Is abroad really easier than the U.K.?

[BananaSlug]

I’ve never taken my children abroad and they would really like to but I have 4 children and think it would be far too hard to take them on holiday alone, my oldest has sen, even a day out at the beach it’s hard work and exhausting. I’ve spoken to a few people and they’ve told me abroad it’s easier than holidaying in the U.K. and apparently easier than day trips! I really can’t see how that would be the case but they never really elaborate. Is holidays abroad really easier than in the U.K.? I think we have to accept we will never get a holiday abroad.

It might depend on the type of holiday and what you want to do. A hotel with a pool and beach can be easy if all the children are happy to do that, and once familiarity with the new surroundings kicks in, that can really help. If there’s a nice town that you can wander around in, that’s also easy. I’d say it would be easier than doing a day trip.

Surely depends on your child’s needs. Personally I would find the airport/flight very stressful with 4 children, especially if the flight would be an issue for any of them. I much prefer to travel in my car. I don’t understand why a holiday abroad is any easier than a holiday over here if it is somewhere you can stay and base yourself from (eg somewhere with a beach or pool etx).

Going abroad is easier than a day trip in the U.K.? Just checking that’s what you mean? I’m just trying to figure out how that works with pools (kids can’t swim) language barrier, not familiar with the area etc

Yes I’ve been told a week abroad is easier than a day trip in the U.K. 🤣 I’m so confused how that can be possible!

Abroad is a big place! There are loads of factors to take into consideration.

Probably because if it's AI you don't need to worry about food. The sun makes everyone happier (apart from on MN), entertainment is the pool, beach and evening stuff, add in a few kids clubs (that are way better than Haven kids clubs) and did I say you don't have to think about food?! You just have to get yourself to your nearest airport and book a shuttle transfer to take you to the hotel.

Still not sure how that would be easier than a day trip to the beach? Trying to keep everyone safe around pools beach on your own?

Beach holiday somewhere like Spain or something. Wouldn’t be interested in sightseeing or city breaks.

I think foreign beach holidays for kids are based around swimming. If your children can't swim then it would be an issue

It’s easier abroad usually because of the weather and the hotels that can be right on the beach. It’s so easy if you get a package holiday. Staff in the hotels and resorts will speak English if you’re worried about that. I find a day trip to the beach very stressful - getting everyone organised, getting there and back, which can waste half the day. If your dc can’t swim, though, that’s more of a worry. How old are they? Why can’t they swim?

AI would probably be easier if your kids are old enough to play in the pool, go in water slides etc. There are some great ones in Turkey, with multiple pools, slides, private beach etc. Everything’s together, drinks and snacks whenever the kids like, and they can help themselves. Plus buffet means there’s likely to be something to suit everyone.

the oldest has additional needs as stated she cannot do swimming lessons and my other two have done lessons with school but still can’t swim despite completely them. My youngest hasn’t had lessons yet.

I cannot see how it would be easier, OP. 4 non-swimming children and one adult would not be able to swim in lifeguarded UK pool because it is not safe. Most hotel pools do not have lifeguards.

I think the easiest option is to put them all in summer camps (not the same one!) and hire a cleaner and private chef for a week at home. They'll have fun and you'll have break.

They can at our local pool if over a certain age

You can find hotels with splash park type of things, so no pool but water squirting up out of umbrellas and slides with very shallow water at the bottom. Much easier than a UK beach where you'd be pulled in 4 directions. I think it's the not having to think about food or the weather that makes it easier as well. Day trips to the beach with 4 must be incredibly hard if their SEN prevents them from swimming.

But yeah still can’t see how it’s easier 😅 even with what people have said.

Thats what we would want. A splash park or something but it gets tricky when one wants to go in the water and one doesn't etc I can't leave my oldest unattended or my youngest for any length of time, so its the not having someone else to sit and watch them. I've noticed the ones saying its easier have 1/2 children so probably a bit different i wouldn't even be questioning it if I only had one to watch.

In my experience, they can get in the pool once they are wearing arm bands and are supervised regardless of ability. I have 4 kids and have always taken them out of the country for holidays. 3 out of 4 can swim now but my youngest can't yet. He is 4 almost 5 and was able to go in the "big" pool this year once he was wearing arm bands and was supervised. Prior to now he was in the "baby" pool with arm bands due to his age