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!

If you going self catering, then you need food? And rather than going shopping there, we take food…..breakfast cereals and spreads, part baked rolls, snacks and drink. We’ve need to Barbados about 8 times and food in the shops isn’t great and really expensive, I coukd eat out in restaurants fir 2 weeks.

personally I can’t bear AI or even full or half board.

we had an amazing 2 week holiday in Barbados in the summer.

it was definitely a holiday and definitely not like usual life.

What about Egypt? Somewhere like this all inclusive should be under budget (from London anyway!)

Coral Sea Water World in Sharm El Sheikh | TUI.co.uk

I think an AI in either the Canaries or Morroco is your best bet for a doable flight/ no jet lag/ sunshine and not too expensive.

Do not waste your money on a Uk holiday in miserable Feb. You could not pay me to go to Butlins in Feb.

Cape Town is cheap once you get there and time difference ok but I’d choose somewhere a little easier with kids that age.

I can’t believe people are suggesting Greece. It is firmly out of season, won’t be warm and nothing will be open.

A warning - we did self catering in St Lucia (and it may depend where you are). But the supermarkets were terrible as were the local restaurants. We ended up eating in the very expensive hotels sob. With young kids you need ease. AI offers this even if you don’t normally like it.

I was going to suggest this, the Billund one to be clear (didn't know they were others).

The DC will love Legoland etc and then there's the swimming complex, which has a spa area as well as water slides.

Otherwise, I'd go for something marketed as 'family luxe' in the Canaries, which will give you warm weather (make sure you're on the south side of the island for best chance of good weather - this is not a time for seeking the authentic north, that could well be cold and rainy), DC facilities and hopefully a relaxing time.

Jet2holidays have a few options within budget (link has filtered to 4 rating and above on Trip Advisor, AI, Canaries, under £7k for a week from 15 Feb) so there must be something here:

https://www.jet2holidays.com/search/results?airport=1_3&date=15-02-2025&duration=7&occupancy=r2c7_4&destination=39&boardbasis=5&isfromflightcalendar=1&sortorder=1&page=1&tripadvisor=4&maxtotalprice=7000

You could not pay me to go to Butlins in Feb.

Or indeed, ever.

That too! But the suggestion of Feb!

@Iwishicouldflyhigh okay, but I'm just saying that if I had to take 2 suitcases full of shopping I'd rather not go on holiday. Sounds a bit like someone trying to live above their means there tbh, I'd rather be able to enjoy Spain than pack cereal to eat in Barbados

A group of SEN young adults (including my son) went to Butlins in November and had a fabulous and very well-run day

I’m sure a day out there can be enjoyable. But the OP has 7k and wants a treat at the end of a horrible year…so I think sunshine, warmth and a little more luxury might be more pleasurable.

Depending on the interests of your kids try Lalandia Billund in Denmark. Walking distance to original Legoland, and the amazing Lego House, a short drive to the coast and the zoo, and an amazing adventure playground

bowling, skating, climbing, soft play, play grounds and a massive tropical water park all on site

Each to their own….a week in Barbados or Spain?

it’s a no brainer for me!

but I can’t bear buffet dinners which is why hotel packages are out for me.

without meaning to stealth boast, we holiday a lot so whipping up some cereal and a picnic for the beach isn’t a problem for me.

Look at Lapita Hotel in Dubai. You get free entry to the theme parks and it’s not one of the super pricey hotels, but still lovely.

But who's to say Barbados is more enjoyable than Spain. I hate this attitude that a holiday is more worthy because it's further away. Spain is a hugely diverse country with a fascinating cultural history. And it has decent supermarkets where you can go and buy nice food so you don't have to lug your own in a suitcase.

I'd choose pan con tomate from a Spanish supermarket and lunch at a beach bar over miserable breakfast cereal in Barbados any day of the week.

That's very nice. Not sure of the relevance though....

I’d choose Spain over Barbados most of the time but not in February!

The reason posters are suggesting further away destinations is because that’s necessary to get sun and warmth in Feb. Not because they are necessarily more worthy.

Yeah I don’t think Spain will be warm enough in Feb.

Shortest flight for warmth would be Canaries or Morocco.

Honestly ? We had several holidays at Butlins with young DC, always had a great time. Always thought CP overpriced though.

In the OP's position I would be looking to somewhere in the Canary Islands, or even southern Spain, a bit of winter sun and wouldn't spend more than I had to.

I completely agree. It smacks of someone just wanting to say they went to Barbados tbh. People probably wouldn't be as impressed if they admitted they take their own weetabix 🤣

Although the OP says they're not bothered about it being chilly. So the hunt for sun isn't actually that important.

Thailand is awesome at that time of year!

Exactly, the sun isn't the be all and end all...

Canaries jumps out for me after reading the OP (apologies if there turn out to be drip feeds!)

Northumberland? Beaches are lovely and lots of castles to explore

Marella (Tui) cruise around the Canaries, leaving on 15th feb, all inclusive, balcony cabin upgrade for just under £6k is available for a family if 4. Kids club, so you can properly relax 👍