What does your holiday mean to you? Share your thoughts with Haven: you could win £100 voucher NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

We have been asked by the team at Haven to find out from MNers what they look for in a holiday?

Haven say "We think we know what families want on their holidays - as well as being lovely seaside destinations, we also have a lot to offer families to keep the kids busy and entertained. For the rainy days there are indoor heated pools plus the fantastic kids clubs. Outdoors you can take part in nature trails and create memories on the beach. Haven also offers a range of activities for all ages. But we'd love to know what you think!"

So, what are the key things you need to have for it to be a great family holiday?
~ What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break?
~ Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays?
~ Who do you take on holiday with you?
and what are you key essentials for you and your family on a holiday?

Add your comment to this thread and you'll be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 Love2Shop voucher. Please note comments made on this thread may be used by Haven on their pages on Mumsnet, in social media or possibly elsewhere. Prize draw: 23 May 2pm

thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

[AnnMumsnet]

Thanks for all the comments!
Am pleased to say Doobydoo wins the £100 voucher - well done!

[glenthebattleostrich]

So, what are the key things you need to have for it to be a great family holiday?

my daughter, my husband, good wine, somewhere comfortable to stay and entertainment for the preschooler.

~ What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break?

A holiday needs a more comfortable place to stay, preferably self catering, with a good mix of activities for the whole family.

A short break we like to be close to family and / or friends. Happy to use budget hotels or b&b's.

~ Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays?

We prefer a 5 day holiday and a couple of short breaks per year.

~ Who do you take on holiday with you?

Kindle, wine, comfy pj's, the child!

and what are you key essentials for you and your family on a holiday?

Good food, comfy beds, lots of entertainment.

[kateandme]

So, what are the key things you need to have for it to be a great family holiday?
my family.nice place.nice atmosphere.
~ What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break?
holiday it has to be somehwhere we can live in for a week or more.it has to be comfortable.for a short stay id say we still want that but are less picky.and then you can always look for things like b&bs then too depedning on the occassion.
both can be great though.it depends on money,how long youve got and what your looking for.both suit for different purposes.
if we are doing a longer holiday id say we put more planning into it.and of course it needs more funds nusually.
short breaks are great if you can get your head around spur of the moment outings.i wish we could do more of them.
~ Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays?
both are great for different reasons.
~ Who do you take on holiday with you?the family always is the best. and id choose them always.friends family too as the kids get older.
and what are you key essentials for you and your family on a holiday?
comfort.something a bit special.camera.books,games.food.maps and knowledge of the place we are going,especially restaurant and supermarket.

[Justtrying]

holiday vs short break for us a holiday is a complete break as a family where we can forget work for 10-14 days, normally near the beach. Where as a short break ideally would be child free, recharge of the batteries somewhere peaceful with good food and drink just for dh and I.

We like both holidays and short breaks, but arranging childcare is proving troublesome so short breaks are a rare treat happening only once a year at present. Where as we will have 2 maybe 3 holidays a year if the funds stretch. A 2 week main holiday, with 1-2, 7-10 night budget trips. For a short break travelling time must be minimal.

who we take with us last year was dd, who is 3, dh's grandson 16, dh and I. This year holidays are just dd, dh and I. For a short break if we manage it it shall just be dh and I.

key essentials are by the sea, good choice of resturants, heated pool. Now dd is older some children's activities/ kids club and ideally the option of a couple of nights baby sitting. As far as accommodation goes, a separate space for dd to sleep in the evening whilst we relax and a mini fridge is a must to keep soft drinks and milk cold.

[Stripytop]

What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break?
In a holiday I am looking to relax and spend time with family, whereas in a short break I am usually trying to pack in as much activity as possible.
Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays?
I like both. We are lucky in that we usually have 2 longer holidays (2 weeks) and a number of short breaks too. If we weren't able to do this our focus would be on trying to have 1 or 2 week long holidays. I would drop the short breaks.
Who do you take on holiday with you?
Immediate and extended family and sometimes friends. Dh and I sometimes holiday independently of each other, with and without the dc's.
what are you key essentials for you and your family on a holiday?
A good (interesting) beach, lots of space, beautiful scenery, lots of things to explore, good food and good company.

