So how was your holiday this year? Would you recommend it?

[TheTurnOfTheScrew]

I am just back from ours, and already thinking about next year. Would love to hear what people liked/disliked about theirs, especially those who went shorthaul for 4k or ideally very much less!

Went to Kos in May and stopped at The Holiday Village.

£1500 for 2 adults 1 child (DD6) all inclusive

Had a fab time. Weather was glorious. Hotel was clean, grounds not too big, rooms were spacious, hotel backed into the beach which was sandy and sea was shallow for ages. 3 big pools and a splash pool. There was a small town ten mins walk away so didn't feel too trapped. Food in the hotel wasn't the best I've had (but by no means the worst) but plenty of choice, always hot and replenished regularly. Entertainment pretty much all day. Daughter did a few kids club sessions and really enjoyed them. Evening entertainment wasnt to mine and DH taste. Bit naff but again DD haf a wail of a time. Hired a car for 2 days and got to explore loads of the island, Kos Town, Thermal Pool Beach, Paradise Beach, mountain villages.

Only thing I'd say is we didn't really know anything of the Holiday Village Brand. Not much in the way of diversity, very much catered for the British. I like going on holiday and hearing different languages and that makes things like the food and entertainment a bit more diverse too. But we got out and explored so got some of that off our own backs. Can't fault the hotel or the staff though. And even though we had a great holiday the Holiday Village brand just isn't for us.

Barbati, Corfu, at the end of June. It rained a lot, and there were big piles of uncollected rubbish in the streets, which were stinky but it amused DD spotting them. 2-bedroom villa with Villa Plus, would sleep 4 but there were only 3 of us. Not very clean, and cleaners came in the week without doing much except that they threw away the straw from DD's cup, which was irritating. The photos on the website exaggerated how big and how nice it was, but it was ok and if the photos had been realistic it wouldn't have been disappointing. Lots of nice places to eat, a couple of small supermarkets nearby, and 2 minutes from the beach, which was pebbly but the sea was lovely and warm and calm.

We had a day trip to Paleokastritsa, which was LOVELY, and had a lot more going on. DH hadn't wanted to stay there as he'd been there before.

Cost about £2k inc flights. Hire car cost was reasonable and the hired car seat was adequate although it was a backless booster which I wouldn't choose for a 4yo at home.

Overall it was good, but next time I'd rather be in a slightly bigger resort, as once we'd had a walk along the beach and a boat trip, there wasn't much else on the doorstep so we had to drive. Scenery was beautiful and food amazing.

Copenhagen for a week and it was wonderful, I don't thinks it's what you're after though. I would love to go back through. Really clean and safe, good food, loads to do and transport to was excellent.

We went to the Algarve Olhos De Agua staying at the Falésia Mar (Falesia Garden shares the same facilities) fab pool, lovely beach down some steps below, lovely views. It’s very family Orientated, fab breakfasts with something for everyone, fab animation team (water polo, football, archery, water aerobics, daily challenges etc etc - everything is for mixed ages and no pressure to join in). We went bed and breakfast so didn’t eat much for lunch and ate out every night. Photos are the pool and two of the beach immediately down from the hotel.
runsmidgeOMG - how old are your DC please as just wondering whether it would be on for a 14 and 15 year old in 2019. Also who did you camp with it sounds ideal.

Alvor, in Portugal, mid August. Loved every second and would definitely return- dd aged 14 would prefer Lagos just up the coast though, as it seemed a bit more lively. Wonderful people, cheap as chips. Great excursions on boats and to Lisbon.

(went to Menorca last year for the third time- love that too, but Portugal surprisingly (am a Spain-o-phile) has the edge. The niceness of the people was incredible. )

Went with Tui. Everything went like clockwork.

Yes lov Portugal and Alvie is very nice lots of lovely restaurants and beaches but it’s difficult to find nice accommodation close to the centre and it’s become very popular also our DC want something more than self catering and prefer some organised pool side competitions as they’ve got older.

May Geneva 3 nights - loved it, lots to do for children but expensive as you'd expect.

June Lisbon and Aveiro 5 nights - great for kids and really cheap.

July Provence 7 nights - absolutely beautiful, I'd definitely go back.

All were Airbnb, all £1500 each or less for a family of four but not in school holidays.

@Waltzingmatilda65

We only have DD 2.5 BUT I got given the weekly activity plan for children of all ages and OMG there is so so much for them to do. There's a designated teen lounge area for a whole load of hi tech activities, bike hire, inflatable assault course in the sea, three different pools (one with slides) several different beaches all offering something from water sports to relaxation (also salons and massages on site ) At your kids age they'd be able to wonder the site freely no worries.

We booked direct with "campsite lanterna" by Valamar but the previous year we booked through canvas holidays who also give you the option of a ready made tent or semi glamping Hut (a sahara tent) with all essentials there waiting for you. Most definitely value for money

That sounds fab: I must look into it when not just home from a girls night out 3 sheets to the wind lol.

We had a 3 week road trip staying in 8 different places through Bavaria, Austria and France, ending up in the kids' favourite place - Center Parcs (this time in France). Absolutely loved it and already thinking about where we can go next year.

This year we’ve done-

Thailand - totally amazing! Yes!
Mexico - love it there! Yes!
New York - great sightseeing, shopping and lots of fun. Yes!

@LaContessaDiPlump would you mind sharing with me too please. It sounds like the kind of thing that would be suitable for our son.

@Alltootrue2u what was your itinerary in Thailand like? Did you choose random places ?

Slovenia - absolutely loved it. Flew into Ljubljana a beautiful compact city with a river running through it. Stayed two nights in an Airbnb then picked up a car and had a week near Lake Bled. I don't actually want anyone else to know about it as it was so beautiful!!

Guernsey and Sark
Mostly sunny
Loved it and wished we had stayed longer in Sark

Croatia, 2 weeks, loved it and can't wait to go back next year. Brac Island, mainland (to bust Krka National Park, Trogir, more coastline, then Split for 3 nights. Had the BEST time, we all loved it.

Lisbon, great city, lots to do, lovely weather.

Playa Blanca in Lanzarote just for the amazing hotel ‘Princesa Yaiza’. It’s a perfect combination of adults luxury with good facilities for babies too. We took our 8 month old this year in September but went just the two of us last October B&B and could eat out quite cheaply.
We would definitely return year upon year.

Sithonia resort in Northern Greece and Tuscany

Yes lovely

Also right on the beach and a short stroll to the town and harbour.

Not shorthaul but we did Grenada and St Lucia, week on each. Fantastic islands, though Grenada less for children (mine is 2)

Santorini,we stayed in Kamari, which is the beach resort and then explored the island by car, quad bike and horse back.

It's a absolutely beautiful place but Oia and Fira are hell on earth when the cruise ships are in

Belgium? So risky in summer re weather.

Menorca. So lovely.

Dom Republic.
Oh it was lovely.
Beach was like the bounty advert.
Kids club amazing
Glorious sun and 28 degrees every day.
Loved the food

Rebooked for next Feb!

Another one requesting the details of the campsite in Belgium please @LaContessaDiPlump.

We just camped in the UK this year, although with the lovely weather we had we don't feel like we missed out!