That me and the DCs will probably NEVER have a nice sunny holiday abroad becuase my DH refuses to do the 'Brits Abroad' thing

[PollyPentapeptide]

So we instead we have to have endless holidays traipsing around the Lake District or sitting on wet and windy welsh beaches

Not that the Lake District/Wales/Cornwall aren't very lovely (because they are!) but because that is all we do!

All of DC's friends will go back to school in September with tales of trips to Spain or France or Florida but our DC's won't (and probably never will)

The brits abroad thing isn't compulsary AFAIK

what a shame for you all

Its because there are 6 of us, so the only foreign holiday we could afford would be a budget one and he won't even consider it despite the fact that if you add up the cost of all the other trips we do in the UK, it would more then pay for a decent holiday abroad and we would probably have enough left over for a few soggy camping trips here too (that should keep him happy then!

He is such a snob, without the dosh to back it up (iyswim)

oh, and i agree - you go with the DCs without your DH

I dont think I could manage all four on my own (perhaps when they are a bit older)

Agree - book a holiday yourself. A cheapish package that has kids' activities/clubs etc so the entertainment isn't all down to you.

I think exposing children to other cultures and environments is very good for them - they start getting a sense of the big wide world out there. Obviously it's unaffordable for most, but if teh cost isn't the issue then just go for it.

i would personally go alone my dp doesnt want to do camping so i intend to take ds alone

holidays are about being happy as a family as long as you enjoy your holidays as a family together it doesnt matter where you go

but if he doesnt want to go abroad you go with the kids

and do something together also

Polly, dont worry abiut it your kids wont care, seriously

we never went abroad ever, I started to go on school trips in my teens abroad instead!

I always remember we used to have waaaay more holidays than other people too and much more fun and freedom. All my friends were jelous of the stories i used to come back with of playing on the beach all day and having loads of friends all over the country.

It would just be so nice to take them abroad so they have something exciting to tell (and a sun tan as opposed to effing trench-foot and nits - this was last years camping trip!)

why dont you try somewhre like irelaand first where the culture is not so different ,then maybe slowly persuade dh.

He would be happy if we go somewhere where the kids would really get a taste of a different culture so I have been looking at Euro camp et al to find a site that is near to villages and local life etc etc.

Also, it isn't the case that money is no object either. We really do have to watch the pennies so in his mind that means cheapo/sad holiday in some tacky resort with dodgy food and evening entertainment.

Part of me thinks - well so what, if thats all we can afford, who are we to argue!!!

I just need to try and convince him otherwise though.

Too late for this year as doing Lake Distict and Wales (again)

We always took them camping in France, Spain and italy. All drivable if you share the driving and spread it over 2 days. that way you have your car when you get there and can go exploring.

I sort of know what he means about 'Brits Abroad'... he is maybe thinking of 'Benidorm'

OP - perhaps you could suggest alternating holidays ie: one year you go somewhere abroad and the next you do the camping stuff.

The bucket and spade stuff is not as bad as he thinks.

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I don't think the children care-they don't need the weather when they are small you can have just as much fun on a beach in warm clothes and wellies!
I think being a family in Cornwall/Wales etc is much nicer than sitting around a swimming pool too hot to play-or even worse being in a kids club! It is the holiday disasters that you look back fondly on when you are an adult!
We are the other way around, my DH likes abroad and sun-I am the one who likes home and mud! Perhaps we should swap!!!
Seriously-perhaps you could sit down and talk about it for next year. Do the same but go to France and experience a different culture.Think up some good arguments before you start.

Possibly Benidorm I will always remember the Chav/Rah thread on here (was it last year?)

Themoon66, can you recommened any campsites?

Polly - what's your budget for Lake District/Wales (UK hols still aren't cheap!) and we can look for some tasteful hols abroad for you.
Maybe also remind your dh it's not all about him!!! It is everyone's holiday. He's picked for the last x years so now the other 5 of you take it in turns...

I'm another one that never went on holidays abroad. My first time abroad was at 14, on a school trip to France.

We used to hire cottages all over the UK, and I have wonderful memories of all my childhood holidays. I've seen so much more of this country than my friends who went to the same resort in Spain every year. And some years I even got a suntan!

Why don't you do alternate years - one year, you pick where to go, and the next he does? Or would he not go for that either?

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NO cod, not a doormat, just wouldn't dream of spending several thousand pounds of the money that DH earns without at least consulting him

Polly... cypsela

We used to go with Eurosites, but haven, sunsites, eurocamp etc all have tents and mobile homes there. It was very safe for the kids.. security guards on all gates etc. Good laundry facilities, clean and tidy.