First holiday ideas with 2.5 yo toddler

[JennyAuker]

Hello.
quite an anxious mum of my 2.5yo DS I’m considering our first family holiday which will just be DS, his Dad and me.
We all desperately need a break but I’m wary of some kids clubs advertised at hotels. I remember going to them as a young child but hoping for some feedback. Is it safe? Can anyone recommend anywhere where the staff are CRB checked?
I like the look of Eurocamp, has anyone been?
Am I mad to be considering letting my toddler go to a on site camp or is he too young?
TIA 😘

I would not be doing this with a child that young. IMO kids camps are for when they are old enough to look after themselves to a certain degree, and are able to properly communicate with you. Not before 5.

Honestly, holidays with toddlers aren't relaxing, it's just same shit different scenery, so find a nice villa with a pool near to a good market/supermarket and potentially a beach/something touristy and switch between going out for short trips to do interesting things and taking it in turns to be "parent on duty" at the villa.

It's not in any way relaxing but we are currently at Butlin's for the second year in a row (son is 3.5 and we are on a Tots only break for under 5's) and he loves it. Enough to keep him busy without loads of walking and heat. But again, not somewhere of course I would choose without my son being here!!

Each to their own etc and absolutely no judgement but I’d never leave a very small child in the holiday club. More often than not people working in these places aren’t well paid, don’t know your child whatsoever , may not speak the same language etc etc . I would just feel so uncomfortable and I just couldn’t relax. We have 3 dcs so a lot busier and would just swap over on holidays if we needed a break. We travelled at any age but agree that from 15 months to 4 it was v v v hard work.. but still enjoyed downtown if they had a nap and with one child can definitely relax a bit .

No judgement but wouldn't leave my son that young in a club.
I remember them too and used to love them on holiday but I remember being 5/6.
Holidays at toddler age aren't relaxing tbh but good to have a change of scenery and enjoying the pool etc.

What about something like Club Med? They have really good childcare and all of the staff are properly qualified to work with children. I think a 2.5YO can easily tell you if they don’t like it, we did a few when my DD was a toddler and I’m certain she had a good time.

Tbh I think that's too young to leave at a kids club, mine are 3.5 (twins) and I wouldn't yet. We've just done cottage with private pools holidays in the UK and a couple Mon-Fri Butlins breaks and that's all you need at this age.

Mousses villas lefkada Simpson travel . Highly recommended .

I know Centre Parcs gets a rough time of it on MN but it really is fantastic with children, there’s huge pools, lots of activities and a crèche, decent sized accommodation, very quiet and usually no more than a few hours drive.