AIBU to want a holiday?

[justponderinglife]

I really want to go on holiday but DH is not keen. We haven't been away since before our DS was born and I'm yearning for a break in the sun. I wouldn't mind a cheap and cheerful break somewhere (UK or Europe) but DH thinks this is being frivolous and we should use any money towards more home improvements (we have a money pit of a house!).

We both work part-time at present but will be increasing hours soon so will have increased household income. Will also qualify for childcare funding soon next year. So while things are tight things, the pressure will ease soon.

We split all household costs 50/50. We have credit card debt (from essential home improvements) but this is being paid off on a 0% interest card so is manageable. We don't have savings.

AIBU to want to book a cheapish family break?

We have a money pit of a house too but someone once gave me these words of advice.

Your children will never grow up and say “remember the time we got the new double glazing in!”

Since then my motto has been holiday every year. The house looks shit but hey ho!

Thanks for the cheap break tips - will get searching for good deals like those mentioned.

Have a look at the Amsterdam centre parks

Cheap flights plus the train direct to the place

Better value than UK

I think in your shoes I would trawl the net for cheap package holidays somewhere warm and sunny for a week. You might be very surprised what bargains you can pick up especially as you can travel outside of term time.

Life can be a hard slog and while I see what all the sensible people are saying I don't necessarily agree..
My dh is self employed and successful at what he does but like all self employed people cash flow can be an issue, and of course it is contract to contract.

On paper there are times when we should perhaps not have travelled but we did. And I can honestly 100% say that neither of us have every regretted it. Having had 4 or 5 days in a place that envigorates us (we favour city breaks) keeps us going through lean periods.

We have travelled a LOT and our dd has been incredibly lucky on that score and we don't regret a single moment of it.

I regularly look back at photos of our trips and LOVE seeing them and love having seen so much of the world.

We have a number of friends who have illness to contend with and life can change in the blink of an eye and instead of making us less likely to make time / funds for a holiday, it makes us even more determined - those memories are priceless for us

How much debt are you in

Have your bags packed and book last minute for the next day. So much cheaper.

Thanks for the tips, I had no idea there's a Centre Parc in Amsterdam! Will check it out.

We pay CC debt off at around £250 pm right now, but will up the payments soon.

I think DH and I differ on our view of holidays, in part because before we met, I travelled a lot for work and pleasure, but he had few opportunities to do so. So to him it's not something he was really used to doing.

So neither of you considers saving to be a financial priority.

How much is the credit card debt?

If you think DH is getting more of a say than you on financial priorities and spending, that’s a related issue.

We did save for years...and spent it on wedding, house and starting a family. And any surplus, well that went into the house.

We've had one splurge holiday - which was a belated honeymoon.

No, I think on balance there is parity in our decision making on the whole, but this is one area where he will always think one way, and I'll think a different way.

Are you going to go on holiday this year. I think you should try have a cheap break. It doesn't sound like you are in a terrible financial position. Most people are not going to have much spare money when they are buying a house and starting a family.

We haven’t booked a holiday for this year, no. Just trying to make the most of the good weather, the garden and some new experiences. Working on my finances with a view to getting away next year if we can.

Look into holidays not during the school holidays. We had cheap breaks in early/mid June and beginning of September before our child was school age. Usually you'll be able to find a cheap package deal for an apartment, flights, transfers, etc for around £200-300 pp to Spain, Majorca, portugal, etc. Jet2 holidays is your friend if you want a package deal. Or Skyscanner for flights and Airbnb if you want to book it all separately