first holiday abroad on own

[ljs76]

I really want to take my 11yr old son & 8 yr old daughter abroad in 2019 summer holiday. Any recommendations or places to avoid. I will be on my own with them so somewhere safe & cheapish, unfortunately it will have to be in school holidays. I know its a lot to ask but I maybe able to pull it off with some guidance.
thank you

Portugal? Very family friendly, not too expensive.

France?

I wish I had some suggestions. I’m in the process of getting divorced and I have a one year old. I just wanted to say good luck. Hope you get some good suggestions and have a lovely time away. I hope to take dd away when she’s older in the summer on my own

I just went on my first holiday with the DCs ( age 9 and 7) since I separated from their dad. I opted for Agadir in Morocco and absolutely loved it! So much more for your money than Tenerife etc...

I went to Majorca but also have done Tenerife but it’s more expensive.

Worth looking at Ryanair site for cheap flights. What is your budget roughly for flights and accomodation? Do you want AI or self catering? Activities? Temperature. We got flights to Norway / Sweden very cheapily but you would need car hire and accommodation is around £100 a night mark plus unless remote. Temp about 20-22.

They had some Italian flights really cheapily too.

I looked at companies like TUI etc, then checked on Sunshine Holidays or Expedia to see if it was any cheaper.

I did an all inclusive Jet2 package holiday to Majorca with my two aged 12 and 8 and it was wonderful. Hands down best holiday ever.

We stayed at Club Hotel Tropicana, which had little 50s style garden chalet rooms (no high rises), its own beach, pool, mini golf, table tennis, entertainment programme and the usual evening disco stuff. It felt kind of old fashioned but we loved it.

It was so easy, everything from the flight to the transfer and the only holiday I've ever felt I had a true break - no shopping, cooking or cleaning!

Depends on your budget. We drive - flights are horrendous in the summer hols. I recommend the west coast of France if you are the sole driver and consider the overnight ferry crossing. I book the sites directly (in French) rather than using a British agent like europarks, a lot cheaper I found (and more choice). Typically we pay £500 for the accommodation but you need to add transport, for 4 it's a lot cheaper but not sure on savings for 3.

The major tour operators will be offering free child places now plus there may be cash back offers via quidco etc (also use cashback sites for insurance)

You could try Salou, Benidorm or Benalmadena. Not the classiest of resorts but generally cheapish and there is plenty to do for children.

I say keep it simple.

Where are you based ? Near to airports/ferry ports? You prefer to fly or drive?

When I was a lp I took my young son to resorts in Spain and the Canaries. Purely because they were set up for tourism, and english speaking. I didn't want to end up in a situation where I would struggle (in case of sickness/accidents or whatever).

Costa Brava will be nice in summer - there are lots of resorts up and down the coast which are not too pricey. Some lovely beaches. Some of the resorts might be a bit 'brits abroad' but not all. I took my son to Calella on the Costa Brava for a week when he was 13 (that was our last trip with just us two). We flew in to Barcelona and took the train up to Calella. We stayed in a hotel on bed and breakfast basis, and ate out the rest of the time - there were plenty of nice restaurants to choose from - traditionally spanish.

We took the train into Barcelona for a day trip to sight see twice, and also went north to Girona which was interesting.

I booked flights and accommodation separately - as am used to working out the travel, and can speak some Spanish. If you aren't so confident then just book a package with transfers etc included.

I would definitely check out that region as holidays do seem to be cheaper there. The scenery is fabulous and there is a lot to do.