Help - last minute holiday needed - any ideas?

Swattie

I have just got my 2 week holiday request approved at work and need to book something really quickly for myself and DD (14) leaving 26th July.

Looking for

- overseas
- somewhere very warm but not too hot
- all inclusive is welcome
- coastal
- with really good pools
- not too commercial
- pref somewhere with good day excursions either by boat or on land
- somewhere with some history/local colour or culture etc
- no VISA issues (we both have UK passports)
- moneysaving (ie good discount) is always welcome

thought about a cruise and hols in south america or southern africa - but don't really know where to start at this late stage.

All ideas/help gratefully received

susancs

Have a look at www.travelzoo.com for deals. You could also check hotel reviews on www.tripadvisor.com. I am not sure about South America or Africa as you may have left it a bit late to book in for any recommended vaccinations (unless of course you already have had the boosters etc).

Swattie

bump.. any more ideas ?

Thanks

hollydays

flying from..

Incapuppy

What is your budget?

susancs

I don't know if this would suit, as will be quite busy in the peak summer holiday time you need to go-but you could fly to Malta with Ryanair flights from Luton Tues 29 Jul to Sat 9th August £407.22 (bags extra). www.travelrepublic.co.uk all inclusive accomodation starts £784.56 for the two of you. Half board starts at £455. Has good transport system to get around the island for trips. St pauls Bay is quietier and has more history than neighbouring busier v nearby resorts (Transfers are about 50 mins to St pauls from the airport and about £31 return in a taxi.-with maltaairporttransfers.com).

lauranurse

Hello

I have just come back from Madeira, and although I am biased I would very much recommend it to you!

There is lots to do, especially if you stay near Funchal. There is a cable car up the mountain side which is quite fun, and also you can dry-toboggan down rather than getting the cable car again if you want to! There is a theme park and water park apparently although I didnt visit either so cant tell you what they are like. Lots of shopping - a big shopping centre called Forum Madeira has a huge variety of shops! Also lots of day trips and boat trips on offer. Only drawback is there is no beach, although you can get the boat over to neighbouring Porto Santa for the day and go to the beach there if you want to. There is also an absolutely massive lido filled by the sea and a huge cordoned off area of the sea watched by lifeguards if you fancy a dip!

We stayed at one of the portobay group of hotels (the eden mar) and it was wonderful, I would go back again tomorrow if I could!

If Madeira isnt for you, I would agree with susancs that Malta is good too. The buses are really easy to get about on, and there is a huge amount of history on the island that you can explore by yourself or by going on guided trips.

I hope you have a good time!

Swattie

In response

Can fly from either a London Airport or any Midlands airport

Budget.. hadn't really thought, but could stretch to up to £750 each for fully inclusive (as no more costs)

Thanks for the suggestions of Malta and Madeira, but coincidentally did both last year Malta at Easter and Madeira for 2 weeks in the summer and thoroughly enjoyed both (bid for the hotels on ebay) - but would like somewhere different this year.

loobs40

last minute bookings on cruises can be excellent value. Try www.idealcruising.co.uk for details of what's available. and www.cruisecritic.co.uk for more info about cruising.

We booked a last minute cruise on Ocean Village this month, saved loads of money and had a fantastic time in the Mediterranean

Swattie

Thanks for all the suggestions which I am following up

any other suggestions out there ?