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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

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Original poster

novice to all-inclusive, club med - any advice???

18 replies

blossom2 · 01/03/2006 19:02

we've just booked our summer hols via a broker (avant garde) for Club Med in Tunsia. Its an all inclusive package! i'm so excited but not having done a package holiday, or holiday park or club med or booked via a broker, does anyone have any advice, suggestions, warnings ???

any comments would be appreciated

OP posts:

sammac · 01/03/2006 19:08

We've used avant garde to book Tunisia too! Done it my self last 2 years but they got it for us cheaper- and that works for me!

We're going to a different one this year, but they all have the same kind of format. You can do what you want- no pressure to do anything but the opportunity there.

Predominatly french with a whole range of other countries too- we've met some really interesting people.

Buffet eating, which is normally good , and a " theme" each evening- like seafood/italian etc.

The all inclusive thing is new this year, previously it was beer and wine with dinner.

I'll think of more things or ask if you think of anything :)

Original poster

blossom2 · 01/03/2006 19:12

we'll be taking our 4 yr old and 11 month old -

do i need to bring nappies?
how about milk for baby who will still be on formula?
what is the club bungalow accommodation like?
do they provide cots, highchairs?
how far is the beach from the accommodation?
what is childcare like??

OP posts:

Original poster

blossom2 · 01/03/2006 19:15

how about who do we contact if something goes wrong??
what are transfers like to and from the airport??

OP posts:

sammac · 01/03/2006 19:26

Ds now 4 so taken him at 2 and 3.

Nappies -take your own - they will sell them in the shop but tends to be pricier. They sell most of the 'basics' but I always take my own just to make sure, by packing a layer or 2 of nappies on the bottom of the case.

In the restaurant there will be a microwave area for heating up(kind of like in Ikea) and an urn type thing of fresh milk- I was beyond the formula stage by then. The waiters are very obliging and will help out too.

We had a bungalow which was 2 interconnecting rooms for the 4 of us. The first time we had a cot for ds in our room and dd slept in the other room . Each room has its own bathroom. Spacious and very clean. There is a tv in the room too and air conditioning.

Cots and highchairs- plenty.

Don't know where you are going but normally right on the beach.

By childcare do you mean the club? Didn't use any other care apart from that. The clubs are fine although French is the language used- it depends on the staff themselves. Most speak some English and bend over backwards to help. Dd loved them, ds not so keen- he stayed with us most of the time. Loads of activities for kiddies to try and are open at dinner time too - so you can have a romantic meal ( no chance in my life!) The kids food opens earlier ( and there is a high tea time about 4,30) so what we tried to do was feed ds then bring him with us with assorted activities so we could eat like a grown up.

sammac · 01/03/2006 19:30

The manager of the village is normally pretty prominent during the day, but there are department manager responsible who will try to help. For instance ds was 3 and 10 months when we were there and was in with the 2 and 3 year olds. He had made a friend who was 4. We asked if he could go to the 4 to 7 year olds and it was no problem( not that he actually went!!)

Transfers- there is someone from the village waiting at the airport with a private coach for you- there were 9 of us on the coach last year! And when you get there staff are waiting to welcome you with a drink and take all your luggage to your room and escort you there.

Original poster

blossom2 · 01/03/2006 19:58

thank you Sammac, everything you've written is reassuring - it all sounds great.

i am really excited - it'll be nice for DH & I to do some sports together. thank you

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sammac · 02/03/2006 17:56

Thought about something else in work today (obviously much more appealing than thinking about work!) In the evenings, there is generally a 'colour' theme going- not strict by any means. White/black/jeans and on Saturday night it is 'gala night'- just a bit more dressy. Its very casual but still nice if that makes sense.

Where are you going?

I tried sailing last year, also done archery, tennis, volley ball, aquarobics and sunbathing! Lots to choose from. The only trip I went on was to the local market and medina( left dh with kids)Again lots to choose from.

Original poster

blossom2 · 03/03/2006 20:21

Hi Sammac, we're going to Hammamet. I cant wait . i know its had a refurb a couple of years ago and the all-inclusive is new. we did get a good deal from avant garde - how are you finding your handlings with them? and hope dont mind me asking, where are you guys going this year??

i am a bit dissappointed with the lack of water activities but excited about the quad-biking

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sammac · 03/03/2006 20:32

Hey we're going there too!!!

The refurb has just happened so will be all new and shiny. Been to Nabuel the last 2 years but they've taken away the trapeze to Hammamet, and it just looks a nicer place this year. Think Nabuel is ready for a refurb soon.

There are some unofficial websites here you can get more ideas but I can't remember them- just google for them. Will look here too for you!

sammac · 03/03/2006 20:34

Sorry- that sounds as if we're some sort of circus artists- the main reason for not going! I was the only one who didn't go on it, dd was on it every day- even the wee ones get a shot( on the smaller one) Adult time late afternoon if you fancy it!

sunchowder · 03/03/2006 20:34

I went to Djerba about 25 years ago and loved it! Don't even know if it is still there though. I always enjoyed Club Med.

sammac · 03/03/2006 20:40

www.clubmedplanet.com

gives a bit more info :)

Original poster

blossom2 · 03/03/2006 20:40

when are you going?? we're there in mid June!

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sammac · 03/03/2006 21:59

Not till October so you'll be able to tell me what's best!

madhide · 05/03/2006 21:35

Hi Blossom we are going to hammamet for the 1st time this year. when in June are you going? we are going on the 18th

Thanks for the info sammac it is great to have advice from someone who has already been

Original poster

blossom2 · 06/03/2006 21:37

HI madhide, we're there the week before you are and actually leaving on the 18th!! just my luck!

what type of accommodation are you staying in?? we've gone for the club bungalow, which seems really small at 24 square metres but then we'll only be sleeping there - unless it rains and then we'll be at the bar!!

we're also taking our (then will be) 11 month old, which is going to be a challenge, as she'll still be on formula and probably baby food. i can see a suitcase just for her baby food & milk

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madhide · 16/03/2006 17:35

Hi Blossom

We may not be going now have just found out they don't have a babylistening service and we can't put our DD in the pushchair to sleep anymore as she will be 23 months when we go! Did you know this or were you expecting the service to be included like me?

Original poster

blossom2 · 25/03/2006 22:31

dHi madhide, sorry been ages since i've been on mumsnet, so thought i'd look up this thread.

i didnt know that they did not have babylistening services and havent really thought about it. we were looking for the kids clubs during the days more than the evenings really. do you know if they have a babysitting service or nannies that help in the evenings??

we're also committed really.

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