To think the idea of going abroad on holiday is sometimes better than the reality

[spicylasagne]

Each new year rolls round and I look forward to booking trips for the year ahead. Nothing too lavish. We work hard and prioritise holidays over other things and make sure we save so we can afford 7-10 days somewhere short-haul with near guaranteed sunshine.
Alongside this if the budget stretches we try to book a city break, again somewhere European and not too far away as we all know long flights can be a nightmare.

Last year we went to an AirBnb in the UK for a week and I loved every second, fully switched off and felt relaxed. We also went to the Canaries and on a city break. We spent more on holidays than we usually would after not having the chance over the lockdowns. I feel horribly ungrateful saying this, but after 48 hours of being abroad I was terribly homesick. Missed my own creature comforts, felt uneasy, struggled with food and this limited where we could all eat, adding an extra layer of stress (dairy and gluten free). Particularly reflecting on the AI hotel we stayed in in the Canaries. £2000+ to enjoy the first two days and then feel homesick seems an awful waste even if everyone else enjoys it.

Looking at holidays again this year and prices have inevitably rocketed. I crave new experiences and destinations but never enjoy it for very long once there. I was talking to my friend earlier and she said she felt the same and that’s why they stopped going abroad, and haven’t now been overseas in nearly ten years. AIBU to think the thought of abroad holidays can be better than the reality? We have certain relatives who turn their nose up at UK getaways and make out like you’ve not really been on holiday unless you go on a plane and claim going away in this country is just as extortionate - probably true!

I haven't been abroad since my kids were born, several years ago. Never did a UK holiday before then but the convenience of chucking everything in the car and not having lots of logistics to worry about has been fantastic. Family sometimes join us but we're not in each other's pockets.

Downside is unpredictable British weather and that everything costs a bomb anyway.

Planning first abroad holiday soon and tbh all the decisions are giving me a headache already!

@PrehistoricGarbageTruck Understand completely! Where is it you’re planning to go?

Anyone who has this “problem” is extremely lucky. I grew up in a family who couldn’t afford holidays, ever, not even in the UK, and I absolutely love going away in the uk or abroad. I enjoy all of it, including all the planning, booking, getting to the airport, everything. When I hear people complain about their overseas holidays and say things like the best bit is coming home, I think ok then, spare yourself the ordeal and give your holiday money to someone who can’t afford it and would be over the moon to have a holiday.

If you’re not enjoying it after only a couple of days, it sounds like you’re choosing holidays that are not really right for you. Don’t be influenced by other people saying it’s not a real holiday if you don’t go abroad. That’s entitlement and snobbery talking. When I could finally afford holidays, for the first few years it was always in the UK in cheap accommodation, and they were fantastic holidays.

Maybe you should think outside the box a bit? An activity or themed holiday might be more enjoyable than conventional sea and sand, or a tour instead of a single location.

If you can afford holidays, fair point OP. Especially if you have dietary requirements.

For me, I feel much more comfortable visiting a country where I can speak some of the local language.

Probably somewhere short haul, was thinking France but maybe Spain/Canaries/Portugal.... DC1 is learning French so that is a minor influence.

Since having our dog we haven’t travelled abroad much at all (with the exception of France). We made a decision that she came wherever we went. It’s been fantastic discovering the UK and we’ve been all over the place. The Highlands in winter are glorious and was one of the best holidays ever. If you’re able to book fairly last minute and can avoid school holidays you can get some real bargains.

YANBU I don't get the obsession with holidays and particularly sunshine. It mostly means I have to slather myself in anti-sun grease anyway.

I’m taking the kids away this year for their first trip abroad since they were tiny.

in my mind = heating my bones by the pool drinking cocktails and getting stuck into my kindle.

I suspect in reality = breaking up fights in 35 degree heat and no separate rooms to send people too.

I love my summer holidays to France, we are in Scotland and drive every year have been all over and seen wonderful things. Love having a cottage with a private pool. If you're bored tour choosing the wrong holiday.

YABU I love nothing more than being abroad. I’ve never gotten the love for UK holidays I’m afraid. I’ve been to the places people seem to love and I just don’t get it.

We have been abroad and mostly enjoyed it .however I love uk .so much history and I can relax and not worry. We met a guy who has Done 45 nt properties in 2 years in his motor home. I was envious

Goodness no, I totally love going to different countries, I love experiencing different cultures and cuisines and hearing a foreign language spoken all around me is great. But I never do package, and try to go off-season so less tourists of any nationality. Tbh, a sunbathing all you can eat week in a complex full of brits is my idea of hell and I'd rather stay at home.

