Idiot ex just let kids down big time- last minute holiday ideas please

[mynamechangemyrules]

My ex husband was supposed to be taking my children on holiday at half term. He just told them he’s already gone by himself 😳😆 so they’ve been prepared for a beach holiday which they won’t now have.

I would like to take them somewhere but it’s going to smash my budget.

I started searching for heat and fun any dates between 17-26 Oct (poss later as well), 4-7 nights, but I’m bewildered and not sure it can be done for the money I’m prepared to spend.

cyprus? Turkey? Morocco? Egypt?

Need it to come in under £2000. Would obv love it to be with breakfast or any food inclusive.

ideas and links if anyone believes it’s possible?!!

Not if they want sun/the beach.

I don't think that's a good idea. Obviously, the OP shouldn't put herself in hardship if she can't afford it, but why should her kids 'weather the disappointment' if she can mitigate it? Why should they suffer because her ex is useless? That said, it does make me so angry that CMS is so toothless. These wankers who cook the books should be cracked down on as hard as people who dodge their tax.

I absolutely see your points about leaving it, but I had originally planned to take them back to the country they grew up in. When I asked to do this their father said he was taking them away. So he’s basically done it as per usual to control and prevent them having a nice time with me. So I feel that going actually shows he can’t control us.
(but I’ll be consoling myself by saying it’s better for us to not go if I can’t find something at a decent price!)

As for a UK break- we’ve done a lot of budget exploring which has been great. I’ve not even vaguely had enough money to contemplate taking them away until my recent promotion so I’d like to do something different anyway.

Have a look at Madeira. It has a fabulous climate, mild year round but never too hot.

I know it isn’t sun, but could you get a decent caravan break for a few days on a decent site? Some of the lodges are amazing with hot tubs, that is what we did a few weekends ago in the highlands. It rained but was gorgeous! And hot tub was still hot. They can live with no sunshine as long as they get a nice change of scenery.

I agree with this too. He is an absolute twat and your kids are old enough to realise he's a twat too. They are also old enough to know that that doesn't mean you have to clean up after him.

In the long run you may be better saving your money and doing something more low key over half term. Let it sink in what a useless shit dad they have.

Have you thought of reporting the twat to HMRC?

First one that came up on Love Holidays....

Id say canaries or Morocco - try jet2 they’ve got some good offers on at mo

If you want guaranteed, without-it-the-holiday-is-ruined heat (28° and above) at this time of the year, it's going to have to be the Red Sea or the Canaries. Anywhere in the Mediterranean is going to be hit and miss with possible storms, and the pools are getting a lot cooler.

Single parent here. I go to Skyscanner and type in All London airports to Everywhere and see where the cheapest flights are to somewhere warm. Then I look on Airbnb and Booking.com to see what's coming up. Then I Google the name of that accommodation to check if booking directly is cheaper. Last year flew to south of France in July for £23. Canaries is a good shout weather wise for October. I also have a cock of an ex who pays no maintenance. Happy holidays are the best revenge!

thanks this place looks amazing- any tips on where to find a place to stay? Airbnb?

Definitely doable within that budget.
North Africa will be hotter - Tunisia and Morocco 28/29+
Greece is hot but may rain 1/2 days depending which island you go for.
Turkey will likely be lovely and warm likely 25+

look at love holidays or on the beach.

Go with trip adviser ratings vs hotel ratings.

i can find some examples if you tell me what is just important for you on holiday?
eg beach, activities, relaxing ect.

What about Malta?

What a twat.

I'd be tempted to pour a couple of bags of sand through his letter box, together with a small rubber duck and a cocktail umbrella.

"You can't take the kids to the beach, love. Well, I've brought the bloody beach to you, you're welcome!"

I'm not sure whether it would be within budget (you might get 5 nights not 7) but my suggestion would be Magic Natura Resort in Alicante. Lots for the kids to do (waterpark and animal park).

Malaga? Costs del sol. Still warm. Quite short flight. That was my criteria. Nothing much for tinies but plenty for say 12 plus

How about this ? - Slightly over budget but it is all inclusive and has a water park.

https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/bookaccommodation?productCode=015343&tab=overview&noOfAdults=1&noOfChildren=3&childrenAge=15,13,8&duration=5&flexibleDays=3&airports%5B%5D=LGW&flexibility=true&noOfSeniors=0&when=16-10-2025&pkg=116598435/3/288/5&tra_o=Eb13148fcd3fc38fdeb329c097d1b410d&tra_i=E6d032ae61daa70713a89ae406278c002&units%5B%5D=000312:DESTINATION&packageId=015343ESFU001417605728000001760572800000EZY804317610048000001761004800000EZY8042TW01TW01116598435/3/288/5&index=2&multiSelect=true&brandType=T&bb=AI&room=&isVilla=false&searchType=search&durationCode=5115&rmpc=1%7C1%7C0%7C1%7C0%7C13-2%7C0%7C0%7C2%7C0%7C15%2C8&rmtp=TW01%7CTW01&rmbb=AI%7CAI&fc=n&greatDealDiscount=0&bb=AI&price=pp

I went to Morocco in November and it was like the height of summer here. Flew out with easyJet, booked a riad in Marrakech for three days, then got the bus to Essaouira for silly cheap and booked a nice hostel/guesthouse.

Give your kids the fantastic experience of old Marrakech and the souks, then time at the beach. It's a long, wide, straight and fairly windy beach, but full of action. Everyone's playing games of football or volleyball etc, so much more active than just a lazing in the sun beach holiday.

I got the bus back, had a night in Marrakech, then flew home.

Look up The travel mum on insta. Specialises in cheap family holidays, you might find some deals or tips on her website x

I recommend Morocco. I went in summer to Agadir and loved it. Very family friendly. Danialand waterpark, cable car to the kasbah, crocopark were our highlights.

I just checked booking. com and there were LOADS of places available in Essouaira for cheap

Weather in Cyprus looks good next week! There are options on EasyJet in your budget x

Tenerife? This ones £208 per person?
https://www.teletextholidays.co.uk/hotels/coral-la-quinta-park-suites?searchId=a3653a79-f0e5-4421-b912-0849c60ac520&bid=2

Check the weather with the Med at this time of year. You are booking close enough to see a long range forecast.

Travel agents selling last minute packages. Particularly if you are flexible on when you fly.

Do you drive? I just put some random days into the cross channel ferry site for five days in those dates. It looks like you could do Dover-Calais for 100 each way. Could have a fun road trip - Bruges, Netherlands, Paris if it is in budget, stock up at a French supermarket, then home. I know it isn’t what you were looking for in the initial post, but thought it was worth a look.

Next door neighbours son going to Ibiza on Monday, that's still 24oC. Had a quick google and not bad priced for half board. Ibiza is a lovely place if steer away from the nightclub bit! And you're a great mum btw.

Turkey this ones £274 per person?
https://www.teletextholidays.co.uk/hotels/club-munamar-beach-resort-hotel-icmeler-dalaman-turkey?searchId=c6d80a54-c4ef-46d2-9290-1fcedd5d5a84&bid=5
Or Algarve this ones £366 per person?
https://www.teletextholidays.co.uk/hotels/the-old-village-apartments?searchId=8fcad04e-b95d-45b2-9b7c-68bb7043082e&bid=2