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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU to take kids on dream holiday without DH?

48 replies

helpmeplease2045 · 29/12/2016 10:55

I'm totally prepared to here I am being unreasonable!

I've always wanted to go to Hong Kong and since having cancer a few years ago have to admit I've had a bit more of a 'you only live once' spontaneous attitude!

I've found cheap flights and accommodation in Hong Kong and kids have ten days off in February.

DH very much not interested, would rather do nothing in February and I pushed could be forced to go on Europe city break (he muttered something about Berlin).

I have my own savings and Christmas money, I also work so would not be taking money out of the family pot.

AIBU to ditch DH for ten days and take DS 6 and DD 3 to Hong Kong by myself?

OP posts:

SheldonCRules · 29/12/2016 11:42

At those ages they will get nothing from it and likely end up very bored. It's not a place for a young child's holiday.

If you want to go, then book and go alone.

honeyroar · 29/12/2016 11:42

Hong Kong is my favourite long haul destination. There is absolutely loads to do with children. There is a Disney and a much bigger theme park called Ocean Park. There is a cable car across to the Giant Buddha. There are gorgeous beaches. It may not be that hot in February though, it definitely has a winter. Both flights are usually night flights and kids cope fine. I'd choose there over Orlando any day. You don't get as much jet lag coming home either. (I'm cabin crew and regularly do both journeys).

As long as your husband doesn't want to come I'd do it.

HolgerDanske · 29/12/2016 11:45

TBH I'd go without the little ones.

chipsandgin · 29/12/2016 11:49

I took my then 3/4 year old to HK about 10 years ago & had a whale of a time - tons to do, although we did have friends out there to visit.

However it wouldn't be my first choice of destination alone with kids - I'd go Thai Islands or coastal Malaysia, possibly Fiji or some of the South Pacific islands (dreaming here...). What is it about Hong Kong that appeals OP?

KeptOnRaining · 29/12/2016 11:51

I agree with most other posters. No issue going without DH, but 2 small kids, on your own, to Hong Kong - I doubt will be a dream holiday. I'd either go on my own or wait until the kids are older.

YelloDraw · 29/12/2016 11:55

I really dislike the attitude that prevails on MN that children 'won't get anything out of it' or 'won't enjoy it'.

How about spending some time together? Exploring a new park? Seeing new wildlife? Going for a swim? Trying new food?

Go for it OP. Some of my happiest memories are of on holiday with my mum.

To the PP who's 7 year old couldn't remember a holiday... that is extremely unusual for a 7 year old to not know what they have done. Did you talk to him about it afterwards? Look back at photos?

YetAnotherSpartacus · 29/12/2016 11:56

Go.. But leave the DCs with DH and take a friend.

ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged · 29/12/2016 12:04

Take the six year old and leave the three year old for a holiday with DH?

Yetanothernewyearusername · 29/12/2016 12:05

Theme parks are challenging with a 2 child to 1 adult ratio though? The 3 year old will be too small for many things and the 6 year old will probably need an adult on many rides.

CakesRUs · 29/12/2016 12:06

Could you not go alone or with a mate? The whole YOLO thing is right and sometimes you have to just go for it. I'm not sure two little ones would enjoy Hong Kong though?

SantasJockStrap · 29/12/2016 12:07

I think you should go. Either with the kids or not, but defo go - as just because your DH isn't interested, doesn't mean that you should revolve around him

Yetanothernewyearusername · 29/12/2016 12:07

Flying won't be an issue. I flew long haul with mine alone from 10 weeks old.

The only issue with long haul is that they tended to sleep and I never really did as they slept in shifts and if 1 was awake then I needed to be - so they arrived full of life and I was totally wiped out which wasn't good.

Shockers · 29/12/2016 12:09

Yello of course we looked at photos and talked about it! He enjoyed it when we were there, but he's 30 now and says he wishes we'd gone when he was older because he doesn't really remember it.

It's a big ticket, long haul holiday, so perhaps something to do when the children can get more from it and, while they're so young, spend quality time with them, without the jet lag.

BikeRunSki · 29/12/2016 12:18

Would it still be your dream holiday with your dc and nonothet adult support?

GloriousGoosebumps · 29/12/2016 12:22

We visited Hong Kong with a 5 year old many moons ago and found there was plenty to do with a child; everything from the Star ferry, their trams, a dolphin watch boat trip etc and our hotel had a swimming pool. There are also parks and playgrounds for when the children simply want to run around. If Hong Kong is on your list of "must do" holidays, then I'd grab the opportunity while you can afford to go because life has a habit of intervening and you may find you can't afford it in the future.

CharleyDavidson · 29/12/2016 12:24

If the children were older then I'd say do it. I take my 2 dc away abroad without DH as he doesn't like to travel. He doesn't feel left out by it as it's not something he'd like to do. But it's a lot easier now they are older and there's a chance they will remember the trips when they are older. I wouldn't pay big money for a holiday like that that the children would be likely to forget, and where are still actively looking after and parenting them at that age. My DDs are good company at the age they are now, and they are my companions rather than my responsibility now.

ShoeEatingMonster · 29/12/2016 12:40

10 days is too long in my opinion! Also what are you planning to do there? As someone said there is Disneyland but it wasn't amazing!

honeyroar · 29/12/2016 13:45

I'm a bit shocked that people wouldn't be able to entertain their kids for 10 days on a holiday. As previously mentioned there are lovely beaches, other theme parks apart from Disney, plus plenty of attractions they'd be able to enjoy such as the Star ferry, the cable car up the Peak, the Sampan boats.. Hong Kong can be as busy or chilled out as you like.

TheKrakenSmith · 29/12/2016 13:59

I've been living in Hong Kong for four months and I've not run out of things to do! Totally go for it, I'm gutted we only get a year here, it's definitely one of my favourite places in the world!

Original poster

helpmeplease2045 · 29/12/2016 17:18

Thank you so much for all your comments, they are certainly giving me food for thought! I will post back on here when I have made my decision. Thanks again!

OP posts:

Bubbinsmakesthree · 29/12/2016 18:30

I think you could keep a 3 and 6 year old entertained for 10 days, and have a good time - but would you get the most out of Hong Kong? Experience all the bustle, shops, amazing food, night markets? Would your children really appreciate it?

If it's really once in a lifetime opportunity go for it - but otherwise I would look at saving the money to make the trip in a few years time when it will be easier and more enjoyable for all of you, or look at different destinations for now.

Softkitty2 · 29/12/2016 18:37

Yes go. Do a macau sidetrip..

Softkitty2 · 29/12/2016 18:39

There is disneyland in hk you can take the kids too, so a bit for you and a bit of fun for the children. You can go on ferry rides to go to kowloon depending which side you are on..

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