to think that holidays are just loads more ballache than they are worth?

[Lottapianos]

In Tenerife, supposed to be on a 'relaxing' all inclusive break. Have both got sunburn, been rowing, both struggling with depression, been drinking a bit too much coz its there, getting sick of the food and really quite looking forward to going home to chilly drizzle. I hate the expectation that holidays are a break and a chance to recharge and you're supposed to come home all perky and ready for anything. I wish we had stayed at home and had a week off work just doing low key nice things. And yes I know I sound ungrateful but I'm starting to think that 'holidays' as in a big production may not be for me. Thanks, needed a rant!

Have you tried taking a bus to the north of the island? There's some lovely scenery there, with good walking. And nice towns. Much less touristy than down south, and I bet the food's better.

Thanks Swannery, have stayed in the north before. I just want to go home tbh. DP is really struggling with depression and I'm feeling pretty shite myself. It all just seems like an idea of what should be a good time rather than an actual good time IYSWIM

And you have all that washing to do when you get back.

I hope it improves for you.

I'm not trying to pick a fight, i'm really not but FFS, since when has a week in Tenerife been a 'big production'? I was supposed to be going on my first sodding holiday since 2009 this week, but DH got the sack and we had no money so I had to cancel it. I would bloody LOVE a week in the Canaries. If you feel you're drinking too much, have a soft drink - if you are on ADs, too much booze will stop the ADs working effectively, its a vicious circle, so rein yourself in and switch to Coke.

I kind of think YANBU.

We don't holiday a lot.

But I get so much excitement and enjoyment planning the holiday, that sometimes I feel like I've benefitted from the holiday before we get there.

all inclusive in tenerife
sounds terrible

but try n make the most of it while your there
maybe knock off the booze and get out of the hotel

Aw i know how you feel
Depression is such a crap place to be in
It follows you around no matter where you go
Try tomorrow drinking tons of water fruit & salads
Soak in the vit D and swim
Play volleyball or rounders on the beach
Sun & exercise will lift your mood

I... can't believe someone is actually complaining about an all inclusive in Tenerife. How terrible for you to have to put up with all that sun and beaches and pools! Poor poor you.

Well at least now you know beach holidays are not for you.

You dont need to guzzle down the drink just because it is "free". If you can afford it go and eat out at one of the many local restaurants and have some decent food.

I do think with holidays you look forward to the good bits and totally forget there will be bad bits.

I hate airports, other travellers, transfers, the place being disappointing compared to what I imagined, the feeling of leaking money, the tiredness from travelling. I wish you could get rid of all of that side of it.

But I'm always so glad I've gotten away; it's the good memories which last. But I'm sorry you're rowing. Maybe a couple of days doing your own thing would be good. It's hard being around someone depressed and still have a good time (said as someone who has had depression and been with a partner with depression).

Maybe this kind of holiday just isn't for you? I know I'd hate an all inclusive. I'd far rather go somewhere off the beaten track with a nice beach with locals and lots of culture so I'm not sitting around too much dwelling on all the rubbish bits of my life.

Thanks for the supportive comments

Holidays can be stressful and tiring and it is expensive.

My friend told me the other day that she and her family are planning to have two weeks at home this summer. No packing, no traveling. They are going to make a plan with the children of what day trips they'd like to do and they're going to sleep in, get takeaways and play board games.

The conversation left me thinking... What a fantastic idea!

Watercolour, that sounds fabulous! I wish we had done the same and I think we will for our next 'holiday'. Sounds loads cheaper and loads more enjoyable

I know some people would give their right arm for a sun holiday but jesus, we can't all enjoy the same stuff can we?

Lotta - ignore those who are berating you. If you and DP have depression then it follows you to the sunshine like any other illness does.

That's true, Cate, but it means that it is depression that is a ball ache, not holidays. YABU to blame the holidays, YANBU to be depressed, obviously.
Puzzled about why you are sunburned, though. No excuse for that.

I often think that i would like holidays at home, just both of us to be off work and chill at home for 2 weeks.

But then i know if i do that i will start looking around thehouse finding jobs that need doing, the stairs, the garden, the gutters, spring cleaning... So holidays are good because youcan not do these things.

I was going to say YABU to complain as i would absolutely love to swap places with u having only been abroad once 11 years ago and desperately trying to afford a holiday with DH and DCs as have never been away on holiday together even before DC.

BUT depression doesn't give a shit where u are, that bastard stays with u regardless. I spent 6 years with it sitting firmly on my shoulders. A holiday will not fix it. I agree with other posters about trying to make the most of it and maybe push yourself to try something new while out there and have a wander out of your hotel etc etc

hope u can manage to enjoy your holiday x

They are going to make a plan with the children of what day trips they'd like to do and they're going to sleep in, get takeaways and play board games

We do that every weekend though
A change of scenery definitely helps !

Cover up so you don't burn any more, get outside and enjoy the sunshine, lots of walking and swimming, try some good local restaurants, get out to see the island. Go up Mt Teide, take some trips, don't feel that you have to stay in the resort. Tenerife is lovely, you just need to get out there.

Drinking alcohol helps when one's depressed.

Went out for curry and stroll with DP this evening and feeling a bit brighter. Going to make the most of the last 2 days now DP and i are getting on better. Those who said that depression doesn't care where you are have it so right. And please just sod off with the holier than thou comments about alcohol - I know its not a great idea, thanks geniuses. I guess we're both self medicating with it because it helps in the short term if not the long term.

I just think that for me, a holiday like this does not help in the way I would like it to

I hate all inclusive, I much prefer self catering as you can try all the bars and restaurants and don't feel obliged to stuff yourself and drown in the 'free' booze.

I've never found holidays a hassle, ever, but I know what I like and only ever book what I like which is why! Hope you enjoy your last couple of days much more!