40th birthday week away

[Hidingplace]

Not as exciting as it sounds, it's a family trip, haha!

Special birthday this year and would love to go away somewhere for the week, somewhere that feels more like a 'holiday' than I'm used to. The last few years we have camped around France, which I absolutely love but is in no way relaxing!

Thinking of first week of June or first week in April
2 children - 4 year old and a 9 month old

Was originally thinking an all inclusive somewhere warm - I love to swim in the sea and my little boy loves a pool. I thought being all inclusive would be more of a treat than self catering and easier with a baby/slightly fussy pre-schooler. Don't think I want anything too far due to baby on plane. Have spent hours googling and am thinking maybe the Canaries? Weather nowhere guaranteed but would love to be able to swim! Only ever done an AI in Mexico pre-children and loved it but worried some European ones seem a bit 'Brits abroad'!

Any recommendations peeps would be greatly received!

I would be tempted to go to Mexico again, we’ve done the flight with small children and was fine, not much different at all and lots of children on the flight

I can’t be dealing with Europe that time of year as I seem to always seem to end up with freezing cold swimming pools

Depends what your budget is though! We did 2 weeks Mexico all inclusive (2 adults 2 children) for less than the prices were coming out at for Europe - we did end May and early June

Club de Sol in pollensa does AI and is lovely. Short flight too so ideal with little ones.

Canaries is a great shout. Flight is manageable and resorts/hotels range from Brits Abroad to 5* hotels, so you can tailor to your budget. Costa Adeje on Tenerife has some lovely hotels with beach and pool access. And you'll have great weather on your chosen dates.

Canaries good, warm, very child friendly and easier with less time difference

I am so tempted with Mexico! But, partner wants to go for his next year and our lovely baby can be quite hard work so a long flight anytime soon worries me!! You're right that the price can be comparable though...and will definitely be nicer than Europe!

Am going to take a look at Canaries recommendations, thank you 😊

Bear in mind if you want sea swimming that the Canaries are Atlantic so can be cold and can be rough! If it's not a dealbreaker though you'll get warm weather and a short flight.

In April definitely the Canaries

Personally though I’d choose June and have a much wider choice. Most of the Med will be lovely at that time. Greece would be top of my list - an island with direct flights - Kefalonia, Crete, Zakynthos, Skiathos, Corfu. Balearics - Menorca or Majorca - would also be nice in June and very small child friendly.

The sea/pool will be warm enough to swim but only just, so take mini wetsuits for the little ones so they can stay in longer. This also applies to the Canaries. Unless you luck out and find a heated pool but this is rare.

Definitely wouldn’t go long haul at those ages, just not worth it for a week especially with jetlag to consider.

Thanks so much - I actually hasn't considered how it would be the Atlantic in the canaries! Hmmm....now I'm not so sure. Goodness, lots to think about!

Have a look at the area around Tarragonna coast in May/June. Places like Cambrils and Salou. You can fly into Reus and it's not far. Port Aventura World is nearby to keep everyone occupied for a day anyway. You can take a train to Barcelona direct from Cambrils and it costs about a tenner each way depending on when you travel.

I don't have young kids, but I love that part of Spain and usually stay in or near Sitges or Lloret de Mar. Enjoy. It will be lovely weather May/June, not as crowded as school holiday time.

I would go to Greece 1st week of June. We always went around that time pre-school holidays requiring factoring in and it's fantastic.
I would go to a smallish hotel B&B close to the main beach/restaurants/shops.
Little ones can nap in buggy at night time & even on a sunbed under an umbrella during the day with a towel over them. Bliss!

Thanks! Went to Sitges once from Barcelona and loved it but haven’t explored the rest of that area. Great tips that I’m saving, thank you!

Am definitely going to look at Greece, I’ve only ever been once years ago so would love to explore more. As far as my children napping goes, I can dream 😅

ibiza! some of our best holidays there when kids were young. short flight too. obviously no need to go to San Antonio 😁 but some gorgeous resorts around the island..

Thanks - my partner always tells me how lovely Ibiza is and I've never been. One to add to my research list!