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Original poster

4/5 day abroad break- worth it?

30 replies

Puffalicious · 15/07/2022 14:46

Looking to just get some sun with 15 year old DS. We have a 10 yo DS who has ASD/ ADHD/ Epilepsy and we just don't feel he can go abroad. We've been on our family holiday (9 days touring Scotland in our new campervan- which was great) but I'm craving some proper, relaxing, foreign chill. DH is happy to stay home with DC3. I thought 4-5 day break would be fine as I don't want to be away from DC3 any longer.

Are short breaks like this worth it? Anyone been?

Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
Puffalicious · 15/07/2022 15:51

Anyone?

OP posts:
MumOfNowGrownupKids · 15/07/2022 15:53

Most of the time, yes, worth it. Right now I would think twice if flying. It's far too easy to have your flight cancelled and then miss half your break. Spa break for the two of you in UK?

MumOfNowGrownupKids · 15/07/2022 15:54

Ah, just checked, DS, not DD.... maybe nor spa then.

perimenofertility · 15/07/2022 15:56

Well only you can decide if it's worth it!
My only advice would be, for a 4/5 day break, to check the travel times carefully to work out how much of a break you actually get. Are you travelling late on day 1, returning early on day 4/5? In which case, your break is only 2/3 days. Personally I'd be happy with a short break, lots of people go away for a weekend for example. But it's really for you to decide cost and travel versus experience.

MNHQ
DawnMumsnet · 15/07/2022 15:56

We're moving this thread to our Chat topic for the OP.

Original poster
Puffalicious · 15/07/2022 16:02

Yes, the travel times would be key, I reckon. Lots and lots of availability in Turkey but the flight times/ transfers put me off. Some nice ones popping up in Spain, which is better.

The thought of a spa weekend with DS is making me hysterical 🤣. If only I had a DD.

DS1 (almost 18) is on his first holiday in Greece and is making me crave a few days away.

OP posts:
Imissmoominmama · 15/07/2022 16:06

I really love shorter breaks; I think you tend to make the most of your time on them.

Original poster
Puffalicious · 15/07/2022 16:07

Imissmoominmama · 15/07/2022 16:06

I really love shorter breaks; I think you tend to make the most of your time on them.

This is encouraging. Thanks.

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Pocolovo · 15/07/2022 16:11

Wtf is the obsession with spa weekends on here. As a female, and a mother of females i couldn’t think of anything worse!
Definitely worth it op. I’d go somewhere with a shortish flight so Spain or France. Biarritz is great for four days and flights are normally decent. Also flights to Barcelona and then short train ride to sitges. Great beaches and food.
Done both for four nights in the past.

BarbaraofSeville · 15/07/2022 16:12

I'd say yes. We went to Menorca from Thursday morning to Monday afternoon a couple of weeks ago. It was great and just about the right length for me.

We had a package with Jet2holidays to make it easy. We went self catering, had pastries and nice bread and cheese from the bakery next to the hotel for most breakfasts and then just ate out for most other meals apart from a couple where we got easy food to eat on the balcony. Or you could do All Inclusive, HB or whatever.

We spent time on the beach, swam in the sea, went for walks and went on the bus to the main town.

Only thing I'd change is we checked one bag between us as it was included in the booking when we could have managed with hand luggage and there was a bit of a delay collecting this on the way back, but apart from that, it was a great trip.

I'd look to see what flights go from your local airport and try and get one that goes out early on the first day because then you can have lunch, afternoon on the beach and then an evening out on the first day, so a good day spent.

Twoshoesnewshoes · 15/07/2022 16:15

We have quite a few short breaks with our older children and we all really enjoy them, definitely worth it.
We went to Rome for three nights (though obviously would not be good in this heat!) in April, it was really good fun!

Original poster
Puffalicious · 15/07/2022 16:23

This is all sounding positive. I love Sitges- went with friends about 6 years ago- so that's an idea.

I'm actually going for a long weekend to Rome with both older DS in September. With it being a city break 3/4 days is enough, I just wondered if I'd be annoyed having to leave a beach resort after a short trip, but maybe not.

