Family holidays..

[Hawkmoon269]

Aibu to ask you all where you go and how much you spend?!

I haven't really enjoyed our family holidays over the last couple of years. We've hired a cottage and also went on a Mark Warner holiday - both in Europe.. 2 young dc.

Both holidays were exhausting, at times fun, at times stressful. Travelling to Europe (let alone further afield) with children is a schlep.

The holidays we'd really like to do seem completely unreachable financially. And I'm not talking about Necker Island - more like a really lovely hotel in France or a beautiful hired cottage in Devon. £1000 for a week is our total budget. I can't really get my head around spending more than that when there's so many other pulls on our money. Eg we need a new car in the next year.

I'd just like some inspiration I think - I'm baffled by "holidays" as my idea of a holiday pre dh and dc was flying long haul to stay with friends or camping in Cornwall! I've never been a fan of beach holidays but our dc just want to spend a week in a pool.

[Hawkmoon269]

sleepdodger You win the prize for most tempting idea yet!!! I know exactly where you mean... Going to see what deals might be done

[CocacolaMum]

This year will be our first family holiday since 2006 when we went to Florida. This year we are going to Majorca all inclusive and I think it was £3400 for the 4 of us for 2 weeks. I am not usually into the whole all inclusive thing and favour a bit of adventure but frankly we had the lump sum there and just wanted it paid for so we didn't have to worry about taking lots of dosh to spend while we are there.

I am so excited!!!

[RubixCube]

We do little breaks in the uk as i need to get my passport sorted out.I found it's better to privately hire a static caravan as you see what you are getting than to go through the actual parks themselves Haven,Park resorts etc oh and p.s We have always had lovely weather

[RivalSibling]

Youth hostels are good for short stays - you can get family rooms.

[JollyYellowGiant]

I agree that camping in France would be a good option. Keycamp or eurocamp would give you loads of other children and the facilities would be lovely. Not the space you get in a gite though.

[merrymuzzie]

I went to Bluestone - 149 for 4 nights, including buffet breakfast for all and children's lunch and dinner. We got a 3 bedroom detached lodge which was georgeous (and it only rained 2 days!)

[MissPB]

I feel your pain OP - I can't bring myself to spend much more than a grand on a holiday (excluding spends). Have a look at www.holidaylettings.co.uk - the prices are so so reasonable.

Also Have a look at places that are not typical for British holidays - Germany is much more reasonable than France - and they have fabulous pool facilities, lake swimming etc.

Good luck!

[rocknrollchicken]

We are skint but fortunately have a toddler and a childminder who is taking her holiday a week before the main school hols. I booked really early and got a lovely 2 bed cottage on the coast in Cornwall for £395 (the next week it rockets to £795!).
When i was a kid we never went abroad but were quite content with holiday cottages in Devon - I loved crab fishing, and quaint pubs and lovely beaches....even if it did rain most years!
Me and my ex went camping all around France pre child and we would def go back with our DD as the campsites were really lovely, had great facilities (even the remote ones) and were dirt cheap. I would never go to Disneyland even if I had the money as it looks like hell on earth.

[FiveHoursSleep]

When ours were younger we went on Esprit holidays and drove to the Alps for the Summer. We went for the childcare.
Now they are older ( 5-11), we do road trips and stay in villas or BnB equivalents for a couple of days in between drives. The kids really enjoy these kinds of holidays now :)