Have you had a good holiday with under 4s? Need inspiration for a cheap but all round holiday!

[bintofbohemia]

We haven't had a holiday (apart from camping in the UK) since we had DS1 nearly 4 years ago and we really want to have a holiday this year before DS1 starts school.

But, as we've never done it with kids we have no idea what to do. A pool would be good but obviously the days of lounging by it are gone, so we need loads of other stufff to do which will keep us all entertained.

We have up to about £1000 for 4 of us for up to two weeks. Any advice appreciated!

If you like culture then France is wonderful but be warned with the Euro. Your spending money may throw you over the edge. I wouldnt consider Italy - its dear!

I understand Croatia is great value - not in euro. Lots of culture there and package hols avail.

Has it got to be 14 nights, you may be able to keep the cost down with 10/11 nights? Personally 10 nights was enough especially being in the same place.

Would agree that self catering is a must with 4yo - can have a nice relaxing glass of wine one DCs settled in bed, better than perching on the edge of your hotel bed watching the DCs sleep!

Have always found France very good for this, gites tend to be cheaper than equivalent cottages in UK, especially if you stay away from the Riviera. Culture is also generally more child friendly than UK so no problem taking DCs to restaurants in the evening.

Biggest plus is that you can drive, so you can haul all the essential child paraphenalia with you and avoid the gamble of flying with the ash cloud still threatening.

here is fantastic - small and perfect with more than enought to do. been for the last 2 yeasr as it is fab!
or here going back here on Sunday as we enjoyed it so much the first time! So much to do - lovely place - www.select-camp.co.uk is the cheapest we've found but Eurocamp also do deals if you go outside summerhols.
Apart from those - camping in france is the other perfect option!! My dc are only 15 months apart and I've been taking them camping in France/Italy since the youngest was 3 months. I do it on my own as a sinlge mum so as a family it'll be a doddle!!