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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to blow my savings in 3 days?

63 replies

Insanityismymiddlename · 05/08/2014 00:32

AIBU?

I have worked my backside off for the last 6 months to be able to afford to have a fun summer holidays with my DCs, I am working the majority of the holidays so have only been able to take 3 days off work.

I have £900 saved plus £1500 rainy day fund.

My plan is to get up really early and pack the DCs in the car (as a surprise) and just go spend the £900 find a cheap hotel somewhere and go to the zoo and waterparks etc.

BUT £900 is a lot of money and I only have £1500 for emergencies and according to my PILS I should save it and just spend one day doing something or book a real holiday somewhere nice.

AIBU

OP posts:
MorrisZapp · 05/08/2014 08:30

Have fun and spend what you like, but I think it's madness to drive off with kids and no accommodation booked. This will be a major pain in the arse.

Just a small amount of fun time spent looking at options will save loads of hassle and money.

Pyjamaramadrama · 05/08/2014 08:36

Yanbu to spend the money you've saved. But I think that you should definitely have at least a loose plan, or it could end in disaster driving around trying to find somewhere to stay. Also if you've only got 3 days you probably want to stay in roughly the same region.

What are you thinking, theme parks, beach? Where are you located?

sunbathe · 05/08/2014 08:41

I agree with booking the accommodation first. Otherwise your time will disappear with driving around.

Pyjamaramadrama · 05/08/2014 08:43

Just re read your op. if you're close to the midlands, Drayton Manor hotel is quite reasonable inclusive of theme park tickets and they have Thomas Land and stuff for older kids. Twycross Zoo is nearby too.

Twin Lakes is also nice and very very cheap and they have a waterpark.

Legoland is ok but we stayed in a hotel a few miles away as the actual hotel can cost hundreds, you can get a good deal online.

And don't forget there's absolutely loads of stuff you can do for free. There are some amazing parks if you're willing to travel with Lidos and splash parks, boat rides on the Lake that will cost you only the price of an ice cream and a picnic, and if you book a hotel nearby.

Hope you all have an amazing time but definitely make a bit of a plan or you could waste the days.

Scrumbled · 05/08/2014 08:56

yanbu to go away and spend it.

Your money will go further if you spend a few mins googling and book ahead. Turning up at a hotel could cost you £££££ more than if went through Late Room, booking.com etc

Hoseasons and Haven have late deals. We nearly went to one last weekend that was £119 for 3 nights. Seems better than turning up at a Travelodge and paying the same for one night.

PrimalLass · 05/08/2014 09:05

I would book somewhere tbh. When it was just us we would turn up in London off a flight from Scotland with nowhere to stay, but I would find it stressful now. If you book ahead you can find something great and know what you have left to spend.

mumtosome61 · 05/08/2014 09:10

Do it! I think it's a brilliant idea to create memories. I agree with others, have a look online for vouchers, offers and deals - you may be able to get a good, cheap hotel but do look. Even if it's two hours on the laptop, I reckon you can make that £900 go further :) Have fun!

MB34 · 05/08/2014 09:13

Look on eBay for cheap hotel rooms too-you never know what you'll find! At the moment there's a family room for 2 nights near Alton Towers in August starting at £58!

Perfectlypurple · 05/08/2014 09:18

I would do it but wouldn't risk turning up somewhere I would plan it. Do you have clubcard vouchers you could use to get in somewhere. Any idea where you would like to go?

Ragwort · 05/08/2014 09:20

Agree with others but do make a plan, and make sure it is not just about 'blowing money on the kids' but doing something that you want to do as well, it is just as important (or even more important) for you to have a proper break, don't be a martyr about thinking you have to spend money to keep your children amused.

And why on earth do your PILs get to comment on how you spend your money? Hmm

arna · 05/08/2014 09:28

Does this mean 5 days including the weekend so you can have 4 nights away? I'm sure MN can help you research how to get the most out of your budget if you give the dates and possibly the areas you would like to visit.

senua · 05/08/2014 09:34

I dislike the Disney culture of mmmmagical surprises. Why does it have to be a surprise. What's wrong with sitting down with the DC, planning, researching, deciding, anticipating? If you plan then they have a week or a fortnight to look forward to it. If you spring a surprise then you run the risk that they will wake up every morning wondering if today is another surprise day and being disappointed when it's not.

And YY to "having fun is not always about spending money".

ChoccaDoobie · 05/08/2014 09:40

I don't have anywhere near that amount of savings and I am treating Dd quite a bit this holiday. Not going into debt for it obviously but making the most of our time together. Go for it and take lots of photos so you can look at them afterwards and enjoy it all over again!!

ChoccaDoobie · 05/08/2014 09:41

Definitely get going on researching cheap deals though, might as well make your money go further if you can.

whydidyoudothat · 05/08/2014 09:48

YANBU, you should do it. It's what you saved for, you still have your rainy day fund for emergencies. Many people will spend this much during the summer holidays it's just that your spending will be condensed into a few days. Making happy memories is the best thing ever.

ToffeeMoon · 05/08/2014 09:55

Why does it have to be a surprise? Wouldn't they get more pleasure from planning and looking forward to a trip?

StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes · 05/08/2014 10:11

do it, you never know what life has in store and doubt you will ever look back and regret doing it.

Missda · 05/08/2014 10:12

My financial advisor says you should have 3 months wages in an emergency fund.

That said I think you should do something.

MTWTFSS · 05/08/2014 10:17

Do it, but please have a rough idea in your head what you are going to do! Driving around for longer than you have to sucks!

HellonHeels · 05/08/2014 10:22

Unless you owe your PILs money it's none of their business how you choose to spend your money.

Have a good time!

PorkPieandPickle · 05/08/2014 10:23

YANBU. Have fun! (But I would also do some planning to avoid driving aroud places that are booked up).

It's none of your PIL's business how you spend your money, (unless you owe them a massive amount of money or something) Just don't tell them any of your personal financial business anymore.

whatsbehindthegreendoor · 05/08/2014 11:12

Have you thought about taking your kids camping? You could spend a fraction of the £900 - including buying a tent that would be useful for other holidays. If you pick the right campsite, you'd find that the kids had plenty to do - you'd have a fab time - even if it was just for a day or 2.

4seasons · 05/08/2014 11:15

Just do it ! But do a bit if planning first so the money goes further and you aren't disappointed .

What the heck is it to do with the PiLs anyway ? Why are you even telling them how much money you have or intend to spend ? Do they tell you all about their finances ?

Have a great time .

soverylucky · 05/08/2014 11:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

fuzzpig · 05/08/2014 12:13

FWIW all I did when we decided to go away somewhere all I did was go on the premier inn map and pick at random (although we ended up going to travelodge instead)

Then I googled places to eat nearby etc

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