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?!!

I can’t help hoping their grandparents come up with a chunk of pocket money for them. Or pay for the holiday.

Try holiday pirates or love holidays. Maybe even on the beach. Could also look at Malta for a little break. Good luck

Essaouira is one of my favourite places - beautiful, warm and friendly. But, the beach is incredibly windy, and the sea would be a no-go for kids imo, due to the waves & all the kite surfers. It’s more a city type break with souks to shop at and loads of restaurants. There’s also the port to see, but the city itself is quite small.
Each time we’ve been it’s been for 2-3 days. I think the kids might get bored there if you’re staying longer than that, unless they are up for going camel riding?
You would be better flying to the Canaries imo, or to Malaga.

I took my kids to Fuerteventura for a week in August. Self catering. It was around £1500 which left money for food too. I'd recommend it. We stayed at the Broncemar beach hotel. Jet2 Holidays.

Why are some dads dickheads. You are a great mom.

There’s lots on Tui, look under late deals!

What a mum, well done
good luck finding somewhere but what a lovely thing to do for your children when they have been let down

Your ex husband sounds like a dick and hopefully your kids see it. You are a great mum. Hope you find something.
my cousin has just booked albufeira 7nts all inclusive for £400 each and the hotel has a huge indoor pool too so even if there is rain, there’s still something for the kids to do.
Hope you find something!

Malaga or one of the smaller towns along that coast. There’s a train right outside Malaga airport that travels along the coast. We like Benalmadena and this is a fab hotel with the best views.

www.sunsetbeachclub.com/en

Report him to HMRC. Sounds like he needs a full tax investigation.

There's major flooding in Alicante right now. I'm in southern Spain where it's warm and sunny.

Try canaries, Cyprus or Turkey. I wouldn't touch Egypt with a barge pole, awful place.

I 💯 would take them away too, what an amazing mum you are. Please update us where you choose and have a brilliant time

No suggestions for location or deals, but just wanted to second the recommendation to talk to a travel agent, we used our local independent to book this years holiday as I was frazzled trying to consider all the options - gave them a list of our preferences and the budget (not a large one!), and they came back with five options. All we had to do was check out the details and then book our preference, and the cost was the same as if we’d booked on the jet 2 website.

What a total disgrace your ex-husband is. Good luck finding somewhere for you and the kids, they are lucky to have you for their mum. For October I would pick Cyprus or the Canaries, have the best time!

Love Holidays are usually pretty good, or try ChatGPT

@loveawineloveacrisp good tips thanks. They’ve been to Egypt as my brother lives there and lots of my friends from school. Love it but want to try somewhere new if we’re spending.

it’s looking like Canaries and our travel agent in town reckons they can beat online but I had 5 kids with me when I went in so they’re emailing me details to look at later.

thanks everyone.

That’s amazing value. Assume it’s just with the basic rucksack luggage allowance, but even so.

I've been pricing up half term 4 nts from Manchester, so you'll be cheaper from south.

easyJet have lots in Spain. I've been looking around £1000 for 4. You'll find something.

Good luck.

You are a wonderful parent, first off.

Have you thought about The Netherlands?
Drive on the ferry from Harwich for £4-500 return
Stay somewhere like Duinrell with amazing indoor water park and a theme park on site.
Have a day or overnight at Efteling.
Ferry plus holiday park cancelled come in for £1000 ISH
Then it is up to you if you upgrade on accommodation or stay at Efteling etc
Not a hot destination but a fantastic family holiday

Selectum Collection Bodrum. £2355 for 5 nights 26/10 (arriving at destination very late though) to 31/10 arriving back in uk on 1/11 early morning. 1 adult, 3 children with the ages youve given. All inclusive . Jet2

https://www.jet2holidays.com/beach/turkey/bodrum-area/turgutreis/selectum-collection-bodrum/options?duration=5&airport=99&date=26-10-2025&occupancy=r1c15_13_10&board=8&iflight=1214256&oflight=1214247&rooms=76489&gtmsearchtype=Smart%20Search

If it's such a stretch financially, I wouldn't go. The DC aren't tiny and old enough to understand. I get they are disappointed but it doesn't sound like you can really afford it.

Greece is very reasonable now and the westher is still good. Look for cheap flights to any airport and then local accommodation possibly airbnb or booking.com.

Greece is very reasonable now and the westher is still good. Look for cheap flights to any airport and then local accommodation possibly airbnb or booking.com. Look at Ryanair to Corfu.

Hope you all have a lovely holiday, OP.🍷