Should I go on holiday?

Youagain2025 · 2025-02-10T17:39:50+00:00

I'm loosely thinking about going on holiday. I have never been on holiday as an adult. I'm thinking maybe next summer maybe may or June. Not sure in that. Going would be DD 15, Ds 11, DS 10 and myself. That will be ages at time of travel. If older DS wants to come he will have to pay for himself. We would like to go abroad. Somewhere fun , family friendly. It have to be all inclusive. That is a must with no negotiation. Reasons is is saves the worry on budgeting for food . My life is pretty stressful and i feel like i deserve a break from cooking and cleaning up life in general. This would probably cost me at least 3k - 4k? Although I would like to do this I'm also thinking is it really worth it . I'm not in work and have children with special needs so income is not the best . I would like to do it if I can. But then I go the other way and think is it worth all that money

CarpetKnees · 10/02/2025 17:43

I wouldn't take 10, 11, and 15 year olds out of school, but yes, to answer your question, you probably are looking at close to £4K.
Plus, if you've not all been abroad before, things like getting passports, photos for passports, presumably they are going to need some new clothes (mine all grew a lot and they will need things like swimming cozzies and stuff they might not get much use out of at home.

I LOVE a holiday myself, and do think it is worth spending from my budget on the experience, but if you are not working, is that going to be within your budget ?

Original poster

Youagain2025 · 10/02/2025 18:00

CarpetKnees · 10/02/2025 17:43

I wouldn't take 10, 11, and 15 year olds out of school, but yes, to answer your question, you probably are looking at close to £4K.
Plus, if you've not all been abroad before, things like getting passports, photos for passports, presumably they are going to need some new clothes (mine all grew a lot and they will need things like swimming cozzies and stuff they might not get much use out of at home.

I LOVE a holiday myself, and do think it is worth spending from my budget on the experience, but if you are not working, is that going to be within your budget ?

I don't think i would take them out of school i think there's a half term in may or June. I'm not worried about passports I would get 1 or 2 a month. Not worried about clothes either .

Within my budget yes and no . I mean i would have to start saving from now. Have to do some juggling. I could do it just not sure if its worth it.

OP posts:

LittleRedRidingHoody · 10/02/2025 18:13

I think it's one of those things where it's worth it if you're not going to struggle with the cost. With children with SEN it may not go to plan and you don't want to waste all that money!

How about something in the UK? Butlins over that May half term is showing at £1,700 for accommodation (a proper apartment as well) and premium dining plan for 7 nights. Probably less if you wait for a decent sale and book it in advance (that's for this coming May HT) or look at the other sites etc. You can also do a midweek stay for about half that price.

May not be as fancy as some of the sites abroad but at less than half the cost, it might give you more peace of mind that you haven't used all that money if something goes wrong! Then if it does go well maybe you can look abroad the year after?

Original poster

Youagain2025 · 10/02/2025 18:24

LittleRedRidingHoody · 10/02/2025 18:13

I think it's one of those things where it's worth it if you're not going to struggle with the cost. With children with SEN it may not go to plan and you don't want to waste all that money!

How about something in the UK? Butlins over that May half term is showing at £1,700 for accommodation (a proper apartment as well) and premium dining plan for 7 nights. Probably less if you wait for a decent sale and book it in advance (that's for this coming May HT) or look at the other sites etc. You can also do a midweek stay for about half that price.

May not be as fancy as some of the sites abroad but at less than half the cost, it might give you more peace of mind that you haven't used all that money if something goes wrong! Then if it does go well maybe you can look abroad the year after?

Really don't want to be doing butlins . And I wanted abroad to be honest just for the experience of doing ot to be honest and its likely to be a one time thing. I'm not worried about the SEN I would manage.

I will think though

OP posts:

Nevergotdivorced · 10/02/2025 18:28

There are many people working that couldn’t afford such a holiday.

LittleRedRidingHoody · 10/02/2025 18:29

Nevergotdivorced · 10/02/2025 18:28

There are many people working that couldn’t afford such a holiday.

But the OP can?

LittleRedRidingHoody · 10/02/2025 18:31

@Youagain2025 I understand, it definitely gets a bad rep! DS loves it and we go every year, but I can always see why people might not be so keen.

mindutopia · 10/02/2025 18:32

If you don’t work, I wouldn’t be spending £3-4k on a holiday. That’s quite a lot of money and would be nice buffer for you if you don’t have it saved. A holiday abroad doesn’t have to be 2 weeks in Tenerife. I’ve taken my dc away for short city breaks abroad since they were little and have never spent more than £1k. You can have sun and some adventure and try new things and eat lovely food, but not spend every penny you have, which just isn’t sensible.

MiddleAgedDread · 10/02/2025 18:33

If you go at may half term you need to consider exam periods for the older kids. Your budget is very tight for all inclusive in a school holiday - have a search in jet2, Thomas cook, easyJet holidays, Tui etc for an idea of prices. If you go AI then you’re really resigning yourself to spending all week in the resort with only time for short trips out in the morning or afternoon so you need to be confident that will keep your kids entertained (and you, cos I’d be bored shitless sitting round a pool all day!!)

Original poster

Youagain2025 · 10/02/2025 18:38

MiddleAgedDread · 10/02/2025 18:33

If you go at may half term you need to consider exam periods for the older kids. Your budget is very tight for all inclusive in a school holiday - have a search in jet2, Thomas cook, easyJet holidays, Tui etc for an idea of prices. If you go AI then you’re really resigning yourself to spending all week in the resort with only time for short trips out in the morning or afternoon so you need to be confident that will keep your kids entertained (and you, cos I’d be bored shitless sitting round a pool all day!!)

