Does anyone else lose the plot trying to book a holiday?

[TimeforaHol]

First world privilege problem I know. Been trying to book a holiday for me, DH & DS (3) for end of August into September . 2-weeks ideally Balearics / med.

I'm finding it a nightmare and have wasted 3 valuable hours googling today! (Self employed 😫).

I'm feeling drained from all the search engines and have found nothing suitable!!!

Does anyone else get a bit control freakish when trying to search for holidays? I find I have a fear of booking something that will turn out to be disappointing (considering the costs involved) so end up scrolling through reviews and checking things on the map to find out everything I can about a place before ruling it out because one aspect doesn't look quite suitable.

I'm shattered and have got precisely nowhere! I'm also frustrated I left it so late to book!

Any tips for more efficient holiday finding?

have you looked at the european centre parcs or sites like eurocamp? They're sometimes at bit cheaper at the end of August as their schools go back before English ones.

France is good for the end of August as all the French tourists go back to work so likely better availability.

I get overwhelmed booking holidays and usually make my husband do it. Very proud of myself for sorting out a UK city break for a long weekend recently.😂

I've used Travel Counsellors before after a booking.com disaster (apartment cancelled six week before holiday 😶) and they listened to all our requirements and gave us a short list which we could refine or reject as we wanted. We had a great time. I would say it was more expensive which isn't surprising because they earn their living!

Try living in a city that has a tourist population 20 - 30 or 50 - 100 to 1 for the locals.....!

Rushing to the supermarket trying to avoid shuffling groups on the pavement.....

ARGH!!

I'm a tourist/traveller myself too. 😅But always stay in hotels as a single traveller.

I do think AirBNB has fucked up all the local areas though that used to be residential only. Barcelona had a good idea to restrict AirBNB to only 1 month-long stays minimum.

I know the locals in UK have the same problem finding affordable housing in tourist areas.

I know this is a whole different thread though.

Hope everyone finds the holiday they want!

Oh, now I'm good at booking places in France. Also consider the Belgian coast with a toddler. Massive beaches.

Any France tips @SwedishEdith ??

What are your top three must haves? I'm no good on hotels though.

@SwedishEdith suitability for 3 year old, countryside / space to run around, swimming opportunities...

Saw Country Kids which looks incredible but is over budget (£10k???) and full for the year.

I found travel counsellors expensive compared to DIY and they were using jet 2 holidays at times but charging more.

Tried to charge me over 5k for a holiday I costed at £3400.

Their disney quote was ridiculous as well plus could not get the villas and flights we asked for. Very strange/ shit.

The final straw was overcharging for a jet 2 holiday (that I went ahead and sorted for myself much cheaper). I think they charge what they think they can get away with.

No, I love it! The research and planning is all part of the fun. But we don't do traditional "bucket and spade" family holidays. We usually pick a destination for the museums, food, location etc, then think about timings and flights, then look for hotels. It usually works well. For something more complex ( eg a trip to Russoa a few years ago, or an African safari) I will go to a trusted company (NOT a travel agent), speak on the phone to a named consultant and let them do the leg work. We usually know exactly what we want, so I guess that makes it easier. I do sometimes use Trip Advisor, but cautiously as there are a lot of idiots on there. I know which websites to trust, eg The Telegraph is usually reliable re hotel recommendations.

Have a look at Little Clogs and Landal itself in Belgium and Holland. Great for young kids.

Mark Warner and Neilson do proper childcare for babies, toddlers and up too.

There are few other places in Francs similar to County farm. Ferme du cayla & imaginerousillion.
villapia in Umbria is supposed to be amazing but the flights were ridiculous for the summer period.

Look at Caserio del Mirador OP. We went when DD was a baby but it would be great for toddlers/pre schoolers too.

Do look at i-escape with kids if you haven’t yet.

Do you need guaranteed hot weather? Max budget?

I've not looked properly but is this in De Panne (loads there so this is just an example) on the right lines? There's a little kids theme park there (never been) Plopsaland that looks geared to young kids. Huge beach. Trams all along the Belgian coast. Can get to Bruges and Ghent for a day out. Easy trip though the tunnel and an hour or so from Calais.

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/51010871?adults=2&children=1&check_in=2023-08-26&check_out=2023-09-02&federated_search_id=267c7d7b-5741-47da-afd8-c94e822475b3&source_impression_id=p3_1681512806_7V1p8UxJnTGVd%2FuA&modal=PHOTO_TOUR_SCROLLABLE

@HolidayHappy123 if no one has taken you up on your offer I'd love some help with a holiday!!

This is me all over. I love the idea of a holiday but don't like it once I am there. But do it for the kids

OP. Look at Eurocamp in France. They really are ideal for pre schoolers and the ferry is part of the adventure. However, if you are wanting to fly then i recommend Menorca. Personally I hate hotels so we always do low key apartments but I know we did Punta Prima when the kids were little and it was ideal!

@Fuckingfuckssake at your service!

Let me know a little bit about your party - how many, ages etc. - your budget, some rough dates, any ‘must haves’ and any ideas you’ve already had. I’ll take it from there.

I get like this and I go away a lot, I mean really a lot. I never book a muck up holiday but spend so long researching them and then doubt myself when I’ve booked something.
My tip is be realistic about price, if you can’t afford a country/hotel etc you need to either up your budget or move on to to look at somewhere else.
My DH have a fairly long list of deal breakers and we stick to the list. Super king size bed, nice view, bay or cove, not a long beach, interesting day trips, swanky spa if it’s a city break etc, go at the right time of year re the weather etc, etc.

I feel your pain, I think I’ve spent longer agonising over decisions about this year’s summer holiday than I’ll actually spend on it - which makes me wonder if it’s worth it! I’m an over researcher, I feel I have to get everything ‘just right’.

I don’t think it’s late to book end August though - yes some people book way in advance but booking 4 months out is loads by many people’s standards. I’m sure you’ll find something great!

@Fuckingfuckssake got your DM and working on it but I think Croatia would be ideal….

Thanks for the suggestions! iescape with kids looks good!