Would you bother going on holiday if your life was like this?

[Becauseisaidsook]

Live abroad, house with small pool, quiet road, able to walk to the beach and countryside. Space to ride bikes, plenty of beach bars, beaches, restaurants nearby. Lots of playgrounds and things to do.
Would you spend money and have the hassle of going somewhere else when kids were small or stay where you were for your two week holiday?

No, id stay put. Sounds lovely!

A city break would be fun though.

Not while the kids were small. Assume you live somewhere that you could do a couple of day trips, as you would on a “travelling” holiday?

I would by myself, or when the kids are older, to see and experience different things.

Sometimes I want to go on holiday to get away from home for a bit, to get away from everyone and everything and relax or explore somewhere new.

But also if your kids are small then obviously stay out of you want too! And maybe explore when they are older

For beach holiday? No.

To see other places and cultures? Absolutely.

Of course, there are all sorts of types of holiday and I never find I can properly switch off when I’m at home, however idyllic. There’s always the temptation to do a bit of work or some jobs to be doing.

It depends what kind of holiday- a holiday can also be for a change of scenery or because there's something or somewhere in particular you want to see.

This. I live by the sea, by a lovely long sandy bay. There is no point me going to visit other lovely long sandy bays, unless they are adjacent to places of interest.

Yes I would because introducing my kids to different experiences and cultures was important to me.

I think it's not so much about having the same or better at home, it's the change of scenery, no cooking/housework/daily grind. Different food, people and atmosphere when away.

I'm similar, live in a great spot but I hardly notice it or see it as others do! I am away every chance I get because I can now at last.

I mean, anywhere could be “abroad” to someone else. You would describe my home town as abroad if you didn’t live in my country. It has amazing architecture and history that people travel from USA/China etc to see. It also has gorgeous parks, abundant restaurants and beautiful countryside. Am I going on a holiday with my kids this summer? Hell yeah! For me, a good holiday is somewhere different (somewhere where I don’t cook) with places to visit that I’ve never seen before. It’s an exciting plane ride away, a beach I’ve never been on, a city I’ve never experienced. You live in a beautiful place - that’s awesome! But there are loads of gorgeous places out there. Go get ‘em.

Of course I would, because a holiday is about a change of scene and routine. So a city break or trip to the countryside would be perfect.
Also, for me, a holiday is about no cooking, cleaning, bedmaking etc, so no matter how nice your own place is, staying there doesn't provide the important elements of any holiday experience.

It’s entirely up to you.

Do you want a change of scenery?
Do you want your children to see other countries/cultures/historical sites/life styles.
Can you afford it?
Can you be bothered.

I’ve been in your place and in our case the answer was “yes”, we took our children to see other places. But that might not be what is best for your family.

Yes because I like to visit new places.

We live in another culture, lots of different nationalities etc

Yes. Because being at home means cooking, cleaning, washing etc. 2 weeks away gives you a break from the day to day grind. Not to mention the chance to experience other cultures, cuisines etc. But then I don't have money issues and don't find going on holiday a hassle.

But there are cultures other than the one you live in, surely?

With small kids, I'd stay put.

With teens, I'd go somewhere different to explore a bit.

Sounds boring! Yes, definitely.

You can always have holidays when the kids are a bit older anyway.
How old are they now?
My dd is 5 and if I tried to drag her away from your set up to drag her round a city like London, where its been raining, to a museum, I dont think she'd be impressed and then we'd all be miserable.
Save the money for good quality city breaks when they're a bit older.

Most people need a change of scene occasionally

We had this exact set up when our DC were young, apart from the beaches. Hot country, great location, loads to do. We still went on holiday, usually driving to our destinations. We'd do a long one (10-14 days), and various mini breaks. The country we lived in has multiple public holidays, so it was rude not to!

Probably, sometimes you need a break from your life.

That’s like saying people who live in London don’t need to visit other cultures. How old are your kids?