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

What about interailing? X

@GenerationPolaroid I’ve not voted as it is about confidence.

There is a reason package tours were invented - someone else does the planning. There is a reason for travel agents - they know what is available.

I agree with a pp sit down with your family and decide what you want to do on holiday, and what you don’t want to do. Think about how hot you want it to be. Then contact your local travel agent.

I also agree with pp a cruise from Southampton is easy. A fly cruise with lots of port days offers variety. If a cruise doesn’t appeal then a resort near a town/city e.g. Lake Como has Milan near by, Stiges has Barcelona, although Barcelona has its own beach.

I mean there’s so much choice in booking holidays: long haul, short haul, UK, organised trips, resorts, city breaks, beaches, etc. that you do sort of have to have an idea of what you want before you start otherwise you'll never make a choice. Start by making your mind up about what you’ and your partner would enjoy and go from there.

Try Intrepid Travel. I went to China with them and they were fab. They have set trips and itineraries

DW and I feel the same as you OP. Result, we don't go "on holiday" as such we take a series of 3 or 4 day "city breaks" in UK, Ireland and Europe using ferries or the tunnel (both a lot less hassle than booking air tickets and going through an airport).

We have a great time.

I second a cruise, most relaxing holidays I’ve ever had. Almost as soon as you arrive at the ship in Southampton, the holiday begins. If you’re not beach & pool people, a Norwegian fjords trip would be perfect.

I went through bouts of serious depression, so felt really overwhelmed, I used to book coach holidays which toured around places and had a visit somewhere different most days- they are so easy , just turn up at the pick up point with your luggage and everything else is arranged. Enjoy.

Would you consider a cruise? There are many different types, from huge floating resorts to smaller adults only ships. There are interesting trips departing & returning to British ports so no need to fly.
There are cruises to cooler places, it's not all Mediterranean or Caribbean. Norway is lovely, for example.
Once on board you can be as quiet or as active as you chose. At the different ports you can explore on your own, on an organised tour or simply stay on board.

I felt overwhelmed by choice. I wanted relaxing and idyllic holiday for my 50th. No point asking DH to book it as it won't happen. This year for the first time ever, I went into a highstreet travel agent. She focused my thoughts and showed me one option at a time in my price bracket. She then booked transfers and flights and insurance. It literally took all the stress away.

We've never done AI, nor a beach holiday - just not our thing.

The usual process involves

• pick somewhere we fancy going, based on our interests, whether that's walking/museums/scenery, etc.
• look at flights
• discover the flights to that place are too expensive, or we'd have to travel 300 miles to a different airport
• think again about where to go, with flights in mind
• look at accommodation (usually vrbo or airbnb as it works out cheaper for a family than using hotels, plus you get communal space)
• book
• get travel insurance
• oh, I should add, these days we do a bit of research if we're visiting popular museums etc. to find out if you need to book them months in advance and if they're already sold out!

I went through bouts of serious depression, so felt really overwhelmed, I used to book coach holidays which toured around places and had a visit somewhere different most days- they are so easy , just turn up at the pick up point with your luggage and everything else is organised- transport, meals ,luggage, outings. There are a huge range of destinations- I used Shearings, but Leger are also good.

This is a really good advice. However, if a ‘proper cruise’ is a bit daunting and a bit big - my cousin and her husband go on ‘River Cruises’ which sound to me really lovely and relaxing.Not too far. Hope you find your right holiday and have fun 😊!

River cruises are very expensive.

Not so much sickness, though as there can be on a cruise stop.

Op don't go cruising if you get sea sick.

Austria is fab
Salzburg is beautiful and you can do fab day trips from there easily
Ive been the last 2 years with my 18 year old son

The most relaxing holidays I have done are a) Sri Lanka all booked through Trailfinders. Did that with our adult daughter.
b) Solo trip on Hurtigruten up the Norwegian coast. Lovely comfy bed, delicious food, beautiful scenery and excellent excursions.