How common is it to have more than one holiday per year? I've been feeling like one isn't enough

[holidayquandary]

I am mid-40s and have only ever had 1 holiday each year. I normally consider it to be the highlight of the year for me. I enjoy the excitement involved in planning a holiday, as well as the revitalizing effect the trip itself has on my wellbeing. I find that going abroad also provides me with a much-needed respite from the drudgery of day-to-day life in the UK. I normally have holidays in June each year. I have begun to feel as though I could really use a second holiday either in late December or early January. I find that period of the year to be rather depressing and always have. I think it's a combination of the short days, long nights, freezing weather, endless crap on TV, and then the disappointment of having to return to work at the end of it all. DH reckons we can't afford 2 holidays abroad in a year, but I am hopeful I can persuade him that we do (or at least that I myself do). I just really feel as though I need another one. What are your thoughts?

We have a few mini breaks. We know where we can get a good deal on a log cabin with pool, spa facilities, local walks and pubs, Jan/Feb, so that tends to be our winter break. We go camping 3-4 nights, fairly cheap as it's just paying the nightly rate plus petrol. Then we tend to have 3-4 nights away somewhere else, have gone to places like Beer, Liverpool, occasionally we go abroad. Might do a one nigher somewhere else depending on funds.

We do a bigger long haul type holiday at easter, and then a Europe break (or sometimes two) in the summer. Easter holidays are much cheaper and better weather to go to further flung places like Mexico, Dominican Republic, Thailand etc. We aren't well off, but we do prioritise holidays, and spend less than some, for birthdays and Xmas, so we can make memories on holidays instead.

I work to go on holiday! I don't drive, don't have kids so my money goes on holidays. I know we're in a very lucky position but that's only because we can afford it. We don't go to super fancy places and always self catering but this year Ive was lucky to go on 4 Holiday (2 of them were just long weekends) and my mental health has never been better. One of those trips is our birthday presents to each other as well so I feel like I can justify it. We also go away in March and have done for the last 3 years and I can't recommend if enough. Id take that over a summer holiday. Plus prices are cheaper then!

I was rather proud of that one! We booked it as a package with BA when they had a sale on. Staying on I Drive, but even when you factor in the transport it’s still a bargain.

I had one night away last year for a special Anniversary. We have a needy cat. We certainly haven't been abroad since lockdown. I understand how you feel though. I used to love having mini-breaks so maybe have a long weekend in August instead?

If you can afford it, go for it. It’s great and will improve your quality of life. Doing more of something you love usually does! I go on 4-5 holidays of 1 week or more, then a few weekends away on top. I love to travel and get itchy feet if I haven’t been away in about 3 months or so.

Agree with PP, go for winter sun - those are always my favourite trips. I love escaping cold weather.

Only abroad once every other year pretty much, usually two or three UK breaks per year, some with husband's family, some just us, DS and dogs

Homeswapping is also worth considering to stretch your budget OP.

It’s great if you can afford it. Going away in winter gives you something to look forward to. We used to take multiple holidays pre-baby and pre-mortgage but now with nursery fees and mortgage we are struggling to afford one (even a local one). Usually we would go for one more adventurous holiday, one relaxing I’ve and a few city breaks. You don’t always have to spend a lot if you are flexible on dates for flights and stay in budget hotels.

I can highly recommend Morocco at that time of year. I spent six nights in Marrakech last year and it was extremely cheap (flight, accommodation and costs while there).

We have fallen into doing one week abroad, one week in the UK and then with other weekends away (overnight hotel trips, camping weekends etc). I need the change of scenery!

I also prioritise hols and winter sun above other things. Luckily I've no mortgage and bills low. I don't go out much or have any debt. Although I work for Pretty low wage I save each month. I don't get any benefits apart from child benefit.

Always have an October ht hol with ds.
Possibly December one too with ds and dh. Dh and I pay half each. Obvs it's cheaper as only 1child. Would be totally different if we hadmore children.

At other times i may go away alone or with a friend in term Time for 4 nights. Can get some v good deals

It’s up to you!

pretty reasonable if you can afford it/ want to !

I don’t really like going away for long periods- I’m not sure why really 🤔

however I have relented and we are going to Greece in the summer holidays

(personally I would prefer a new sofa 🤪)

however we try to go away every month for one night just me and husband ( this is a great thing that we love doing, and the kids are old enough to have a night at home alone )

this is a you do you thing !

I can afford a holiday abroad only every other year, so there’s that. As I’m a lone parent I find the organising/getting us to the airport bit stressful. I’m fine when I’m at the destination.
But if you feel the need and a mini break here isn’t enough (or costs the same) then by all
means have a second one.