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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Dream holiday search - seeking the impossible?

22 replies

LaGrandeJatte · 19/05/2025 14:47

Overwhelmed with life and constantly worn thin by raising teens, a heavy workload, elderly parents, menopause and a recent bereavement, we decided to jump in the deep end and take out a loan so we can escape on a dream holiday at the end of July. Our family has had a challenging five years, and we desperately need a chance to recharge.

We’ve been dreaming about paradise for some time - white sands, warm seas, tropical fish, delicious food, and breathtaking sunsets.

Though I know it's a lovely problem to have, the search is driving me mad, and I can’t seem to get everything to fit together neatly within budget.

We hope to find a peaceful, tropical setting on the beach that isn’t too noisy or crowded. Ideally, we want an all-inclusive resort with individual chalets, villas, huts, or rooms on the beach, but we would consider a hotel if not too big. Being able to swim in clear seas is a dream, and having coral reefs nearby for snorkelling and other unique wildlife encounters would be fantastic.

Initially, we chose the Maldives and found a perfect resort within our budget and with fabulous sea life. However, I've been informed that, at the end of July, it might rain frequently, and the waters may be murky.

I've explored various options around the Indian Ocean, but I'm struggling to find the right balance. Our budget is £8,000 for 2 adults, a 16yr old and a 14yr old - am I asking too much?

Very grateful for any suggestions or advice. 🙏

Dream holiday search - seeking the impossible?
OP posts:
Bibbitybobbitybo · 19/05/2025 14:59

I think the trouble you'll have is the Caribbean is in hurricane season and Australia is midwinter. That narrows you down significantly for the sort of thing you're describing. Can you go another time? We did the Caribbean around Easter and it was perfect.

FoxRedPuppy · 19/05/2025 15:00

Cape Verde?

MyKingdomForACat · 19/05/2025 15:01

Sandals Barbados will be the dream experience x

thornbury · 19/05/2025 15:03

I would say Thailand (we stayed at Pimalai Koh Lanta and had a fabulous pool villa on the mountainside) or the Maldives, but in both cases it isn't the best time of year for those locations. We have visited both in December. We tend to stay in Europe if it's a July/Aug holiday, and go further south in the winter, like migrating birds!

Radiatorvalves · 19/05/2025 15:07

At that time of year I’d be tempted to stick with the Med. Croatia has very clear water although short on sandy beaches. If you’re after tropical think you’d be better waiting until later in the year. We were thinking of Thailand or Indonesia in the summer and I think some parts are more reliable than others. If you have rain showers they should be short.

JDM625 · 19/05/2025 15:09

I too was going to recommend Thailand, but July is their peak rainy season!

Jasmin71 · 19/05/2025 15:11

Barbados

LaGrandeJatte · 19/05/2025 15:45

Thank you all! I do feel that what we're looking for within our budget isn't available in July.

Mauritius and the Seychelles look perfect, but of course, because they don't have much rain in July, it's almost double the price! 😫

Maybe I'm being a little naive and too ambitious!

The Caribbean is tempting, but I'm not keen on going in hurricane season ... hmmmm ...

OP posts:
Glitterheart · 19/05/2025 16:02

Maybe try the islands off the east coast of Thailand. Eg. Koh Samui. I’ve been a number of times in July and although it’s rainy season, this generally means a downpour for an hour or so and the rest of the day is sunny x

Femalefootyfan · 19/05/2025 16:06

MyKingdomForACat · 19/05/2025 15:01

Sandals Barbados will be the dream experience x

Sandals are adults only so no under 18’s.

minnienono · 19/05/2025 16:09

Sri Lanka is perfect, flights aren’t cheap but once there you can live well , stay in 2-3 places at least, seeing some cultural history with a driver (very reasonable) and a beach resort, beautiful beaches, surfing, lagoons with fish, river safari was amazing. Don’t bother with ai, book a hotel with local restaurants in walking distance and eat where locals eat, absolutely delicious food, though you won’t always find alcohol (I’m happy to forgo it, can drink anytime!)

Femalefootyfan · 19/05/2025 16:10

We’ve been to Barbados in ‘hurricane’ season, specifically in August and we had just an hour or so of rain on a couple of days. It’s right on the edge of the hurricane zone so it’s not too badly affected at all.

We’ve only stayed in hotels though but villas are a good option but I wouldn’t know about prices, sorry.

Annna41 · 19/05/2025 19:05

The weather has changed in the Maldives over resent years and the seasons are more fluid these days. This February, considered high season, has seen the worse flooding on record. I've been three times in summer months and only seen rain once during the day, although evident that it had rained during the night.
It's a very special place and if you have the opportunity I would definitely go there!

Blueroses99 · 19/05/2025 19:07

Sri Lanka - east coast for that time of year

Pippa99999 · 19/05/2025 19:09

Some of the islands off the east coast of Malaysia. Perhentian Islands or somewhere around there.

StillSittingInACornerIHaunt · 19/05/2025 19:13

Would you consider Africa? I'm thinking Zanzibar, July is a good time to go. You could combine it with a bit of safari, Masai Mara and/or Ngorongoro Crater?
Or Costa Rica? People rave about Costa Rica.
In both places I expect you'll find Maldives-esque white beaches and palm trees for less money?

Pippa99999 · 19/05/2025 19:16

Lots of people holiday in the Maldives in July. All things being equal you’d should still get some decent sunshine, albeit mixed in with some rain. You’d be very unlucky to get a washout (although it could happen). Same applies to parts of Thailand really.

TizerorFizz · 19/05/2025 19:20

@LaGrandeJatte July is quite early for hurricanes to be honest. Your budget is low though, even for July. Sorry. I think it’s not enough for a safari either for 4 people even with a beach resort added in. I’d probably look for a villa with lots of restaurants nearby in Europe. Perhaps Corfu or Croatia?

EatingSleeping · 19/05/2025 19:36

Truthfully I think you're pushing it on that budget. To get similar in the Carribbean (and youd want Dec through to Easter really) I think you'd be looking at minimum 10k. It feels like you want absolute luxury which does come at a price. It might be worth looking at the beaches range in Turks and Caicos. It's costly but tick your boxes. We went for a big birthday and it was spectacular. You'd get much more for your money in Dominican Republic and the dreams range would be a good place to start.

If you do want to stick with July Malta and Gozo have some amazing dive spots and I think your money may go further. I'm less sure that you'd find all inclusive type villas. I was looking at Maria Rosa suites this year but they are b and b only. I think we may have settled on 37.

I hope you have a fabulous time whatever you choose

HotHoney · 19/05/2025 19:40

It’ll be cheaper in the Maldives due to the weather. What about Aruba? Might be out of budget

Definitely not Cape Verde.

firsttimemom99x · 19/05/2025 19:58

Have a look into Zanzibar 💕

Paulettamcgee · 19/05/2025 20:02

firsttimemom99x · 19/05/2025 19:58

Have a look into Zanzibar 💕

I was going to suggest Zanzibar too. Haven't been yet but tempted for a birthday treat.

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