To ask for tips for a first ever package holiday

[Justonequery]

For multiple reasons it's going to be just me and the DC from boxing day till the start of term so I've decided to take them away somewhere warm! However haven't embarked on holiday with them (5&3) before so was thinking an all inclusive package trip might be the best way to go.

Any tips on companies to use, things to look for etc? Is it a case of all the companies being really rather similar and it doesn't matter/can't go wrong? Any recommendations on where to go or places to avoid would be very welcome!

Avoid TUI like the plague!

I’m going away with Jet2. They’ve always been good in the past.

Have a look at your dates on their website and see what destinations come up. Then we might be able to help you narrow it down.

If you are solo parenting would some childcare options be for you? Kids club etc?
Heated outdoor pool at this time of year. Somewhere with a couple of slides? Presumably your kids will spend a lot of time there.
Obviously budget is a factor and how hot you need/expect it to be. You have to go a fairly long way to get guaranteed warmth in December, probably a 4hr flight (canaries/turkey) at least. Cyprus a bit further and Egypt/Cape Verde that bit more.
Bear in mind that AI hotels can be a bit much to get used to e.g multiple food areas, busy etc.
I wouldn't rule out any large company in particular (disclaimer I do work for one), we all want you to have a great time. And come back next year! Good luck!

We had a good experience with TUI to Majorca recently; friends say Jet2 is good.
As you're on your own with the DC pack carefully as you'll have to manage them both and your luggage on your own. That said, make sure you have snacks, water and entertainment available for the flight in case of any delays.
Hope you have a lovely holiday.

We always go with Tui but Jet2 are good too

If you want somewhere warm try Morocco.

We're going to Marrakech for Xmas the second year in a row. Early morning & evenings are chilly but afternoons are sunbathing weather.

Lots of resorts in easy reach of the city.

I've never had an issue with Tui but this holiday is with Easyjet.

This

EasyJet holidays are usually quite a bit cheaper than jet2 and a lot of the hotels are the same.
With kids that age I would go all inclusive or half/full board, it’s so much easier.
At this time of year I would go to Costa Adeje in Tenerife. Likely to be nice weather, lots to do, 4 hours flight and 20min from the airport.
what’s your budget?

We did out first ever package holiday with Jet2 in February. We (couple, no kids) bought a last minute week in a self catering apartment in Portugal. It was a great experience; the crew on the flight took good care of the children onboard, including fitting one of them up in some uniform for her mum to take a pic. The transfer was in a taxi with one other couple rather than a lengthy coach journey, and the apartment was spacious and well equipped. There was a room in the complex with a rep available, but we just did our own thing. I would definitely use Jet2 again.

Thanks all this was really handy! We're used to long distance travelling (but to visit family rather than for holidays) so we're good at keeping ourselves entertained (and packing sufficient snacks). I was thinking about the Canaries but hadn't thought about checking on things like heated pools. Kids club would be lovely but most I've seen so far seem to start at age 5, so I don't mind if it's me and the kids hanging by the pool for a few days. Be a treat not to be at home, and I kinda like them both so it's not a deal breaker if there's no club option.

Gonna ave a look at Jet2 as a starting point! Interested to know why so many are against TUI though.

Just read that back and worried it sounds like I'm suggesting people who use clubs don't like their kids, which is not what I meant. I remember loving going to the club on the one holiday I had as a kid! I've had a tough day with the three year old so was more a message to myself 😂

Hey all, thanks so much for the advice! Wanted to give an update.

We went for a week all inclusive with Tui to Tunisia and had a great time! There was a kids club which started from age 3 so had a couple of hours to myself most days whilst they had their faces painted and did arts and crafts. The kids enjoyed being independent being able to get their own drinks, ice cream, food from the buffet etc. They loved the disco and other activities for smalls! The staff were just lush and we also went on a day trip out and about to see some of the country which I didn't think would be an option but it was a wonderful day.

The outdoor pools weren't heated sadly but there were indoor options, the beach right outside and lots of other things to keep us entertained like tennis courts, petanque, pool tables etc. Just took one suitcase for the 3 of us and a small carry on (under the seat) each. Managed to pack enough snacks for the way out and the way back which was handy as my two seem to enjoy eating little and often. Next time I'll take a tupperware so I could make a sandwich or something at the hotel for the return leg. It's only a 3 hour flight from the UK so was all perfectly manageable.

Was around £1500 for the 3 of us including the day trip when we were there, plus a bit for pocket money and tips.DH has far less annual leave than me, and uses some of that for his parents so will be doing it again! Though definitely somewhere with heated outdoor pools 😂

My friend went to Tunisia this Xmas and new year and loved it also.
we went to Algarve.
Beautiful warm and sunny days to sw
and get tanned. Chilly evenings.
glad you had a great time.

Really pleased you had a good trip.
Edit to add, thanks for the update, they are not very common on here!