To be sad we're not going abroad this year

[Paraparanoid]

We go abroad on holiday most years. This year we just can't afford the 4k plus it will cost our family of 4. Instead we've booked week in a cottage in the UK plus a few nights either side in Premier Inns, so will be away 10 nights at a cost of around 1k for accomodation and allowing 1k for spends. DD (13) unimpressed and I admit I feel a bit worried about crap weather etc although have done loads of research on things to do to keep us entertained. I'm now worried I could've done better with our 2k budget and perhaps could've gone abroad afterall. It would be school summer hols.

AIBU?

Better for the environment if you don't fly abroad.

8 years we went without any type of holiday, days out or weekend breaks. We just couldn't afford it whilst renovating a house, paying for nursery and my job paying crap money for the hours worked.

We went abroad two years ago, and are going this summer. You can't do it all at once and have to prioritise. Absolutely nothing wrong with 10 days on holiday in the UK.

I'm struggling to believe this is genuine, since every teen I know would be earnestly petitioning their parents not to go on a holiday abroad (because climate emergency, natch). You know, since aviation is the biggest cause of CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases (along with eating meat), and the idea is that we are all supposed to be reducing our carbon footprint for the sake of our children's futures. Where has your 13-year old been the last 9 months? In your shoes, I would tell them "We're #StayingOnTheGround for your sake, sweetie!" Seize the moral high ground!

I’m not sure it’s easy to sort a £2k holiday for 4 in school holidays abroad (all inc or allowing for spends as that’s what the OP is doing).

Yes, I did try! We wanted a cottage/Villa as opposed to a hotel/resort as other DC has ASD and struggles with crowds. We also wanted more than a week. Friend has booked a week 3* AI in Greece in August for £1700 but I can't see ASD DC coping with that. Cottage is lovely and 1k spending money is being generous, probably will come in under and includes all transport, food, admissions & activities. Doing countryside/coast & a city. Caravan at Eurocamp is at least 1k for a week then have transport & spending money on top.

My kids 14 and 11, have never been out of the UK.

I'd love to take them (to Malta specifically). but I have very little money.
What is the best way? (I have not been abroad since 2001 either)
Can anyone on here who knows cheap holiday sites / AirBnB (never done this either) advise please?

(scuttles back under rock)

OP your kids should still have a good time, they might moan (as they all do) but it will be better than you expect, I'm sure. It's what you make of it and time all together is always a bonus.

Is there a reason why you aren't taking your DD out of school in term time or the last couple of days before a holiday? You'll get a £120 fine but it could knock loads of money off the holiday price.

I think people are being a bit harsh but you could have thought outside the box - ferry and lovely house in Dordogne with pool

I hear you, and would feel the same. The uk was lovely last summer but let’s be honest the weather is a risk. We’ve had too many holidays with toddlers where you put them in the car and go for a drive, with the rain lashing against the windscreen and not enough funds for daily entry to aquariums / theme parks. It’s a bit miserable. Give me guaranteed sunshine and a pool / beach any day. Totally agree with the poster who said they were miserable behind their windbreak!

For 2k I think you could have gone abroad - worth having a really good look next year for good value Airbnb’s etc!

Stripeychina-book a school time holiday and factor in £120 per child fine...you'll save loads!! Just try to avoid exams...beginning of July is pretty good!

Be honest with the school, don't offer exceptional circumstances (unless you can think of a good one) and don't call in sick-the sun tan gives it away and kids of that age will stick it all over snap chat!!

We’ve done Disneyland Paris a few times, a Eurocamp holiday, but my son said his favourite ever holidays have been Cornwall and Wales. 🤷‍♀️

‘Surely you can side hustle 4K’

Possibly the most fucking ridiculous thing anyone on MN has ever said.
Hahaha I’d have to sell one of my organs to get anything close to that. 😂

"I've only ever stayed at 3 or 4 star hotels buy have seen 5 star hotel deals going for 200/300 PP all in and for two weeks"

In the school summer holidays though?

I love UK holidays! I definitely don’t think a UK holiday is anything to be sad about. Our dcs love them too and it’s much better for the environment if you don’t fly.

Why has no one yet linked to these super cheap sunshine holidays where you can get bargain AI deals for the first week of August?

CoolCatKat
Yes well sort of, But overlapping last week or first week of school holidays or just before. Never seen a deal MID summer holidays. I have seen really really last minuit deals but it's one of them risky ones and if your willing to go next day. It's defiantly worth going on Tele text, ice lolly, global hoppers and there's plenty others. It makes me laugh as these big companies like Thomas cook, Thompson ect advertise the exact same hotels / rooms but for double the price

Even in summer holidays the prices from the companies are still alot more affordable than the main stream companies

Yes to Eurocamp! Last year we booked a Safari type tent (Dordogne) in August - I teach - for about £730ish. Cheap crossings and glamping! Ate out or barbecued every night, lots of pools, kayaking. DH,me plus 3 of our dcs (then 24,22 and 14). Well within your budget.

@mascarponeandwine

I booked my holiday on loveholidays.com
5 nights in Spain, breakfast included, 2 dc and I xx

Joliejoleen

Mum and dad always use them, there brilliant

@pickleandparty
They are! And you can pay in instalments too.

Surely you can side hustle 4K

OP, have you looked down the sides of the sofa?

We are staying on a Eurocamp site in the summer holidays. Flights £112 (x4) and accom £1180.
Booked the Eurocamp accom for 6 nights and spending the last night in central Verona in an apartment £120.

Easily done.

Have to add though that some of our best holidays have been in the Uk

Oh my heart bleeds for you OP

Some people really don't know when they've got it good.
There are people out there who don't even have the funds to take their kids on a bus ride to the park/beach.