I hate my budget holiday

[ValentinaTheVampire]

We have small children to do things on a budget so we tend to do self catering in the UK to avoid paying for flights and also so we aren't all squashed into a hotel room.

But ugh, it has been so miserable this time (we are away at the moment). The weather where we are staying is pretty miserable. We are staying near family where I grew up as we tried to do holiday and family visit in one and I am honestly just counting down the days. I'm so tired from all the driving about and visiting and trying to keep kids entertained in the rain with none of their usual stuff around to help.

The cottages we've had the past few holidays have been so tired looking and even then they are so expensive.

I have a small but perfectly nice house at home. Kids aren't exactly getting a cultural experience here (although they are loving seeing family).

Dh wants to do another holiday cottage for my 40th birthday which is coming up over other school holidays and I've just told him no fucking way 😂.

I'd rather spend the money on my house or save for a nicer holiday even if we don't get one as often.

I can't tell if holidays have got worse or if I have become a that who just likes staying at home.

I think Butlins is brill when you have younger kids!

@WillowCraft I totally agree- I don't need to go away so much that I'm prepared to stay somewhere a bit crappy - Maybe they suit families with much older kids where you could stay out all evening and have them with you. At least on the /Eurocamp type places you can sit outside your 'home' with a drink etc if they are asleep or gave them running round the ballroom if at Butlins, youth hostelling seems the worst of all worlds with kids.

Just repeating PPs’ suggestions, but when kids are young and difficult, it may be better to just work out how much money you’d use on a holiday and instead spend it on childcare/babysitting for your kids, and then do some relaxing adult-only days out for yourselves, for a week or so. The kids will be happy to stay in their routine, and you will get some nice peaceful brunches, films, park strolls, window shopping, cultural experiences without dealing with whiny kids. Sorry you’ve had a crap time, OP! It’s not easy, is it?

I wonder if some of this reflects a different approach to kids playing and their leisure time, these days.
During term time, more ‘clubs’ and booked activities rather than children playing freely, developing self reliance and resilience. Holiday time comes and kids need ‘something to do’.
Holidays are time for playing out, making up games, making collections, outdoor walks, riding bikes, imaginary play. Kids don't need adults for this, just a watchful eye.
A time for board games and sporting games with the adults.A time to join in with the cooking including outdoor.
Planning for the kids to be able to carry out some jobs, walking safely each morning to buy milk and bread at the local shop.

Simple things.

I agree that a lot of this is about mindset and what things make people happy.

A paid-for activity (either all-inclusive or pay as you go) feels necessary for lots of families. Lots struggle to make their own entertainment and enjoy just being.

Others will find they have a chunk of the day on the beach doing bucket and spade stuff and reading a book. A stroll down the high street to pick up some BBQ food and some time in the garden can all be pleasant. Picnicking or picking up some nice bread and cheese from a deli whilst out is loads cheaper than trying to eat out and can be nicer. I think people lack confidence to entertain their kids and themselves.

I think expectations are higher. When I was a child we camped. When my children were little we camped. There was no way we could afford or justify a cottage or hotel. Even when the kids were teens we did Suncamp holidays abroad in tents. Lots of BBQs, eating outside. I can’t do camping in the U.K. now - the greyness!

Exactly same here. You only have to read the reviews where it says place smells of wet dog.

Look at northern france, still no guarantee of good weather but at least you should feel it's a bit more special. Obviously the further south you go the better the weather but the higher the fuel bill. If you can find something economical look at the vendee if you can, you'll save money by being able to not spend on entrance fees etc. sometimes it's cheaper to book direct with the park in rusty french than British brochures

It’s a sad reflection on how society is, I’m late 40’s and grew up in the 80’ when school holidays was just taking off all day with my mates only going back home to eat these days parents seem to have the task of having things planned for most days…it must be exhausting!

Go abroad and camp. We did it for years with three small children. The weather is better and the campsites are a million times better and cheaper than in the UK. If you can stretch to it, hire a mobile home - expensive in the South of France but much cheaper in the North/middle. A lot of camps will have both swimming pool and restaurant.

@WillowCraft

I don't know which ones you have stayed in but off the top of my head, Stratford Yoon Avon, swanage, illam, beer, posh one I can't remember the name of in derby have all been fabulous for children.

Huge spaces, loads of other children, children can run around, usually huge games room!
Pool, snooker, tablet football, huge gardening games and so on.

I couldn't bare to stay more than 3 nights with a double bed but the above have all been excellent. In fact I've just remembered another one that was amazing on top of a cliff In Cornwall.
It was by the most beautiful cove and our window was straight out into the sea.

It would have cost 00s in a normal hotel.

Being a member you get a large % off, you can take your own milk, tea, snacks whatever. During covid it was a great shame they closed the kitchens because they are great to get away and you can relax there with children.
Unlike a posh hotel.
When we've been desperate to yet sway this is what we have done..

@WombatChocolate.. I think a lot come from what people had themselves as dc.

It's like Xmas, people do what they experienced and had.