Am I insane to consider this?

[Sunglow1921]

We haven’t been on a proper holiday since 2018 (we’ve had a couple of long weekends in the UK).

First we bought a house that we had to renovate, then COVID hit, we got married and had our first dc soon afterwards. There was always something else going on that needed attention or money.

I really feel like we need a break as a family, so I’m thinking of booking a week away in June next year. I’m looking at all inclusive resorts in Spain (relatively short flight, good entertainment options for children and, most importantly, no cooking). We’d book a one bedroom suite so we can have some space to relax in the evenings when DC are asleep. Am I insane to be considering this with a 3 yo and a 8 mo (I’m currently pregnant)? Will it be just more stress than being at home? I don’t have any experience going on holiday with small children.

DH prefers active holidays and not staying in the same place more than a couple of days. This is what we used to do when it was just the two of us, but I think it would be a nightmare with two small children. He thinks all inclusive will be boring and pointless. Am I wrong to insist on this type of holiday?

Also, if people think it’s doable, what’s the furthest you’d be from the airport? I found a lovely and reasonably priced resort, but it’s 90 minutes by coach from the airport. Is that too much after the flight?

Are we better off saving the money and going when DC are older? Is there anything else I need to consider? Any advice would be appreciated.

We regularly travel with our DCs: nearly 4, nearly 2 + dc3 due in Oct.

AI is definitely the way to go.
I only book hotels with a transfer time under 45 mins.

I would recommend getting a ground floor garden or swim up room to be able to enjoy the evenings when the kids are in bed.

We’re not activities people though and enjoy days by the pool/beach and sunbathing while the kids nap.

Would you consider a cruise? We have been on P&O's Iona and also Arvia with similar aged children at various points and we love it precisely because it has that all inclusive element (food included so just drinks that aren't tea/coffee/water extra.) But you get to see various different places so you can explore different ports. It also has an excellent nursery and kids club with UK standard childcare ratios that we've used and has been fantastic for DDs.

The other benefit is sailing straight from Southampton and no dealing with airports.

A 90 minute transfer is much too long. First of all you have to collect luggage on landing, though that's usually ready and waiting for you by the time you have been through the long winded passport control. Then you have to find the transfer coach, then wait until it's full. So you can be 90 mins at least before you even leave the airport.
If you can run to it I would take a taxi, I always do. Pick somewhere close to the airport.
Other than that. yes go for it.

It'll be fine, especially Spain. But only do a very very short transfer timeline

Oops hit post too soon. Do a short transfer time.

Oh and personally we travelled with our 6 month old and it was totally fine. We didn't do all inclusive. We went out to restaurants and had takeaway and stayed in a flat with a high chair. It was easy enough!

We didn’t bother when they were that age. Too hard. One delayed flight you are in hell.

We stayed in England / wales until dd2 was 3.

I would aim for one hour max transfer, shorter the better!

We only did UK holidays with very young kids. Too much hassle otherwise. And that worked well.

Same. We loved the primary school holidays they were golden. CBA with overseas with babies and toddlers they don’t know where they are and you can’t properly enjoy it as the care for them is so intense. One year when ours same age as ops we spent the holiday budget on a posh hotel just Dh and I for 2 nights an hour away while my parents had the babies. That felt like a real break!

I did uk and overseas holidays at that sort of age and both are tricky in their own way- uk you aren’t guaranteed the weather and it can be hard to find things to do for little ones in a strange place in the rain. but getting there, the food, having your own car, so much easier.

overseas - agree you need short transfer time. AI is useful so all meals are catered. Many do a toddler tea around 5ish then main dinner later, you can get dcs into the buggy for a sleep while you eat dinner, but that does mean you’ll probably need a double buggy.

A holiday at this age is just you all having some time off work, playing on the beach or pool, being together and not having to clean/cook for a week. If your dh is up for that, then it could be lovely.