Family holiday with 3 teens, what do you do??

[triplets]

As my dh has cancer we canr risk going abroad, no insurance comp will cover him. So for the last 4 years its been the UK, not that we mind. Its just that when they were younger, it could be a simple beach holiday etc, now they get <strong>bored</strong>. How to please everyone?? Cant afford Center Parcs, any ideas please? Budget really is a £100 a night max. Thank you.

hi triplets

have a look at Ribby Hall, near to St Annes and Blackpool

its like centre park but much cheaper

the accomodation is great, spotless and really modern

they have swimmiing (free) and at a small charge a gym/tennis/horse riding and stables/fishing/9 hole golf course/table tennis/squash/spa with treatments/climbing wall/crazy golf/Starbucks with wi fi/nice restaurants/pub separate with entertainment at night/nice cafes/laundrette/pub

really loads to do

just seen your kids are 14, great age to go there, no mad discos but plenty to keep them busy

for all the activity its actually quite a quiet peaceful place, probably what you need after whats going on

I am desp for a break, my mum died on Tues in hosp. :(

I know, I seen your thread

I'm often on the elderly parents section, in fact I got it started to help people like us with old mums/dads (am ssd)

I hope you got some comfort and some help from your thread, it was awful what happened to your mum but you did the best you could, in the difficult circumstances you're living through

My heart goes out to you, I know what a shock this all must be

I hope once you get through the next few weeks you get the chance to get a break with your family, you all deserve it

I am so sorry to hear about your mum and your DH's illness. You have an awful lot on your plate .

How about visiting the Lakes? I am taking my teens walking in the Lake District. We are Youth Hostelling (their choice, I'd prefer a b&B). I am keeping my fingers crossed the weather improves and is reasonable by the time we get there.

We will walk, explore, do photography, visit any landmarks we can find and sit in coffee shops. My teens even like feeding the ducks (though they'd never admit this to their friends).

You deserve a lovely break OP .

PGL have some good offers for family hols, would certainly keep the teenagers busy.

What about doing a house swap? There are loads of websites such as www.homeexchange.com but it is difficult to get anything at the very last minute.

triplets I'm sorry for your loss.
A simple seaside holiday might not cut it but what about somewhere big and brash with lots going on? Maybe somewhere the children could do surfing while you and DH relax? I know my teenagers like it busy and lively on holidays and I choose with them in mind because it's always possible to find somewhere to relax and wind down.

Thank you all so much for your lovely messages, I think its all caught up with me today, I am so very tired. Had to do "official" stuff today, so upsetting. Have been trying to find something nr the Norfolk Broads as dh and both boys love fishing and messing about on the river! Every time I think I have found something affordable its already booked. Because of hospital appts with dh and dental appts with ds we cannot get away now until after the 14th Aug. Think everyone must be staying in the UK this year!!

Www.manorhousehotel.com. May seem pricey, but everything is included except massages and spa treatments (but these are very affordable). Food isn't cordon bleu but there is plenty of it, perfect for teenage boys. Impossible to be bored as it has loads of sport and craft activities. Its in a lovely part of Devon. The rooms are pretty basic, but that makes it more affordable. Hope you find something, you sound as if you need a break

You should still be able to get insurance, in the EU at least your dh can have any necessary treatment in an EU (public) hospital, there are also a number of specialist suppliers - my mum has cancer at the moment for the third time and has managed to get insurance.

How old are the teens - a 13 year old and a 19 year old are not into the same things.

Some relatives of mine took teenage dd (16) and dd's friend to Spain. They booked two appartments next door to each other and only saw each other twice.

Have a look at the insurance, and health care in general (I know of people on dialisis going to Spain and having dialisis there, in fact some move because the chance of a transplant is higher) if you can get insurance what about Mallorca?

OK I've never been, but I keep watching episodes of 'sun, sea and A and E'.

I hope you find something and have a fantastic time.

Oh one other suggestion - we got the Sun vouchers last year, and went to Haven. There was loads to do for teenagers and I actually think when you added up all the things we paid for you would get the same booking directly.

In the day there was swimming, archery, climbing wall, fencing. In the evening there was entertainment and another quieter bar.

Hi Triplets, if you can get get treatment for DH in the EU why not look at the costs of flights from your local airport. Start with flights and then look somewhere like www.ownersdirect.co.uk for somewhere to stay, you might be surprised at finding some good deals. I recently went to France with a friend which worked out cheaper than going to Whitstsble which was our original choice. Prices in France were quite reasonable, got 1.2 euros to the pound.

triplets - don't suppose the university UEA in Norwich might have faculty houses empty between terms to rent out ?

Good luck x

Hi all............still looking, everything half decent is fully booked. An extra sad day today as it would have been my son Matthews birthday:(

Triplets

You really are having a bad time.