To not know how to book a holiday?

[Blendette]

As a child under 10 we mainly went on camping or chalet style holidays. Then my Mum arranged various city breaks in my teens. Around 18-23 I went on a few package holidays in which you paid one price for holiday, flight, accommodation and sometimes food.

Now I have children of my own, I want to book a holiday but don’t know where to start. What I need is:

• a holiday in the school holidays (Feb half term)
• somewhere hot
• flights at decent times for children under 7
• a place with good facilities for children, maybe with a kids club for a break!
• not ridiculously expensive

Do these types of holidays exist? Can you recommend some websites please?

Is it better to do this than try to book flights and accommodation separately?

I need some advice please!!!

I still use travel agents, I find they are great, they know all the options available and take the stress away from you. My friend insists on booking her own holidays via the internet, she spends hours doing it ... and saves a few £s. I would rather delegate to the experts. We were given advice about a fab holiday from our local (independent) travel agent, I did check the price on line but it was no cheaper.

Google package holidays

Feb half term would be Canary Islands but no guarantees on the weather - we went a couple of years ago and had one sunny day.

You can try Jet2 holidays but they only allow you to search one area at a time. But you can filter by facilities.

Otherwise first choice are all inclusive and have specific kids hotels etc.

Sounds like you're after a classic package holiday. In your shoes I would go to a high street travel agent. In time you'll be confident enough to do it yourself online

There are still high street travel agents out there who will do it all for you if you need help. TC has new owner or TUI or lots of local independents.

Feb half term is expensive for hot holidays as it's only a week, so you can't be flexible with start/finish dates and if you go further afield you have the jet lag issue.

Easter is a better bet. What's your budget?

If you want wintersun, canaries Islands will be your best bet. Feb half term will be pricey though. Google search will give you lots of providers. Sometimes it’s cheaper to book flights and accommodation, sometimes a package works out better value. If you want to be covered by ATOL you have to book a package. Have you already got passports sorted?

Unless you are willing to fly a fair way and have a very healthy budget you are going to struggle with hot in feb. Canary island might be ok but we went this year at Easter and the weather wasn’t hot. Saying that I suppose it depends what you would class as hot though.. it will be hotter than here.

Travel agents are still a thing or we have booked with Expedia in the past.

I think Love Holidays have got the best search engine of all the travel companies. Would recommend you have a go on there and see what comes up.

If you’re on Fb maybe join a few holiday groups or perhaps ask for recommendations from friends and family?
I can suggest Family holidays with kids fb group.
If it’s this February half term the price/availability of flights/accommodation could be limited as it’s pretty close time wise.
I usually book holidays myself and find Easyjet good for flights and hotels.com for accommodation but obviously other sites are available.

I echo what others have said. Travel agents are the way to go here. Give them a list of what you want and leave it to them.

I live in a hamlet 3 miles from a town which has a travel agent. We book almost all our trips with them because they do all the leg-work. We have had package and tailor-made holidays with them, all of which have been great. I had a big birthday almost 2 years ago and they recommended a tour that we would never have considered. It was fantastic. When we got back they asked us to come in and talk to them about it so they could recommend the company to other people.

I love jet2 holidays. You can go on line and play about with the options, see what it would cost etc without any commitment (this is the same for any online company). The final stage before paying is entering passenger names so as long as you don't do that you are not going to book anything accidentally.

But be aware - it becomes addictive. Playing 'fantasy holidays' ie looking at options is one of my favourite evening wastes of time.

We stayed at the Royal Sun Resort in Tenerife, it was high enough away from the main town that it was quiet. Rooms were really big with large balconeys, amazing views. Swimming pool wasn't huge but big enough and had a toddler pool too. The entertainment staff were lovely (as were all the staff). Kitchens were well equipped with a small on site supermarket and a larger lidl 10 mins away. We went half board and the buffet food was massively varied and nice, definetly small thing for everyone.

WE went with Tui, with airport transfers, organised excursions with the hotel. However, you can book on your own and get a discount and they will organise transfers etc you just need to do the flights.

It sounds like a package holiday is what you need. It is easy to book online though Jet2 or similar or if you need more help in a travel agent. I would get a few brochures narrow down country/area then look inline and check reviews. If doing online google discount codes for the agent and you may get an extra discount.

It really depends on your budget.

Jet 2 is reasonably priced and has good package holidays I always look on there

Another vote for the Canaries and also for Jet 2, (here as I write just now, has been a bit too hot...)
Or also with TUI?
Maybe look at TUI and the Magic Life hotel in Jandia?.....or Robinson Club near Jandia - depends though what you are looking for

Helpful- fantasy holidays is my favourite waste of time too!

OP- Tui are great. Jet2 seem good too but you're restricted unless in North or Midlands for departure airports.