to wonder what IPOAT stands for?

[Hullygully]

I have friends that go to Wales a lot. And they are always surprised when it rains.

A lot of people from where I live spend huge amounts of time in certain parts of North Wales because it's an hour or so away. People you'd never imagine in caravans have them parked up permanently just so they can spend every weekend and most of the school holidays in tin boxes with limited facilities with their neighbours

I prefer to get away completely

We used to have a camper van, but we always went south, and kept on going till the sun shone reliably. One hazard was the Italian men on campsites who wear nothing but speedos day and night and put you right off your cornflakes.

I went up that Snowdon once. No speedoed Italians there though.

Any Princess Margarets?

When I was little my mum and dad used put fit all 8 children into an Austin avenger and take us to a chalet on canvey island

That'll hurt Pag. You might prefer to hoik.

Yes, happy days turning blue at the English seaside.

Then they took us to Spain when we was 10-ish (dead posh), knew nothing of sun cream or mossies and turned us bright red and lumpy.

I did enjoy my first trips abroad though... 17 and flying to Majorca on a ' young and friendly' holiday. Should have been called something quite different I think.
I remember lots of drink g and snogging boys called things like Barry..Bazza.

I might go up Snowdon now there's a train. Can't see the point of walking.

When my mid life crisis started a few years ago I dreamed of a camper van. I had thousands on my ebay watch list and nearly bid on a couple. Trouble was that a reliable one was silly money. I had visions of quality family time. Now I realise that quality family time requires more space between us.

In retrospect it would probably be cheaper to have bought the camper van than to give up present career which is the latest manifestation

Yes indeed hoik. Autic correct does not like hook. Probably designed by some pert young thing unknowing of hoiking

"young and friendly"

I know

Jins, having deferred, do you think you'll go off the nurse idea like the camper?

I often feel like really thorough exploration of an idea is as good as actually doing it. And easier in the long run.

I don't know Hully. I could well change my mind again. Someone upthread told me to think about where I wanted to be in five years and that made me wobble. What I need to address is whether job satisfaction outweighs the fact that if I stay where I am then we can afford to do the things that make life better, like trips away and meals out and stuff.

I think that it's been a good exercise. I think I've sorted out where my priorities lie and I'm absolutely chuffed to bits that I got offered a place so therefore not on the scrap heap just yet.

How weird, have been looking at holidays this morning. DH called out as he left 'have a little look and see what there is'

It's a job and a half! little look my arse. I wish we had a travel agent near us.
I am finding it hard as we have decided to bite the bullet and do a package holiday that DD1 will enjoy. She got quite bored when we rented a villa last time. I am very nervous about suffering crowded hotels and noisy pools and everyone in my face. I always said no family resorts but I really think DD1 will love it. DD2 won't care where we are.

Gah.

I feel a little guilty for dreaming of holidays past, waiters bringing snacks and ice cold drinks while I decide between a facial or massage....

I am a selfish ol hag

If you're not looking for beachy sunshine, I've heard that Kinder Hotels are very good for children - you can have up to 60 hours a week free child care, and there are lots of activities.

Widow - you have mine.

What about one of those Sun holidays for a fiver?

Friends of mine went on them and enjoyed them. Honest.

Beri, that is vair vair hard. We have gritted our teeth through a number of those, and many a time done the agadoo doo doo in the eve for the dc's sake. Grim.

That would mean buying The Sun though, innit? I'd rather be a martyr

Thank you for link widow

Will have DD1 to keep hawk like eyes so it's more for somehwere to go where DD1 can join in with activities if she fancies it...and she is pleading for a beach.

this will be DH and I

Any chance of a quick break this year widow?

I know, but you could nick one out of the librbay?

Exactly hullster, you just know what it's going to be like....

hawk like eyes for DD2 I mean

We're going to the States in the autumn , but please don't skimp on the sympathy for the lack of holidays past

I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo (not enough 'o's in the world) not looking forward to an 8 hour flight with a toddler. Tell me it will be okay?

It will be fine, my friend does v long flights. Since children I have kept it to 4-5 hrs but honestly, it's fine.

Wrap little toys individually, take them out one by one. Let little one unwrap and play (just cheap little things) Mucho snacks too.