Centre Parcs vs AI abroad with toddler and newborn?

[BabyBeeCutie]

So my DH and I cannot decide whether to travel abroad (AI beach holiday) or have a UK based holiday (thinking centre parcs) with DS1 who will be 28months and DS 2 who will be 2months. What are your thoughts on the below?

Pros vs cons:

UK-trip Pros

• no airport hassle
• potentially cheaper
• can take dog with us
• centre parcs looks like it has plenty to entertain toddler

UK-trip cons

• not AI so need to sort out food
• newborn may want to feed often so may require lots of stops (thinking of travelling 3hrs away)
• split family time - DH will be taking toddler to activities and I won’t be able to join with newborn/dog
• limited restaurants availability/can get pricey

————————— Abroad - trips pros

• AI so food available whenever for us
• can all chill by the pool together (newborn in shade, yes)
• guaranteed sun
• newborn will be with me the whole time/no car travelling so can take boob out easily whenever

Abroad cons

• potentially more expensive as need to board dog too (and we ll miss her!)
• stress to sort out baby passport as we plan on travelling end of July and baby due 4th June
• peak season for busy airports

I'd only add that babies and toddlers can be stressful in the heat as you're worrying about suncream and getting them to drink enough.

But I honestly think it's just personal taste. I didn't enjoy flying with a newborn (I had to do it with one of mine a few times), and honestly don't really get beach holidays, so I'd probably lean towards centreparcs or similar - that's just my taste

There are limited availability of dog lodges at CP. The dog can't go many places either

I personally don't think centre parcs is that great for that age group. It's perfect for primary age kids.

I haven't been to centreparcs but we did go to bluestone (which I think is meant to be similar) with a toddler, and it was perfect for us. There was a big soft play, pool and woods for walking in. We also went to Tenby and Folly Farm, NT properties etc.

I'd take that over trying to enjoy a hot beach holiday with a toddler and a newborn baby tbh, but think it's down to personal taste.

I would say center parcs but not with a dog. That will limit you hugely in where you can go and the lodge availability on the park. If you could get alternative care for your dog then I would say that CP would be perfect. Do a food shop before you go (as much as space allows in the car) as that will keep food costs down.

You don't need to do tons of paid activities there with a toddler- the swimming is awesome and there are many parks to explore, a lake with a sandy 'beach' area and lots of wildlife to spot. The land train is always a hit too with toddlers!

Not helpful at all but I honestly would not even contemplate any sort of holiday with children that age. I can’t imagine anything worse. You are very brave whatever you decide.

Can you go away later in the year when the baby is a little older?

@Squeakpopcorn DH has too much annual leave and need to use it up till August :( so not really

I’d be surprised if you can book a dog lodge at CP for July as they only allow dogs in a fraction of them. Have you checked if any are available?

I would go for a UK holiday in early July. Not kate July during the school holiday peak.

@strawlight yes there is availability

@UpTheLaganInABubble1 Bluestone looks lovely but too far for us :(

We might just stay home 😂 can’t decide!

With kids those ages I would just spend it at home and have a few nice days out. Go on holiday end of September or October as he will have some of next years allowence then.

At those ages I'd do something UK based but maybe not centre parcs. I love it, but they're not the ideal ages plus the dog is restricting.

If it was me I'd do a night in the Alton towers hotel and do cbeebies land on day 1 and splash landings on day 2.

Don’t stay home! Go for it whatever you decide

I’d go abroad, but personally I loved villa holidays with a pool to ourselves. We’ve had fantastic holidays abroad at that age. Washing machine so you don’t have to take too much stuff, eat out during the day and relax in the afternoon by the pool. Cold meats, salad, cheese in the evening with a glass of wine when the children are in bed, maybe another swim. It’s heaven!! I’ve always loved holidays with young children though, I find it really relaxing to have a break from the norm.

I love an ai holiday abroad and dislike anything that's self catering! But with a newborn and a toddler, I think I'd rather stay in the UK. Very hot weather with a newborn and a toddler sounds stressful to me.

I agree with this. I think it would be a waste of money and hard -very hard work. Wouldn’t dream of going to either place with those ages

I am assuming from the post DS2 hasn't arrived yet? I had a very close gap between my two DS’ (21mths) We went on a holiday when DS2 was 6weeks & DS1 was under 2, OMG, it was an absolute nightmare, DS2 was a very different personality to our angelic DS1. Couldn’t wait to come home. I would wait until baby arrives before you decide.

I had a lovely holiday in mallorca when mine were almost that age. Self catering and eating out. I didn't book until baby was born though.

How about a compromise and go to northern France, take overnight ferry and stay in Normandy. Beaches are lovely, great food

You can book half board or full board at some holiday parks too. My dc loved pierre et vacances

CP is not a great holiday imo with that age kids - all the hassle of cooking, clearing up etc but without the convenience of your own home. I'd go for a good family hotel somewhere like the Austrian alps or Copenhagen where it won't be too hot. A kinderhotel might be a good option.

Coincidentally, we went to CP when DD2 was 2 months old and then abroad when she was 4 months old. I love going abroad but it was too hot. We went in July too and DD2 hated the heat so we spent a lot of time in the apartment.

We only went as it was booked before I knew I was pregnant and it was a big family holiday but I wouldn't do it again.

CP was great. Lots to do for DD1 - she loved the pool, parks and soft plays. We took food for a couple of nights but ate out and got a take away on the other nights. We were in a detached lodge so I wasn't worried if DD2 was awake in the night and she had plenty of place to play with her toys if we needed some down time.

I think centre parks is a huge huge rip off.

i would go abroad but go in the spring or early summer when it’s less hot. I would do Majorca all inclusive in may or early June

edit just seen baby due 4th June!! Okay scrap that I would do eurocamp in France and stay in a lodge or chalet thing

I’d go to Center Parcs but I’d leave the dog behind

I’d go away. I think it feels more like a rest to not cook or clean and my kids have always just changed their routine. I’d try to find accommodation where you have 2 sleeping spaces and a little kitchen space.

I love cp but I come back tired rather than recharged