To think that I could find a nice holiday on a tight budget?!

[Teddypear]

Just wondering if anyone might have any ideas.

I separated over a year ago from exDH. We have three teen dc and it's been a difficult time for us all.

I really want to give the dc a nice summer holiday this year if I can. The trouble is, money is tight. I have a budget of around £1500. This would be to include everything - travel, accommodation, food. One of the dc won't be coming as they are working, so it would be me and 2 dc. I have a few weeks off work in the summer as I do contract work, so time is not an issue.

I don't think I can afford a holiday cottage in the UK. We could do camping or a caravan, but one of my dc is autistic and hates being in cramped accommodation. We would all be fine with any standard of accommodation, it could be very basic, but would probably need for it to be a bit spacious.

I went backpacking in Asia years ago, and you can get some very pleasant cheap accommodation and food there, but the flights seem quite expensive.

Flights, food and accommodation in Europe are expensive.

I'm probably looking for the holy grail here, but just wondered if anyone had any ideas that I hadn't thought of!

How about a sailing holiday?

You can sail to Guernsey from Portsmouth return for £423 for an adult and 2 teens including a cabin (third week of August) and then spend time checking out Guernsey, Herm and Sark. Or you could sail with Brittany ferries to Spain or France either as a mode of transport or make it a mini-cruise? I guess this would depend if the cabin was ok for your autistic DC.

That's true- you have found some cheap flights, well done.

Most of the other prices I have seen quoted for flights in the summer holidays are way more than that.

Have a look at Braddicks holiday park in Westward Ho! (North Devon). Its right on the beach and is a lovely place to holiday. I've just checked and the cheapest option is 600 for 7 nights the 1st week of the 6 week holidays. The beach is lovely and has lots of surfing there's also a lot do within the area ( if you have a car) lots of nice food options too that don't break the bank and near a lot of super markets

Just checked Krakow and you can do return for 3 in August for around 400 ftom stansted. A week apartment around 300 to 400. 700 spend is fine for a week there if you are self catering. You'll be able to do the attractions on that budget no problem. Train from airport to centre is 5 Euro last time we did it in 2023 and regular right into airport. No beach but loads going on on the river in summer. We saw a Dragon festival where they sailed huge dragons down the river and they have a most beautiful dragon vote. The Vestula is the river and they do sports and events on it during summer free of charge. The salt mines are a great visit which you can do inexpensively if you do it independent. Schidlers list factory, Jewish quarter, a fantastic castle, biggest town square in Poland and some great summer events in the parks and on the river. Friendly and lively. Definitely worth considering. If you Google it, you'll see what I mean.

Have a notice at p and o cruises, they often have deals where extra guests sail for free.

18 months ago 4 of us got away for £1550 including coach fare for a week with all food and entertainment.

Is that per person? Sounds like something I'd be interested in doing