Why is finding a summer holiday so hard with an 18 and a 15 year old?

[DairyM1ilk]

After no holidays for the past two years, we want something special, but I am finding the difficulty that by August, DS will be 18 so he'll be classed an adult, so 'teen activities' won't apply. DD will be 15.

An added difficulty is that we all find the heat a bit difficult, so if we're going to be somewhere hot, we don't want to have to lift a finger in terms of our food, but also finding entertainment.

At the same time, we don't want to end up in a family resort surrounded by young children (no offence to anyone with young kids out there, we've been there, we're passed that stage now).

Ideally, we would like a lovely resort with a pool near a beach that offers a lot of activities, like water sports, yoga, gym, excursions...

Half board would be our preference but will consider AI.

I'd be really grateful for recommendations of specific hotels. TIA!

Have you considered a cruise? The big ships have loads of activities for adults and teens alike like Rick climbing walls, surfing machines, gyms, crazy golf, etc etc. they also offer excursions in port but if you want to lie in the sun bEd round a pool you can.

You've reached that point where you stop having family holidays. Your 18 year old should be earning money and saving for holidays with their friends, and the same will be true if the 15 year old next year.

What is your budget? What kind of places are too hot for you?

@Joystir59

You've reached that point where you stop having family holidays. Your 18 year old should be earning money and saving for holidays with their friends, and the same will be true if the 15 year old next year.

I don't agree with this at all. It is perfectly possible for an almost 18 year old to enjoy a family holiday and the concept itself isn't wrong. OP is clearly being thoughtful about the type of holiday and activities everyone would enjoy and isn't just dragging them along on a little kiddy holiday.

Sorry OP can't suggest anything that meets your criteria but good luck finding something.

It’s horrifically expensive I should think now but Club Med Cefalu in Sicily would fit the bill. It’ll be hot but there’s loads of activities and it’s AI.

@Joystir59

You've reached that point where you stop having family holidays. Your 18 year old should be earning money and saving for holidays with their friends, and the same will be true if the 15 year old next year.

Not helpful. Our soon to be 18 YO wants to go on holiday with us this coming August.

@cocktailclub

Have you considered a cruise? The big ships have loads of activities for adults and teens alike like Rick climbing walls, surfing machines, gyms, crazy golf, etc etc. they also offer excursions in port but if you want to lie in the sun bEd round a pool you can.

A cruise doesn't appeal to any of us I'm afraid.

I’d go to the Caribbean - can’t recommended anywhere specific but when I’ve been I’ve always felt they aren’t overly kid orientated. It’s not the loud, colourful, in your face family resorts of Europe.

I agree a cruise might be the way to go.

@olympicsrock

What is your budget? What kind of places are too hot for you?

As we haven't had a holiday for 2 years, we are willing to spend more that we normally would on this one. I guess up to £10K all in. Anything above 26 degrees is usually too hot for me, but I appreciate that's unrealistic. So As long as I'm am in a really nice place where I don't have to lift a finger, I can do it. There needs to be activities that we can do in comfort though.

Budapest? I know its a city,but the best pools, good vibe and a man made beach

What do you not like about a cruise? I was sceptical but we all enjoyed in and would do to again.

We're going to an Ikos all inclusive with our teenagers this year. Looks lovely and they seem to win some of the Trip Advisor awards for luxury all inclusives.

We went on a cruise pre covid, then wondered why on earth we'd booked it. We ended up really enjoying it and we've booked another one this summer. They're quite a good option for teenagers, it's the endless food, entertainment with other kids and the odd bit of culture.

@Abcdefu

Budapest? I know its a city,but the best pools, good vibe and a man made beach

Not at all appealing I'm afraid

Barcelona? Stockholm? Amsterdam?

What does appeal to you? That might help people narrow it down.

www.thebodyholiday.com

It's been a fair few years since I've been- but was fantastic when I went with my parents when I was a teen.

Neilson resorts ... plenty of activities but might be too many young DC for you?

We don't want to go to a city in August.
What appeals is a peaceful clean environment near a beach with lots of water sports/activities available, optional entertainment at night, local excursions, yoga, gym, just chilling. No screeching young kids.

We loved the Isle of Wight last year. Not abroad and not maybe not quite what you’re looking for but there was so much to do, easy to get around the island by car or public transit. My ds15 loved it!
Get them involved in the search - see what they can find!

Following.
Agree it’s harder with teens when you don’t want to do the city thing.

I’d go all inclusive on the beach. AI tend to have lots of activities and if your teenagers like water activities consider water skiing lessons. My sister and I did this as teenagers. Great memories and tried it again as an adult a few years back and could still do it.
Could recommend in Turkey but would be hot!

There are lots of AI places in the med that would fit the bill. I'm thinking about big complexes with plenty on offer, including water sports, for all ages. Many have several pools including adults only areas so you'd get away from small children (15 year old would be fine).

Starting point could be TUI website with AI filter? Sensatori brand is gorgeous.

Fuerteventura is good if you don't like the heat because it's so windy.

How about somewhere like Borneo? The Shangri-la Rasa Ria Kota Kinabalu looks nice with daily activities.

Club Med?