Can anyone reccomend a nice but cheap place abroad for a family of complete novices

[nutcracker]

Have been looking at holidays, and it seems it might be just as cheap to go abroad as go away in the UK.

I have never been abroad before and have no idea where is best to go.

My budget is small, and there would be 2 adults and 3 children (all over 5). Would like either a self catering apartment on a nice child friendly resort, or if the budget would stretch, a villa with pool maybe.

Looking at begginning of Sept (yes i know, in school time) and don't realy want to be travelling for anymore than 2 hours.

Oh, also importantly, neither me or my mum drive and so we need to be near shops, resturants and a beach if poss.

Thanks

Nutcracker - what is your budget?

Nutty, have you seen the sun advertising euro hols at £19.50? Don't know if thats your cuppa tea but GOD its cheap! You'd have loads of spends!

Well I haven't set a budget really, but was looking at spending no more than £400 on the accomodation.

I don't know any areas of France, Spain or anywhere, so I am not sure where to start looking.

If it works out to too much inc flights then I will just have to go for UK.

Haven't seen the sun ad's, will look now.

You can't fly, with the sun ones can you ?

This is a really good website - you choose your flight, then choose the accommodation. I have a friend (she likes nice hotels/apartments) who has used it and it is very reasonable.

"Look at this page"

Thanks bella

If you don't want to travel more than two hours, I think Spain will be your best bet. It will still be nice and warm in September.

I put a couple of holiday searches in just now for spain going 6th September and the prices looked really reasonable - got one for less than a £1000. There are quite a few child free places as well.

It's a real shame me or my mum don't drive, because I love the look of the Eurocamp parcs and they are cheap too.

iiwy I'd go for something all inclusive with facilities on a beach front, say Balearics, Spain etc rather than a more isolated sc place. Or an aparthotel where there are restaurants on site or you can sc. That way you can chill out for the week and not have to feel pressured to go on overpriced excursions or track down meals. Decide your overall budget and look for deals in Majorca, Minorca etc.

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Agree booking direct can be cheaper but if you want facilities, transfers and a place where English is the predominant language then using a UK tour operator can make it all much easier to find, and be covered by ATOL/ABTA. My dbro has been to a First Choice place in Menorca a few times.

If you plan to go in termtime bear in mind that the kids activities, if still running, may be aimed at younger ones and there could be fewer opportunites for them to make friends of their own age. End June/early July might be better for that as Scottish schools will have broken up.

have you found anything yet nutty?

Nope have given up LOL. I have no clue what I am looking for, and it all seems mega expensive.

Thanks for link Aimsmum, looking now.

I think I seriously underestimated how much it could be with flights, so will have to stick to UK.

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whats your budget emma?

Yup

There is just so much out there and I am easily confused

Not sure really emma, cos I have no idea what it could cost.

I would need to do it as cheap as possible, whatever that is.

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Blimey you are good A

Think I loked at Salou and liked it.

I think we are shelving the DLP idea....possibly.

Just out of interest, how much is 2 nights/3 days for DLP ??

I would suggest Salou also- its in a perfect position for Portaventura theme park, its so cheap there also.

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Ok, will put Salou on my list.

If i am gonna book it all seperatly, which sites are best to look at ??