Kids have never been abroad, where can we go?

[LiveInSunshine]

My youngest 3 (6,10,12) have never been abroad. I’ve love to take them. It’s more the principal of leaving the country and a new experience than anything. Autumn is great, but they can wait.

Can anyone recommend an affordable solution? Plane is great, but I’m up for the Ferry too. Just, abroad really! As affordably as possible…

We love the European centerparcs - a quarter of the price of the UK ones and the ones we have been to have character and feel like you're abroad, especially the ones in the netherlands

For train and ferry information I recommend The Man In Seat 61's website: www.seat61.com/

For example there are overnight ferries from
• Harwich to Hoek van Holland
• Hull to Rotterdam
• Newcastle to Ijmuiden near Amsterdam

which combines travel and accommodation for one night :) Also Eurostar-based journeys too.

It's handy to have some Dutch phrases to hand for politeness but many people speak very good English, particularly in the more touristy areas. Same for any country of course.

The 'point it' book might be handy, it's just a bunch of photographs of things, organised by theme, that you can point to if you don't know how to say "Can I have a [thing] please?" in the target language. Not sure why this one says it's the German edition though (given it's just pictures).

Speaking to a travel agent also seems like a good idea.

Hope you have a lovely time
Jo

You can get break down cover for older vehicles. Our van is 33 years old and we bought cover through our insurance broker who specialises in older vehicles. Cover is actually with the RAC. Be warned that if you do break down it can be several weeks before you can get your vehicle back if it’s not a simple fix. We usually drive as unlike some find it much cheaper and easier than flying but would be wary after getting stung with a breakdown this summer. Our vehicle is still in France.

Cheapest holidays I have found have been Eurocamp/Canvas/Brittany Ferries holidays in Summer half term as other countries don’t have school holidays then. Some sites have fantastic pool complexes and loads of activities.

I'd recommend Duinrell in the Netherlands. You can book through Eurocamp/Canvas or direct. Not only will you be taking them abroad but the site has a theme park which is free to enter and an indoor water slide complex (although you do have to pay extra if you don't book direct).

It's not to far from Schipol airport but we cross the Channel (Eurotunnel) and drive. It is less than 4 hours, passing through France and Belgium. We often play spot the border sign and you can nake a point of getting out and doing something (e.g. get a coffee) to make a point of being in more countries if you think that is something they would like.

I know it's not "abroad" but we went to Jersey for our girls' first flight when they were 9 and 6, just to get them used to going on a plane - we live in the south east so its just a 45 minute trip. We've been back since as we all love it - the beaches are amazing.

Canvas holidays aren’t like that at all, you arrive at a campsite complete with swimming pool and then you stay in a pre-made tent or mobile home with gas etc. they’re just really good value for money.

Its just like Euro Camp holidays which I think others have mentioned. You can get a brochure or have a google online - my parents used to let my brother and I choose based on the swimming pool!

Another reconmendation for Salou. Flights are less than 2 hours to Reus transfer 20 minutes. . Would recommend Whit Week as when we went (4 nights, 5 full days due to flight times) we were the only country on school holidays. From 1st June it gets busier. There is a theme park that is walkable from Salou or there's a little train that goes around the town and you can get the train into Barcelona. We went half board so at least I'd knw we'd get a decent breakfast and dinner and winged lunch time.

Iv booked Cala d’or for next July, 10 nights bed and breakfast in a beach front hotel and it’s £1.8k (was 1.6k ish for just hotel but I wanted breakfast included)
Booked via booking.com. Pay when you get to the hotel.

Flights on top I’m est £400-£600 but they haven’t been released yet.

I booked a 2 week all inclusive going February in costa del sol 594 each that's flights all food and drink suitcase each and transfers all through easy jet holidays 2 adults and child going

I second this, we stayed in caravans lots in france when kids were younger, go in season and there are kids clubs and lots to do.

How about the Channel Islands or Scilly isles? "Abroad" as by plane but British.