I don't know how to go on holiday

[GenerationPolaroid]

This is as ridiculous as it sounds. I am a reasonably smart middle aged woman, DC are now nearly 18 and nearly 21, and we've been on plenty of holidays together as a family of 4. For the most part I have enjoyed them, although I am a homely person, I like my bed, and I find it exhausting to have to cater for others. Things changed from Covid onwards in that I kind of became more anxious about travelling. We didn't for a while anyway as DC had exams, etc. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I am now facing a long summer ahead of us, and I literally have no idea where to start. Part of me want to just book an adult all inclusive, but we're not even swimming pool/beach people! We don't even love extreme heat! If I think about booking something different, I become overwhelmed about all the different elements, flights, hotel, entertainment... and I keep going back in circles. Is this happening to anyone else? How can I break through this block??
YABU - booking a holiday is not that big a deal, just get on with it
YANBU - booking a holiday is a minefield that often doesn't pay off

Get thee to an independent travel agent, tell them what you want from a holiday, what your budget is then let them sort everything out for you. Sure, it’ll be slightly more expensive than booking it all yourself, but it’s way less hassle.

I didn’t vote because I felt that both the YABU & YANBU were too rigid.

Essentially I don’t think this is anything to be ashamed of, travelling doesn’t come easy to everyone. I’d recommend booking something with a tour operator for this trip? Someone who organises everything for you. And it doesn’t have to be to an all-inclusive. Maybe something like Intrepid or Flash Pack?

Try to stop worrying, book something and just enjoy!

You've said what you don't like but if you say what your interests are people might be able to suggest something more specific. Eg we love wildlife and history so always plan a trip around one or both of those.

Hey, I am an experienced traveller myself and independent travel agent. I have older children who are 21,17, 7. I totally get what you mean. It’s daunting thinking about all the elements especially when you like your home life. I personally opt for a bit of luxury, relaxed atmosphere, sunshine, sea views and good food.

I think we need to unpick what you would really like to achieve from a holiday? Sun, Snow, Culture, New experiences, busy, relaxed etc.
xx

I also hate planning holidays. My go to now is to book a hotel near the raffles in Singapore and just wander around the different areas. Very safe, everyone speaks English, shops and cafes everywhere and I don’t have to bother scheduling anything. If I run out of ideas I get coffee at the raffles and feel posh.

I go in this order:

• Where you want to go and when (e.g. Rome in September or New Zealand in May) based on what kind of things you like doing. Do you like walking or museums or do you want to chill at a spa hotel or go shopping or do white water rafting?
• Once you've got a place and a rough time, look at flights
• Once you've found flights you're happy with, get on booking.com or similar and find some hotels in budget, get that booked
• Then book any transfers you need to book - i.e. I tend to go to places where it's 'grab a cab or bus from the airport' but if you're going to be further out, check if your hotel/accommodation offers transfers
• Book any activities you definitely want to do while you're there or at least look up when they're open, costs, how you'll travel there from your accommodation and start making a rough agenda (I don't plan mine too heavily cos I like to be able to change my mind but you might prefer to have every day packed with a plan!)
• Then look at 'other cool stuff nearby' that you might like to do while you're there - somewhere pretty for a walk, places you'd like to eat, landmarks etc and stick them on a list so you can slot them around your planned activities if you fancy them at any point

Air bnb uk. Job done.

Try an adult only break in the UK, where it is all inclusive, so no catering, also they have activities, if you feel like joining in, or not, it will be a good starter before jetting off abroad. We have been to lots of Warner breaks, and there is also a well loved one called Potters. Nice and relaxed , no kids. Good quality home comforts breaks in the UK before heading off abroad.

Contact a travel counsellor. Tell them all the things you like, all the things you hate, and places you would or wouldn’t like to visit, and let them do it for you.

I think you need to narrow it down based on all your interests and requirements- there’s no point booking an AI abroad if you don’t even like it hot.
When our dc were late teens we did city breaks (NYC), cruise, Florida theme parks, villa with friends the same age.
What do you all enjoy doing in your spare time? If you like to keep busy look at activity holidays (sailing, cycling, hiking etc)

You could start small with a UK based mini break. Maybe a caravan somewhere so you are away from home but also have the home away from home experience and your own space.

Good grief
YABU 100%
You have money to book a holiday. Lucky position to be in.
Have you not got any interests /hobbies/desires to go anywhere
Sorry to be blunt but what a snorefest of a post

Same. We all want to do different things. Factor in getting the dog looked after. It’s a mess.

YANBU at all.
I lost my confidence completely during menopause (hadn't realised it was related).
But the answer is to go in to a travel agent. That is exactly what they do, all day long, and can guide you.

Be helpful if you can narrow down in the first place budget, how active or not, how long for, what type of accommodation, etc., but if you haven't, then they will help you with that.

It’s not unreasonable to develop a fear when you don’t do something for a while . You lose the habit and the confidence . I know a lot of people who became more nervous of travel after Covid - however most got over it as their desire for a holiday was greater.
Why don’t you start with a city break ? Rome , Barcelona ? Plenty to see and do and book a hotel with a pool to relax . Short flight and you could just go for a few days until you get confidence back .Am sure you will enjoy .

Go to Florence. Not in high summer. Book the best hotel you can afford.

There are SO many different types of holiday.

You need to establish some criteria on what it is YOU would like from a holiday...

Relaxing?
Active?
Scenery?
History?
Food?
Culture?
Sun?
Activities?

Don't restrict yourself to thinking you need to go on a package deal to a resort and sit by a pool. There are a million and one other things you can do There are lots of operators out there who will organise everything for you, regardless of what your interests are.

There's a whole world out there but first you need to narrow it down a bit!

This is why I love cruises so much! Everything is done for you! You wake up in a new city.... if you book an excursion they tell you where to go, you don't need to find transport or parking or worry about opening times etc. They sort out everything on board and you can just go to the help desk if you need anything.

I was going to say book a cruise! All you have to do is pick one in your budget and show up. You’ll see a number of different places and have lots of on board activities to choose from. Just pick what you fancy doing on the day!

Or if cruises aren’t your thing there are loads of guided tour groups where, again, you just show up. They tell you what to bring. They’ll take you around a number of sites and book all your accommodation and food.

Op you gotta start by thinking about what you do want

what do you want to spend the days doing ?

if you don’t want heat and find the travel a hasssle why not stay in the uk ?

Sounds like menopause anxiety. Get your husband to organise.

Have you tried cruising?

Or if a huge cruise ship feels overwhelming, a River Cruise might be a good option. Wake up in a new interesting place every day in what is essentially a floating hotel, interesting activities and places to see, good food and a comfy bed.

Strange response. Why is it a snorefest to be unsure about a holiday with a 17 and 21yr that will suit everyone and OP being out the holiday habit for a while?