UK holidays are hard work

[ChocolateRiver]

We’re on holiday on the north Devon/Cornwall border. Staying in a converted barn on a farm. It’s lovely, the kids are having a great time but it’s such bloody hard work. Getting up early to get a parking space at the beach, making up picnics, putting sandy beach clothes/towels in washing machine, sorting out food, cooking etc, driving everywhere, hoovering up after beach days, tidying up - feel like I’m constantly on the go! And it’s so expensive, can’t afford to have all lunches and teas out. Don’t get me wrong, we’re having a nice time, but it’s definitely not a rest - we’re knackered. We usually go abroad but have stayed here due to Covid, we’ll be off abroad again next year if it’s possible.

@WouldBeGood

Center Parcs was the most expensive and least inclusive family holiday we ever went on. Awful.

I wouldn't say, "Awful", but it certainly was surprising how expensive everything was there. Mind you I went many years ago and had less money then. It might be different now. Where we stayed was very good for visiting other places nearby which was nice but if you are someone who wants all inclusive, it's not the place. The lodges are nice.

Other holiday places have caught up with Center Parcs since.

Dutch center parcs are so cheap and the facilities are fab. Indoor ski centre with real snow, for example

That sounds good Waveafterwaveslowydrifting.

The Netherlands is lovely too and it isn't expensive to travel there.

I refuse to holiday in the UK. Complete rip off for everything and shit weather.
You don't have to stay at your hotel abroad when you go AI, we don't.
If you choose your hotel wisely, a lot will do you a packed lunch to take with you if you're going sightseeing etc.
I've just looked at centre PARC's in the Netherlands.....£1889 for 7 days!!! Are they having a laugh??

Relatives are currently on holiday in the highlands: £2000 for self catering for the two of them for a week in a cabin.

@OhGiveUp we paid half that for 10 days in late August 2 years ago.

UK holidays can be brilliant but it really helps if you know someone who owns exceptional accommodation and can give you a hefty discount, which isn't possible for everyone. Choose your activities based on what you enjoy. If you like a spa break, find a spa day close to your accommodation. If you like hill walking, get a map and the all weather gear. Water sports - book locally in advance. Ditto restaurants. Research the local towns. Pottery cafe, escape room or trampoline park can be great for tweens. Shopping and culture in cities. Jump on a train to visit somewhere close by. Crabbing and rock pooling on the coast. Bring a stack of books and sit in the garden or by the fire if it's freezing. Get a takeaway or Cook meal if you can't be arsed to cook, that's what we do, or we join forces with my parents and have a bbq.

We’ve just had a UK holiday. We’re surrounded by the coast but the weather has been pretty rubbish. 13 year old has moaned a lot. We go SC due to having two autistic kids and two with coeliac so it’s very difficult to eat out. I’m exhausted. Activities are booked up far in advance and it’s not cheap. I think it’s right when people say it’s just the same but with different scenery.