Difficult brief, can you help?!

[MrsResponder]

Very last minute but it's a big birthday for me next week and I'd had an idea to take a trip. Been mentioning this to DH for at least the last 6 months, but he's difficult to pin down.

We have a 3 year old who hasn't been abroad. I sorted a passport that we've had now for about a month, but didn't want to book anything until it arrived. In addition the week DH had saved has changed dates about 3 of 4 times. His work takes over his life (family life too!) So we've not had many holidays together. We had a trip to the Lakes a few weeks back which was lovely and went to Edinburgh festival as joint work/leisure trip which DC loved as much as we did.

I'd had in mind Sicily for the birthday trip, but not been before and the sorting seems too much at this late stage. I loved the Lakes and have always wanted to do a bit of a Scottish trip. Also entertaining the idea of a European city break. I think because we hardly ever get away I'm just overwhelmed with what to do, as I'd like to do it all!!!

I have adhd so just getting DC passport and my own felt like an achievement. I travelled a lot when younger and I'd just book a flight and shove some stuff in a bag and go, but so much more needs to be done to go anywhere with a child.

Anyway, I'm rambling...the question is, at this late stage what can I book to include all our needs : something a little special for my birthday, things to keep a 3 year old amused, possibly potential for childcare so we could have a birthday meal etc...any recommendations? TIA

Is this an imminent trip? I’d be hesitant to recommend Scotland if it is because the weather is very definitely autumnal at the moment and hours of daylight are fading fast! But if you don’t mind that then somewhere like Crieff hydro for a few nights might suit you.
or if you fancy somewhere a bit warmer then Barcelona is a fantastic city and you could have a couple of nights by a beach too.

If you want no hassle sorting out, all inclusive package.
City breaks can also be easy to organise. Prague is greate, easy to movearound, cheap flights with plenty to do and can be very reasonably priced for example. So is Poland.

Dependa really whay type of holiday you want. Walking, sights, relax

Give me dates, a departure airport and a budget

Budget, not sure probably 5k or so max for the whole week. I wouldn't spend that on a city break though.
It'd be Manchester dates are 26th - 3rd Oct..again wouldn't want a whole week for a city break.

In answer to what questions. I've never done or fancied a package. Not really beach people as in sunbathing, like a nice secluded beach and love a swim innthe sea but it wouldn't be central to my ideal break. Bit of a foodie, but fine dining with a 3 year old isn't really a goer. Like nice walks ( but can't really do hikes with DC) stuff to do with history, art, culture and fun stuff for a 3 year old, maybe play park, castles, trains. I'd enjoy a spa day as my treat to myself while my DH entertains DC. Thanks

It is, we have 26th - 3rd clear from work but it doesn't need to be the whole week.

I'm not a massive sunworshipper, the Scottish trip I always envision a nice drink in front of a cosy fire...although all my visions for my trips don't really factor in a 3 year old. Equally, some late summer sun and quieter places abroad would work. I lived in Barcelona years ago and must be the only person alive who doesn't have great memories of it!

What about something like this?
https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/bookaccommodation?productCode=976053&tab=overview&noOfAdults=2&noOfChildren=1&childrenAge=3&duration=7&flexibleDays=0&airports%5B%5D=MAN&flexibility=false&noOfSeniors=0&when=26-09-2024&pkg=1124604902/3/269/7&tra_o=4352852277/5260204&tra_i=4773470804/5260205&units%5B%5D=GRC:COUNTRY&packageId=976053GRHE016717273088000001727308800000TOM245617280000000001728000000000TOM2457F1B011124604902/3/269/7&index=2&multiSelect=true&brandType=T&bb=AI&room=&isVilla=false&searchType=search&durationCode=7115&rmpc=1|2|0|1|0|3&rmtp=F1B01&rmbb=AI&fc=y&greatDealDiscount=30&bb=AI&price=pp

All inclusive in crete which has a kids club etc
Elounda is beautiful. Lots of history in the area. Fantastic sea swimming there.

How about here - city break in Lisbon, with a kids club? https://www.martinhal.com/locations/residences/
I’ve not been, but it’s been on my list for a while. And you have much better odds for weather than in the Lake District.

If you choose the UK, try the Luxury Family Hotels chain. They are quite nice, with spas and childcare, we’ve been to a couple and would recommend.

It would never be my personal choice but what about a cruise?

Never been my choice either although I'd like to do the fjords one day. It'd be a great time to find out your toddler doesn't have sea legs too 🫠

How about a Mark Warner holiday in Greece? Just about warm enough still, some good end of season bargains and some child free time (lots of childcare included).

I think Mark Warner is maybe more activity break than you’re probably looking for (given that sports and activity other than hiking aren’t mentioned at all!). If you’re into that sort of thing then Neilsons would also be worth considering, their kids club is amazing but if you don’t want the activities it’s a lot of money to pay for something you aren’t going to use or enjoy (and the food is good but not fine dining).

How about a nice all inclusive in Turkey - loads for your lo and nice places to eat and relax?

Gibraltar? Not too long a flight for the toddler, lots of history, nice walks up on the rock nature reserve and toddler might be amused to see the monkeys playing and lazing around. Just check no big cruise ships due in dock for your planned dates.

Scotland wise, have a look at the NC 500.

You don't have to do the whole route - but could book a few air bnbs along the way, picking parts you'd like to see. Or, hire a motorhome - that's what we did. Might be tricky with a 3 year old though 😬

What's your local airport, see what flights they have for the dates you need, then go on booking.com and book accommodation. Or for ease go on TUI and book a package, means everything is taken care of

Look at ba.com holidays same hotels as tuition or jet 2 high end but nicer flights . You can book private transfers too.

You could stay here nice town and short transfer from faro
https://www.pousadas.pt/uk/hotel/pousada-tavira?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgL-3BhDnARIsAL6KZ68hoP6bfVc8R5TIbm4Lk6YMPLQ-jjYvLVB-yfYtidAqmMnpYCy79N0aAmpOEALw_wcB

Does DH or DS like Lego? If so Lalandia, a holiday park next to Legoland in Billund, Denmark.

There's lots of options well under budget

I was going to suggest a cruise as well. You don't even feel the boat moving so doubt you'd have issues with the little one getting sea sick. You could do the fine dining and grab something from the buffet for the 3yo either before or after your dinner. Depending on which one you choose there is usually plenty for kids to do. They could go to sleep in a buggy while you and DH enjoy some evening entertainment. You'd get to see lots of different places in the one week.

Crete.
Lisbon great but can be stormy at this time of year.
Dubai? Check out the wind towers near the Creek.

Budapest sprung to mind. Spas you could visit plus the lido with your 3yo. Castle, Children's Railway, lots of history, can wander round but also trams if your 3yo is tired. Might be harder to get a hotel with childcare though. I'm not sure the place we stayed at is still open to recommend.

Brilliant suggestion. It has all this and is so beautiful.

But check the flooding status if going soon . It is bad at the moment.

Bilbao or San Sebastián.

How about Copenhagen for a few days? Good place to balance interesting stuff for you/DH and your son.