[MrsMikeDelfino]

We prefer short breaks to a couple of week's holidays, as this way we get to have more of them!
There's a lot more variety with mini breaks. We go as a family (me, husband and our two children) and if there's a beach within close proximity we're happy. A bit of relaxation while the small people bury each other in the sand, build sandcastles or jump over the waves as they come up the beach (the last bit dependent on the temperature as we holiday in the UK! )
As husband can't sit still for longer than five minutes though, we like to be near civilization so he can at least go for a wander around town while we relax.
We usually self cater so the kitchen essentials are on our 'to bring' list - towels, washing up liquid, sponges etc. Things that if you forgot to bring and they didn't have you'd end up forking out extra money you'd rather not be spending!

[CaptainSinker]

Other question that I forgot...

Ideal holiday configuration would be one fortnight break plus one to two short breaks. Depends on money of course!

[CaptainSinker]

What I look for in a holiday vs short break...

For a holiday we would be willing to travel a bit further to see something different or visit somewhere particularly special. For a short break convenience is very important, don't want to spend half the break travelling!

A holiday for me would be with my partner and our toddler daughter. We might go on holiday with one set of grandparents this year however.

Before becoming a parent I was quite relaxed about travel, just turn up somewhere interesting and explore. Now there is a bit more planning involved, we need to know that there are things DD will enjoy. She loves being outdoors so city breaks are less appealing now.

[MontysMum22]

I prefer a holiday of at least two weeks if it is abroad, there never seems to be a point in travelling a long way for any less than that and if I was to go to Australia or China I don't think I'd go for any less than a month. Shorter breaks do have their place, they are great for recharging the batteries but I'd prefer to take these in the UK. I'd love holidaying in the UK but the weather is such a lottery here that a home away from home is essential. I can remember some nightmare holidays in tents and cramped caravans trying to make the best of two wet weeks in this country. However accomodation has got so much better these days. I was sent some sales information on a holiday park in Bude yesterday and the picture was just of the interior of the accomodation and I was quite stunned to read that it was a caravan. It looked so gorgeous I thought it was someones very smart house. If you've got plenty of room where you're staying so that you aren't all cramped together in a tiny space when it rains and if there is plenty to do like an indoor activity pool etc it can make all the difference. I have been on holidays with friends in the past and firmly believe now that this is a very bad idea and wouldn't do it again its the quickest way for friends to become ex friends. All we need is our immediate family and that to me is the recipe for a lovely holiday. One day I would love to buy a campervan for fitting in lots of little weekend breaks, I think getting away from it all for little breaks like this is the key to keeping sane.

[MissVanDyke]

~ What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break?

A holiday would have the opportunity for more restful periods - a short break would have a lot more packed in, or be visits to family.

~ Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays?

We only really take short break holidays now (Mon - Fri) or a long weekend. I would prefer to take a couple of these in a year than just pay for 1 holiday.

~ Who do you take on holiday with you?

Immediate family (DH, 2DC) on one holiday but we frequently go away with my parents on one holiday too.

and what are you key essentials for you and your family on a holiday?

None of us seem to know how to sit around relaxing on holiday, meaning that location is really important! We enjoy planning our time carefully and visiting places of interest (museums, seaside, steam trains, adventure playgrounds, farms etc.) We treat our home as a base and go out daily but we like to be near a shop / restaurant as well (either on site, or close). The DC (4 and 2) just seem happy and excited to be together as a family and we enjoy their enthusiasm. I enjoy packing the fun into the day and then putting exhausted DC to bed and enjoying a relaxing evening in with the grownups.

[Bluecarrot]

Short breaks tend to be city breaks or visiting family. I think when you can fit a lot into a few days, it feels like you have been away longer!

