Had a taste of the good life and now want more

[Aislingklo]

My parents withdrew some money last year and were able to take me dh and ds on a few holidays abroad. We never really went away abroad much as a family until then, just once abroad as a family of 3 years ago. It was great and now I want to go away more but we just can’t afford it. It really depresses me and in a way I wish we’d never gone as now I have this intense itch!

What did you like? The weather, food, culture? Most things are doable on a budget.

Erm, the weather and eating out and not having to do chores or work! Stress free too.

Yes, it’s hard to go back when you’ve experienced nicer things in life. But, at least you did get the opportunity as many don’t.

And of course, it’s an incentive for the future where hopefully you’ll do it again.

I do also know people who go on so many luxury holidays that they cease to almost be seen as such. The joy of everyday simple things is underrated. And it’s the contrast that makes the luxuries feel like such.

So what are you going to change in your once and precious life to enable these things in the future?

Treat it as a goal to aspire to rather than en experience to be lamented.

I reckon there are ways to improve how much money you make etc how many are in your family and what do you do for work

I book holidays through TUI usually a year in advance which allows me to pay a small deposit and then set monthly instalments by direct debit. Could this work for you?

Oh me too!

We went on a short, but very expensive, Saga cruise a few months ago. A long-awaited honeymoon. The whole experience was exceptional! The service was second to none, the food sublime, everything was perfect. We can't possibly afford to go on another one and I am really sad.

Lots of other cruises aren’t quite that level but are still amazing.

@HappyViewer it wouldn't be the same. No queuing to board. No dealing with your own transport or suitcases. The ship wasn't huge so although it had everything it wasn't daunting. No worrying about additional costs, everything is included. Every cabin with a balcony. If we went on a different cruise I would be worrying about the cost of a better cabin, the excursions, the drinks, the snacks, the extras. It was just so easy to have everything done for us. You certainly get what you pay for.

Oh ok, I’ve been on 35 cruises (always in a balcony cabin or suite) with 10 different companies so was going to share some good suggestions.

Whats your financial situation...can you afford to pay holiday off in instalments? No hotels but maybe an air b n b? Long weekends rather than a week or two.

I understand though...i love holidays and want more.

Yanbu, we only do proper luxury holidays. If we can’t afford it, I would rather just not go. Air BnB, self catering and the like - rather stay home.

@HappyViewer would you be able to share your cruise thoughts?

We recently went on our first, P and O to Norway and liked it but thought it could be better, and have booked to go on a Baltic cruise with Oceania next year in the hope that it will be a step up.

Any pointers gratefully received.

We haven't been abroad in nearly 10 years due to finances and tbh im almost scared to go as I know whatever we choose within our small budget cant possibly meet rhe expectations in my head 😖

The saga cruise sounds wonderful @DilemmaDelilah, am interested to hear @HappyViewerviews on any alternative cruises.

You should do a AMA. I'm thinking of a cruise for my 60th. My partner has some mobility issues, I'm in good health.

We recently stayed as a blowout in a “hotel within a hotel” resort. Oh, the bliss of avoiding throngs of other people! Can’t be doing that again though in a hurry.

I think some holidays can be done on a budget and it doesn’t really matter. Eg cottage breaks - how fancy the cottage is matters little to me as long as it’s warm and clean. I’ve never been on a cruise, but it seems to me that you have to splash the cash having looked at numerous cruise YouTubes. Crowded buffets, heaving swimming pools, queuing for shows…. No, I’m only going if it’s a luxury experience (buys Lottery ticket…).

You don't have to spend a fortune to have those experiences. Surely any holiday is a break from chores and work.

The weather we have had this year has been great, so again, no need to go abroad. I have just had an 11 night break in the UK and accomodation, fuel, plus total money spent while away was only about £700 all in (not including cost of groceries I took with me). A mix of self catering and eating out. We missed one day due to rain, but I was in shorts and t shirt most days and had a fantastic time.

Even going abroad is pretty cheap if you shop around and DIY instead of doing package tours.

Well you could go self catering in France and probably have decent weather, no work and minimal chores - but to keep the cost down you would have to cook.

I am firmly of the belief that a holiday is better than no holiday but I appreciate that for a lot of people if they can't do it "properly" they would rather not compromise.

What can you afford? Start there. Almost everyone can afford a holiday with a bit of planning and being sensible. My friend who is a single mum on benefits with no support from her dd’s dad manages a holiday or two abroad each year. I’ve been mostly off work with cancer and making pennies the past few years (no benefits) and I’ve been to Spain twice this year and planning to go again in the spring. My holidays never cost more than £800, usually closer to £500-600.

That’s usually for me and 1 dc self catering. We’d buy food shopping at home anyway and buying it in Spain is cheaper. We have 1 meal out most days, but some days it’s just picnics and snacks on the balcony, and we go out for ice cream later. I don’t drink alcohol, so I’m not blowing loads getting pissed every day. Flights don’t usually cost more than £60 return and I won’t pay more than £80-90 a night for accommodation. We usually go for a long weekend. It’s great and doesn’t break the bank.

I’m still cross about the poster ages ago who complained that she couldn’t afford a UK holiday by the sea for her and dcs in August. I linked two nice chalet parks I had stayed in which were budget friendly and right on the beach. I was met with an angry snap that they weren’t Devon or Cornwall . Pah.

This is very true. Other cruise lines like P&O or MSC etc just don’t compare really!

Yes I cook most days so that would be a no if it’s self catering. I also only drink on holidays (or birthdays/parties only when at home) so it would also be a deal breaker for me. Plus with hotels you get your bed made everyday, new towels, breakfast etc. It’s the whole package really!

we have 1 dc so have to go in school holidays which makes it more expensive! Also I don’t want the hassle of food shopping when on holidays which makes, I do that most days at home!

Celebrity Cruises have been great for us. Paid c.£1200 pp AI and including flights