Which holiday would you pick, and why?

[FuckingHateRats]

As a family, we've not done an abroad holiday since our 2020 trip was cancelled due to Covid. We've been holidaying in the UK but, now, are ready to plan another trip away for next summer.

We have two options that we've come up with, and we keep debating the merits of both. Interested in others' perspectives to help us decide.

Option 1 - Croatia, Slovenia, Italy

We'd fly to Croatia and then hire a big car, splitting about sixteen days between the three countries, probably doing Eurocamp for the most part. Do the big hitters - Split, Zadar, Krka park, Plitvice, Ljubljana, Lake Bled and then spend some time in Bologna. It would be a hot holiday- lots of swimming pools, beach visits, ice creams etc. We have been to all three countries before, although the kids' memories of Croatia and Slovenia are fuzzy.

Option 2 - Denmark, Norway, Sweden

Probably fly/train between countries. Lots of outdoor activities and seeing capital cities. Water sports and visiting lakes. We've only been to Copenhagen before, and this would feel like a bigger adventure, but perhaps not as 'summer holiday'. Probably hit Legoland in Billund

Our kids will be 17, 15, 13.

Any thoughts or opinions most welcome!

I prefer the sound of holiday number 1 but I would want to do it end of May, early June.

If it was going to be in the main schools summer break I would go with holiday number 2

Both sound lovely! But I'd prefer option 2. I'd also like to ensure I'd get some relaxation and pool time too of course!!

Yes, done Iceland. Loved it!

Norwegian Krone historically weak at moment so probably the cheapest (relatively) time ever to go.

Both sound nice, but option 2 appeals to me more as I have never been to Scandinavia and would like to, plus I am not a huge fan of very hot weather. I think it does depend on how much your children want a beach type summer holiday though.

I would go Scandinavia, both for weather and you never having done that area

Denmark and Southern Sweden have some stunning beaches to cover that part of it and there are definitely plenty of cheaper options for food if you look around

Will you have any DC doing GCSEs or A-levels, might have to factor in contingency days in June, when planning when to go

I would go for option 2, I would also take advantage of the exchange rate for Norway asap.

1. don’t fancy the Scandinavian one at all. I would ask the kids which they prefer

Option 2, I have been to Norway and it’s fab though it is really expensive plus I prefer it cooler and Italy though it had many highlights and nice places just didn’t do it for me.

Sorry to jump on the post! Where in Slovenia would you suggest? We were looking at flying to Klagenfurt in Austria then fly or get the train over to Switzerland but to me that looks like too much travelling with an 8&7 year old!

I looked at Slovenia and Croatia but don't know much about them so your route sounds perfect!!

We're in Scotland, think we break up around the 25th June. I'm a teacher so definitely won't be going outwith the school hols!

I’d go for option 1 mostly because I like hot weather on a summer holiday and also because I really want to visit Slovenia.

assume this is for next summer, if you were planning to go soon then option 1 would not be appealing at all due to current heatwave.

Both sound great to me. I assume option 2 would be a LOT pricier. But there are weather risks with both. 1 could be too hot, 2 could be cool and drizzly.

I am going to Legoland in Billund in a few weeks. My kids are younger but I get the impression that the Lego House (different attraction) is better for bigger kids. We're doing both.

We used to go to Lalandia (a tiny bit like Centre Parcs, but nicer) when DD was little, just across the road from Legoland. We've taken the ferry over to Esbjerg, but also flew into Billund airport.

It used to be quite cheap in late August as most of the German and Scandi kids were back in school (but I am guessing that Scottish schools are back then, too).

I can only remember a few duff days; 80-90% of the time it was warm and sunny (but by no means hot).

@Madcats
sadly the ferry to esbjerg has not run for a few years
agree on late august being cheaper. It’s when we’re going for that reason. But OP wants to go late June.