Help- sun needed between Christmas and New Year!

[redfacebigdisgrace]

Any ideas? From 26-31st December. Need to fly from Scotland or Newcastle.

Where is likely to be warm? Would like a bit of character, nice town to walk into etc…

Was thinking Canaries for warmth but they all look so built up… it will be adults plus older teens.

Thanks!

My issue with Egypt is that he two times I've visited, we've had violent food poisoning and my young daughter (at the time) was inappropriately spoken to by male Egyptians.

The word holibobs makes me shudder. I can't believe I've even just typed it. I am really not that person. But I have very valid reasons for thinking Egypt to be a shithole.

Following this thread too as currently booked to Gran Canaria in February half term (Maspalomas) wondering about switching to another resort.

We also travelled to Luxor and then the Red Sea on a previous holiday and although the sights and history in Egypt were spectacular it really wasn't for us. Speaking plainly the amount of sexual harassment i experienced was awful and absolutely marred it for us.

I think unless things have changed substantially I wouldn't go back on that basis - and certainly wouldn't consider for a moment taking a young daughter.

Sorry - it's an experience I've heard consistently from lots of women. Not all, but a lot.

Hi, yes the sexual harassment is real and I definitely wouldn’t take a daughter there. Sad really. It’s so magical though. I would love to travel down the Nile and visit the temples like I did when I was 19. I must rewatch Death on the Nile! Sorry you had that experience @SleeplessinSeattle69 where were you in Egypt? I actually found Turkey a lot worse.

We've stayed in Nerja between Christmas and new year and had lovely weather - however we've also had cloud and rain, plus a year where it was lovely and sunny but quite cold . It wouldn't stop me going back but to bear in mind if you are looking to sit in the sun or swim .

Can't remember the resort names now, it was a long time ago.

Have never had that problem in Turkey, have been 3 times. Think it depends where you go.

I know people complain about sexual harassment in Egypt but it is far far less of a problem when you dress conservatively and it really isn't intimidating. We've been to Egypt many times, usually with our daughter when she was in her teens, and while some people could be a bit persistent even when we were wearing modest clothing, it was never at all threatening. I really don't believe that the comments made by men are intended to be intimidating, and like with persistent shop owners, you get a much better response by politely laughing off their comments. I've always felt 100% safe wandering round the back streets of Luxor, even at night, and far safer than I would feel in my area of London. My daughter lived in Cairo for 18 months after she had travelled extensively on her own, and never had any concerns about her personal safety. People may make unwanted comments to women, but sexually related crimes are very very rare.

As far as stomach upsets are concerned, none of us has ever been ill in Egypt. The first time we went, we were told that the main cause of stomach upsets was from germs on Egyptian money and when you look at the notes, they really are usually rancid. We have always been scrupulous with using antibacterial hand gel every time we've handled money without exception, as well as not having ice in drinks and using bottled water for brushing teeth, and have never had a problem in six visits to the country.

Someone mentioned Jordan earlier in the thread, but it's probably not somewhere to go for winter sunshine. My daughter lived in Amman for three years and was really excited by the heavy snow that they had for two of the winters when she was there.

My BIL goes to Nerja nearly every Xmas. They absolutely love it there. I also met someone recently who loves it too. She is young, he’s older. So appeals to both generations.

Cape Verde is not the place to visit if you want character.

@Growlybear83 I think it’s a bit of luck really. I love Egypt and travelled extensively there when I was 19. However I was sexually assaulted more than once and did get fed up of the attention at times ( modestly dressed). Didn’t get ill although was on a low budget so ate a lot of dhal. I loved my time and there and met a lot of lovely people. Turkey on the other hand was unbearable as a sole 20 year old, couldn’t even walk down the street in Istanbul. Had to change my flight home, was genuinely scared.

I just can’t find anywhere in the Canaries that I like the look of! Even if I find somewhere nice there’s huge bloody monstrosity of a hotel ruining it. What have they done to the islands?! The nice low key places in Lanzarote seem booked up. I’ll keep looking.

I’m now fancying Egypt or Jordan or Oman at Easter!

@Growlybear83 I can assure you I was dressed conservatively in Egypt- covered legs, arms, lose linen clothing and scarf including over hair.

It was more than cat calling I was 'touched' ' Several times over the course of a week in Luxor and in full view of my husband in the temple of Karnak.

It was horrid. I felt like meat. I froze too as it was so blatant frightening and unexpected

This doesn't mean it is like that for everyone of course - but saying 'far less of a problem if you dress conservatively' actually wasn't true in my case and in many other cases I've read about on here.

Who’s travelling? Malta is great with lots for children to do- caves, knight museums, one sandy beach!
We've swim in the sea at New Year, also had rain but all in it’s a great destination.

Hi thanks @Lamelie it says in the OP. Adults plus older teens. Malta does sound interesting.

Where would you recommend staying in Malta @Lamelie ?

Valetta if you're thinking of Malta, although I don't think it will be very warm in December.

We stayed in the Grand Excelsior ... bit dated but big rooms and nice food. 10 minute walk into Valetta which is beautiful.

Last year Costa Blanca was 28c Christmas day. I was in Scotland for Christmas in the rain, but live in CB . Was pretty gutted to see all my friends on the beach.

Malta is very marmite. I've been twice and would only go back if someone paid me. Had terrible weather in october - floods. mini hurricanes, endless rain. so surprised its so nice in NY. Wasnt keen on the building/noise/not good value food/traffic. Valletta was OK.

Canaries for reliable sunshine, been many times in December & February. Just be aware, Xmas/New Year is high season. Enjoy.