To think that going on holiday just isn't worth it anymore

[MuggledWoman]

Once again, the night before we go on holiday and DS (20 months) is awake and crying. By the time we've got him settled that'll be no more sleep for DH and I. Which means we'll start the holiday tired. DS will sleep appallingly all week, as he generally does when we're away from home and by the end of the holiday we'll just want to be back at home because we're all so knackered. Not sure why we bother going anymore! Anyone else find holidays just aren't that relaxing now that they have DCs? Sitting in bed fuming right now at the prospect of a plane journey tomorrow when we're all exhausted already! Wouldn't mind a one-off but this seems to happen the night before we go away anywhere, even if it's just to one of our parents for the weekend.

Holiday to me does not involve any cooking on different ovens, I want to truly get away from all that stuff!

nkf I cannot say enough good things about cruises TBH. You drive up to the ship, give a steward your car keys and another one your luggage then you go through check in and security and make your way to the all you can eat buffet then go to your cabin a bit later to find all your luggage waiting.

The facilities for kids are amazing, incredible play areas and activities all day every day (they can go unaccompanied in kids club from 2 yrs-17yrs), there are various very age specific rooms for the children, night nursery for 0-5 year olds (yes their own cot/bed from 6pm-2am every night) which is all included in the price. Great for teenagers too as they spend lots of time with children their own age but also can have a bit more freedom than on a resort as its so much safer.

I could actually go on all day about how good they are.

We couldn't imagine doing anything else now, we go with P&O as all the kids stuff is included and drinks are reasonable. Someone like Royal Caribbean are fantastic but you pay for lots of extras!

Holidays with young children are hard work, but fun and exciting too. What it isn't is a rest for the parents

With older children there is all the fun of new and exciting experiences, and the chance to read a book or two as well.

I think you need to book a holiday that will cater to your children and for us anywhere with a nice pool is guaranteed to be a hit, which gives lots of scope!

We had a great holiday on the Dorset and Devon coast with our two aged 7 and 5 last week,had great weather though.We booked a farm cottage
with a heated outside swimming pool and the kids loved it.

We did take them on holiday when they were babies and toddlers but it certainly wasn't relaxing! Adding an early flight into the mix as well sounds like hard work.

Its not really a holiday. More like doing the same work but in a different place. But its always nice to have a change of scenery to be tired in

It is the constant vigilance of young dcs that is tiring . I think after about the ages of 3/4 it gets much easier. The prospect of going on holiday with ds doesn't bother new at all now that he is nearly 4.

For me, it all changed once they could swim. I don't make a big deal about sightseeing - that was pre kids and I'm sure I will do it again - but a pool is just wonderful. That's all they want. I remember once in Spain, it was all I could do to get breakfast down them before they were off to the pool. And then a few hours later, I'd feed them again. In between, I swam, read, chatted to them, swam read etc.

We stayed in this country until our youngest was 4 and enjoyed a few holidays on the south coast, really lovely times although theres no denying, with young children you take the work with you!
Ventured further afield to hot and sunny climes after this though and have done so ever since. The boys are now 7 and 9 and holidays are FAB. Even manage to read a few books now in peace, never thought I would see the day again!

I always think its better to drive (so that you can stop whenever you want to), which is why we tend to stay in the UK.

I like the freedom of driving too, also self catering, I love being able to eat out, have a barbecue, a picnic, whatever. Having one really fussy DC means that self catering is far less stressful than I imagine a hotel would be for us - we always self catered pre-DCs too. We don't normally do kids clubs, they go to those at home when DH and I are back at work, so no need on holiday, although I wouldn't say never to them. Our best holidays have been camping/caravanning and letting them make friends with the other children nearby while the adults all sit round a campfire with the wine.

cptart put it so well "with little children you take the work with you".

Once you get your head around that it's easier.

I'm sure cruises are lovely but they're not cheap. It's a bit like taking a nanny away with you - it's terribly relaxing but it's not exactly the same as the average holiday.

I have had a lovely time going with a load of friends and all our kids who become a tribe and it's very chilled because they hang out together and you take it in turns to be in charge of the kids.

It's much harder with younger children though - under 3s are bloody hard work wherever you are. Once they're over 3 and there are other kids to play with, you can have a bit more fun.

It's very unrealistic to think that holidays aren't going to revolve around kids though. The rest of life does so why are holidays going to be any different? I don't see there's any point in being sulky about it.

I've always cruised since I was young with my parents and we now take our DS each summer too. It seriously is the best holiday for children - we get time to relax as he is so occupied with the numerous different activities & the children clubs are fantastic! Really can't recommend enough!

This summer i will also be taking DS on my own to visit some friends in southern spain and i can imagine it to be a challenge - iPad is at the ready!!!

Oooh now then a cruise might actually be the thing. DW can sunbathe, DSs can wander around doing as they please but not actually off the ship and I can go and do a bit of culture when it stops at ports. Loads of interesting things on board too.

We don't drive and airports are a nightmare so maybe a ship is perfect. I used to work in the shipping industry too so I can't think why I never thought of it before.

Ooh morebeta, thats a great plan!

Cruisaes are not necessarily more expensive than going to a resort for 2 weeks, depends on how much you would spend on a holiday really.