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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if you’ve had a nice holiday with your kids?

163 replies

sandytoes84 · 18/08/2019 09:27

Currently pregnant and naively thinking about lovely future holidays with child (children if I’m lucky enough to have another).

I feel like all I’ve read this summer on AIBU is how awful holidays with kids are and what a terrible waste of time and money mumsnetters are experiencing.

So I’d like to ask, did YOU have a a nice holiday? (I hope you did!) And what did you do/where did you go?

OP posts:
namby · 18/08/2019 10:38

I think it depends on the kind of parent you are too, if you're a household where the mum (or sad, or you) does everything then I can imagine it doesn't feel like much of a holiday for them when that continues, something I've noticed on here anyway. But we share packing etc etc so it's not a burden on one of us.

namby · 18/08/2019 10:38

*dad

TheEmojiFormerlyKnownAsPrince · 18/08/2019 10:40

I’d rather go on holidays with toddlers, than with teens with no wifi😖

Even though it said it existed, it never works properly on holidays

TemporaryPermanent · 18/08/2019 10:49

We were pretty broke for years so all inclusive or kids clubs were laughably out of reach, but a holidays with a small portable baby were fun (and showed dh what the workload actually was, bonus). Hokidays with a toddler were frankly hell though made much worse by kind but clueless grandparents booking accommodation that was actively dangerous. As soon as ds hit 3 and i got tougher, things improved massively and short camping trips were the big win. Again important to let go of previous expectations but at the right campsite, there's always something to do but nothing that really matters.

Now ds is 15 he's the best companion ever.

SlightlyMisplacedSingleDad · 18/08/2019 10:52

Just remember that some people are only happy when they're complaining. I can honestly say that I've loved every holiday I've ever had with my kids. Both when they were younger (with my then wife), and more recently as a sigle parent.

We've done every type of holiday under the sun. All inclusive beach breaks, villas, city breaks, winter breaks, UK weekends away - you name it, we've probably tried it. And every one is great, if you resolve to live in the mlment and enjoy the time with them. These days, my daughters and I (14 and 12) go away every opportunity we have - we will usually do 2-3 trips abroad, plus a couple of UK weekends every year. Because we all love that time together.

We are just back from Slovenia - 10 days in a house in the mountains with a pool, and a couple of days in Ljubljana. Loved every minute. Just be flexible with plans - we ditched some of the stuff we were going to do (white water rafting), because the girls just didn't fancy it in the end. And replaced it with stuff they loved - a day spent arsing around in Lake Bled was totally ad hoc, but proved to be the best day of the holiday. For me, that's the key - remember why you're there, be flexible, and enjoy this time with them.

And ignore the people who don't actually seem to like their kids very much 🙂

SmellbowSpaceBowl · 18/08/2019 10:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

katewhinesalot · 18/08/2019 10:56

We've always had nice holidays with our kids. There was one holiday where teenage ds at about 13, did a lot of moaning but we still had an overall nice time.
I've never understood the parents who say they can't wait for their kids to go back to school. I've enjoyed every minute. I'm now dreading the time when they don't want to come but a 19 and 17, it looks like they'll never refuse a free holiday. I'm sure it'll come though.

We've done a mixture of holidays over the years. Always manage to get some camping in too.

Hotels
All inclusive - great for teens
Villas
Eurocamp style - great for tweens
Butlins - great when they are small
centre parcs - great when older

CarolDanvers · 18/08/2019 10:57

Yes I have. I've loved it. I love having them home all the time and not having to live by the school run. I'd home educate them both if they were up for it. They're not Grin

DuesToTheDirt · 18/08/2019 10:58

House swaps are fantastic with young children. If you can swap with another family you often get a place with bikes, toys and games, garden swings etc. and the kids love it.

We don't do beach/pool holidays, never have, and we'd pick an area with things to do and see, whether that's zoos, walks, castles....

Only downside is getting your own house ready before your holiday.

HiJenny35 · 18/08/2019 10:59

You don't get to lounge on the sunbed reading a mag or sleep till lunch or have relaxed three course meals without checking they do pizza and mayonnaise however you get to watch faces light up at making a sandcastle fort and burry dads feet and crazy golf for the third time. Personally I love every minute but I'm one of those mums who love having my kids with me all the time and wouldn't want a break without them. I go to caravan parks (where without kids I would cry) because they love party dances and people dressed up as characters and we go abroad where we know there's a shallow pool and zoo close by rather then galleries. I have friends who prefer to have a short break without them than a family holiday, it's just what you prefer. I am going to be gutted when the holidays are over.

Ffsnosexallowed · 18/08/2019 11:00

I've never had a holiday with the kids which I haven't enjoyed - we've had them abroad since they were babies. I like my kids, I like spending time with them and do.

TSSDNCOP · 18/08/2019 11:02

Better than that. Last evening as we went for a walk DS told me he’d had a nice holiday with me! Winning at life today!!

Bananamint · 18/08/2019 11:03

I have always loved our family holidays. When my DCs were younger we would stay in a caravan in the UK or holiday in Menorca and have fun on the beach or around the pool. They are now in their mid and late 20s, working and own their own homes ,but still came on holiday with us this year(to celebrate a special anniversary). We have always enjoyed doing things as a family and we all enjoy each other’s company.Make the most of your holidays day time with your DCs. You’ll make many fun and happy memories.