Longer breaks I like to have something cultural, something exciting (like a theme park) and somewhere to relax -beach or pool. We are getting ready to go away on Thursday and will be doing beach/pool in mornings, then theme park in afternoons except for 1 full day at a water park and a 2 day trip to the city. A good balance for our family.

I would rather have a 1 week break plus a long weekend away rather than a 2 week holiday. ( though if I could have a 2 week plus a long weekend away, I wouldn't say no!)

Our holidays are mixed- last year I had two breaks with just DP, one with just dd, and one with dd and 2 other mums and kids. I like them all in different ways.

Key essentials are a picnic kit for lunches and enough cash to eat out every dinner time. I do to want to have to cook at all!

[FrontForward]

So, what are the key things you need to have for it to be a great family holiday?
~ What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break?
I probably consider a holiday as going abroad. Short break is UK or City break anywhere

~ Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays?. Both

~ Who do you take on holiday with you?
Dog and child

and what are you key essentials for you and your family on a holiday?
Sun, activities and a pool

[Cherryjellybean]

I look for the same now in both, all weather facilities nearby for young children, beautiful area, places to relax and out door things to do.

With a younger child I now prefer short breaks. After 4 days she starts to ask to come home and gets a bit fed up. Me and dh always used to prefer week long breaks for our relaxing holidays before we had her. Then we had more adventurous short breaks.

I like going away me dd and dh but our extended families like going away as big groups, which I never find relaxing when we go.

Our key essentials for going away are beautiful area, safety, and fun activities for all of us.

[ISeeIt]

~ What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break?

The chance to really relax - to have 'on' days and 'off' days, rather than a packed itinerary for the whole period to make the most of time.

~ Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays?

I used to, but now I'm older and with kids, I prefer to wait for a longer holiday - less stress!

~ Who do you take on holiday with you?

My immediate family

~ what are you key essentials for you and your family on a holiday?

Safety, comfort, peace but also fun, some beauty or interest

[Bunbaker]

So, what are the key things you need to have for it to be a great family holiday?
~ What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break? Somewhere with lots of sightseeing and interesting things to do

~ Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays? It's easier to go away for a week at a time.

~ Who do you take on holiday with you? Family only - me, OH and DD

and what are you key essentials for you and your family on a holiday?
Clean and comfortable accommodation
Excellent food
local culture
Attractive scenery
Interesting places to visit
Not too busy or touristy
Swimming pool
Nice walks
We avoid all inclusive type holidays and places with kids clubs

We are probably not Haven's target market

[kmills]

~ What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break?
In either a holiday or short break, I look for things that will be the most fun and involve all the family.

~ Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays?

I think around a week on holiday is great, anything longer can leave the kids a bit bored and home sick.

~ Who do you take on holiday with you?
I take my two daughters and my Mum on holiday.

~what are you key essentials for you and your family on a holiday?
The key things for us as a family on holiday are being able to find fun activities we can all do as a family together.

[asuwere]

~ What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break?
I think they are both the same, whether it's a long weekend or a week away, it's still time away from the usual routine and time to enjoy just being a family.

~ Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays?
Depends on other circumstances during the year. We've sometimes had a few shorter breaks throughout the year or sometimes had a week away. Kids are happy with either.

~ Who do you take on holiday with you?
and what are you key essentials for you and your family on a holiday?
Just immediate family (ie. me, DH and DC). Essentials are to get away from the usual routine, relax and just have fun - even better if we can get bargains too! :)

[Bonkerz]

Holidays for us as a family of 6 (mum, dad, DSage 14, DD age 13, DD age 8 and DS age3) tend to be quite active. We don't want to travel much when on holiday so prefer on site activities. Stuff to occupy the children and keep them busy and that run on time and are either book on or open numbers. My teens love hanging out so pools and teen clubs are good. Soft play for bad weather and good parks are good too. Fab evening shows which are tailored to the children so no bingo etc.
accommodation should be tidy and clean and kitchen well equipped to cook proper food and also on site take away food is good. It's also essential that the places we go understand and make allowances for food allergies and also autism as both conditions are part of my family life.

