talk to me about holidays ...

[1littlequestion]

Anyone like to share their experiences on a single parent taking DC on holiday ?
Abroad - city break, sun holiday, skiing holiday whatever ...
How long for ?
Advice ?

My DD would be 2+ when I'd be thinking of taking her maybe 3.
I'd like something she'd enjoy but also me too !

Thanks for any replies

Thanks for the replies.

I've been looking at Eurocamp actually, great suggestion.
Will keep the city breaks maybe for a little older

Another vote for Center Parcs - especially at your DD's age because you can get it much cheaper outside of school holidays. I started taking her there when she was 2 and she LOVED it. I did too, as no cars so no worrying about her lack of road sense and willingness to run off.

You have so much fun ahead, especially with just the one! It's just me and DD and holidays are very special, and alot more affordable compared with taking more than one child.

My ex has DD alternate Christmases. I've tried and tried to get a more shared arrangement in place so no one really misses out, but he won't have it, so the one who gets her for Christmas has her from Christmas Eve all the way until New Year. When it's not my turn to have her at Christmas, we do a mini break at the start of the school holiday and visit a European Christmas Market. That's been super special.

Ok, you are going to wince, but - Butlins.

Especially if you go on the just for tots break out of season, when it's quieter. Grab a self catering apartment so you get a sitting room to chill in and the chance to slump in your pjamas in the morning for breakfast.

Seriously, your DD will love it. It's half the price of a centre parc's break with a bucketload more activities included. They have everything laid on for wet weather entertainment and the pool is good with a dedicated tots area. I've done centre parcs, haven and Butlins. Centre parcs works best when they can cycle (especially on the bigger sites), Haven is brilliant as long as you get some sunny days and Butlins is great when you want cheesy unlimited fun for a small person who thinks someone singing in a Mr Men costume is amazing.

I've always wondered whether Butlins would have been a good choice - heard so many good things about it

I found Center Parcs pretty miserable and very expensive. I can book a hotel room for the three of us - why would I pay for accommodation for four? And once the DCs are in their bed you are totally on your own; just like being at home really!

We had some fantastic holidays. Ski chalets are great. We went with Esprit a few times and they have evening childcare which means adult only dinners. Bliss!

Package holidays are a no no. You don't qualify for free child places unless there are two adults. On scheduled flights you can get child fares. We did Florida and had a great time. We did a few road trips visiting family in Canada and the US. Had some city breaks - Copenhagen was fabulous, Barcelona a bit too busy, Paris we picked the wrong hotel and transport was difficult.

Had some fabulous holidays in the UK. Crieff Hydro in Scotland remains one of our favourites- very child centred. Also had some great weekends away in hotels with pools. (Very cheap out of season!). Caravan holidays were great fun (Scarborough, Dornoch, Haggerston).

I took DS1 to Butlins Minehead just before his 2nd birthday. We had a great time!

Agree with Butlins just for tots.

I always get a premium dining plan. It gives the DC the opportunity to try loads of foods they normally wouldn't get the chance to. Plus it takes the stress out of deciding what to eat and it's a good anchor for making a schedule around.

Wow thanks for the replies !

I'll have a look at butlins, I'm willing to try anything

I took my DD to Majorca when she was 3.

We went to a fabulous AI hotel. Worked like a dream, DD could pick what she wanted to eat, unlimited ice cream throughout the day which she thought was heaven, she had a siesta and then after dinner there was a little kids disco so she'd be worn out by 10pm and we'd go back to our room and fall asleep.

Great holiday.