Whattodo20192 · 18/08/2019 11:05

I have a 6 year old and we have brought him every year since he was born. His first summer holiday was when he was 11 months which was a tough age as he wanted to walk but couldn't, I've seen my sister bring her 4 month old which was actually easier because all he wanted was to eat and sleep. But so many happy memories to look back on.
Since then we've brought him on a sun holiday every year, he loves it and we love it. Yes, some challenging times but mostly amazing times.
This year we went sight seeing in Rome, he was 5 but again he absolutely loved it. He walked his socks off for days being rewarded with ice cream.
He has asd so we do face some extra challenges with travelling but we have managed really well.
We have a baby now aswell and can't wait to start bringing him away and seein

HJWT · 18/08/2019 11:08

@sandytoes84 I enjoy centre parcs in winter with DD, she is currently 3.

We also go to haven and she loves that, depends if you want a holiday for yourself or your child really if you enjoy it or not! X

Whattodo20192 · 18/08/2019 11:08

Sorry hit post by accident. Can't wait to start seeing the baby smile at the pool, the beach, going for walks in the warm sun etc.
Me and dh looked back at photos last night from the last 6 years and have so many pictures of our ds on holidays with a huge smile on his face

IWentAwayIStayedAway · 18/08/2019 11:08

Had the best time. Dreading everyone back to school. Although DC are pissed with me today as I've banned gadgets. Have them all tidying bedrooms and reading books. Evil mother lol

Jatindar1 · 18/08/2019 11:09

My son is two and a half so early days and no experience of school holidays but have loved taking him abroad for holidays and we have had a great time! He has been to Abu Dhabi, Greece, South of France and Disneyland in Paris. I found that a nice hotel (so you don't have to do any work and have good service) and being flexible were the key! Don't be put off, great holidays, even with toddlers are possible and lots of fun!

GillT333 · 18/08/2019 11:10

Love family holidays. They are different to pre-kids but not worse. Still manage some down time. When they were little, it was when they napped. Now they are older, they watch a film after lunch and we chill.

DefConOne · 18/08/2019 11:11

I love our family holidays. We’ve always camped or self catered as we like to have space and please ourselves. We have been reluctant to spend many £1,000s on AI as we would need more than one room and we’re not willing to go without all year to pay for one holiday.

We have been to lots of UK locations, France, Spain, Netherlands and Belgium. We mix up theme parks, museums, beaches and pottering round pretty towns. Kids have proper freedom making loads of friends and we can chill with a glass of wine.

It took us a couple of years with DD1 to see what works (she has ASD and is a poor sleeper). Now we know and always have a fantastic time without spending all the money.

PAWeddingGuest · 18/08/2019 11:11

Yes, had a couple of fantastic holidays this year with my toddler, abroad and camping. We talk to her about the holiday for about a week before we go, so she knows what it going to happen and we plan to do things that tire her out so she has a nap at lunch time which means we can go in the pool or read a book. We also keep her up late so she sleeps in. I also downloaded Peppa Pig on the iPad so she could have a little chill out if she got grumpy.

Userzzzzz · 18/08/2019 11:15

I think you have to lower your expectations and make things kid friendly. I’ve had two with little people. One at 11m (shit) and 2 (great). I’m not going away again until my youngest is on one post-lunch nap. The rhythm of the day just worked so much better for us the second time round. I’m sure once our toddler is older holidays will be fab as I think she’ll be happy with a pool and would thrive on kids club activities. I’m hoping my baby will be the same. My sister has had some lovely holidays with her older children from when the youngest was 5ish. The key for her has been all inclusive with a good kids club.

bruffin · 18/08/2019 11:20

I never understand the moaning on here about holidays with children here either

Never had a bad holiday with dc, even when they were little.
We did a lot of holidays at Center Parcs in Netherlands from when dd was 3 to 15, ds 5 to 17. Very relaxed holidays
Did a couple of holidays in Portugal when they were babies /toddlers and a few caravan/holiday park weekends.
DCS, have never been fussy eaters , so food never an issue

Our last full family holiday was 2016 roadtrip round California, which was brilliant. DC 18 & 20 loved it. Since then we've been away with one of them at a time , but that is only because it is difficult to get us all in the same place at the same time now due to work commitments, uni , their own travelling etc

SeriouslyEnoughAlreadyRantOver · 18/08/2019 11:21

I don't even agree you have to lower your expectations, just have different ones. You wanted to have kids, you knew life would be different, but it can be just as nice.

I have read people moaning that it's hard work, they can't stay around a pool slugging beer all day, or some who cannot go on holiday if they cant' drop the kids at parents or in-laws. Well, duh, why did they bother having kids if they are not looking forward to actually spend time with them?

Choose what you like and what will work for your kids.
Some people hate camping, others love it - there's no rule or wrong answer, but you have to book a holiday around your own family.

I'd be bored if I had to stay home!

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 18/08/2019 11:21

We had 2 lovely family holidays with DS 2.5, i enjoyed both:

  • a week at center parks
  • a week of beach in Cornwall.

However, I enjoy time with my son and don't expect holidays to be like they were pre kids! I'm not bothered about evenings out etc, we did lunch out and had self catered accommodation and chilled evenings in (I'm preg with DC2).

DS was happy as larry digging holes in the beach all day and being treated to ice creams etc. It reminded me of my own holidays as a child, I loved it.