No Idea where to go - any suggestions?!

[Indecisivelurcher]

We've unexpectedly got a little money and would like to go abroad, me, DH, dd11, ds9. But I really can't narrow it down at all, there are so many great options and I'm putting myself under pressure for it to be memorable as we don't go abroad often!

So far I've looked at Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, Crete, Croatia, Slovenia, south east France, the black forest.

We'd like historic interesting towns for a wander, history, different culture, sights, ideally free activities. Also beautiful scenery, maybe some decent walks (not at massive inclines though). Maybe some water beach, lake or river, maybe forest or flower meadows.

I don't want to do loads of driving but would do some if it's chilled. We don't want to stay in a high rise hotel, which most package holidays seem to be and they don't tell you much about the actual place.

We would like sunny weather. We could go Easter, May half term or early summer hols.

Welcome any suggestions! I think because the experience is the main thing rather than the country it's hard to narrow down.

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We’ve been to a few of those places with and without kids in tow. Switzerland ticks a lot of boxes for you. We stayed at the Eurocamp in Interlaken and got travel passes (the Swiss public transport system is excellent) so we went off to lots of places and activities.

Thank you!

Florence, Sicily, Crete?

i can’t comment on all of the places you mentioned, but of the ones you did then can highly recommend Croatia, Crete and SE France.

Specific things to mention;
Western Crete has Chania and Rethymnon which are fab towns with history, nice streets to wander and close proximity to beaches.

Croatia is stunningly beautiful and has loads of history. I would centre a search around Split and maybe consider Brac Island.

SE France has all of the things you mentioned, particularly Gorges du Verdon, Menton, Calanques. Driving in France is pretty chilled if you’re not in the big cities.

The Italian lakes would also be ideal.

May to August in Austria: Saalbach hinterglemm / Zell am See. Beautiful area. Get accommodation which comes with a 'Joker Card' which gets you on gondolas and lots of attractions for free. Day trip to Saltzburg. Just taken kids of similar age. So much to do. Cheaper to fly to Munich and drive / train.

Sicily

A gite in the dordogne?
we had some great family holidays there.
beautiful medieval towns, amazing castles, kayaking and swimming in the rivers, caves with paintings, local markets, lovely countryside, good weather.
try around Sarlat Le Caneda, v beautiful

Great suggestions! I have decision paralysis 😆

My first thought was Croatia too.

Madeira might suit you.

Hong Kong. It’s very safe, tropical and some lovely islands with no cars

Lake Maggiore - fly into Milan. Short drive to the Lake. Easy to do ferry trips to the different islands or around the Lake to Stresa. Days away from the Lake to Zermatt and Como or even into Milan. No high rise hotels and lots of gorgeous pasta and pizza - and wine 🍷

Anywhere in Greece, Crete in particular. Tons of history and ancient sites to visit; amazing food; lovely scenery (Samaria Gorge, White Mountains),warm and hospitable people and fabulous climate. Been many times-recommend the Chania side of the island (largest in Greece!) as more authentic.

I agree with Greece and Italy, they have great traditions during Easter (aside from rich cultural heritage etc). Although if you would like to avoid driving maybe you should consider smaller places or places with some transportation. I am biased here, but my absolute favorite Easter destination has been the greek island of Corfu. It's a green, culturally rich island with great Easter traditions that gather people from all over the world for example you can take a look at https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/destinations/greece/corfu, or https://www.visitgreece.gr/inspirations/easter-customs-in-corfu/.
You could find accommodation quite easily for 4 ppl, since it is a family island.
In general I would suggest you read as many travel blogs as you can to reach to a conclusion. I understand choosing for a destination can feel overwhelming. The most important is to enjoy the process and the vacations ofc!

Agree Greece offers everything you are looking for. I would caution though that with children who will likely want to go in the pool it’s unlikely to be warm enough by Easter.

Accordingy to my DD Croatia is quite cheap relative to other popular European destinations. Lots of heritage (Soviet etc), old towns, plus also water activities. DD said one of her travel highlights has been a boat tour/snorkelling in Croatia.

Eating out is quite dear, we were spending €80-90 for 1 starter, 2 mains + bottle of house plonk earlier this year.

Switzerland is beautiful but hugely expensive, we went for 3 nights at Easter last year, flew into Geneva quite cheaply, hotel was what I consider reasonably expensive but not extortionate, but quickly realised we would be dropping £100 on every meal (we are 4 people and that's for one course plus a soft drink each). We stayed in Lausanne and used the train to get to chillon castle and Vevey and taking the train for 20 minutes cost £60 each way, for 4 tickets. That's not to say we didn't enjoy ourselves, just be conscious of how much it's going to cost you. We loved Slovenia, split our trip between Ljubljana and Lake Bled. We did hire a car and was easy to drive, drove to Predjama castle and Skocjan caves, and also around the Bled vicinity like Lake Bohinj. If you are in the north of the UK it appears easyJet are about to start flying to Ljubljana from Manchester, previously only accessible from London, we flew into Zagreb and took the train across the border. We went late August and it was warm but bearable, mid 20s rather than mid 30s temperature wise.

Thinking back to a nice holiday on Kos in May half term - home of Hippocrates and you can get a ferry to the volcanic island of Nisyros. Lovely tavernas and beaches.

Luxembourg is a beautiful place to go to with children. Public transport is free (trams, trains) and you can go anywhere if you have the energy. Clean and many places to visit.

@Indecisivelurcher I would look at Families Worldwide. We went when dc were teens to Peru and they were good. Lots of other great destinations and they have various activities you can do. My dc still talk fondly of this holiday. Europe can wait!

Might have to save a bit more for these! New Zealand and Costa Rica are on my list for when we've saved more.

If you go to Greece, remember they celebrate Easter at a different time to the UK. A week later in 2026, but check before you book.

Croatia is my new favourite place and has all these things.

I think Slovenia and lakes bled and bohinj would be perfect. Ljubljana is an interesting city too. There are castles, walks, caves, good food and lots of family friendly accommodation.