If you want a decent halfway option go for a catered villa, and you can usually choose the number of days you use the service too. Doesn’t have to be every day - a full staff with butler (obvs adds ££££) but a couple of days when someone comes in to sort breakfast and dinner makes a huge difference (and usually even fussy littles will eat food someone else has made for them) Would highly recommend as I also REFUSE, WILL NOT EVER holiday with hoards of other folk and/or queue for buffet food as I try to convince myself it is relaxing. It is not.
Not sure if I’m allowed to do this (please do remove if not) but I spend most of my waking hours finding self catering accommodation across Europe and beyond (lots in the UK). My latest find was a villa on mainland Greece, (Mani peninsula) beautiful views, and walking distance to all amenities whilst also being nice and peaceful. Every Thursday, subscribe if that’s your thing! (Again, apologies if this isn’t allowed!)
I loved this post and am currently also trying to plan the family summer holiday. We’ve settled on Lisbon and Madeira. But I’m dithering trying to decide whether to spend loads on a fancy hotel or just a basic place in Madeira. (any recommendations from anyone here?) If the fancy place doesn’t meet my expectations, I will be so angry at spending the $ that it’ll be a little hard to enjoy. One thing I have learned over the years is to pre-plan only 1 or 2 outings and maybe one fancy dinner. Then I leave the rest open. It cuts down on stress, and feeling like I’m being led around by my own expectations, rather than going with the flow of the place. It does mean that sometimes we miss out on an activity that looks cool, but it is almost always worth that trade off.
Do you book your travel first and then leave the rest up to fate? Or have you not booked travel yet? Have never thought of doing them separately but your comment has made me wonder!
Just about to drive to Wales tomorrow, for a week with the in-laws (will be 5 adults ; 3 kids) in adjacent caravans by the beach 🏖️ I’m actually Really excited!! (I’m already Packed: wetsuits, camping chairs & books 👍 ) Yes, I totally agree about the stress of getting there, when flying, can really cancel out the ‘Relaxation aspect’.
Currently reading this on an Ikos sunlounger and I can’t deny our family is quite firmly in the Ikos cult. Although saying that we are still able to go out of school holidays which makes it far more affordable and quiet
I don't understand the general UK obsession with all-inclusive or even half board resorts: they're expensive, the food is meh (and who wants to be tied to a hotel restaurant when you're somewhere with great food?), and worst of all are all the other PEOPLE (who are inevitably the same people you see on a daily basis at home). Wouldn't you just be be better off just recreating the bones of your Port Isaac holiday? If you want beach, stay in a BnB (Air or otherwise) in a small town on the coast in France or Italy, head to the beach, stroll through town, have apero/aperitvo somewhere cheap and not fancy. If you want mountains and fresh air, do the same in a ski resort and swap the beach for hiking and whatever summer festival they have going on in town. No expectations, keep it simple, the kids have a ball, the food is excellent and reasonably priced as is the wine, and if you don't fancy dinner out, most hotels/BnBs have some kind of outdoor space where you can sit and have a picnic!
We did Cornwall for ten years in a row when our children were young. From highchairs and potty training on the beach right through to them coming in later than us from beach parties. With a gang of friends who all booked different cottages in the same village so we could breakfast separately and cater for different budgets but took it in turn to cook each evening with a night out in the middle. It was absolute heaven and what holidays should be. I think low expectations, especially as a mother are key. If we spend a lot of money and go away as a family I expect us to be the bloody Waltons, playing card games in the evenings and chatting to each other at breakfast when the reality is very very different. Our 'best' holiday with teenagers was Neillson which I thought I'd hate but the kids absolutely adored, they were busy and with other kids all day and night and I could be left alone with my book or join in things as I wanted. It was full of serial returners and I can see why.
The best family holiday we ever had was a safari in South Africa. Everything is planned and pre-paid. The guide tells the kids what to do (and what not to do).
Our kids are grown up now but when they were much younger the holidays that seemed to work for everyone were when we went with friends who had kids too. The kids entertained each other, the adults shared the cooking etc and as we always stayed in self catering accommodation you had company in the evenings to drink and socialise. Even if you do this abroad you've got someone else to share the stress of the travelling with xx
Enjoyable breaks with kids - Devon, Cornwall, Welsh coast, Annecy, Italian Lakes - places with a beach and alpine feel, good food, things to see/do. Majorca, Greek islands off season (Oct half term- all inclusive less busy too).
20s is fine for me! Went to Greek Island in May and Majorca Oct - hot enough and sooo much cheaper/less crowded. Also, Costa Rica great for families, not the cheapest but worth it (Beaches/rainforests etc). South Africa good too, staying on tourist route (Waterkloof). Sri Lanka and Japan now on dream list!
