What is the best and worst holiday that you have been on?

[worldshottestmom]

Hi. Plane virgin here. Thats right, I've never left the UK (pity me). I am thinking of taking the plunge and taking my kids on holiday abroad next year, for the first time ever for all of us! 'Terrified' doesn’t quite cut it.

Despite my fear of flying (heavily instilled into me by my mother, who is phobic of planes) I don't want to hold myself back and die only ever having been in the UK.

But now the question is, where do we go? I'm thinking of somewhere that's only a short distance away for the first time (probably Spain), but if it goes well, will be looking to travel further in the following years.

So, what was your most and least favourite holiday that you've ever been on?

Bonus question: if you've ever been to Spain, where would you recommend taking 2 kids to within Spain?

My first holiday abroad with the children was the first time on an aeroplane for all of us. It made it extra exciting being a first for us all. We went to Corfu and that holiday made Greece a life long favourite with us all and we return frequently,we still have many of the islands to discover.

I love Spain. Ibiza out of season is my favourite, but loads of good places. Kids loved Gran Canaria. Best summer holidays probably Taormina, Santarini, Halkidiki, Antigua. Best holiday overall, Tokyo.

Definitely Mallorca or Menorca. Maybe you should do a weekend trip by yourself somewhere first, just so you know what it feels like in an airport, plane etc so when you go with the kids you'll have a better idea of what to expect, and any nerves won't rub off on them.

French/ German/ Italian holidays have all been my favourites.

Barcelona definitely the worst!

I love Lake Garda in Italy. I went for the first time when my daughter was 2, and last went when my 2 children were 10 and 13. There is lots to do in the area for adults and children. We stayed in a Eurocamp, which is fantastic with children as you are not all in 1 hotel room and there are great facilities on site. We stayed here. Lovely site and affordable. Italia www.eurocamp.co.uk/campsites/italy/lake-garda/bella-italia-campsite?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=17989237806&cq_con=143533602121&cq_term=eurocamp%20bella%20italia&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17989237806&gbraid=0AAAAADrGI_G8z-Z7pf7FQIhyBmGhq2fv5&gclid=CjwKCAjwyYPOBhBxEiwAgpT8P9nndk2jy859bJIn2RgcXQsZ9wiWvwbggVlH4iUNlfF_vBiSHoH2cRoCRMIQAvD_BwE

I’m glad I’m not the only one that has a ritual when flying. Mine is kissing my fingers and touching the side of the Plane just before boarding and asking it to please get us there safely and on the return journey I do the same again but ask it to please get us home safe. I’m sure people probably think I’m nuts but I don’t care

How old are the kids? I think that's quite an important factor. You probably can't go much wrong with Majorca, Portugal or a Greek island (bearing in mind that some Greek islands are closer to the war in the Middle East at present).

It really depends on what you like to do. Spain is definitely an easy option for a first timer though.

My favourite place in Spain is Menorca, a lovely little island, we hired a car and travelled around during the day with our then 1 year old. Everywhere is VERY child friendly, so perfect for children.

I personally don’t rate Lanzarote. It is very volcanic looking and I didn’t find it as appealing.

But my personal favourite place to go is Crete. It’s beautiful, there is so much to see and do. A slightly longer flight of around 4 hours though. Everyone is so friendly and again it is also very child friendly depending on where you go. We went to Hersonissos. Lots to see and do, beautiful scenery. (Not sure how old your kids are?) but I would 100% recommend hiring quad bikes and travelling around that way. Obviously we went before we had our children.

Best holiday: three week road trip to National Parks in the US.

Worst holiday: bank holiday weekend to Forest Holidays last year. Weather was terrible and it was so overpriced for what it was 😔.

