holiday

m00nie

thinking of taking the family abroad but unsure best way to go about it, they have always been happy with skeggy, mablethorpe, beaches, donkeys etc up to now but would like to take them on a plane and to get some decent weather etc.

did an online quote for self catering package 2 adults 3 children (3,6,7) for a week in spain in june £2400 (seemed dear to me?)

been reading through these threads for ideas and one is alpharooms or ownersdirect to book a place, then i would need to look for flights(use martins checker?) and insurance, is there anything else id need?

any suggestions on whats needed, some sites to visit etc would be greatly appreciated.

im keeping an eye on the disney threads also as this is appealing also

thanks

m00nie

chalky_bertie

Found this thread further down the board. CLICK HERE

You could also contact 'Travelman' who is a regular contributor to this board.

We never book with package companies as they seem to be dear so we always book our own flights, accommodation etc which then gives you the flexibility to do what you want. Admittedly we have no kids so is alot easier.

Martin has also written an article on cheaper package holidays HERE

Felix

m00nie wrote:

thinking of taking the family abroad but unsure best way to go about it, they have always been happy with skeggy, mablethorpe, beaches, donkeys etc up to now but would like to take them on a plane and to get some decent weather etc.

did an online quote for self catering package 2 adults 3 children (3,6,7) for a week in spain in june £2400 (seemed dear to me?)

been reading through these threads for ideas and one is alpharooms or ownersdirect to book a place, then i would need to look for flights(use martins checker?) and insurance, is there anything else id need?

any suggestions on whats needed, some sites to visit etc would be greatly appreciated.

im keeping an eye on the disney threads also as this is appealing also

thanks

m00nie

Did the package for Spain include flights?

Are you set on going to Spain or would you be interested in going any where that is warm?

saveapenny

I general I would agree not to book a package, But this is your first time abroad I would deffinatly have the secuirty of a package and the cheapest way to do it is let Travelman put one together for you with Medhotels.

Florida is an excellent place to go and with the deals that can be around with people like http://www.travelcitydirect.com/ 2400 would get you 2 weeks of mickey mouse and all things American You could also try the direct selling sites such as http://www.directholidays.com or http://www.eclipsedirect.co.uk/

Direct have a deal on to BEST WESTERN MOVIELAND on International Drive on the 9th June £2224 for all of you, so why pay more to go to Spain.
You dont have to have a car that way you save a fortune in insurance costs and its easy to get around now all the major parks have good transport.
The age of your kids they will love it

Insurance you can get from anywhere a whole family policy is the best from somewhere like https://www.journeywise.co.uk/ or cheaper if you have an egg credit card account.
Sorry for going on but hope it helps

m00nie

hi, thanks for replies, gives me some more things to look at, yes the flights was included, only chose spain as its not to far, im learning spanish also. thought be ok for there 1st abroad holiday.

florida seems brilliant in comparison its just baby number 4 on the way(be 5/6 months in june) and so bit worried it may be too much, excitement, long flights, etc. really fancy it, as you say kids would love it, just dont no if it be better after baby born..

aagh, so much to consider...

Felix

Try Portugal.

You could try easyjet, TAP, BA, Monach for flights, they shouldn't be more than £250 each. https://www.madeirahouse.co.uk is only £500 a week in June so together more than £1000 cheaper than the Spanish holiday.

nearlyrich

We have travelled all over US Australia and Europe without packages, just book flights or ferry and go even with the children when they were 6 or 7, we never had a problem getting two rooms even in July August for one or more nights.
However with your other half being pregnant it might be wise to wait till the baby is born before getting too adventurous, especially as you haven't taken the family abroad before ( I think that's what you implied in the OP).

The trouble with the big tour operators is that they give you a "free child place" and a discount for the others and then charge you twice as much as they give you for under occupancy supplements. See this thread for Chris AKA TRAVELMAN he seems to have the same opinion as me about this scam:eek: He seems to offer some good deals if you give him some info to work with he should be able to get you a better deal than you have seen so far.

