Resort v villa with DCs

[checkedcloth]

We’ve been really lucky to go to AI resorts for our last few holidays and the DCs have had a ball (they are 9 and 7) with all the activities and also due to making loads of friends each holiday.

Looking to next year we are thinking of doing something different and would like a break from being tied to the resort for AI. We would like to get out and about more, eat locally etc.

Worried about the DCs not making friends though and the opportunity to do so many activities. Our DS especially is sports mad.

Grateful for any advice or experience

Tia

We've done both types of holiday and enjoyed both.

In terms of sporting activities I would say a villa is actually better than AI as you have free rein, and you can easily justify the cost because you're usually still saving money compared to AI. Obviously it depends where you go, but we've taken the DCs white water rafting, canyoning, parapenting, hiking, high ropes, city sightseeing etc etc. Whereas on an AI holiday it's more likely to be sailing, windsurfing etc (unless you leave the resort).

However, I agree with you that it's easier for the kids to make friends on an AI holiday than a villa holiday. And it's probably more relaxing for you too!

What about a villa within a resort? Then you can do the best of both - activities within the resort and getting out and about?

Eurocamp! The sites vary massively, but the 'lively' sites are full of sports and activities for children and teens.

Lots of friendships to be made- it's the best part according to my children!

Choose a site near a town and you can stroll in for meals out. When or eating out, you can BBQ- perfect!

Caravans can be as basic or high tech/luxe as you like.

We keep ourselves to ourselves on holiday by preference but often people go with friends or family or on a large site will socialise.

Look at La Garangeoire as an example site.