All inclusive with teenagers as first holiday as single mum

[AlicesPalace]

Hello,

I have trawled and trawled the Internet but not sure what sites are best (as STBXH always booked the holidays).

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. My budget is 5k (preferably 3k). Destinations Europe (excluding Greece, Turkey) - probably big 5, but would also consider Croatia, but as single female don’t want to go too far outside my comfort zone on first holiday abroad.

I would like transfers included, and ideally somewhere that sun loungers can be booked in advance for the stay. Looking for 10 days (but will also consider 7 or 14 days).

would love something for young teenagers (who think they’re old teenagers!) to do and keep them occupied. Needs air conditioning as youngest surfers heat rash.

don’t need entertainment like aqua aerobics or anything like that. Maybe just some water sports for the kids and good Wi-Fi.

can anyone help me? I’m a bit nervous about first solo holiday but want to do it so next time I can be more adventurous!

We've been to Lanzarote a few times and I personally didn't think it was great for teenagers but that might just've been our resorts.

I don't think you can go wrong with Benidorm or Majorca to be honest. Busy resorts but geared to families and plenty to do and see.

I've not been to Croatia but DH works at an airport and always hears people raving about it.

Have you considered a cruise? Might be a bit out of your budget but you can get deals so I would definitely have a look round. My teen DD cried when we walked off the boat on our last cruise, she'd had such a good time and made so many friends.

I’ve never been to an AI resort where you can book loungers!

sorry, not constructive. I’ve had some fab AI holidays with kids as a single parent to Turkey.

how much do you want to explore outside the resort? Because ti be honest once you’re inside the resort you could be anywhere!

Look at a cruise.

you can do the Mediterranean, sailing directly out of Southampton. All inclusive food, soft drinks and snacks for everyone. You can get all inclusive that includes booze or you can pay a bit extra for that. But no unexpected bar bills.

Kids and teens clubs are alway great, pools, water parks. Some ships have climbing walls, go carts, zip lines etc but you need to find them. Plenty of entertainment, lots of places to see. But £5k should but you a decent trip.

Check out cruise.co.uk

Any of the Tui Magic life or Tui Blue holidays would be good. Tui blue aura in Ibiza or Tui magic life in cala Pada in ibiza would fit the bill.

Have a look at first choice, and in your filters click onsite water park so it brings up their splash world holidays.

Ive just booked a week in Mallorca for me and my teen and pre teen for £2k, 4 star all inclusive with onsite water park

How many teens are you taking and how old?

Assumed you might be London way... but you could get the below deal with some discounts to stay at Magic Natura in Benidorm in July for 7 days...might be able to extend it for not much more money! Hotel looks like there's loads going on to keep the kids busy.

@LiliLil that sounds awesome thank you!

That sounds fab @Zola1 thank you.

Thank you so much everyone for your help. Cruises have not been on my radar so I will take a look.

Have a look here in Menorca. We’ve been twice and are returning in September but it is only DH and I.

There’s a beach, well little cove, right next to the hotel down some steps where you can go paddling in amongst the fish or you can go snorkelling. It’s where DH spends most of his days. There’s larger beaches within walking distance of the hotel, but they’re still coves and excellent for snorkelling. In the resort, also, within walking distance there is a water park.

There is a bus stop right outside where you can catch the bus to Ciutadella, which is the old capital of Menorca. It’s absolutely beautiful with its old buildings, little streets and cafes.

Are you really don't have an answer for I really don't have an answer for you. But I loved your comment about young teenagers thinking they are older teens. How about getting them to help you choose a place?

Why not Turkey?
i’ve never seen somewhere with bookable sunbeds but the nicer hotels always have enough.
jet2 are great and make things very straightforward. I would look for somewhere on a beach, if it has a pier into the sea to swim / do flips off, a few water slides and a gym the teenagers should be happy. Oh and good Wi-Fi!
I know somewhere but it’s in Turkey.
also don’t forget about mobile roaming charges. Or if it’s a pita make sure they know that phones are off until you can connect to the Wi-Fi to avoid a very hefty bill.

Look on TUI and filter the results, you’ll definitely find something

No worries at all! First Choice is part of the TUI group but does the holiday villages and splashworld hotels. I hope you find something and have a great time!

Neilson is fab for teens.

I know you said not Greece, but TUI Blue Lagoon Princess in Halkidiki ticks lots of your boxes. No need to book loungers, they are always available, watersports on the direct access beach, WiFi is great, teen hang out areas. You won't be disappointed

Hi just to say we did all inclusive for second holiday as newly divorced with similar age teens (first holiday was bit of a disaster I was too overambitious (road trip round France), and this was a much better option).

We went to Turkey (Aludeniz I think, with BA Holidays) for 7 nights which was great (nice hotel, lagoon for different setting, good food, range of options). What worked for us was the teens having more freedom on site, but in an enclosed environment, and for me, the chance to switch off and not needing to plan which restaurant, where etc. 7 nights worked well for us and by then we were ready for either a change of scene or to come home. Good luck.

I took my 3dc (9, 9 and 15) to Majorca on my first holiday as a single parent last year. We absolutely bloody loved it! It felt like such an achievement and it’s been great for us to have those memories together.

We’re going on a cruise this year!

How do you all get on with only having one bedroom?

The place we went to in Turkey did family rooms with a double, twin and living area. Ideal for holidaying with kids

I think we just accept it’s only for a week and get on with it! The teen gets changed in the bathroom and the younger two didn’t really mind but I’m guessing they’ll want to use the bathroom to change soon too. Sometimes the teen spent a couple of hours in the room while I took the younger ones to the pool. It seemed to work ok…apart from the kids complaining about my snoring 🙈.