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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want an actual holiday

81 replies

justwantsomesun · 05/07/2023 08:48

A while back we decided to go to Dorset on holiday for 5 nights. I wanted to go abroad but partner didn't. I didn't want to drive hours/ cook/ clean as it's self catering cottage. I wanted an actual holiday. We share all chores at home, that's not an issue but to me a holiday is a break from what you do at home!

Now we've looked at the weather coming up and it's raining! So basically I'll be driving hours to do exactly what I do at home. I don't want to go out in the rain!

Should we cancel (can get all money back) and book a last minute in Spain/ Portugal? Partner is almost convinced.

OP posts:
Frogpond · 05/07/2023 08:50

I would! Holidays like that are just more work than fun.

Devto21t · 05/07/2023 08:50

It’s a cancel vote from me - we had similar debate pre holiday, I’ve been in a rainy uk destination near Dorset cooking and cleaning and counting down the days to return home! The kids didn’t even get out of bed one day.

ManyDogs · 05/07/2023 08:51

If you can get your money back then absolutely yes! Unfortunately these days there is no such thing as a last minute bargain but I'd still do it anyway!

littleripper · 05/07/2023 08:51

Ot stay in a nice hotel in the UK and relax - it is the self catering cottage that makes the work - not the location

Vanillalime · 05/07/2023 08:51

Of course you should! It’s a no brainer. You can go to Dorset another time when the weather is better.

BamBamBambi · 05/07/2023 08:51

Yea cancel!!!!!

Go abroad!!!

PJRules · 05/07/2023 08:52

Yes cancel. And next time don't get talked into it.

CalistoNoSolo · 05/07/2023 08:52

Yes. Devon is overrated, eating out is now really expensive in the UK, and who wants to pay £££ for a week sitting in a house because it's so wet out? Driving though - why doesn't your partner drive if you don't want to?

CalistoNoSolo · 05/07/2023 08:53

Dorset is overrated too 🙄

Original poster
justwantsomesun · 05/07/2023 08:54

CalistoNoSolo · 05/07/2023 08:52

Yes. Devon is overrated, eating out is now really expensive in the UK, and who wants to pay £££ for a week sitting in a house because it's so wet out? Driving though - why doesn't your partner drive if you don't want to?

We both drive and share but I just didn't want to in general even on holiday have to do any driving

OP posts:
BitOutOfPractice · 05/07/2023 08:54

Absolutely 100% cancel.

CalistoNoSolo · 05/07/2023 08:55

justwantsomesun · 05/07/2023 08:54

We both drive and share but I just didn't want to in general even on holiday have to do any driving

Show quote history

How do you get to the airport?

Devto21t · 05/07/2023 08:56

The tiny roads are horrendous - choked with traffic takes half an hour to even get out to the local town. My suntan lotions are certainly going back in mint condition! Agree eating out here is overpriced and packed.

KirstenBlest · 05/07/2023 08:56

Dorset is beautiful. Hardy country and beaches. Plenty to do.
It's not a relaxing sunny beach destination unless you get good weather.

Original poster
justwantsomesun · 05/07/2023 08:58

We live 10 mins from airport so taxi

OP posts:
itsapalaver · 05/07/2023 09:01

I would if you can get a refund. Five days in constant rain won't be much fun.

Tbf, I love a self catering cottage holiday (I'm on one now!) but apart from breakfast we don't really self cater, we eat out.

Wildlyboring · 05/07/2023 09:02

I really enjoy a cottage break but if you're pining for better weather and general relaxation I would definitely change plans. Sometimes you just need to take a load off don't you!

Mariposista · 05/07/2023 09:11

DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT
I will be checking this post and hope you will be at the airport, passport in hand!

Devto21t · 05/07/2023 09:14

I’m jealous - wish I’d thought about this holiday more! too late now. Agree it’s about expectations and what you want from a holiday.

greyhairnomore · 05/07/2023 09:28

Another vote to cancel Dorset and get on a plane.

ErrolTheDragon · 05/07/2023 09:37

Self catering holidays in the U.K. can be pleasant and relaxing (especially if you can get a supermarket delivery with nice easy food and/or go to a pub)
But in the circumstances you describe I agree with you.

Oblomov23 · 05/07/2023 09:38

I'd cancel. How much did you pay - can you get a last minute holiday abroad instead for the same price?

Northernsoullover · 05/07/2023 09:41

I'm just back from a weekend seaside break. I didn't have to do any cooking or cleaning but it was awful going outside. No rain but ridiculously high winds meant that a nice seaside stroll meant eyes full of sand so we ended up sitting in our room. I'm glad it was only a weekend. Do it.

MortgageConundrum · 05/07/2023 09:46

I would never book self-catering - I don’t go on holiday to cook. Someone on here once said they only ever book 5* hotels as what’s the point of going away to stay somewhere that’s less luxurious than your own house.

If the weather in Dorset is like it is here in Cornwall, cancel. We got soaked yesterday and we’re so cold. That’s the problem with going on holiday in this country, you have to pack summer AND winter clothes, no matter what time of year you go!

BitOutOfPractice · 05/07/2023 09:47

CalistoNoSolo · 05/07/2023 08:55

How do you get to the airport?

Show quote history

Driving half an hour / an hour to the airport is completely different from a 5 hour slog to Dorset on jammed roads. That’s obvious surely. Anyway, the op is getting a cab so bad luck trying to catch her out there!

I used to do tens of thousands of business miles before the pandemic. Now I actively avoid driving unless it’s essential. I am totally over taking long trips and now my car often doesn’t move all week, so I hear you op.