Annus Horribilis February half term holiday HELP

[farmerinthedell]

I am slowly going insane trying to book a last minute(ish) holiday commencing on 15th Feb. We never normally go away but after an onslaught of bad news are taking a fuck it approach.

Happy to go anywhere in the world but must be worth it for 1 week. We have a 4 year old and a 7 year old.

Budget £7k

Don't mind chilly weather if there is lots to entertain kids. Would love to just lie on a sun lounger but places like Dubai seem to be over budget when you factor in flights that leave at reasonable times.

Anyone?

I'd even be keen to spend less and stay in the UK but it needs to feel like a real treat where we can leave our woes behind for a week.

Thank you if there are any replies!

Butlins.

Carnaries? That’s were I would be going if the budget stretched.

Have you looked at destination2 and Mauritius? Its rainy reason but warm - we’ve been before at that time of year and had 60% beach weather and used other time to swim, or play/use facilities or explore the island. I can see week long holidays for your budget AI.

Florida keys? Fly in to Miami, then 3 hour drive (gorgeous drive) down to the Keys.

Stay mid way (Marathon). If you book carefully you could get within budget.

Have a look at Coco Plum Beach and Tennis Club, book direct. It's not as fancy as it sounds but was great for us as a family (we didn't bother with the tennis )🤣

Cape Verde? Enough to do for a week albeit on and around the hotel, and it will be warm.

Hmm its half term week & you pay a premium for winter sun. Mauritius for a family of 4 could be 10-12k all inc. It might be "rainy season" but that doesn't mean rain like here - its a sun holiday in feb compared to uk.

Canaries, madeira, Malta, crete, cyprus, turkey

£7k won't get you fancy pants premiun though, not in half term.

The Canary islands are warm at this time of year 20-24°C. 4h flight. We love Tui Magic Life in Fuerteventura for the all inclusive, sports coaching and activities, entertainments and kids club! Or there are some lovely AI hotels on the beachfront in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. Eg Princess Yaiza, Iberostar.

Center Parcs

Are people seriously suggesting Butlins and Centre Parks after reading the OP? How grim.

£7k is a lot of money not to get fancy accommodation

You can get a 2 bed apartment at an ai hotel in Tenerife with TUI, 4 star

Have you looked at a cruise? There are normally good deals for late availability if you aren't too choosy about what grade of cabin you want. Look for the canaries, Madeira or the Med.

How about a cruise around the canaries? Kids club so you can relax, spa, sun, AI, new port every day if you want to explore a bit. Might just squeak it for £7k

A friend has just booked the canaries for those dates and I could not believe the price for what she's got.

If you can take a long weekend somewhere and push on to Easter you'll get a lot more for your money. I've booked 2 holidays in April and September for the price of her single one.

Flippinec · Today 22:08

Cape Verde

Hmm. I had a week in São Thiago and loved it, but loads of people got amoebic dysentery. Make sure not to drink tap water and that your little one uses bottled water to brush their teeth.

What about Zakopane, in Poland? Mountains, hot springs, mountains, skiing etc.

Sri Lanka. 10 or so hour flight from the UK, but around 29°c and very child friendly.

Great minds think alike @Nat6999 !

I think for a week with young kids a long haul is probably a bit far.

Canaries a good option, Gran Canaria best out of seasons IMO. We liked Mogan.

What about Marrakech? Warm in Feb, something a bit different, can probably stay in a nice hotel, flights not too far.

What about Arizona (hotel with pool), Antigua, or Mexico? I’d consider the Canaries but it’s not guaranteed to be decent weather so I’d go for a hotel with an indoor pool. You could also consider Egypt, or somewhere like the Gambia.

If you’re looking for a good deal book hotel and flight separately and consider going for 6 days rather than the full week.

Whilst Tenerife will still be a little chilly look at some of the higher rated hotels like Gran Melia Palacio D'Isadora or Hard Rock. Lots to do, gorgeous food, great kids facilities, great setting. You will get some sun 11-3 but otherwise will be chillier.

If you can face further on a plane then Barbados, 8 hours there nearly 7 back but you do have time difference to contend with the kids.

For a week, I wouldn't go anywhere that involves a big jetlag with kids that age. I'd probably go for something 'safe' in the sense that kids are unlikely to be disappointed, with something like Canaries or cape Verde.

Lol barbados in half term week will cost 12k for a family of four!!

Corfu - the Marbella-Collection hotel is great for young kids as has water slides and loads of pools etc. quite near Corfu old town, good food and right next to beach - only 4 hour flight. Won’t be that hot but a lot warmer than here.

I’ve gone back to the original post and reread it. Still can’t see any issue with suggesting Butlins or Centre Parks. The OP clearly says she is happy to have a UK holiday.
Butlins is fantastic for family holidays. Have you ever been? They are really good. I have never been to Centre Parks as they are very expensive. Our relatives sometimes book holidays in country cottages, you can get some that have a communal swimming pool.
We are currently in a Climate Emergency- people should not be flying abroad unless essential.

7k is a decent budget. I would do a TUI type holiday in the canaries in a kid friendly hotel.

I’ve booked a weeks all inclusive for 4 with Tui in the summer holidays in a 5 star hotel in Greece for 4.3k so you’ll be fine with 7k.

(I don’t work for TUI btw. Just find their holidays great with kids).