First (young) family abroad holiday

[RUI488]

Ideas please.

We are looking at something Greek ATM.
We don’t have tonnes of money but wish to go abroad for our first family holiday in the 6 years we’ve been together.

Two toddlers, speak almost zero of any other language, no interest in a party scene or anything obviously.
Mid to late 30’s but also the hobbies/interests of a 50/60 year old man.
Like beautiful buildings and views as well.

Thanks in advance, RUI.

[Mr MXT]

Any Tui Blue sensatori to be honest, All inclusive is the way to go at that age and the kids stuff is very good.

[RUI488]

Will look at TUI stuff now, ta.

• Edit*

Safe to say, the first result for Greece is SLIGHTLY out of budget!

Edited by RUI488 on Sunday 29th December 19:39

Edited by RUI488 on Sunday 29th December 19:43

[Bill]

What's your budget? Are you prepared to camp?

[RUI488]

No to camping really if i’m being honest but we definitely aren’t snobs in terms of the accommodation we will stay in.
A clean 2/3* hotel is no issue for us.
We aren’t used to luxury and so won’t be expecting it!
Particularly with our budget - £2500 max really.

Perhaps i’ll just have to accept that a semi-respectable abroad holiday is now £3500+ and we just aren’t going to be in a position to do it for a few years.

[Bill]

It depends what you're prepared to compromise on. You could easily get a ferry and a gite in France near enough to a beach that it's an easy day. You're helped by being able to go out of school holidays.

Similarly the UK has loads of amazing places but you're a bit more at risk from the weather.

[RUI488]

Thanks for the responses/advice.
Ideally abroad as we haven’t had one yet since meeting each other.
As you say, we have flexibility with no school holidays to adhere to.
The days of going to the Maldives 4* all inclusive for £1054/person are long gone!

Will keep looking.

[TownIdiot]

You should be able to get flights and an apartment/small house in a village in Portugal within budget

Spain as well probably

[justin220]

I'd be going for a villa personally. We've found hotels hard work with toddlers unless you are paying extra for separate rooms etc.

Having a villa also means you will naturally go out and explore the island rather than stay in an all inclusive resort.

We did Corfu last year, Kefalonia is also stunning.

[Ezra]

I've just been on the TUI website. You can easily do 4 or 5 *, all inclusive, at the TUI designated 'family' hotels for your budget - you don't need Sensatori level from what you say. I looked at May, Sept & Oct. Also, I'd add in Turkey to the search as well as there looks to be some good deals for families outside of school hols.

[RUI488]

Will look at villas as well thanks, and will also go back to the TUI website now on your advice!

[williamp]

Another tip for you: the pushchairs, etc go in the hold. As do child seats You can get large protected bags to cover the child seats. These can also be filled with towels, etc saving you room and weight in the luggage suitcases.

Plan,plan, plan. And dont forget to plan ahead!

[Ezra]

ps - filter the TUI search so that cheapest comes first, NOT their recommendations - thats what happened to the search you posted a pic from.

[Garett]

Have a look at Jet2 holidays, and even speak to a local travel agent. Our local travel agent found us a deal for £500 less than we could find it or any equivalent holiday when we went away at October half term.
5 nights in Gran Canaria, 2 adults and 2 little ones (5 and 2). All inclusive in a 4 star hotel was a smidge over £2k, including airport parking.

I know it's not Greece and the architecture was far from impressive but it was warm and the kids had an absolute riot in the pool every day. We had no problems all sharing a family room as they were so exhausted they were usually zonked out after the mini disco, so we could sit on the balcony sipping wine.

[RUI488]

Again, thanks for all the responses everyone.
Funnily enough, the mrs really liked Gran Canaria when she’s been before.

[popeyewhite]

Garett said:

Have a look at Jet2 holidays

OP - Jet2 will do loads of Greek Island holidays in, say, late May, for 2 adults, 2 kids under your budget. I searched from MAN btw, so prices may vary.

[Douglas Quaid]

How about Croatia? You can get a fantastic villa with pool for cheap money and it’s a beautiful place where you’ll be fine speaking English, although learning a few words wouldn’t hurt.

No way I’d be doing a hotel with young kids. Well, I have young kids and i definitely wouldn’t. I like my own kids but don’t want to be hanging out with 100s of other noisy English kids. Villa all the way.

[48Valves]

We’ve been on loads of TUi AIs to the Greek islands and other places and would happily recommend.

When the kids were younger we had the use of an apartment in Casares in Southern Spain.

It was near almost empty beaches, 15 minutes from Estapona and smaller Spanish port towns in the other direction.
There is a nice water park in Cadiz I think it was.

Flights and car hire should be reasonable out of school holidays.

Something like this would be great for the kids.
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/739777326683557846?...

[Jimjimhim]

On the beach offer good holidays. I'm not sure I would fancy taking 2 toddlers on a flight though.

[frank hovis]

Jet2 holidays ,
Been on numerous times with them , never a complaint, flights always on time , hotels usually good
Will likely be suing them again this year ,
Have you considered Portugal , roughly same temps and quite quick flight