I could write a book ! If I’m paying basic then that’s what I expect . As long as it’s clean (eg rooms in Oxford uni in the summer hols) however if I’ve paid top dollar and it’s tacky the complain i will ! My long suffering wife stands by the suitcases and looks at me as I flit around checking then says nervously ‘alright ?’ And I either nod (to her relief ) or she has to go down and argue (she speaks a zillion languages ) I look forward to your bonus episode . Take a friend for each child to stop boredom and don’t waste money on fancy places (our daughters fave hols for years was 10 days in a hippy camp near Gloucester )
So much to agree with. Flying involves stress, queuing, crowds, etc. I used to do it a lot but now I prefer the UK. Yes please to the delights of Port Isaac, I’ve never been. Also last two luxury UK hotel stays, spas very good, the very expensive rooms and the food much less so. And so noisy! Yes I’m getting old but I like it quiet.
I kind of don’t think you can compare avec/sans kid holidays. I find flying on my own or when it’s just the two of us generally very pleasant. But with two kids… And I once read / interviewed the guy who wrote Stuffocation about how to tailor experiences so they were as good and happily memorable as possible and a lot of what he said was about making the beginning and the end of a holiday brilliant and I loved the idea but now I just think “I have carsick kids who puke on airport transfers so how can I ever make this a relaxing and enjoyable start/finish to the holiday?!”
Well, quite. And also I think that if you are essentially preoccupied with the needs of others then it doesn’t matter where you are, you cannot be truly relaxed! Work trips it is… 🤣
If you want a decent halfway option go for a catered villa, and you can usually choose the number of days you use the service too. Doesn’t have to be every day - a full staff with butler (obvs adds ££££) but a couple of days when someone comes in to sort breakfast and dinner makes a huge difference (and usually even fussy littles will eat food someone else has made for them) Would highly recommend as I also REFUSE, WILL NOT EVER holiday with hoards of other folk and/or queue for buffet food as I try to convince myself it is relaxing. It is not.
Where do you book such a thing?! This sounds great! 🤣
Not sure if I’m allowed to do this (please do remove if not) but I spend most of my waking hours finding self catering accommodation across Europe and beyond (lots in the UK). My latest find was a villa on mainland Greece, (Mani peninsula) beautiful views, and walking distance to all amenities whilst also being nice and peaceful. Every Thursday, subscribe if that’s your thing! (Again, apologies if this isn’t allowed!)
I loved this post and am currently also trying to plan the family summer holiday. We’ve settled on Lisbon and Madeira. But I’m dithering trying to decide whether to spend loads on a fancy hotel or just a basic place in Madeira. (any recommendations from anyone here?) If the fancy place doesn’t meet my expectations, I will be so angry at spending the $ that it’ll be a little hard to enjoy. One thing I have learned over the years is to pre-plan only 1 or 2 outings and maybe one fancy dinner. Then I leave the rest open. It cuts down on stress, and feeling like I’m being led around by my own expectations, rather than going with the flow of the place. It does mean that sometimes we miss out on an activity that looks cool, but it is almost always worth that trade off.
Do you book your travel first and then leave the rest up to fate? Or have you not booked travel yet? Have never thought of doing them separately but your comment has made me wonder!
Just about to drive to Wales tomorrow, for a week with the in-laws (will be 5 adults ; 3 kids) in adjacent caravans by the beach 🏖️ I’m actually Really excited!! (I’m already Packed: wetsuits, camping chairs & books 👍 ) Yes, I totally agree about the stress of getting there, when flying, can really cancel out the ‘Relaxation aspect’.
Sounds brilliant!!
Currently reading this on an Ikos sunlounger and I can’t deny our family is quite firmly in the Ikos cult. Although saying that we are still able to go out of school holidays which makes it far more affordable and quiet
Well yes, at off peak prices I imagine it’s fantastic!
I don't understand the general UK obsession with all-inclusive or even half board resorts: they're expensive, the food is meh (and who wants to be tied to a hotel restaurant when you're somewhere with great food?), and worst of all are all the other PEOPLE (who are inevitably the same people you see on a daily basis at home). Wouldn't you just be be better off just recreating the bones of your Port Isaac holiday? If you want beach, stay in a BnB (Air or otherwise) in a small town on the coast in France or Italy, head to the beach, stroll through town, have apero/aperitvo somewhere cheap and not fancy. If you want mountains and fresh air, do the same in a ski resort and swap the beach for hiking and whatever summer festival they have going on in town. No expectations, keep it simple, the kids have a ball, the food is excellent and reasonably priced as is the wine, and if you don't fancy dinner out, most hotels/BnBs have some kind of outdoor space where you can sit and have a picnic!
