Can't think where to go

MortgageMamma

Looking for some holiday inspirations. This is going to be my first foreign holiday since 2001 as I am terrified of flying, but I've decided to dope myself and get on a plane as our last 3 UK holidays have had bad weather and it kind of ruined it for us.


I want to go abroad to a resort where everything is within walking distance (2 miles). It needs to be flat as I have a disability which means I can't walk up hills. I'm planning to go mid August and being a freckly I don't think I could handle the heat in southern Spain or Greece - as much as I love Greece


My children are 14, 12 & 5 years old. My budget is £3-4k and we thought an all inclusive would be ideal.


What I need is suggestions of locations - we are not big drinkers so don't need to be near all the pubs.


Any ideas?

jackieblack

Have you thought about trying a 'fear of flying' type course, people I know who have done them say they're very good.
https://fearlessflyer.easyjet.com/
https://www.flyingwithoutfear.co.uk/
http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com/


Taking a sedative is not usually advised when flying (in case of an emergency)

MortgageMamma

I didn't even know those courses existed thanks for that - My doctor said he'd give me a low dose of diazepam to take the edge off my nerves but if I can get away with not taking it I will.


I feel really bad, the last three years holidays we could have afforded to go abroad but I put the blockers on it.

jackieblack

MortgageMamma wrote: »

I didn't even know those courses existed thanks for that - My doctor said he'd give me a low dose of diazepam to take the edge off my nerves but if I can get away with not taking it I will.


I feel really bad, the last three years holidays we could have afforded to go abroad but I put the blockers on it.

There was/is a series on BBC2(?) recently called City In The Sky where one of the presenters went on one of these courses with someone who hadn't flown in over 10 years - at the end of the course all participants took a flight together, using various techniques they had been taught to help calm/relax them.


Might be worth checking out on iPlayer

MortgageMamma

Thanks - I'm just checking out the online course now as the EasyJet and virgin ones in my location are all after my holiday dates. I used to be a confident flyer until 9/11 and 2 bad flights in 2000 and 2001. I was on my own with my 4 year old on the way back from fuertuventura when we hit some sort of storm or turbulence, the lights went out, masks came down and it felt like the plane was falling for what seemed an age. There were people crying and vomiting and I just sat there hugging my little girl thinking that was it, time up and the guilt was overwhelming. She's 19 now and I have 3 more children that have never had the pleasure of going abroad - over the years because of all the attacks on flights etc I've become even more neurotic about it but my husband says that I need to desensitise to it by getting on a flight.

jackieblack

Just found the item, it was in the second episode and the segment starts about 24 minutes in, although is lots more in the rest of the programme about all the different safety features and systems that keep planes and their passengers safe

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07grng5/city-in-the-sky-2-airborne


I know it probably doesn't help but you do know that, statistically, you're more likely to be killed crossing the road than in a plane....


Have you thought about using ferry/train to travel to, for example, the south of France/northern Spain?

tomtontom

MortgageMamma wrote: »

I didn't even know those courses existed thanks for that - My doctor said he'd give me a low dose of diazepam to take the edge off my nerves but if I can get away with not taking it I will.


I feel really bad, the last three years holidays we could have afforded to go abroad but I put the blockers on it.

Please don't take diazepam for the first time in flight. I had a horrible reaction to it whilst at home, I'd hate for anyone to have the same on a plane.

As for destinations, Majorca would fit the bill if you want an all inclusive, Menorca for something more independent. In Majorca the Viva hotels are very popular with families, not sure of prices.

melanzana

Would you consider getting the ferry to France and driving further south to somewhere like Arcachon, la Rochelle etc. Some lovely spots down the West Coast. The campsites are brilliant for kids too, very well run.

You won't have to fly, the weather will be nice but not scorching too. Might be hard to book somewhere for August (anywhere) now, so get going quick to wherever you decide!

Hope you have a great time.

warwicktiger

La Rochelle or Bordeaux - by train!
La Rochelle is gorgeous!

http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/

MortgageMamma

Just looked at La Rochelle it looks beautiful! My husband really likes it too, we've never been to France and the journey doesn't look too horrendous. Is it expensive to eat? We'd probably drive to Portsmouth and get the Ferry over, we have a 7 seater 4 x 4 and like to drive about a bit exploring on holiday.

melanzana

MortgageMamma wrote: »

Just looked at La Rochelle it looks beautiful! My husband really likes it too, we've never been to France and the journey doesn't look too horrendous. Is it expensive to eat? We'd probably drive to Portsmouth and get the Ferry over, we have a 7 seater 4 x 4 and like to drive about a bit exploring on holiday.

My brother and his family drive to different parts of France every year. They absolutely love it and have 2 kids 11 and 14. They stay at Haven Europe sites now called Siblu. Check it out.

http://www.siblu.ie/?CMP=KNC-IE-02-160308-69939335756ded74&mckv=sjwMeje0n|pcrid|96965137843|pkw|siblu%20france|pmt|e|pdv|c|&gclid=CjwKEAjw7qi7BRCvsr3N58GvsTkSJAA3UzLviXj68E0GerTxR1PCanNr_o8J0ZRX_a5F0xMml7UejRoCvJLw_wcB

Driving according to them is brilliant, no baggage weight worries etc. etc. They do have a roofbox though which helps for bringing home the oodles of wine!!

If you haven't already, sign up to Tripadvisor and post your questions on the La Rochelle forum (or wherever you decide to go). Here is a sample...

https://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowTopic-g187206-i1108-k1343337-La_Rochelle_mobile_homes-La_Rochelle_Charente_Maritime_Poitou_Charentes.html