-5 nights in Vegas - let alone meals etc surely?

I think Portugal might be a good option, lots to explore if you want to, but lots of places just to chill.

What’s your DH like, dies he have to be one the go’ or can he chill out with a book/by the pool?

Oooh some great ideas that I’ll definitely look into, thank you!

@Impatientwino I’m definitely looking forward to having someone else cook for me for 5 days!

I'd go skiing!

@SpookilyBadOooooooh I think we’d stretch the budget for Vegas.....and the budget is just for flights/accommodation part, we’d have to add spending money on top....when I did a search it looked like we could get 4nights plus flights for around £1,500-£2,000.

DH is happy to sit and chill with a book I’m probably more likely to want to get up and out doing something before he is. Portugal could be a good shout I’ve never been and have heard good things. If you’ve been and have any hotel/area recommendations I’d be happy to hear them!

We've just come back today from Bilbao. Loved it. Lovely city, lots of amazing food and drink, bit of culture, short flight.

We loved here a couple of years ago www.lanissuites.com/?lang=en

Budapest or Dubrovnik

I recommend Sicily, it's warm even early/late season, lots of lovely places to visit, 2.5 hours by plane. Taormina is quite glamorous, lovely bars and restaurants, or nearby there's laid back resorts

@Crapbags

I’m sorry I haven’t been (yet) but family & friends have and I’ve been googling lots of places to visit - both chilled and sightseeing.

I’m terrible, I travelled around Europe a lot previously but with my job now I don’t get much opportunity to get away and when I do I head to France as I love the markets, the villages and the French who happily talk to me ignoring my god awful accent! 🤣

But the next opportunity I get for a planned trip I’ll be off to Portugal! 😊