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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Holiday Dilemma

38 replies

Shopperholic2023 · 09/09/2023 19:25

DH turns 40 next year April. I’m planning to do a trip away (surprise) recommendations of where we can visit with 3 kids? (3) (6) (7)
approx 7-10days away.

then we want to also go away in the summer for 7 nights.

was originally thinking Dubai for April but it’s coming up quiet pricey. August seems to be cheaper.

can’t decide what to do and can’t take DH help because it’s a surprise.

OP posts:
HermioneWeasley · 09/09/2023 19:37

You must have an idea of what he’d like to do?

yes, Dubai is cheaper is august for a reason!

User2123 · 09/09/2023 19:38

What sort of holiday does he enjoy? City break, beach, road trip? Does it need to be somewhere hot?

Where do you usually go in summer, would you swap that holiday to April if you went to Dubai in August instead?

onlylovecanhurtlikethis · 09/09/2023 19:39

Tel aviv?

ChicoryDip · 09/09/2023 19:40

Dubai will be cheaper in August because of the high temperatures - I can't imagine it'll be much fun for the children in 40+ heat.

What do you picture doing on your holiday? Lazing on the beach/pool, visiting places, good food and drink, local restaurants or AI?

Ohmylovejune · 09/09/2023 19:40

I spent my 40th (in the summer) in the Isles of Scilly.

itsmyp4rty · 09/09/2023 19:46

Majorca is great for a family holiday in the summer. That would be my choice. April is difficult short haul because the weather could be hit and miss, I'd go for the Canary Islands for the best chance of good sunny weather if Dubai is too expensive.

User2123 · 09/09/2023 19:50

If it doesn't need to be hot, somewhere like Center Parcs in Europe could be an option. Great for the children with the big swimming pools and activities, nice cheese and wine if you like that kind of thing. Could invite friends and family and book neighbouring lodges to make it a big family celebration.

ladeluge · 09/09/2023 19:57

Go for a shorter break in April to Disneyland Paris. SURPRISE!!

longer Summer break to Duinrell in Netherlands. or similar Eurocamp elsewhere.

Pandax3 · 09/09/2023 20:02

What sort of budget? Long haul or short haul? Beach / AI or sightseeing?

We have 3 DC and it can be tricky finding hotel rooms. I have a few ideas but would be helpful to have a bit more of a guide as to what you're after!

Original poster
Shopperholic2023 · 09/09/2023 20:57

Please share your ideas.

We would prefer 6-7hours travel, don’t know which one that falls into. Want a resort type as we’re not going to do much sightseeing with 3 kids if I’m honest.

OP posts:
Original poster
Shopperholic2023 · 09/09/2023 20:57

Pandax3 · 09/09/2023 20:02

What sort of budget? Long haul or short haul? Beach / AI or sightseeing?

We have 3 DC and it can be tricky finding hotel rooms. I have a few ideas but would be helpful to have a bit more of a guide as to what you're after!

Please share your ideas.

We would prefer 6-7hours travel, don’t know which one that falls into. Want a resort type as we’re not going to do much sightseeing with 3 kids if I’m honest.

OP posts:
Original poster
Shopperholic2023 · 09/09/2023 20:59

ChicoryDip · 09/09/2023 19:40

Dubai will be cheaper in August because of the high temperatures - I can't imagine it'll be much fun for the children in 40+ heat.

What do you picture doing on your holiday? Lazing on the beach/pool, visiting places, good food and drink, local restaurants or AI?

Mainly lazing by the pool/in the pool, May do an odd sightseeing trip but won’t be out much. Want a resort type where there’s enough for kids to keep busy too.
given the above would Dubai still be too much for kids in august?

OP posts:
TheYear2000 · 09/09/2023 21:00

Greece or Majorca or southern Spain sound like good bets- find a nice AI resort with activities/stuff for the children?

If Dubai is too expensive at that time of year, I imagine places like the Caribbean would be too?

Original poster
Shopperholic2023 · 09/09/2023 21:01

HermioneWeasley · 09/09/2023 19:37

You must have an idea of what he’d like to do?

yes, Dubai is cheaper is august for a reason!

He’d just like to relax by the pool tbh… so not sure that being said if Dubai would still be too hot considering we won’t be doing much sightseeing

OP posts:
Phos · 09/09/2023 21:02

Cyprus, Oman or the Caribbean would be safer bets for the weather I think.

Phos · 09/09/2023 21:02

Maybe Egypt also

MrsHsGirl · 09/09/2023 21:03

Dubai is wonderful but will be far too hot in August. My friend lives out there and her 3 year old has been allowed out to play in the garden today for the first time in almost 2 months because of the heat

saymynamesaymy · 09/09/2023 21:07

Cape Verde for April, 6 hour flight, massive hotels with lots of pools etc ideal for doing nothing but eating and sunbathing. We stayed at a riu on Boa Vista

Beautifulsunflowers · 09/09/2023 21:07

If all you’re doing is lazing around the pool then the Canary Islands would be good for adults and kids. 4 hr flight from uk, weather should be nice in April and if you go all inclusive it would be a lovely relaxing break.

Kissmas · 09/09/2023 21:15

RIU Touareg on Boa Vista at any time of year. I think the karamboa might have a bit more for the little ones, not sure.

Bahia Fantasia in Tenerife

Don't know why you'd bother going to Dubai to pay more for the same thing. You're not planning on sightseeing anyway

yelloworchids · 09/09/2023 21:18

Definitely do Dubai!
we’ve been in August a few times with little ones and yes, it’s hot but if you’re just doing resort style pool holiday, we’ve found it’s fine! With factor 50 suncream, a hat, uv vest and shoes on if walking to the pool etc. you’ll be fine!!
My kids always spend most of the day in the pool, kids clubs are amazing there, water parks etc, there’s indoor things to do too, malls, SkiDubai, indoor theme parks.

minipie · 09/09/2023 21:33

April - Canaries, Oman, maybe Cyprus but find a heated pool (eg Almyra)

August - anywhere Europe! Balearics, Greece, France.

Mrburnshound · 09/09/2023 21:37

Ive been to dubai in august and it's unbearably hot. It will be such a waste to go there then, hardly anyone goes outside. (We werent there for long/just passing through).

Even at night people stayed indoors with the AC

Lovebali · 09/09/2023 21:41

Mrburnshound · 09/09/2023 21:37

Ive been to dubai in august and it's unbearably hot. It will be such a waste to go there then, hardly anyone goes outside. (We werent there for long/just passing through).

Even at night people stayed indoors with the AC

God that sounds utterly grim.

If you don't want to leave the pool why go so far?

HermioneWeasley · 09/09/2023 22:02

Guaranteed pool weather in April - cape verde is probably the shortest flight. I’d go Florida, Mexico or Caribbean rather than Dubai.