Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go on a package holiday?

43 replies

BoobleBeep · 11/11/2011 20:11

I mean flights, transfers & food?

Have never had a package holiday before but never wanted one as when I go to a country I like to eat the food and not stay in a compound.... Fast forward and I now have 3 DC's and want a bit of sun without the stress of travelling, transfers & fussy eating/cooking.

I'm not keen on a high rise apartment block but something that makes life easie ron holiday!

AIBU???!!!

OP posts:
duckdodgers · 11/11/2011 20:15

You have a strange idea of package holidays if you think you have to stay in a "compound" - package holidays are just a flight and accommodation - go self catering if you want to eat out.

AnotherEmptyNest · 11/11/2011 20:16

you could always hite a car and escape explore around.

AnotherEmptyNest · 11/11/2011 20:16

Sorry ---- hire a car...

soandsosmummy · 11/11/2011 20:17

Do you mean an all inclusive holiday?

SarahBumBarer · 11/11/2011 20:19

We did it in May this year for the first time in about 15 years. As for you Booble, the difference was DC. Aspects irritated me but we definitely decided that package holidays and especially all inclusive packages have their place (in terms of budgetting and ease) once you have DC. I hate to be part of the herd and did have to grit my teeth a couple of times but on the whole we enjoyed it.

mumatron · 11/11/2011 20:19

I've been on some lovely package holidays. My dc love Protaras in Cyprus.

go self catering, there are loads of lovely restaurants. no high rise hotels, decent night life but no night clubs, pretty much every thing shuts by 12-1am

We're going back again next year.

SarahBumBarer · 11/11/2011 20:20

Oh and PS - we still had dinner out a couple of times but it is knowing that all the drinks and snacks etc are freely available so that you are not constantly putting your hand in your pocket which helps.

altinkum · 11/11/2011 20:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

StealthPenguin · 11/11/2011 20:25

I went on one when I was younger!

Aside from the fucking awful flight to Greece, with bitchy, unhelpful Air Stewards and a £5 charge for headsets just to be able to watch back-episodes of Friends that they had on a pull-down projector at the front

I loved every minute of it!

PrincessScrumpy · 11/11/2011 20:30

we never did them before dd was born but had a fab relaxing holiday in Majorca when she was 2 and actually want to go back there!

giveitago · 11/11/2011 20:31

Booble - I felt the same as you. I went on my first 'package' at the age of 36 and felt very lost. But once I'd given up control to the package (and it was hard) I enjoyed it for what it was.

But that was 8 years ago and I'd find it complicated to book another package - so just as well we're skint and can't do it.

So back to booking flights and accomodation etc all on your own. Cheaper but more risky.

LadyBeagleEyes · 11/11/2011 20:33

I travelled loads when I was young free and single, but never looked down my nose at package holidays. Since I had ds it was the most sensible way of travelling.
They are what they are, self catering is best if you want to get out and about but sometimes just knowing that all you have to do is get on the plane, and then everything is organised for you, makes life so much easier.

Original poster
BoobleBeep · 11/11/2011 20:37

Sorry I mean all inclusive Blush where do you guys go and where would you recommend?

OP posts:
rookiemater · 11/11/2011 20:43

Nothing wrong with going AI or having a hotel with entertainment. However you may find that its a lot cheaper to book flights, transfers and hotel yourself.

Very easy to do these days with the internet and having just finished a package holiday with Sovereign where the only way we could reach the rep was on an allegedly 24/7 mobile number ( does the poor girl never sleep?) which then turned out to be switched off when I phoned at 11.30am on a Wednesday, I struggle to see what tour operators offer these days that you can't arrange for yourself.

altinkum · 11/11/2011 20:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

rookiemater · 11/11/2011 20:44

TBH with 3 DCs you might find a villa more relaxing and probably no more expensive than a hotel, Villa Plus is good, if its summer holidays then the trick is finding somewhere not too stiflingly hot.

Laquitar · 11/11/2011 21:06

Is it really cheaper nowdays to book seperate flights, hotel and to buy your food though?

I must admit i don't know because we visit family when we go abroad but seeing the prices in supermarkets in Spain and Cyprus i think all inclusive deals are not too bad. A taxi from Larnaca airport to Limassos was 70 euros last August. Everything adds up.

Which country are you thinking to go to OP?

SarahBumBarer · 11/11/2011 21:11

We went to Turkey. Lots of history so enough culture to keep DH and I interested. Really good food and a very good service ethic at the hotel we stayed at in particular the staff were fab with DS1. We were near Bodrum.

I was quite sniffy about Turkey - bit too Brits abroad for me I thought but I loved it and have got over myself Grin

catgirl1976 · 11/11/2011 21:16

I have never been on one, but having children might be the thing that would change my mind

I am sure package holiday doesnt have to mean some sort of "brits abroad" nightmare. Do your research, use tripadvisor etc and I am sure you can find somewhere lovely.

Sidge · 11/11/2011 21:24

Depending where you go, All Inclusive can work out a really good deal especially if you have children.

The Euro is poor at the moment so AI can work out better than doing it all yourself.

We went AI to Cuba earlier this year - it was fantastic value and so nice not to have to think twice if anyone wanted a drink, or if the girls wanted an ice cream.

For me, now we have children, going on a package holiday is much easier. We've done villa holidays and AI and it's so easy to have your flight, accommodation, car hire etc all booked and arranged rather than having to co-ordinate it myself.

MindtheGappp · 11/11/2011 21:27

We went on a package holiday for the first time in 25 years of marriage this year and I was pleasantly surprised.

I have looked at brochures before but was put off by the rigid conditions.

I would say that if you find a package holiday that ticks all you boxes, then go for it.

mumdad2kidsandadog · 11/11/2011 21:28

Sorry for the hijack- Altinkum , you helped talk me into going to Turkey last year- we had a wonderful time and I'm looking into going again! Thank you so much. We stayed near Kusadasi but are thinking of going further South this time.

I used to think I'd hate package holidays but they are great with kids and all-inclusive really helps budget. We are not 'joiners' so don't go in for all the games etc. at the hotel and like to get out and about. A package deal doesn't stop you doing this.

Original poster
BoobleBeep · 11/11/2011 21:31

We would want to go somewhere pretty near, South of France or Greek Islands type thing without the price tag but equally don't want to stay in a high rise as I have a real fear of balconies with small children.

We thought about eurocamp but our friends went last year in south of france and said it wasn't really like being away as still had to cook and shop for food!

OP posts:
gordyslovesheep · 11/11/2011 21:33

We are going to Manorca in May - our first all inclusive jobby - mainly because as a single mum I wanted the kids clubs and hassle free helping themselves to drinks etc

Whatmeworry · 11/11/2011 21:35

Where do you guys go and where would you recommend?

I think if you keep away from the known grocklespots (wherever something like Club 18-30 goes) you are fine, just when you are there do your own thing. DH and I went to Zakynthos years ago, hired a motorcycle and explored the island and old town rather than sat frying in oil tanning on the beach.