Holiday after Christmas - where would you go?

[HanleyGirl123]

We want to go on holiday after Boxing Day for a week or so. The kids are not back at school until the 10th Jan - where would you go?

UK or abroad are both options. Access to a usable pool is a must as both kids (8 and 10) are keen on water.

DH and kids have suggested skiing but it's really not my bag. DH cannot take them in his own as there are some SEN issues so I need to be there.

Any ideas?

How long would you be willing to fly?

Don't know, at the moment I'm open to any idea. The kids have never travelled long haul so I don't know how they would handle the time difference for just a week or so

Is there any particular reason you don't fancy skiing?

If they're all up for it, and you can find a nice hotel / lodge with a pool it could work well? There's quite a bit to do on a skiing holiday that doesn't involve skiing but depends on why you don't fancy it.

Would they consider a city break with a hotel that has a pool?

Caribbean or Florida. Canary Islands but with a heated pool!

malta?
italy?
portugal?

I too was going to suggest a skiing holiday as there are often very cheap deals in early Jan! As someone else said, just go to a resort that has lots of non-skiing activities also- shopping, ice skating, tobogganing etc.

Iceland. Hot springs, northern lights, geysers etc

Southern Europe- Crete, Malaga or Sicily. Majority of pools would be shut, but you might find somewhere with a heated one.

Egypt (not sure of current situation there). It averages 22' in Jan, so would still be pleasant.

I am not sporty in the slightest. I am a 'older parent' and value my limbs too much and don't want to risk breaking anything! If anyone can suggest a resort where there is stuff to do other than skiing then I'm happy to add to the mix. Please note that with mild SEN issues there has to be 1-2-1 (patient) tuition etc for the kids so kids clubs and ski schools would not be for them.

We have been to southern Europe in this period before and the weather isn't warm enough for swimming. Also difficult to find a place with facilities out of season.

Don't know about Egypt. I really want to go but the security situation/hassle/D&V issues has made us think twice about it.

Been to Iceland before and loved it but pre kids - something to research

Long haul is an option too and will look into Caribbean/US.

If medium-haul / long haul is an option I’d look at:

Dubai
Mexico - Tulum / Cancun / Playa del Carmen
Cuba
Bahamas
Barbados
Thailand - Koh Samui
Cape Verde Islands - but not if it would be very difficult/stressful to keep your DC out of the sea, it’s treacherous there

Short haul - Canary Islands with a heated pool

check out when tornado season is though

Canaries with heated pool. Will be mid 20s, we went last Jan and it was lovely.

I have one with SN and he also struggles with lessons and skiing is something you need lessons for and he's also sensory so he put on ski gear for photo then took some of it off. We have done skiing but it ends up with DH and NT DD skiing and DS and I swimming in hotel pool or hot chocolating up the mountain. Tbh I am not that keen.

DS does love flying and loved Costa Rica due to rainforest and wildlife. With SN if it's asd found it good to do something based on their interests. Mauritius was also lovely. Mine are better with AI for the predictability but sometimes they can be busy. Did Sugar Beach and Long Beach hotels in Mauritius both excellent and include snorkelling, glass bottom boat, kayaks, beach, pools. Also loved Lapland in Finland with husky rides, reindeer rides, etc you can try out skiing there though it's seriously cold for skiing for any length of time when we went. Austria was nice we did kinder hotel in Hintertux.

Spain has its Spanish Christmas 6th Jan, huge parades 5th Jan, so Madrid/Barcelona would be a good option. Its still going to be cold

You would have to head to Caribbean etc for some sun

Florida and the Bahamas can be really cold or rainy at that time of year. The Caribbean is a great choice, but might still be busy that week. If you want America and sun, go for Arizona, Southern California or New Mexico (lowland parts, there will be snow higher up).

I go to Egypt every January. Usually about 26/27 during the day.

If you have any questions about it let me know. I’ve never encountered any security issues or had D&V.

Also the Middle East is the perfect temperature at this time of year - Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Muscat (my favourite).

My specialist subject!
We’ve gone away on Boxing Day for the last 12 years.
The following are good if you can stay somewhere with a heated pool:
Marrakesh
Malta (great for little ones, lots of things to see)
Longer haul and hot enough not to need heated pool/ sea swimming good.
Egypt
Thailand
If you don’t fancy it don’t be badgered into going skiing, I’ve done it a few times not skiing and even though I love the mountains and being in France it’s a slog.

Actually latest holiday in Marrakesh it was glorious and we all swam in a non heated pool.