Holiday Dilemma

[Shopperholic2023]

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.

We were in Dubai for a night as a stopover last august and you will have no chance of relaxing by the pool. It was unbearably hot that an hour or two was enough for us. You’ve got tyne pick of Europe in august, so take a look at the Greek islands or Spain.

Dubai in august with kids who aren't used to that heat will be dreadful. It's relentless

I know someone who went to Dubai last month, insanely hot, everyone indoor and sand storms/poor visability. August is not the month for Dubai. It would be better in April.

August is great in Europe so I'd stay short-haul for that one.

You haven't shared a budget so it's hard to make actual recommendations.

What about a family cruise? Pick one with lots of activities/kids club for the kids, where adults can still relax and then you'll get a mixture of family time and adult time.

You could also invite extended family and friends, if you were that way inclined!

We've done a few MSC ones in Europe (flew to Italy) and in America, loved them!

Oo we went to Duinrell as a kid. Absolutely loved it!!!

I went to Dubai in July on a stopover when I was a lot younger and it was horrendous. I love the sun and I lasted 45 mins by the pool before having to go back inside. That was sitting in the shade and going in the pool 3 times. The pool was like a bath and not refreshing at all.
Sorry I don't have any recommendations but I would definitely avoid Dubai - as others have said it is unbearably hot at that of time of year and you can't even cool off in the pool or even the sea!

Have you priced up Abu Dhabi for April rather than Dubai? Lots to do for young ones.
We stayed at the Hilton Yas Island which was fabulous. Close to theme parks/water parks. You wouldn't need more than 4/5 days really, you could do a two stop and visit Oman as well which is lovely. Wizz air fly between the two destinations and is reasonable.

Without a budget it's difficult to be specific really.

Trailfinders do a family brochure which has lots of good ideas in for where to go by season and hotels too.

August - weather wise your best bet is Europe. You could look at Sani resort, or the Ikos resorts, but they are £££ with 3 kids.

Canaries are good too, Princesa yaiza in Lanzarote or Iberostar in Tenerife.

Beautiful beaches in Majorca, puerto pollensa is lovely.

Corfu has some nice hotels in the Dassia area.

I wouldn't go to Dubai in august with younger children personally, just too hot, and can't think of anywhere that's 6-7 hours away that would be worth it. I've not heard great things about Cape Verde

April, Abu Dhabi would be a good option, there's a few theme parks and if you stay on Saadiyat island the beaches are nice. You could also look at Ras Al Kaimah.

If you stretched how far you're willing to travel, Mauritius has some lovely beach resort hotels.

OP, if you ever plan a 40th for me, a great surprise would be to find babysitters for a weekend and take me to Paris. Thank you 😊

Happy holidaying. I have no recommendations aside from Turkey.

@Lovebali i was just passing through/breaking up a long trip to somewhere cooler!

Majority have said Dubai is not a good idea with young kids in August. As we’ve been as a couple some years back we didn’t know how it would be with the kids in that heat.
Ive decided to just go with Dubai option but in April. I think as DH said Dubai or Egypt I’m swaying towards it more.
thank you all for the recommendations and knowledge, really helped me to narrow it down.
next question is, where do y’all book your package holidays specifically for Dubai?
tia x

Emirates Holidays is the best to book with for Dubai!

Travelbag are also good. Easy to search on their website.