I love going to France - we go several times a year. This coming summer we have a plan to go to the US. If I am honest, I think I would rather go to France... (or somewhere else). But I am trying to get into the mood. The weather should be good - and that is my problem with summer hols in the UK (or Ireland). The last time we tried Cornwall it was miserable (in July), whereas France is pretty reliable.

To be honest OP - you need to do what works for you. I would resent spending lots of money to stay in somewhere that is not as nice as home (whatever the weather!) If you like the UK, crack on and stay here.

Reading this scares me slightly 😆

I’ve never been abroad on holiday in my entire 43 years. I’ve had some lovely caravan holidays, kids breaks to Butlins and 1 night UK hotel stays which I’ve always loved.

This year we are deciding to finally go abroad. We have no idea where to, or what kind of holiday we’ll all enjoy. My fear is that we’ll spend loads of money and get stressed with the travel and planning and it’ll turn out to be a let down.

Reading about others not enjoying trips abroad is worrying me even more about making the decision now 😆

My DH is terrified of flying so we haven't been abroad very much, but I love a holiday and am happy to do a staycation. There are beaches in Donegal every bit as beautiful as anywhere else, the only downside being the unpredictable weather!
I love being able to pack up and even bring our dog along with us!

I'm with you OP.

Small DCs don't always adapt quickly to different food, different temperatures etc.

Since having ds we've been hill walking in the highlands, to Guernsey & Herm, staying at a British vineyard, and waterfall hunting in the Brecons. So far we haven't had a bad UK summer holiday. More expensive, but I don't have to hire a car or bikes. No airport costs and no limits on luggage (except CI). Much less stressful.

Now DS is a teen, I'm looking forward to European city breaks though 😎

Maybe the problem is what you're doing.

If you enjoyed an AirB&B here, why not a villa rather than a hotel abroad?

If you prefer shorter stays, do a few city breaks instead of the longer beach holiday.

And there's nothing wrong with the UK if you get decent weather.

What does the rest of the family want from a holiday?

Other than the sunshine, which isn't always guaranteed even when you go abroad these days, I really don't find any need to travel to other countries anymore. We used to own a house in Spain, and prior to that had travelled quite a bit, but then I found it becoming harder and harder to travel on planes, due to my disability. With flight delays not only causing frustration, but also causing me unbearable pain. Booking and picking up a hire care, was always a headache, often waiting hours in the queue, only to then find there was a problem with the car, which meant you had to go back, jump the queue, getting dirty looks in the process, then waiting around for them to sort out another car, and the first trip I made with a wheelchair, they lost it, (we actually believe it was stolen) leaving me with an airport chair which wouldn't fold down to go in the tiny car that we'd hired - NIGHTMARE!

Now we travel all over the UK, and have found some amazing places in both Scotland and Wales, which both have some FANTASTIC beaches, if that's your thing. There is also fabulous scenery to be found if you enjoy a driving or walking holiday, and if you have kids who are fussy about food, or have food intolerances, then renting a holiday cottage somewhere, can help solve those sort of problems. On the other hand if you have specific hobbies, you can quite often find holidays that specialise in those sort of things. There is history here in abundance, with fabulous historic buildings to explore. You name it, you can find it right here at home, and OK, yes, there are times when it can be expensive, but at least you can be sure of having someone who speaks your language in an emergency!

If you enjoy the first few days then get homesick, just book short breaks rather than a week or a fortnight. Foreign holidays aren't compulsory and if you don't enjoy them, don't keep punishing yourself.

I have to be away from the UK to feel that I'm getting a break. I don't want to hear only British voices taking about British things, or go in British restaurants and shops that I can go in in my home town.

I love airports, which helps. I relax as soon as I'm through security and my holiday starts there 😁

For me, I feel much more comfortable visiting a country where I can speak some of the local language.

I agree. I hate the idea of expecting the locals to speak my language and to be treated like a tourist.

Please don’t panic! I really don’t get the stress people talk about when going abroad. It’ll be fab!

Me too

I cant say I feel like you OP. Ive been bern abroad 8 times since last April. Some have been a weeks holiday ither times have been a long weekend. I've been by myself, with Dh and also with friends. I'm never bored. My next trip is a week in Portugal at the beginning of February.
I also like the UK and go to the Cairngorms every February.

I hate the idea of expecting the locals to speak my language and to be treated like a tourist
But that's excatly what you are, a tourist. Even if you speak a local language you are still a tourist.