Last minute beach holiday this August - is it doable or am I mad? Or camping in the UK instead?

[Bubblyb00b]

Hi, my work schedule threw me a curveball and I just found out I can take a week off at the end of August - was told before it was not possible. Which is great as it means I can do something with my DS before he starts school.

Ideally, I would really, really want to get some sea and sunshine, but I have no idea what to do. I don't have a huge budget, but I'm not really fussy - something decent with sea access would be great. The problem is, all the usual places I look at either too expensive/ too hot in August/ require a car to get there (I don't drive). I was recommended a place near Alicante (can book it but have to get a train to get there); Valencia - too hot; Greece, Sicily and Sardinia - too expensive, fires, too hot... I look at Lastminute/ Booking site - they seem to be the cheapest.

I normally prefer to stay in apartments (not Airbnb, don't use that) but this time would be happy to consider any options as really want DS to have a splash around and get some vitamin D. I would really like to find some small-ish place, where I can get to by train or bus from the airport and where I can go to a free beach.

Could anyone recommend anything, if its doable? Alternatively, I was looking at going camping in the UK, though it seems August is pretty much booked. Gosh, I'm so frustrated and angry at my boss... But really want to make it work for my kid. Thanks in advance for any help!!

Wherr are you travelling from and what is your budget?

you can use sites like resorthopper.com to book yourself a transfer to and from the airport

If there’s just the 2 of you, a hotel or B&B may be cheaper than an apartment. Last week of August is a bank holiday, so it’s quite popular, it’s when we are away in the uk. If you are on a small budget, I think you are looking at really last minute or go to a travel agent and let them do the work for you.

Hi, thanks for replies, I could possibly book one week earlier, maybe this would be better? I'm in London. My budget is 1.5k max for flights and accommodation.
I am being naive, right?...

Absolutely go get some sun - this summer is a washout, you don’t want to be camping

Croatia is good value

You could see if there are any slots left in good south of France campsites

The telegraph and others run best cheap last minute holiday / best value for 2023 type articles - look at those.

Last minute Is good - and msy be easier - but if you prefer to self cater I would use air bnb - just make an exception this time else you are cutting yourself off from a major source.

@continentallentil - thanks! I could look at airbnb, I'm quite easy this time - I just have no idea where to go!! I haven't travelled much and usually just go to Amalfi Coast for my beach and sun - which is not going to happen this time as it needs to be booked in advance to be affordable.

Where in Croatia?

Across the sea from Italy, opposite Venice side that is, very nice!

There's half board options in Mallorca in bush

Also lake Garda

https://www.vacansoleil.co.uk/camping/france/languedoc-roussillon/torreilles/camping-club-le-marisol-2050007/?arrival=2023-08-26&departure=2023-09-02&adults=1&acco=MOB%2CTREE%2CLOD%2CTINY%2CVIL%2CBUNGALOW%2CCHALET&filters=ZEE0
south of france, on a beach, pool and playground for your son. £369 for a mobile home for the week (French schools are back so France is cheap!). 17 miles from Perpignan airport so you need a taxi but you’ve £1100 left for flights and taxi which I’d guess would come in around £300 for the two of you.

If you go to Croatia take water shoes, there’s loads of sea urchins!

Tui have got some AI deals to Spain for £6-700 per person for the end of august. Depends what your budget is.

I found this, doable by train
https://lux-camp.co.uk/france/loire-valley/le-parc-de-fierbois?adults=2&date=2023-08-26&duration=7&map=false

I would do a package holiday transfers included etc. A quick google on tui website shows all inclusive holidays to Balearics for £1,100 total

holiday.holidaypirates.com/ have some offers for Mallorca for £767 per person

I found an AL to Ibiza for £1660. If you’re able to travel on the Friday before or Monday afterwards you will probably get it something cheaper.

Jet2 have some last minute deals on. Canaries? Last week in August might be good because lots of schools are back on 1/9 so possibly cheaper than week before. I’d definitely try abroad, weather in the uk could still be awful. I think temperature is set to drop a bit in southern Europe.

So you could get a flight to nice. There is a bus that goes twice a day from the airport up the valley towards the mountains - sospel is a good base or entrevaux ( campsite by a lake, fab citadel town) Find a campsite on that route - lots have pools, or book a simple camping hut. You can then get the bus back to the beach. Campsites will be much quieter as all the French have gone home by mid august as kids go back to school then

https://holiday.holidaypirates.com/holidays/?nights=7&rooms=1-5&date=2024-08-01&flexibility=-2&sort=POPULAR&f.boardBasis=AI&f.minTripAdvisorRating=4&f.starRating=4

lots to choose from there!

This for example

https://camping-dubrec.com/en/homepage-english/

or

https://www.camping-sainte-madeleine.com/fr/reservation/

I've just had a quick look at Tui and there are definitely options from London for apartments with transfers included for under £1000 for the two of you.

Agree with PPs that a package might be a better option here. Tui are also offering another £100 off for a solo adult travelling with a child.

Good luck, hope you find something and have a fun week away with DS.

You could give Eurocamp a call and see if they can adjust their Package of the Week? It’s for a family of 4, but it’s under £700 for flights from Stansted and accommodation at a French site: https://www.eurocamp.co.uk/special-offers/package-of-the-week

Ischia. Fly to naples gef a ferry - really easy. So many beaches and small island

What about Barcelona and get a train to the beach?

I booked myself and DD5 two weeks in mainland Greece for 1200. I booked flights via skyscanner and accommodation on booking.com. So definitely do-able.

To be fair the chances are it will be very hot anywhere in Europe in august, so you may well have to suck that up.

How about getting the ferry to France, maybe look for somewhere in Brittany (I've never been but friends have)