People who can’t do simple holidays

[smerina]

How would you describe someone who only really seems to go on hard to organise holidays? Like we like going to Dubai or Mallorca, nice and easy, one flight and done. Or if we go further afield then we do a package with Tui to Cancun or Dominican, usually AI.

But I have colleagues who seem to go on really whacky or trips that sound like a pain. They’d go to Greece and then get a ferry to some place no one has ever heard of. Or if they went to the Caribbean then they’d pick somewhere that needs two flights and a ferry to get to. Never do AI or something easy and relaxing but self cater and drive around.

This really sounds like an inability to understand other people can like different things from you

Because they want somewhere a little more adventurous? Tastier food than what you get in an AI? Somewhere not surrounded by drunk Brits?
I’m not suggesting all AI destinations are like this - and I love a good easy AI holiday when I just need something easy, budget and relaxing etc. but you usually get to see much nicer places and get far more delicious foods when going “off the beaten track” a little.
People like different things, and will book the holiday that’s right for them, their schedule, and their budget at the time, and that’s fine!

I'm in the "do stuff" camp. Sitting around a pool is, for me, about the most unrelaxing thing ever. I hate sitting around in swimwear, as I'm not body confident at all, and find sunbathing really boring. I also dislike flying, although I do fly once a year to visit my friend in Spain, as it's a bit too far to drive for a weeks holiday, but my idea of a good holiday involves driving, maybe a ferry and self catering accommodation in the middle of the countryside, far away from other people, then day trips out to scenic places and eating in local restaurants or cooking a nice meal after getting the good from local markets/supermarkets. I've done AI a couple of times in the past and hated it.

Everybody's idea of relaxing holidays is different!

I have only ever been on one package holiday when I had been ill and had to cancel a trip, we grabbed a last minute week to Turkey. When we got there the company went bust and the meltdown from the other guests was really quite extraordinary, we were mid 20s and there were people way older who just didn't know what to do, they had booked excursions which had been cancelled and were really upset that they wouldn't be able to do anything. So we went down the road, found a couple of Dolmus drivers and booked then, got a lift into the nearest town and booked a boat for the following day and took about 25 people. Of course then we were stuck with organising them for the rest of the week but it was fine, but I was shocked that people could be so incapable!

Half the fun of a holiday is the planning/choosing hotels/working out how to get to far flung places! I am in the process of booking a holiday in Japan at the moment and it's so much fun as everything is so different and mad (I have just booked a werewolf and murder mystery apartment , god knows what that is but it sounded fun) You should try it you might like it!

AI is my idea of hell. I hate buffets and I don't want to eat in the same hotel, in face I never eat in hotels if I can help it!

Different people, different things. I've always hated herd or stop & flop holidays and get my relaxation from seeing places I've never been, and not everyone else has, either. I feel freer.

I do genuinely envy those who love the bog standard beach holiday or pulling a caravan around that a lot of people do here (AUS). It's cheaper & easier & they always seem happy & relaxed!

Interesting first post OP. This is surely a - very obvious - wind up.

Each to their own.

I can't bear the "holiday" you have @smerina . It would drive me insane.

The end of our last holiday was 4 days chill in a 5* AI for the kids. The kids were climbing the walls by the end of day 3, as they were bored with the amazing water park, the same daily sights and sounds, and lack of specialised food.

Package holidays are the worst and All inclusive is my idea of hell!

I can’t stand it - I love to do my own thing!

The OP has described every one of my holidays ever.

I can only put it down to FOMO.

I reeeeelly want to try a holiday where I do nothing. So much that I’ve picked two nights in Feb and I’m just going to fly, alone, to Spain. Just to stay in a cheap AI. Except, I’ve just realised I could get an airBnB in the Old Town…

Tell me you’ve not been on an AI holiday without saying you’ve not been on an AI holiday.

Maybe it’s because they’re so expensive now but I’ve been on one AI and one half board package holiday with beautiful pools and beaches, and didn’t see one football shirt, lobster human or drunk person. Magaluf might be different but our experience is very different to what you described. Laying by a pool reading with the warm air around you and a huge selection of food and an opportunity for dc to try different foods and be independent picking their own food, it’s great for their confidence when preteen/teens. We usually play tennis/table tennis and pool and explore the local area. But it’s safe and easy. It may not be for you but be careful looking down your nose at people when your perception is so clearly wrong. From your post I’d assume you’re a daily mail reader.

My favourite 'holidays' include travelling to multiple places/countries by train and spending a few days in each destination. I like to get to know bits and pieces about different cultures, languages, etc. I am not a huge fan of the types of holidays you describe, just staying at some kind of resort and lounging about. They can be fun for when you have the kids with you but a bit boring in general for me personally.

I expect they enjoy travelling around independently and seeing something off the tourist track. It sounds a harmless habit. Why would you mind them doing that?

Ha ha, yeah OP the kind of people you’re describing are me and my husband.

we never go away to just one place and stay there. We always travel to a few different locations during every holiday and try to travel over land and sea as much as possible rather than by air.

we just get bored sitting in one place and want to explore new countries, cities etc.

we have never done AI / package / resort holidays. We stay at campsites / apartments and air bnbs but then we’ll travel around.

Of course it is!

OP’s not been back. Must’ve got enough fodder to have another go at getting published on Reach. Good luck OP! We’re all rooting for you!

Lack of specialised food? I’ve always had the main restaurant then a selection of a la cart. You also surely don’t just stay in the hotel all week? It’s not a prison 😂

I don't see your problem. I will only do simple holidays, but I'm in awe of those who are brave enough to do more!

Do you also sneer at people who enjoy cooking from scratch, when takeaways and supermarket ready meals exist?

I knew this thread would turn into people bashing.
Op you sound very judgemental, people like different things you know.
And some posters replying immediately get their arse in their hands and start being judgey back !

Everyone, we all like different things. I like travelling around AND lazing by a pool.
I personally don't do AI though because I love eating out when on holiday. I don't judge those who do.

We were only there a few days @TeenLifeMum , so all the specialised restaurants were booked up.

We've twice done trips where we've thrown the credit card at a travel company and said, 'fix us something' - both times to slightly more unusual destinations and wanting to cram a lot in.

Other than that, we quite like the flexibility of sorting it out ourselves. Find accommodation; find and hold flights; book the accommodation; book the flights; book the hire car; book the airpot parking; get a guide book and go.

It's so easy now. When I started doing it, you had to write to book your accommodation and include an International reply coupon.

Edited to add, Do what works for you. If you're happier doing AI to a resort, then do it. I'd hate to be stuck in a resort for a week except for the odd excursion, I'd go nuts.

For me, half the joy of a holiday is the planning and anticipation. I love visiting a few places, picking the perfect accommodation, researching restaurants, walks, museums.

Honestly, AI is everything I don't want. I'm so glad its there for people who enjoy it and I can see why but I'd be bored and restless.

Aimed at the OP not others in general.

I went on three package holidays in my early 20s with a boyfriend. Remember the horrors of 4am flights and tanned orange holiday reps and very quickly moved to independent travel. It must suit some people though.

Thankfully that was roughly the same time as the advent of easyjet and Ryanair in the early 2000s travelling to places in Europe that didn't previously have direct UK flights.

Because they don't want to and we're all different. Why do people go on boring beach holidays, where they never leave the resort? I can ask the same thing.

@Lobstercrisps where did you go out of interest ?