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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To cancel our holiday?

68 replies

Chantin · 02/05/2022 23:04

We booked a 5 night all inclusive trip to a European beach resort in 2019 for the following year- after being re-booked several times we are now due to go next month. Only now DH and I will also have a 5 month old in tow…

The holiday has long since been paid for but now we are facing additional costs.

Baby’s passport has not been processed despite sending off for it months ago- I have been stressing about this and we may be able to ‘upgrade’ application to get before we fly but calls seem to be coming to get the passports the day before flight and is going to cost us £100+.

Boots has suspended click and collect at its airport branch so now we are going to have to take check in luggage for formula milk- extra £100. Manchester airport yet again does not look pleasant to be travelling through with a baby.

Once we are there we won’t have use of a kitchenette so are going to have a bit of a faff preparing her bottles and relying on ready to feed.

A caravan holiday in Cornwall the same week would be £250- so same as these additional costs and without stress of fighting passport office, getting through airport etc, would have a kitchen to prepare milk, can Jack it in and go home if baby is having a rough time with her teeth…

However this will be our last chance for a while to have an abroad holiday- we won’t be able to afford it when I’m working part time after May leave- it will be UK caravan by financial necessity- so it makes me think we should go for it.

We could be sat wet and miserable on a caravan wishing we were sunning ourselves…

We won’t see the money back for the beach holiday either way but trying not to think about the sunk costs. WWYD?

OP posts:

newbiename · 04/05/2022 06:36

Blondeshavemorefun · 03/05/2022 16:11

15kg is £30 each way so £60
23kg is £40 each way so £80

just checked our flight and figures above

uou will only need a 15kg

All airlines and all flights are different.
I've paid various amounts on different routes at different times.

Pinkmagic1 · 04/05/2022 06:49

Decant the formula into sandwich bags. Takes up much less room than bulky tins. You can also use a local brand of formula if you run out. I did this when my 2 were babies and they were fine.

Bunnycat101 · 04/05/2022 07:13

To be honest I think you were pushing your luck just taking cabin bags anyway so I’d see the £100 as a cost you should have probably gone for. You’ll need ten tons of sun cream for the baby, toys etc to make your stay easier. I took 2 weeks of ready made formula out once but I had an 11m old so 5 days worth for a younger baby is probably the same amount. It wasn’t that much of a pain to take out and if you haven’t got decent facilities I’d be much happier with readymade than risk preparing power incorrectly.

Blondeshavemorefun · 04/05/2022 07:26

Bunnycat101 · 04/05/2022 07:13

To be fair they booked as 2 adults for 5 days fi

they didn’t need a suitcase

dh and I have done just hand luggage for a long weekend when was just us

clothes. Toiletries. Book. Shoes. Done

LightningAndRainbows · 04/05/2022 07:46

We could be sat wet and miserable on a caravan wishing we were sunning ourselves… bit rude. Some people would love to be able to afford a caravan holiday. Anyway if you don't want to go on your holiday don't go don't feel you have to book a caravan holiday. You don't have to go on holiday no one does.

Sniffypete · 04/05/2022 07:58

Looks like you're going with Ryanair. You can take a bag for baby and two items of baby equipment for free. So you can take a travel cot and pushchair or car seat.

Also, buy nappies out there and formula too. Just take some Milton tablets with you, makes it so much easier for sterilising the bottles.

caringcarer · 04/05/2022 10:30

It is so hard traveling with a small baby. They need so much equipment. Could baby stay with grandparents as only a few days?

GADDay · 05/05/2022 03:51

caringcarer · 04/05/2022 10:30

It is so hard traveling with a small baby. They need so much equipment. Could baby stay with grandparents as only a few days?

I totally disagree that it's hard. Yes, you do need a bit more kit but if organised travelling with a baby is a doddle.

AlternativePerspective · 05/05/2022 04:11

An all inclusive holiday with a baby isn’t going to be the kind of holiday you booked, iyswim.

It’s not going to be a relaxing time sunning yourself, it’s going to be keeping the baby out of the sun, potentially dealing with an unsettled baby who doesn’t like the heat, going back to the room at 7 if she doesn’t want to settle in the pushchair.

Babies might be easier to travel with but they’re certainly not relaxing or fun to travel with at that age.

No thanks.

AlternativePerspective · 05/05/2022 04:13

GADDay · 05/05/2022 03:51

I totally disagree that it's hard. Yes, you do need a bit more kit but if organised travelling with a baby is a doddle.

Show quote history

Travelling might be as they’re portable, but it’s certainly not going to be a fun holiday.

When OP booked an all inclusive she will have been thinking of sun, swimming, cocktails by the pool etc, all of which really aren’t going to be happening with a small baby.

Ragwort · 05/05/2022 04:33

I would think the lack of passport is the main issue .... there are horrendous stories about passport delays ar the moment.

clarasara · 05/05/2022 06:10

I wouldn't go as I hate hassle. The passport thing is stressful enough and I would opt for the caravan. However, I would enjoy anywhere I go. I would feel more relaxed without the stress and make the best of it.

Zonder · 05/05/2022 06:17

Just do it. You'll have the baby with you whatever you do for those 5 days so life isn't relaxing and peaceful. We traveled lots with babies and had nice holidays. Just go and enjoy the sun and being away. It's the easiest time to travel with children.

redastherose · 05/05/2022 06:25

How about using send my bag to send a box of formula ahead, much cheaper than hike luggage and you don't need to carry it.

Poopootatty · 05/05/2022 08:36

Why wouldn’t you opt for at least one bag to check in? It’s really not much more hassle and imo preferable to be able to take what you need without stressing.it’s not the time to penny pinch.

We took a 4.5 month old and a 4 year old on a 4 hour flight for a week’s holiday recently and it was great! 4.5 month old was easy! We timed breakfast with his first nap of the day, and dinner once he was asleep for the night. It would have been a relaxing holiday if we hadn’t had a 4 year old to chase around but we still had a lovely time. If you have the right mindset then you will have a fab holiday but if you’re determined to find stress in every aspect of it then of course you won’t.

Just keep those fingers crossed for the passport.

SmugOldBag · 05/05/2022 09:25

Sounds like you are making this harder than it needs to be. Get the passport sorted. The formula stuff, take though what you need as hand luggage and get the rest when there. You won't be the first needing to prep with no facilities and they can sort something out for you. Don't you just need a kettle? Likely to be In the room anyway.
Allow an extra few hours at the airport.
Enjoy holiday.

Original poster

Chantin · 05/05/2022 12:27

It’s definitely easier said than done getting the passport sorted!
the only way to get it is to wait until 14 days before, apply for an upgrade, and potentially go drive to pick it up 24-48 hours before flying!
As I said the other tips about packing are helpful!
we do want to avoid paying for the bag in hold

OP posts:

bluebell34567 · 05/05/2022 12:54

i would go.

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