to not want to go on a caravan park holiday DH won through work?

[electrofagz]

I've checked out their website and I just don't think I can do it. Basically, the caravan home is owned by another employee through a sort of time-share scheme (?) so it is not possible to upgrade to one of the nicer homes in the park. I know that it is only a week and I am effectively passing on an almost free holiday but I absolutely hate that kind of set-up having discovered the world as an independent traveller over the years.

If we don't go, the 'owner' would probably know as his friend 'owns' the plot next door and will be there when we are meant to go. He keeps telling dh about the karaoke nights, "the best cabaret shows in the UK" and the huge breakfast buffet - these are things I would actively avoid in a holiday of my choice. Dh has already confirmed that he does not have any annual leave booked for those dates.

Is there a polite way of getting out of it?

"it's terrible, but we just don't have the leave to get away that week. Would it be OK for xx to take the week instead ?" having found who would like to go instead. Graceful, and someone else gets to go

Whether there is a polite way of refusing or not, it sounds horrendous! If you work perhaps your DH could say that you can't take the time off? Or that the date clashes with that of a family get-together/wedding abroad?

I don't work. DH has quietly asked around his friends but they are all Cash-flashing Alphas and nobody is interested. If anything, he has become the object of ridicule since the news broke (would state jokes but would give away the name of the chain of parks). The man who donated it is really sweet and I have said hello to him a few times. He works in the post room of the Firm.

He actually entered to seem like a good sport (though also because he wanted to win the crate of champagne).

Oh, maybe I am obliged to go - could be character building

I won a 3 day cruise of the Norwegian fjords.

Never again. Was freezing, cabin was tiny, entertainent was rubbish.

If you're not looking forward to it this far in advance definitely make something up!

I bet someone on here would love to go. Is there anyway you could offer it up?

'obliged to go'??

Don't be mad.
Sounds hellish.

Just say 'What a shame, we can't do it'.
Can you pass it on as prize in school fair or summat?

You sound a little snobby and think that a caravan holiday is beneath you.

There are people who would give their right arm for any sort of holiday.

So yes, YABU.

Why should she go on a holiday that she doesn't want to go on? Nowt to do with being snobby, just a case of personal taste. I stayed in an (apparently) top hotel in Dubai once and hated every minute of it. Awful place.

Well, i'm a bit angry with DH tbh as he has been stringing along the man who donated it by saying things like 'I love fish and chip suppers' (I have never cooked these) and 'My dw has always wanted to go on a park holiday' (blatantly untrue). Not once has he indicated how averse we are to the idea

Could you just stay there literally just to sleep, and spend your days off out of the park in nearby towns etc?

I feel a bit bad for the poor bloke that donated it.

I know I am probably a bit snobby - I would consider a Tipi holiday in Cornwall or Featherdown Farms - type set-up - but this is in a much colder part of the country and coincides with one of those weekends where (apparently) the place is opened up to all and sundry for a themed weekend

" but I absolutely hate that kind of set-up having discovered the world as an independent traveller over the years. "

eh?

I sympathise but not sure what that bit means.

Message withdrawn

Well, everything you do/eat/see is based inside the grounds of the park - there is nothing to discover; you can read the web pages and it would be as good as having visited.

I think you should go, but I am a great fan of trying holidays that sound hellish, as I have found it great fun in the past!

How old are your DC's? They will probably adore it.

I was going to suggest you freecycle the holiday (getting to know a bit about the recipient first so you can say they are friends) but I think Dilemma's idea is better! There will be a way of giving it to someone who will enjoy it. FWIW I don't think it's snobby to not enjoy that sort of holiday. The caravan part I'd like but 'friendly' folks wanting me to do karaoke and organised entertainment and buffet breakfasts - no thanks!

ffs just let the poor man who donated it have his week back

Surely it's up to you if you go off the park.

Which part of the country is it in. Is there really nothing to see / do in the area?

Above all, I don't want to hurt the postroom guy's feelings by making him feel as though his choice of holiday is not good enough for us. I would not want him to start hiding mail etc

They don't round you up at 7.00pm and frogmarch you to the cabaret you know, you have a choice. Chill! You might enjoy it.

A colder part of the country you say?

OMG, it's not the north is it???

I think laweaselmys's suggestion is the best one. You don't need to go to the breakfast buffet or the karaoke sessions.

If you're an experienced world traveller then surely you are open to new experiences in unfamiliar territory?

Cleethorpes?