[MegBusset]

~ What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break?
Has to be self-catering as DS1 has multiple allergies. We love staying in caravans, it feels a bit like camping but much less depressing if it rains :) we generally take UK holidays as DH and I hate flying and it's more environmentally friendly. We like sites that are near lots of places to explore - walks, beach, national trust properties etc.

~ Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays?
We try to have a week at Easter and one in summer as it breaks the year up more than one long holiday. Plus a few weekends camping if the weather's kind.

~ Who do you take on holiday with you?
DH and the DC. On occasion my parents have come to the same site which is handy for babysitting.

and what are you key essentials for you and your family on a holiday?
Relax, forget about normal routines or balanced diet, start the wine early :)

[kazy82]

~ What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break?
~ Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays?
I prefer short breaks 2-4 nights and have more spread out over the year. Its always easier for me to save up spending money for a shorter break and enjoy it more rather than saving £100's of pounds for a week then watching what I spend to make sure I have enough to last. I do like week long breaks too just they are very pricey.

~ Who do you take on holiday with you?
It varies I love breaks and holidays, I love going with my boyfriend and kids, my parents, my sisters and love little get always with just my girly friends.

My essentials....Has to be my camera, I have to snap away at everything...they are the memories and bragging rights to a top break. also have to pack towels even if they are provided there just never seems to be enough for everyone to have their own.

A break/holiday to me is spending quality time with my loved ones, having longer in bed and some fun late nights, so for me a perfect resort is somewhere that runs breakfast later than 10am or has a restaurant that serves all day breakfasts, after all im on holiday so want a fry up everyday but don't want to rush the kids out of bed just to run for a fry up, its their holiday too....and there's no school run :)

[Nottheshrinkingcapgrandpa]

~ What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break?

Activities for the children to do.

~ Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays?

Always the longer holiday, it just feels more like quality family time together.


~ Who do you take on holiday with you?

Immediate family only.

and what are you key essentials for you and your family on a holiday?

Lots of clothes, medications and things to keep the children busy whilst travelling :)

[Doobydoo]

At least a week....dog friendly.2 children.Pools/restaurants/fun!
Clean and very friendly.....and space. and not hideously expensive!

[CheeseEMouse]

A whole week off is great as it means we properly get the chance to unwind from work and spend time together. A short break can be just as nice but work sometimes tries to contact us if we are away for a short amount of time ) which is less fun!

Now we have our daughter it is the practical things that really matter. So good facilities for dinner near by and somewhere not too hot. We have found we can still do some of the things we enjoy like walking so long as we are organised and have everything we need with us. It also helps to travel for day trips at nap time.

[tinacwrdu]

I work 30 hours over 6 days so i really appreciate even 2 days off in a row!! My plans for the summer holidays are to split my time away with a 5 day holiday and a 7 day holiday. These will give me time to refresh and have a break. The first holiday is to get away and celebrate my 20 year wedding anniversary and the second is the only week in the summer that we can get all 3 of my child together! We go away in our caravan and plan to stay in Wales as there are lovely places on our doorstep really! We love to have BBQ's whilst away and the occassional take away which saves on the washing up etc. Nothing 'out-of-the-ordinary' but it is the simple, little things that make all the difference!

[SaltySeaBird]

So, what are the key things you need to have for it to be a great family holiday?
Just time together, away from distractions of daily life.

What do you look for in a holiday vs a short break?
In a holiday we'll be looking to explore somewhere completely new. We prefer long hail destinations where our budget can stretch further once we get there.

Do you prefer more short breaks instead of 2 week / 1 week/ longer holidays?
We are fortunate that we normally have one long holiday of two weeks and several short breaks of a couple of nights (normally just within the UK).

Who do you take on holiday with you?
DH and DD. Occasionally my DM.

What are your key essentials for you and your family on a holiday?
On our longer trip we do like to have a pool for at least part of the holiday. We don't really have essentials though, we just like spending time together. We do prefer quieter places rather than staying at big hotels or resorts.