Not sure if you are referring to taking the family to Eurodisney, it's reasonably easy to drive to and there are some good deals on ferries at the moment ( assuming that you have a car that you can take to France) or you might get a good deal as June is not main school holidays (another scam).

Florida might be a bit much for your OH as it will be quite hot in June, it isn't a very restful holiday but it is good and it's not (just) for kids LOL:j

Whatever you decide make sure you get a good insurance policy, E111 if going to Europe and I think if you are flying your OH might need a doctor's note , not sure whether this is still the case as it's a long time sice I was pregnant and I didn't fly when I was.

Have fun:beer:

saveapenny

With baby number 4 on the way I dont think
Florida is a good idea unless you brought it forward to early May I would leave it for another time but those direct sites are still worth a look for places such as the Canaries, Lanzarote is very family friendly Menorca again very family friendly.
I dont know if you are aware that some airlines wont allow you to fly after 29 weeks some will let you fly upto and including 36 weeks so check first.
The Don Paco apartments self catering are good in Lanzarote close to the beach (5 minute walk) they are cheap 2 bedroom apartment 1 week in june £287.25( https://www.holidayhotels.com) or you can go 4 star half board at the Beartriz Playa for £451 (alpharooms) then add your flights.
These are both that either Travelman could put together or the girl I use could (both work for the same company) its by far the cheapest way to go on holiday these days
Found a cheap flight its with Thomascook London Gatwick to Lanzarote 5th June return 12th June 2 adults 3 children total cost £763 so that would work out to around a £1000 self catering

budgetflyer

with the kids so young I feel Florida is a waste as there is so much they CANT DO in the theme parks.

Try COSTA BRAVA (its a short flight)
Ryanair will get you there (Gerona) from Prestwick,Blackpool or Liverpool.Use the flightchecker to search the cheapest fares. You go straight to the front of the Q at boarding because you have young children.

--->Check out the flights from BLACKPOOL--- Plenty at under £15 +tax right into JULY<---

Mobile home holidays are really popular on the Costa Brava. Pick up a Eurocamp or Haven europe Brochure to get an idea where to stay and what each site has facilities wise.
(Although on a hill,Castel Montgri is FAB)
you can view the site at
http://www.lifestyle-holidays.co.uk/Castell_Montgri_Mobile_Home_Lodge_Holidays.shtml
typical prices are
http://www.lifestyle-holidays.co.uk/Prices4_Mobile_Home_Lodge_Holidays.shtml

Book them independantly,shopping around will save plenty.
A list of companies is at

http://www.budgetflyer.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/camping.htm

Alternatively Alpharooms or hotelscomparisons.com will get you cheapest apartments or try

http://www.barracudaholidays.com/contactus.html
for apts in L'estartit

From Gerona airport to Accom.use

https://www.shuttledirect.com to book your transfers to resort

or book a car (Be aware of extra charges OVER base price)

If possible ,use a credit card to book everything for extra protection (extra charges may apply)
Make sure you have Insurance and dont forget PASSPORTS and E111 form for NHS medical Care.

Be aware of Luggage allowances,-airlines charge extra if you are over. Gerona airport is VERY strict on this

m00nie

thanks alot for the replies and advice. gave me lots more to work with (once the kids are asleep). will check the locations and offers, also will try the flight checker.

i had a quick check before and saw 35 weeks was latest for flying whilst pregnant, so il have to check the air lines to see there poilcy then,

OH is talking about a villa so we can have a private pool as she a bit concerened about the bump in a bikini, i told her she still looks great, but want her to be happy and enjoy the break so.....

alot of the villas ive looked at today all suggested car hire, ive never driven a left hand drive :eek: bit daunting, wrong side of the road, wrong side of the car, not a clue where to go. may look at taxis instead

will be ready for the holiday after all this planning..lol

thanks again