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Holidays

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

Original poster

First holiday abroad

11 replies

Mumof2fablittlemonkeys · 13/03/2016 15:04

Hi
We have 2 boys, one 4 in may and the other 17 months. We have only holidayed in the UK with them but are thinking of going abroad (given one under 2 would be free on a plane!!), any advice on where to go? Thinking France, Italy or somewhere that sort of distance, wanting to go may or June and don't want anything too commercial (ie we weren't thinking of hotels with kids clubs etc) just wondering what areas people would say are good
Any help appreciated, want it to be as easy as possible
Thanks 😉

OP posts:
Drinksforeveryone · 13/03/2016 18:25

Keep it all simple is my recommendation.

DS' first holiday abroad was when he was 17 months. We went to Fuengirola - it was May so not too busy.

Nice short flight, hotel on half board so was easy to find foods for him. Nothing exciting - but just nice to be able to play on the beaches and in the pool.

Original poster
Mumof2fablittlemonkeys · 13/03/2016 19:21

Thanks, yes thinking simple, beaches, half board or self catering just wanting ideas of places that incorporate that really, nothing manic, the kids will provide that!!

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Makemineacabsauv · 13/03/2016 22:56

When ds was a baby we went to the paradise village in Cala d'en Bosch in menorca. It was perfect out of season! Lovely place with pools etc and apartments had a bath and were very spacious. Just across the road from shopping centre and main resort area - the locals are so good with children too. One night ds wanted a bottle the minute our meal came and I was told to give him to the wee granny of the restaurant owner! They heated up the bottle and granny fed him and say with him while we had our meal. She moved to where we could see her with him without anyone saying anything before anyone says anything about handing my baby to a stranger !! It was just perfect.

mouldycheesefan · 14/03/2016 06:45

Don't underestimate the value of a kids club. Your four year old may well enjoy an hour to two of playing inside in the air conditioning if it's hot and you may enjoy having a little break from entertaining him. Things my kids had done with kids club by age 4, riding ponies, sailing, speed boats, swimming, treasure hunts, tennis, making cookies or pizza, dancing, fishing, playing on the beach etc. A kids club with qualified nannies and lots of fun activities can make your holiday relaxing. The nannies may also babysit for you in the evening so you can have a romantic meal for two at some point. Places with kids clubs also tend to do early kids teas, have a kids pool and be well equipped with baby stuff.
Lots of very nice classy resorts have kids clubs, it doesn't have to be butlins.

Costacoffeeplease · 14/03/2016 06:59

What about the Algarve? I live in Carvoeiro - smallish village, nice beach, lots of self catering apartments/villas, a few hotels, lots of restaurants - there's a thread on here that I started last summer which might give you a feel for the place?

Original poster
Mumof2fablittlemonkeys · 14/03/2016 15:49

Thanks for the help so far. It's not that I think places wuth kids clubs aren't classy etc (done hoseasons over here and was great) just not wanting to spend the extra money and wanting something more "off the beaten track" as it were, though maybe making a rod for our own backs with that, so undecided I guess. If you have any good places that you've been that we could look at, the idea of some me and hubby time sounds good, we don't have chance to do stuff together as no extended family assistance so guess it's never really occurred to me!!

OP posts:
mouldycheesefan · 14/03/2016 16:44

Hoseasons is not regarded as classy lol!

mouldycheesefan · 14/03/2016 16:48

But as you will have found with hoses sons that doesn't matter, places that are set up for families and kids make a holiday easier for parents and therefore the parents get an actual holiday rather than a change of scene! I can't personally r commend anywhere in France or Italy, we have only done Eurocamp in France when the kids were really little self catering which was great for that age but you sound like you prefer a small hotel or similar.
Have a great time wherever you go!

Original poster
Mumof2fablittlemonkeys · 14/03/2016 17:03

Thanks. I agree wasn't classy but out of season wasn't too busy and to be fair spent most the time at the beach. Thank you

OP posts:
adancopper · 16/03/2016 06:56

Hi,
I know you said that you dont want travel too long, but i still want to recommened you to Southeast Asia which is beautiful land and cheap countries.
Happy travels!

Original poster
Mumof2fablittlemonkeys · 16/03/2016 19:49

Thanks, I would love to go someday, just darent at the moment, not with both being little, I'm a coward!!!

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