Thanks all

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Drawbackyourbow · 15/07/2022 16:26

Yes they are worth it, you can fit a lot into a few days and we often do city breaks abroad for 3/4 nights. We do things while we are there though, like sightseeing, guided tours etc which always makes me feel we have been away longer!

If you're just going to sit around a pool I'm not sure if it would hate the same effect!

Kite22 · 15/07/2022 16:34

The thought of a spa weekend with DS is making me hysterical 🤣. If only I had a DD.

Not sure why it is hysterical. My ds would love a spa. My dd would hate it.

Re the short break - I think it you want to "do" a Capital City or historic area or something, then yes, but I wouldn't see it as being very relaxing (as you sound like you are craving a lie on the beach or by a pool?) when you have balanced the fact that you will probably only get 2 - 3 days, and may well have to contend with understaffed airports, traffic, transfers, delays, waits for baggage etc. I generally need 8 or 9 days between travel to really really relax.

MinnieMountain · 15/07/2022 16:38

I’m in Slovenia for 5 days. I’m mainly doing an organised swimming holiday. It’s definitely worth it (both the length of time and the country).

BoJoGoGo · 15/07/2022 16:43

I have been to Paris, Prague, Budapest, Stockholm, Tenerife, Cape Town , Dubai and on a couple of short cruises for that period of time and all the little holidays have been fabulous.

maddy68 · 15/07/2022 16:44

I am flying to and from to Spain on a weekly basis. Do not believe what you are reading in the press. Manchester is a bit shitty but other airports are fine.

I don't know anyone who's flights been cancelled. They are running well

I go for a day or two so 4-5 days is great.

Go

A580Hojas · 15/07/2022 16:45

What topic was it posted in originally?

I love a short European city break but only if I can fly at reasonable times of the day. I can't stand getting up at 2 or 3 in the morning for a 7am flight any more - hopefully will never have to do that again.

AbleCable · 15/07/2022 16:53

If you can avoid major airports and travel with cabin luggage, yes - go for it!

Wideawakeandconfused · 15/07/2022 16:59

Can I suggest Palma. So beautiful- great for weekend get away. Lots to keep everyone happy and the train to Soller will make you feel like you’ve found a little secret beach retreat.

Original poster
Puffalicious · 15/07/2022 18:03

Thanks all. It is a beach chill I'd want- not a city break at the minute. I just want a sea breeze and a book.

Kite I meant the picture of my particular DS at a spa, not all DSs. DS1 would actually like it, just not DS2 (ADHD ball of activity and so tall he'd hardly fit on the beds!).

The idea is just cabin luggage and Scottish airport (we're in Scotland- thus having already had our family break)- there's been no real madness at our airports.

Wideawake Palma a good shout too. My sister was there for a week in June and loved it.

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Drawbackyourbow · 15/07/2022 18:39

I would recommend Tavira in Portugal, not far from Faro so nice quick transfer. Has a lovely old town/new town split by the river, and a cute water taxi that takes you to a beautiful beach.

Original poster
Puffalicious · 15/07/2022 18:46

Drawbackyourbow · 15/07/2022 18:39

I would recommend Tavira in Portugal, not far from Faro so nice quick transfer. Has a lovely old town/new town split by the river, and a cute water taxi that takes you to a beautiful beach.

Sounds lovely.

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imip · 15/07/2022 18:46

About a month ago I took dd 15 and 10 to Kos for five days. Both have autism and it was just the right time to feel like a break but not too long with both of them. Both had difficulties while travelling and I don’t think I could have done longer alone.

Original poster
Puffalicious · 15/07/2022 18:51

imip · 15/07/2022 18:46

About a month ago I took dd 15 and 10 to Kos for five days. Both have autism and it was just the right time to feel like a break but not too long with both of them. Both had difficulties while travelling and I don’t think I could have done longer alone.

Great Post imip I think that's the thing: as well as being away from DS3 too long I'm not sure how excited DS2 would be about just my company for longer than 5 days 😃

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