Have you considered Torremolinos? I went last August for the first time since I was a child and it’s is lovely. Very close to Malaga airport too so an easy transfer and lots of taxis available. Malaga airport is large, though, and may be a bit overwhelming for your son. (I have an autistic 7 year old and he did well there, though.) Make sure you ask for the special assistance at the airport for your son as it is a big help, and some UK airports have sensory rooms you can book too.

op, What type of things do you like doing on holiday? I know you’ve never been abroad, but you have been on holiday in the uk, right? Did you stay in busy places or little villages? In big hotels or a a remote cottage? Do you enjoy doing stuff during a holiday or prefer just staying put? Is your family into theme parks, busy swimming pools etc or more a quiet beach? Are you into cultural stuff (museums) or petting zoos?

what I’m noticing is you’re writing a lot about typical resort type locations. These tend to be very crowded and busy in the summertime. But you also mention your kid does not cope with crowds. You’re also worried about the heat. South Europe gets VERY hot in the summer. Based upon what you’re writing I think something like Denmark would suit you better. It’s very child friendly, but calm and not crowded. And has a nice moderate climate in the summer.

Im Scottish and some of you are being really rude and insulting re the Highlands. Please remember there are Scottish people on here. The highlands are breathtaking and there is plenty to see and do, but obviously not for you if you want consistent stunning weather and laying by a pool

Best: Florida, Italy, some parts of Spain (Nerja, Mijas), most European cities

Worst: Torremolinos (Spain)

The best was Costa Ricaa the worst was Bermuda where it rained every day and everything was wildly expensive with 17.5% added to everything. Went to pay the bill and they added over a grand for room laundry, I’ve never felt so ripped off in all my life.

It is worth narrowing down what sort of holiday you’re looking for and what you like doing. Some people may want a Brits abroad holiday, some may want to go and see ancient ruins.

Then once you’ve narrowed down what you’d like, factor in the time of year and ideal weather.

Agree and a strange reaction from some. Surely no one booking a holiday in the Scottish Highlands expects constant perfect weather?
Anyway, one of my favourite holidays of all time was in the Oban area with day trips to the Isle of Iona etc. The scenery was breathtaking. And I have been to many places around the world.
Abroad I would recommend Mallorca (east and north of the island) and Greece, especially Crete.

Op, you should give this guy a follow - he does loads of content to help with a fear of flying.

https://www.instagram.com/flyman_simon?igsh=MWZnOTR1NDJmMXpoeA==

Worst was easter in Norfolk. Absolutely freezing and in the middle of the foot and mouth restrictions so lots of country walks were off limits.

Close 2nd worst was wales with the inlaws in 2014. I spent a lot of time crying and counting down the days until we could go home.

Best was cornwall in may half term 2000.

2nd best was center parcs 1997

Best: Los Angeles and Las Vegas 10 years ago with our sons when they were 19 and 16, it was a really fun holiday.

Worst: Lanzarote (pre kids). Our apartment was broken into the first night we were there while we slept. We had arrived very late, just unpacked valuables, ie passports and money, into the room safe and woke up to find items had been taken out of our bags which were in the bedroom with us. No forced entry and a number of apartments on the complex had also been broken into overnight in the same way. Spent much of the first day at the police station in a huge queue of holidaymakers from all over the area who were also reporting crimes.

It’s canaries for 4+ hour flight but Spain/portugal 2+ hours. I’d start off there. Check out love holiday you can pay off on it. I take my kids by myself every year for years. There’s camping resorts in salou people swear by but they’re a drive/taxi ride into town areas or you could just do the main area instead. Look up port aventura it’s great for kids. Regardless of where you choose if you’d prefer a hotel or apartment I’d advise you sticking within 10 min walking distance, some people fail to check accommodation location to where all the bars/restaurants are in the main area of destinations and end up having to do a 30+ min walk in the hot sun with kids or pay for taxis. Do your research first. I never book travel agents I always book flights first as that’s where the cost lies and the hotells/appartments dont change prices so focus on the dates of flights first then worry about accommodation again, I usually use booking.com. But live holiday is great I’ve never had issue, I just can’t use it now with travelling alone with too many kids as it has to have at least 2 adults 😂

