Dreaming of going abroad for a month with dcs

[dreamingofdoncaster]

It's been three long years since leaving the UK. I know that's first world problems but I have family abroad and went on a plan at four months so, to me, it's part of life.
I am also concerned about climate change so would rather go for a longer period by boat if I can. I've just looked and there's some very reasonable houses to rent on Air bnb for a month (August) plus either in Spain or Portugal. I speak some Spanish but the kids don't do would be a good experience for them to be immersed. Portuguese would be even more of an immersive experience for us all.
I'm aware it will be hot!
Concerns are will we find enough to do out there for a month if not near a big city. Also renting a car, will I be confident enough to drive? Will we feel tied to the accommodation and feel we'd rather move around? My original goal was to camp and move around campsites of Europe but it seemed like so much planning!
Another is leaving DP behind, seems unfair but he won't be able to get the time off and isn't very adventurous. Mil who we see often will also be distraught!
I'm just so very tired of the crappy weather, three hour drive to the beach, £1500 holiday cottage for a week of rain, thinking what to do every day of the school hols, childcare rota so I can work, play dates where they sit on screens and not feeling refreshed!
Anyone done anything similar?

@MarleneDietrichsSmile he wouldn't to be honest, he finds travelling very stressful for mh reasons.

Galicia is wonderful - check out the absolutely stunning Cies Isles for a day trip/camping trip - Roda beach is amazing. Santiago de Compostela is lovely (but can be very crowded in the summer) hot springs in Ourense, Fragas de Eume walk up to the monastery, walled town Lugo. We always hire a car - depends how you feel about driving on the other side of the road though.

Where ever you go I would make sure there is a pool available and get some inflatables, that way there is always something for the kids to do and they will have a great time.

It sounds perfect I would do it in a heartbeat. San Sebastian would be lovely. Be careful with the heat in other parts. Last summer we had an enforced stop in Greece for 12 days on our way back to see family in the UK (we live overseas and were on the red list). As a family we are very used to heat, making the best of outside ect. But the weather was so extreme we couldn’t do anything by foot. We tried walking to the beach at 7pm for ice cream and the kids could barely make it there and back. Luckily we had aircon in the Airbnb and a swimming pool. If you end up in a hotter place pick your Airbnb carefully. In terms of driving on the other side of the road. I always find it terrifying at first but get used to it. You can’t go on autopilot and just have to keep reminding yourself. I would take lots of board games (card games), toys and you will be fine. Sounds idyllic

Can definitely recommend San Sebastián with children, we went this summer and I could definitely have spent a few weeks there. You can take the car ferry (expensive but means no long drive or car hire if you take your own) from Portsmouth to Santander then it’s just an hours drive. There’s also great surfing towns by Santander with surf schools so could split the trip between city and surfing.

Do it! I have done it with my DC and DH joined us for the last 10 days.

We went a bit further north as I don't like the heat, so maybe if you go Spain try the Atlantic coast or some altitude for relief from the heat.

DC were joung enough to be happy with a garden, playground, bikes and then odd bus or train ride for a change of scenery.

We went to San Sebastian in July a few years ago and I was surprised by what a busy place it is. I'd been expecting a laid-back beach town, but it's quite a busy city with lots of traffic and a one-way system that we found difficult to navigate. It was a nice place though with a charming old town, lots of lovely shops and restaurants and a huge, sandy beach, a little amusement park and an aquarium. We also really liked Bilbao and our DC enjoyed it too. They are in the Basque region though, not Galicia, which is west of Bilbao.