The draw with the all inclusive resort was more that the kids were occupied and safe and I didn’t have to do anything! That part was the DREAM! 🤣
What about Portugal, I love the Alentejo coast, not busy, I stayed here years ago, it was beautiful relaxing and not self catered!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hLU3bNMj9QXNx46R8?g_st=ac
Thank you, yes Portugal is on the shortlist!
We did Cornwall for ten years in a row when our children were young. From highchairs and potty training on the beach right through to them coming in later than us from beach parties. With a gang of friends who all booked different cottages in the same village so we could breakfast separately and cater for different budgets but took it in turn to cook each evening with a night out in the middle. It was absolute heaven and what holidays should be. I think low expectations, especially as a mother are key. If we spend a lot of money and go away as a family I expect us to be the bloody Waltons, playing card games in the evenings and chatting to each other at breakfast when the reality is very very different. Our 'best' holiday with teenagers was Neillson which I thought I'd hate but the kids absolutely adored, they were busy and with other kids all day and night and I could be left alone with my book or join in things as I wanted. It was full of serial returners and I can see why.
Haha, the Waltons image really hit home!
The best family holiday we ever had was a safari in South Africa. Everything is planned and pre-paid. The guide tells the kids what to do (and what not to do).
Yes we know someone who has just returned and they LOVED it! Apart from getting chased by elephants and thinking they might die.
A ferry to Normandy last year (we booked a cabin relatively cheap) was MUCH more relaxing way to travel than flying imho 😊
This is on the shortlist!
Ah yes, the ideal location for a proper break requires that there is a) nothing to do and b) plenty of time in which to do it!
The ultimate equation
Our kids are grown up now but when they were much younger the holidays that seemed to work for everyone were when we went with friends who had kids too. The kids entertained each other, the adults shared the cooking etc and as we always stayed in self catering accommodation you had company in the evenings to drink and socialise. Even if you do this abroad you've got someone else to share the stress of the travelling with xx
I was coming to say the same. It hardly ever works for me either, but it is the best solution!
Have always considered this, in practice has never seemed to come together!
Enjoyable breaks with kids - Devon, Cornwall, Welsh coast, Annecy, Italian Lakes - places with a beach and alpine feel, good food, things to see/do. Majorca, Greek islands off season (Oct half term- all inclusive less busy too).
How’s the weather October half term? In Greece?
20s is fine for me! Went to Greek Island in May and Majorca Oct - hot enough and sooo much cheaper/less crowded. Also, Costa Rica great for families, not the cheapest but worth it (Beaches/rainforests etc). South Africa good too, staying on tourist route (Waterkloof). Sri Lanka and Japan now on dream list!
I could write a book ! If I’m paying basic then that’s what I expect . As long as it’s clean (eg rooms in Oxford uni in the summer hols) however if I’ve paid top dollar and it’s tacky the complain i will ! My long suffering wife stands by the suitcases and looks at me as I flit around checking then says nervously ‘alright ?’ And I either nod (to her relief ) or she has to go down and argue (she speaks a zillion languages ) I look forward to your bonus episode . Take a friend for each child to stop boredom and don’t waste money on fancy places (our daughters fave hols for years was 10 days in a hippy camp near Gloucester )
Oh PLEASE write the book!!!
So much to agree with. Flying involves stress, queuing, crowds, etc. I used to do it a lot but now I prefer the UK. Yes please to the delights of Port Isaac, I’ve never been. Also last two luxury UK hotel stays, spas very good, the very expensive rooms and the food much less so. And so noisy! Yes I’m getting old but I like it quiet.
I kind of don’t think you can compare avec/sans kid holidays. I find flying on my own or when it’s just the two of us generally very pleasant. But with two kids… And I once read / interviewed the guy who wrote Stuffocation about how to tailor experiences so they were as good and happily memorable as possible and a lot of what he said was about making the beginning and the end of a holiday brilliant and I loved the idea but now I just think “I have carsick kids who puke on airport transfers so how can I ever make this a relaxing and enjoyable start/finish to the holiday?!”
Well, quite. And also I think that if you are essentially preoccupied with the needs of others then it doesn’t matter where you are, you cannot be truly relaxed! Work trips it is… 🤣
The noise thing at that price is a no-no for me.
Love Port Isaac too - visited avec kids, amidst constant downpour (in July) but still charming.
Doesn’t matter when it rains in the UK does it? All expected! 🤣