Is it possible to find a holiday that is not going to BANKRUPT us!

[HomeEcoGnomist]

We're trying to find somewhere for a week, with some kind of kids' club/activities for 2 boys 2 & 5.

We've been to Mark Warner before, but never in school holidays - so when I got their quote, I nearly fell of my chair - it was going to come in at something like £4,200 after we include spending money!

Anyone got any ideas? we're not that fussy - but I do draw the line at camping

Same for us, three children for a week, quotes of 5000 euros . Sticking with Centre parks and camping this year.

[shrug] take them during term? See what your school's policy is. Ours is fine about two weeks off (per year) during term.

Have a think about Eurocamp/Canvas Holidays. It's really not like 'camping'.

I know how you feel. I want a lovely European holiday for a week at the end of May and I cannot believe how expensive it is!

We booked a week in Crete in June which was very good value.

Oh we are paying less than that for two weeks at Club med in Turkey, we are going during the summer half term in June plus a week extra....? When were you looking to go? If you are interested in getting a quote for Club Med I can give you my travel agents number as he is slightly cheaper than getting a quote with club med direct?!

Holly - we are looking at that half term plus an extra week (if school lets us) Did you have to ask for the additional week off?
I did look at Club Med a while ago, but wasn't sure about it. Have you been before?

If you can give me your agents number, I would definitely give them a call as I am fed up of internet searching...too much choice!

I found Club Med to be really expensive whenever I've looked at their website (nice places, tho).

Eastern Europe is the place to go. Fly EasyJet to somewhere like Budapest or Croatia and rent an apartment privately.

Last summer we went to Bulgaria. EasyJet to Sophia, a bus ride (about £3) to Sandanski, then we stayed in an apartment privately rented off the Internet. I think it was ?50 per day, two bedroom, balcony, washing machine and kitchen. Sandanski has swimming pools, is near the wine district and has a lovely large park. There were tortoises, lizards and butterflies to chase.

We've also had good holidays in Hungary, Croatia and Romania. There's a fantastic lake about a 2 hour train ride out of Budapest that enchanted DD aged 4. She spent hours on the lake front involved in intricate sandcastle building projects with hoardes of children, few if whom spoke the same language.

I would also recommend Eastern Europe. We went to Serbia last year and it was as cheap as chips, we did have a short stay near Budapest as well and prices were comparable.

Canvas holidays - but in a chalet, not a tent. A/C, bathroom and own bedrooms - not crammed in like you are in a hotel. We have been to Italy 4 times with Canvas and Thomson Al Fresco and LOVED it. We are not a 'camping' family (although do the very occasional weekend in the UK)and like staying in some quite swanky hotels for short breaks, but for a longer summer break this short of holiday is ideal as you have so much more space than a hotel, along with A/C and a bathroom (the things I will not do without for more than a couple of nights - hence not camping!!)

If you book with them at the very end of August their prices drop as they are a Scottish based company and the Scottish schools have gone back then. Take the ferry - whichever is closest (we took the Hull-Rotterdam last year and genuinely enjoyed it - entertainment for the children; slept well in the cabin) and then drive. It may be a long drive but DVD players are a godsend. This means you can take bikes and some food/wine - just the basics, obviously - part of the fun of going away is eating different food and eating out, so we do not self-cater for every meal. If you book one of the Canvas sites that have the special active kids programme then there are all sorts of activities on (canoeing; zorbing; climbing etc) and adults can join in too.

Def not £4200.

Oh - and there was an article in the press yesterday saying that talking kids out of school will be banned completely within months. No application process; no minor (£100) fine; just completely banned and enforced with court action. Haven;t seen all the details so don't shoot the messenger, but Michael Gove is preparing to announce....

Have pm'd you my agents details as apparently I'm not allowed to put them on here?!

what dates?

Thanks Holly, got your message

Ivy - thinking of Sat 2 June

Notyummy - yep, seen that thread, have been keeping an eye on it. Seems to be a leaked idea at the moment

this one here

The supermarket is close as is the town and the beaches are fantastic, child friendly.

You can get the train to lagos from the airport and then get a taxi to the villa if you don't want to hire a car

or this holiday

which is all inclusive for 2.5k

I have heard very good things about Eurocamp, should be much less expensive than Mark Warner and loads of kids activities.

Thanks all - the search is still on, will keep you posted!

Egypt is fab for young children. I'd recommend for October half term and you should be able to get all inclusive for less than £2.5k.

Greece is cheap at the mo, people are wary of the euro collapsing. We're going all inclusive to Kos for £2k in school hols.