Also my youngest is non verbal ASD & GDD so massive flight risk and eloper. I’ve travelled alone with him and rest of kids for the past 4 years, I’d massively advise a n apartment over hotel room that doesn’t have kitchen facilities and DEFINITELY make sure you have aircon. Your typical daily schedule goes out the window on holidays btw so likely be having dinner round6pm instead most nights. Also the accommodation food never seems to be as nice as restaurants in main areas so unlikely be mainly eating at accommodation. Even if it doesn’t have a kitchen make sure it’s got a fridge, the cold drinks especially with air on during the night are a must 😂 I always go for private villas be my sons a menace to watch so hard to relax when he’s picking up other peoples stuff or laying on their subbed or trying to steal their towels because he’s taking a fancy to the design on them 🤣 I’m sure you’ll be fine in apartment though especially as OH travelling with you and only 2 kids. Do not leave without a buggy for them both though and you’re also allowed another child item wa h like car seats if needed but you can hire them there. I take my sons travel car seats it’s thin and compact but I need it for the plane otherwise he’d keep climbing out of his seat as the belts won’t hold him from moving.

I’ve got autistic DC and we have found Eurocamp style or apartments by ferry or Eurostar have worked well for us. We need separate bedrooms and the DC couldn’t cope with communal eating every day so AI/half board is out.

Pre DC my favourite holidays were Ecuador with the Galapagos, self driving round Morocco and Iceland.

Worst was Ireland as a student. It went from torrential rain to scorching heat, public transport was rubbish and it cost a fortune. Was underwhelmed by Dublin.

Most of our holidays with DC have been great. A mix of city breaks, theme parks, Eurocamp and a couple of foreign Centre Parks. We managed to drive all the way to Garda and had a fabulous road trip a couple of years back.

I always found self catering was easiest with young kids. Ef breakfast as soon as they need it. (I enjoy foreign bakeries and supermarkets too which helps) In a resort, some of the more casual food places are likely to be open all afternoon so you can pick your schedule to suit your family

Depends when your DS turns 5 but you can take them out until the end of the term they turn 5 without any issue as they don't have to technically be in school and schools don't have to mark them as absent (took my son to Lanzarote for a week 2 weeks after he turned 5 just before the easter holidays) and was nice and quiet and school just told us to have fun and enjoy

Best - hard to pick, long haul Disneyworld florida and Mexico but in Europe we loved Portugal and Crete. Worst - Gran Canaria, it just felt a bit devoid of culture and there were so many British people there, we stayed in a lovely little town but it just wasn't our bag.
If you don't like flying, you can get the car ferry to Santander in Spain, we did it as kids and it was super fun sleeping on the boat. Or train to France, we then got the TGV train down to Arcachon on the French coast and it was beautiful, lovely little town, stunning beaches, lots for kids to do and French food and wine are fab. Amazing weather every time we have visited too. The train was only a couple of hours each leg and they're very well run, air conditioned, clean etc.
I'd suggest Mejorca/Menorca or the Algarve in Portugal if you definitely fly - we liked both and a really nice mix of friendly, tourist attractions, easy to get around but still beautiful with lovely scenery and a bit of culture/history to bring it to life and feel unique.

Agree, I absolutely love Scotland for a holiday, we wake up super early and drive up which feels really freeing compared to getting to an airport for a fixed time, and there's so much to see and do for active/adventure people. My son loves seeing the wild animals and scenery, we saw red squirrels on our last trip. It's just a different kind of holiday. Also absolutely love Edinburgh for a city break, we've had lovely trips there and around the border.

With kids I enjoyed all the Balearics tbh. They all have lovely resorts.

Cala Galdana was a favourite in Menorca, the beach is lined by a pine forest and the sea is so shallow and calm as it’s a sheltered bay. Porto Pollenca is my fave in Majorca - lovely promenade and not too built up.