To ask which destination you would choose?

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We're booking a last minute holiday for 2 weeks in 3 weeks time.

We're stuck between Spain (Majorca), Turkey, Corfu or Florida.

I've never left the UK, so I have no idea. It will be 2 adults and a 3 and 4 year old.

Which would you choose?

Having been to Florida 3 times, I don't think it's just for teenagers at all. There's absolutely loads for smaller kids, from meeting the characters to the kids play areas like the Curious George area. And there's loads of rides for smaller kids as well.
I was a teenager when I first went, but having my 3 year old sister there and seeing it through her eyes was half of the fun for me. Having been when we were all older as well, it wasn't quite the same. I think it's much better when kids are still young enough to be amazed by it all.

Honestly... with kids that age I'd pick the shortest flight and most convenient holiday. Which means:

Pool but gated or life guard.
Self catering with cheap local food - both shopping and dining (that way you can have simple breakfast in and eat out as and when).
Air con if it's going to be hot.
Easy to get around (really good transport, cheap cabs or safe roads and a hire car).
Things to do but not theme parks at that age (petting zoo, castles, beach, museums).

I'd probably go to Italy but I know the language and DD lives the food.

Florida

HarryDresden and Notevelstepmum Yes, or I would not have posted that. Hepatitis A, possibly B (Twinrix vaccine covers both), not Rabies for short holiday but advice re seeking medical attention if bitten or scratched by an animal.

Pollensa would be my choice with little ones - short flight, lovely long sandy beach, nice sea for swimming, shops and everything handy.

Were there last Sept., all adults, but lots of families with little ones on the beach.

Cackling here Faded. I generally visit Turkey 2 or 3 times a year and have never had any vaccinations before going and nor have anybody else I know. Surely only for the health anxious amongst us.

We’re going to Menorca at the beginning of June. We’ve done Majorca at that time of year too. The weather was great.

I’d do a short flight as is your first time so Majorca would be my choice, or Menorca which is absolutely beautiful and very family friendly.

Not on your list but I would recommend Lanzarote for a family holiday. Short haul but pretty much guaranteed lovely weather. There is a lot there aimed at families that is easily accessible by public transport. (Zoo, waterpark)

I’m really happy to see so many positives for Corfu as we are going there (Kalami) in five weeks and neither of us have been before.

Florida. Who cares if the DC are too small to remember it? You’ll all have an amazing time and take lots of photos to show them when they’re older.

For first time travellers long haul is not likely to be much fun. Especially with kids that age who are over excited and don’t want to sit still for 12 hours.

Florida. Not Miami though and you’d have to do either Disney or Fort Lauderdale.

Corfu. Always loved it and watching the Durrells recently has rekindled my love for it and I’m determined to go back soon. BUT it does make a difference where you go, pick carefully

Florida

Floruda

You’ll all have an amazing time and take lots of photos to show them when they’re older. They may be able to look at photos in the future that will show them their amazing holiday, but in the present day two very small children have to deal with long haul flights, jet lag and busy theme parks which are designed for older children to enjoy. All this costing at least double the price of a European holiday, which will be just as exciting for small DCs who haven't been abroad before. All they'll want is a beach and a pool - somewhere with some water slides etc and ice cream - Florida will be wasted on them!

Wouldn’t do Florida, long flight with little ones and you’ll have to drive everywhere.
Corfu would be my choice

Menorca or Majorca, probably all inclusive. Something like Mestral Lleibzig apartments. If you’ve never left the UK before start with something short haul and straightforward and very much geared for young kids needs.

Corfu, beautiful, very family friendly much cheaper and shorter flight than Florida which the DC will appreciate more when older anyway

Yes Hep A for Turkey. Many people visit regularly and don’t have any travel jabs but the risks are not negligible.

Also it’s not covered by an EHIC card so make sure you have good travel insurance.

My choice would be Majorca, I loved it. Corfu is nice enough but longer flight. I’m not keen on Turkey and whilst Florida is ace it wouldn’t be my first choice for a first foreign holiday or with very young children.

Oooh Puerto Pollensa with little ones, definitely
Short flight
Beautiful place
Weather not too hot for DC
Perfect destination with small children for your first trip abroad - you’ll love it!

I'd personally choose Florida, not too hot yet and like someone else said I'm a white knuckle ride fan. Remember though the theme parks are expensive, we paid over £600 each for a 14 day Disney and Universal ticket. Per day it's reasonable but it's a big outlay.

I don't get the 'too young to remember it' responses for holiday destinations with youngsters. There's lots of lovely things we do with our little ones that they won't remember, does that mean we shouldn't do them too? It should be about if they will enjoy it in the moment. I think a 3 and 4 year old would love Disney if that is an option if you went to Florida. My brother was 3 when we went and it was magical for him.

I have a friend who took her 3yo at great expense and it was the beginning of the end of her marriage.

IME mine prefers beach, pool, running around.

We took DSD to Florida when she'd just turned 4 and had an excellent time. She watched films and slept on the plane. We took a pushchair for her to nap in during the day. There were very few rides she couldn't go on in Disney, although Universal isn't as great with smaller children.