£8-10k for holiday but where? (2 toddlers in tow)

[MammaKel]

Hi all,

I was wondering if you could give me any ideas for a holiday next year, can be any month apart from may and we have a 2 year old and a disabled 4 year old (autism, can't walk).

DH suggested Walt Disney World but spending that much on a theme park seems wild to me so looking at other options.

I'd like warm weather, bit of adventure or at least things to do as I'm not the type to lie round a pool all day.

Any ideas?.

Thank you

At that age you need to holiday for the kids - if they're happy, you will have a much better holiday.

I'd also be tempted to self cater in an apartment / lodge but eat out every night so you've got separate bedrooms and living space / balcony when they nap. Plus freedom around eating times.

At that age I loved French / Italian campsites as there was so much to do plus splash pools / parks for kids - but you stay in the poshest onsite lodges not under canvas!

If not that then a hotel where they have proper 2 bedroom suites and a decent toddler splash pool and walking distance to a beach.

Sani in Greece was by far the best luxury family holiday I've ever been on. Nothing else has come close.

salou has a much cheaper theme park ,its in spain.Lots of nice all inclusive hotels and a lovely beach nearby.Very good for young familys ,theres a water park in summer park to

Lake Garda could work. Stay in the towns S and E of the lake (eg Bardolino) they are flatter and easier with small kids. Take boat trips across the lakes, there is a theme park (Gardaland) too and various sights to explore. Nice in June or Sept.

Or maybe Crete - September is perfect, beaches but also lots of low key exploring and sights especially if you’re happy to rent a car.

It's not something I would ever personally choose but what about a cruise? Optional excursions, kids activities and entertainment, pools if you do fancy some down time.....

Oh I missed the £8-10k budget! My suggestions wouldn’t be that much - unless you choose a luxury hotel but tbh that seems a bit of a waste if you want to be out n about rather than in the hotel.

Does it have to be spent all on one holiday? Is there the option to split it between different trips? If you can split it, I think I’d do 7-9 days short haul in June and then same again in September.

Or will your 4 yr old have started school by September - as going in school hols massively hikes up prices and also limits destinations.

Would your older one actually able to go on rides? How severe is the autism, would a long flight be too much?

Do you use a wheelchair or a disability buggy? Do check the countries attitude to it, not sure if it is still the case but in the past France was not a country which was favourable for disabled children/autistic children.

While Europe is nice, it depends what you want and do you see this as a trip of a lifetime, not to be repeated soon?

Ikos! Lovely pools some childcare . My favourite was the Dassia one in Corfu

Thank you for everyone's suggestions so far, I'll be looking into them.

I did want a big trip before DS starts school in September hence the budget.

He has a disabled buggy and does like rides - we are going to Paris in 3 weeks so hoping it's not too bad for him.

WDW is a terrible idea with children that small!

What might they like? Typically that's beach or pool, nice things to do, ice cream and a comfy bed.

What about a safari? Theres plenty to keep you entertained but very limited walking. I've travelled around most of Africa, my favourites were the okovango delta (dry season is best as you'd be in a small boat when it's flooded) and Tanzania.

We did go last year and they enjoyed it which I think is why DH suggested it again but the flight was a killer and I have to pay for them this time

I'll look at some beach type holidays, we are going on an AI in May to Spain so might look at similar.

Thank you