My kids would love sitting round the pool . With slides play area etc . They have never been so it would be ace for them. And we could still go out of the resort though. Nothing is set in stone .

And yeah I know i would have to be careful with school that's why i would go in a half term . But I think i would like to avoid the 7 weeks holiday if I can

OP posts:

skippy67 · 10/02/2025 18:39

Nevergotdivorced · 10/02/2025 18:28

There are many people working that couldn’t afford such a holiday.

That wasn't the question though, was it?

pinkroses79 · 10/02/2025 18:42

I love holidays so I would try to go. I'm not a fan of all inclusive as I like to get out and about most of the time and wouldn't make the most of it. On paper, I've never felt like I can afford any of my holidays, however I have still made it work and gone regardless. No regrets, they are some of my best memories.

LadyKenya · 10/02/2025 18:42

Nevergotdivorced · 10/02/2025 18:28

There are many people working that couldn’t afford such a holiday.

Which has absolutely nothing to do with what the OP is asking about.

Original poster

Youagain2025 · 10/02/2025 18:42

Nevergotdivorced · 10/02/2025 18:28

There are many people working that couldn’t afford such a holiday.

There are many people who don't work . Who have other luxury such as a car , the cost of running a car . Nights out with friends etc . Maybe I can save up for a holiday. My first one in 30 years .

Or maybe I won't manage to save for one . Not really sure to be honest. I have not decided

OP posts:

Original poster

Youagain2025 · 10/02/2025 18:45

pinkroses79 · 10/02/2025 18:42

I love holidays so I would try to go. I'm not a fan of all inclusive as I like to get out and about most of the time and wouldn't make the most of it. On paper, I've never felt like I can afford any of my holidays, however I have still made it work and gone regardless. No regrets, they are some of my best memories.

See that's what I was wondering. I don't really have them type of memories with my children. And im thinking it would be nice .

OP posts:

Sadcafe · 10/02/2025 18:47

We all want positive memories for ourselves and our kids, if you can do it, go for it

cestlavielife · 10/02/2025 18:48

Have they ever been away at all? What kind of Sen? Do they each need one to one support?
Maybe try a weekend away in UK first see how they cope.? And how stressful or not for you?

Then look at jet 2 or tui and put in dates etc to get prices .
Will they handle transfers and airports? It s usually three seats together in planes will the older be happy to sit alone behind?

InMyMNEra · 10/02/2025 18:50

Absolutely do it. I’m always on a high for weeks after booking our summer holiday.

I booked this summer’s one last July. Me and the kids (teens) even have a timer

As long as you’re not putting yourself into debt, do it. I think it sounds like you and the kids deserve it

user1471554720 · 10/02/2025 18:56

Nevergotdivorced

But the OP NEVER had a holiday. If she waits til all vhildren are grown, she will be 10 years older and something else could happen to prevent her from going. Look ar what she has saved through never having a holiday.

I was 25 going on my first holiday, having been working since I was 15. If someone told me postpone or 'it is too dear' I would never go. A holiday will always be 'too dear' and 'a waste of money'. It depends on how strongly you want to go and what you are willing to cut back

Jen596 · 10/02/2025 18:59

I think every kid should have the chance of going abroad if possible (I never did). I would say fuck it and take them if you can and aren't going to get into debt. They're all at an age where they'll probably remember it for the rest of their lives.

SushiSheep · 10/02/2025 19:08

@Youagain2025 if you book through a company like jet2, you have the option of paying in instalments so that will let you budget more effectively?
The earlier you book, the better deal you get plus more time to pay off the holiday, so the instalments will be smaller amounts if you see what I mean.
Have a look, you'll probably find somewhere to suit.
Good luck 🙂

Original poster

Youagain2025 · 10/02/2025 19:09

cestlavielife · 10/02/2025 18:48

Have they ever been away at all? What kind of Sen? Do they each need one to one support?
Maybe try a weekend away in UK first see how they cope.? And how stressful or not for you?

Then look at jet 2 or tui and put in dates etc to get prices .
Will they handle transfers and airports? It s usually three seats together in planes will the older be happy to sit alone behind?

Autism. Im not worried about that to be honest. I would manage.

I'm wondering if I did decided to do it would I be better to actually book and then keep paying it off . Or should I save it in my bank account and then pay once I have saved enough ?

OP posts:

Sallysoup · 10/02/2025 19:13

Go for it OP if you can make the budget work. Yes holidays with kids can be hard work but so is 15 + years of parenting through miserable British summers! You deserve some sun and sand after that!

FunkyMonks · 10/02/2025 19:13

Hi Op we done Spain last year in May I did take my two out of school for the week and all inclusive in Benalmadena in Spain it was lovely and for the four of us was just under £3k for a week.

Also passports you would need to factor in costs for them which is on the Gov website.

Clothing you could look at sites like vinted/ebay to kit you all out ideally look in winter months for summer clothes much cheaper than trying to buy them in the right season.

You would still need to take spending money and get holiday insurance incase one of you needed medical care.

If you look at easy jet, jet2 or even Tui they all allow you to pay deposit and then pay it all off a month before you go so you can pay off in instalments.

I do however work, but have an autistic DS last year was our first family holiday abroad, airports help if you let them know in advance that one of you needs assistance so you can sit in quiet areas skip the major lines and use disabled lines for security checks which these things can help.

Bjorkdidit · 10/02/2025 19:20

You're right to think about whether it is worth it. What if they don't like the food because it is different to what they're used to? What if the resort is too rowdy? What if they don't like the heat and having to wear sunscreen every day?

As to paying/saving you could save up and then see if there are any last minute deals. Or maybe if it's not looking achievable by May, keep saving and look at October half term or late August instead?