Sooo happy - but need your help!?

Amanda65

Sorry haven't read all of the replies but would you consider a self catering apartment / villa in France and taking the car across?

We did this loads when the children were little. You can pile all sorts of stuff in the car (we've travelled as two families in two cars and taken cricket sets, noodles for the pool, fishing gear, a wok - I kid you not :rotfl::rotfl:) and get a Shuttle to Calais on Tesco vouchers. Within about a 5 or 6 hour drive the other side you can reach Southern Brittany or be somewhere in the middle - thinking Limoges maybe - and althoughh it sounds a long time by the time you have taken into account check in times / waiting for luggage etc. at airports it's probably not much different (unless you live up North and Folkestone is miles from you!)and we always stop every two hours for a quick wee and a drink / lunch.

We usually go for a single villa as there are so many of us but there are lots on complexes etc. and you can self cater / BBQ each night very reasonably. Take a look on www.ownersdirect.co.uk or
www.homeaway.co.uk for starters

Stephb1986_2

It is more than possible there is a lady on Hotukdeals called Sunshine Stacey she always finds fantastic deals here's one she posted recently
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/2013-long-weekend-spain-4-nights-65pp-including-flight-hotel-car-hire-total-price-1862717

Hope this helps have a lovely time where ever you go

Steph xx

downshifted

Sunshine Stacey finds some great deals. Is there a way to be notified of all her posts?

fabforty

I know that this won't be a popular view but.....(ducks for cover), have you checked what the fine would be for taking your daughter out of school during term time, and whether paying a fine and travelling during term time would make a holiday affordable. It's not ideal (before anyone feels the need to jump in), but it might be worth considering.


ETA - I'm another one who would recommend Tunisia.

Stephb1986_2

downshifted wrote: »

Sunshine Stacey finds some great deals. Is there a way to be notified of all her posts?

Yes if you click on her name it will take you to her profile on the right hand side there is a follow button click that

RosyT

I am sure you will have a wonderful time wherever you go! The advice I would offer is to do loads of planning beforehand not just about the location but with regards to the money you will have to spend when you are out there.

For example, if you are self catering find out where the nearest cheap supermarkets are that the locals use. Also, try to pre-empt any purchases that you will need. It is loads cheaper to buy adapters for foreign plug sockets on Amazon before you go, rather than grabbing them at the airport as an afterthought. Also look at the cheapest way to get money exchanged as you have more options if you are not doing it at the last minute.

Check what it will cost to use your current bank card abroad. Also some mobile operators (and BT) offer different package and apps for making calls abroad, so if you do need to use your phone you have a cheap option. If you are going in Europe don't forget the E11 medical form thingy (can't remember the exact name) which means you get the same treatment as you would in the UK for free.

Also, get travel insurance as soon as you book just in case. Don't just take what the holiday company offer but shop around, it will be a lot cheaper than you expect and well worth it in case anything does go wrong before or during the holiday.

Also, as someone else has said, decide what is important to you. Last year I took my two teenagers to Iceland for two weeks for a real holiday of a life time for us... really expensive but it was do-able due to loads of planning and booking as far in advance as possible. And by not buying meat for the two weeks we were there it meant we could afford to go whale watching ... I know which I preferred and it is now a family joke that we ate pasta for two weeks solid!

It may sound a bit anal but do as much research as you can beforehand because it will pay off, and then when you are there you can relax!

edit: just wanted to add a last line ... please don't be put off by what sounds like loads of complicated things that you need to look in to. This was the first time I had booked a foreign holiday myself and I used loads of review sites like trip advisor and of course MSE for loads of good tips and it paid off so much in terms of the money I saved and the confidence it gave me!

Brenny

We've had some great holidays at center parcs in France, Belgium and Holland. You may be able to get discounts by booking early. By planning carefully I think you will be able to get a week within your budget.

lovenstuff

Thanks so much everyone - you have given us loads to think about...
who knew trying to book a holiday with 'free' money would be so stressful lol! We have looked at Disney (after not being able to find much for under £1k on a beach holiday! We are thinking about every possibility, ultimately which is best for the kids, as we might be able to escape for an 'adults only' break to our parents caravan one weekend for a boozy trip :beer:
DD2 will obviously never remember this trip but we want to make it special for DD1. What makes it more complicated is that she lives with her Dad 50% of the time.. (week on/week/off) and it so happens that this year she is with him for May and Oct half term which cuts down our options alot... We have DD1 every other week Sunday to Sunday however I am on good terms with her Dad and it would be no problem if I needed her for an extra day or two. However I cannot swap full weeks as he books his work appointment etc months in advance when he has her..
Still looking and am sooo grateful for all your help :j

**Patty**

Another recommendation here for SunshineStacey and her posts on HUKD x

Stephb1986_2

My mum and dad took me and my h2b to Bulgaria for a week last year for £1000 for all four of us

Steph xx