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Where to take my kids on holiday?

Hi Folks

Please forgive me ifam posting on the wrong forum


My wife and I are thinking of taking our kids on holiday for about a week next Spring. We have not been abroad as a family before, so would like some advice.

We have twins aged 9. We want to take them where they can get occupied easily and not feel bored. Where can we consider taking them? Is it best to book the holiday over the internet or go to an agent? Because we haven't gone abroad before, what things should we consider when booking?

Are there any websites which give that sort of information?

Thanks in advance for your response.

Comments

  • Have you thought about a cruise from Southampton? P&O and RCI have great facilities for kids and they definitely wouldn't get bored. You could visit several countries in one go in a very hassle free way (no driving, no cleaning and no cooking). Thomas Cook, Cruise.co.uk and Cruise Kings are all pretty good in terms of cruise bookings.
  • getmore4less
    getmore4less Posts: 46,882 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper I've helped Parliament
    what things should we consider when booking

    passports
  • geek84
    geek84 Posts: 1,139 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    Hi getmore4less

    Yes, that is a bit obvious!!

    However, I was thinking in terms of accommodation and how to keep occcupied during the day.

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
  • miamoo
    miamoo Posts: 1,694 Forumite
    What do they like doing? If they like swimming/waterslides what about looking at a all inclusive hotel that has a waterpark onsite. There are lots in Turkey, especially in the Antalya region (Royal wings, Royal Dragon, Lara beach hotel, barut Lara, WOW topkapi palace etc)
    Not only do they have a waterpark most also have bowling, cinema, amusement arcade, kids clubs, watersports etc

    Spring is the perfect time to vist (april/may) lovely weather and cheap prices.

    If All Inclusive isnt what you looking for then maybe a Keycamp/euro camp type holiday?
    You would have to be carefull where you chose as spain/france/italy can be cool/rainy in April/may so outdoor activities could be limited/closed.
    £100 - £10,000
  • Mardrew
    Mardrew Posts: 491 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    I found that when my twins sons were that age all they wanted was a swimming pool. I would maybe suggest getting some brochures and seeing if anything appeals to you and then go on to Tripadvisor to get a feel for the area or hotel. From that you could either get some quotes from local travel agents and also post on the Beat My Quote thread. (Sorry can't remember the exact name of the thread.) You may also want to try pricing up flights, accommodation and transfers separately.
  • I've just booked a week on Gozo for myself and my 3 kids (14,14 12)

    Farmhouse with pool, 3 beds, roof garden etc for £750.
    Flights with Ryan Air from Bristol £367
    Airport parking £25
    Car hire 1 week with air con £65
    Travel insurance inc strike cover £7

    Gozo has mostly rocky beaches but good for snorkelling -it's a bit quieter than Malta. Good for walking and cycling in May & would be warm although the sea might be a bit chilly - not that kids seem to notice.

    Ok it isn't a mega cheap holiday but all in works out at just over £300 each in July.

    The farmhouse cost is the same for all weeks in July & Aug (£550 May)but flights are more expensive in the summer holidays but might not be too bad in May - Easyjet also fly there.

    We are staying at gozo-farmhouse.co(m) - won't let me post a link as a newbe. I haven't been there so can't recommend but the owner has answered all of my many questions and has been v helpful.

    There are lots of other farmhouses with or without pools if you google it.

    Much cheaper booking than a package.
  • Hi, best family holiday we've had was at Salou in Spain. It's a bit touristy (ie. lots of British pubs etc.) which isn't really my thing but the weather's usually good, the beaches are great plus there's Port Aventura theme park just up the road. We went last year with our kids (6 & 8) and they loved it. Also if you want a bit of culture Barcelona's about an hour away by train. We stayed at the Hotel Romana and thought it was really good.
  • jetty73
    jetty73 Posts: 97 Forumite
    we go every year to calan bosch in menorca. all inclusive at the hotel calan bosch.
    http://www.thomson.co.uk/holiday-reviews/show-reviews.html?txtParentID=4&txtParentIDValue=029194
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