First holiday abroad... advice please

juby_2002

Good morning all. Old member but havnt been on here for years so decided to come back:)

Ive just booked my first ever holiday abroad. I have only ever been to benidorm once when i was 12 and thats going back 25 years!!

Anyhow we (me, hubby and 14 yr old daughter) have booked benalmadena 13th june to 20th june. We are staying self catering at aparthotel sunny beach which is right on the front next to the windmill roundabout and each apartment has a sea view balcony. The hotel is very basic but has a pool. No entertainment or food service etc which i dont mind as we dont plan spending alot of time there and if we do it at least has a pool to occupy us.

We are flying ryanair and have purchased 1 hold baggage and we each get 10kg free carry on. Is this enough? Like i say we have never done abroad before. We have also paid £21 for us to be seated together.

We booked through 'onthebeach' and out total includes flights, hold bag, transfers, hotel and insurance. The total was £672. The hotel was only £336 if i recall correctly.

Anyhow ive been making lists of the different activities to do there and noting opening hours and prices. We wont do them all but at least i have the info if we do decide to do them. Ive also familiarised myself with the resort using google earth to find nearest supermarket, we only plan to eat breakfast in the hotel, pack up for lunch and eat out on an evening.

A few questions if you dont mind.
Is 3x10kg carry on and a 20kg hold bag enough?
What is the weather like in june from personal experience?
Would you recommend checking in as soon as it opens? (Online checkin)
Apart from the main activities (sealife, tivoli world, waterpark, selwo marina, watersports), is there any other activities you would recommend?
What would you recommend i bring from home food wise?
Are the supermarkets expensive?. Ive read mercadona chain is the cheapest.
What woukd you suggest i buy food wise?
Are the main liquud toiketries cheap enought to buy there eg shampoo, conditioner and body wash?.

Is there any other tips or advice that you think i could benefit from?.
As a first timer its pretty daunting lol.

Thank you.

stevenhp1987

juby_2002 wrote: »

Is 3x10kg carry on and a 20kg hold bag enough?

I guess this depends on what you are taking. Between myself and my wife we have gone a week on just hand luggage several times. If you pack only what you need it should be enough.

Just be sure to remember than hand luggage cannot contain liquid bottles of > 100ml and that there are size restrictions.

juby_2002 wrote: »

Would you recommend checking in as soon as it opens? (Online checkin)

One of the reasons for checking in early is to ensure good seats... but you've already paid for yours so just check-in as soon as possible really. Remember, as it's RyanAir, you must print your boarding passes off to avoid a charge (you could use it in the app, but if your phone dies...).

juby_2002 wrote: »

What would you recommend i bring from home food wise?
Are the supermarkets expensive?. Ive read mercadona chain is the cheapest.

I would only bring a packed lunch for the flight (depending on flight time). Bring some empty water bottles and fill them up at the water fountains at the airport.

You can pick up supplies from the local supermarket. I've been to a Mercadona, they are quite cheap. Snacks were cheap, whereas a bottle of wine could be had for €1.

juby_2002 wrote: »

What would you suggest i buy food wise?

Whatever food you like If you want to keep to a budget, use TripAdvisor to filter local restaurants with "cheap eats".

juby_2002 wrote: »

Are the main liquid toiletries cheap enough to buy there eg shampoo, conditioner and body wash?.

I would simply buy some travel size containers (like this: https://www.superdrug.com/Superdrug/Superdrug-Mini-Bottle-Travel-Containers/p/313604) - fill them and take them with you (if < 100ml, you can take them in hand luggage).

juby_2002 wrote: »

Is there any other tips or advice that you think i could benefit from?.

Remember to take EU plug adapters!

juby_2002

stevenhp1987 wrote: »

I guess this depends on what you are taking. Between myself and my wife we have gone a week on just hand luggage several times. If you pack only what you need it should be enough.

Just be sure to remember than hand luggage cannot contain liquid bottles of > 100ml and that there are size restrictions.



One of the reasons for checking in early is to ensure good seats... but you've already paid for yours so just check-in as soon as possible really. Remember, as it's RyanAir, you must print your boarding passes off to avoid a charge (you could use it in the app, but if your phone dies...).



I would only bring a packed lunch for the flight (depending on flight time). Bring some empty water bottles and fill them up at the water fountains at the airport.

You can pick up supplies from the local supermarket. I've been to a Mercadona, they are quite cheap. Snacks were cheap, whereas a bottle of wine could be had for €1.



Whatever food you like If you want to keep to a budget, use TripAdvisor to filter local restaurants with "cheap eats".



I would simply buy some travel size containers (like this: https://www.superdrug.com/Superdrug/Superdrug-Mini-Bottle-Travel-Containers/p/313604) - fill them and take them with you (if < 100ml, you can take them in hand luggage).



Remember to take EU plug adapters!

Thankyou for your response.
Reguarding clothes we only need the basics. Vests, shorts, tshirts, swimwear and sandals. Also a pair or 2 of trousers if we go to a nice restaurant on an evening.We wont be going out clubbing on an evening so wont need going out clothes and shoes.

One of hubbys friends told him to take coffee as thats quite expensive to buy. Particularly the type he likes, the barista stuff.

The reason i asked about shampoo is that 100ml wont last us the week. We will be washing our hair everyday there due to chlorine, sand and sun cream. We will also be showering more than usual due to this and the heat.

Ive already bought adaptors and a luggage weighing thingy lol.

NoodleDoodleMan

Be aware that Ryanair have recently revised their luggage rules.

https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/903992/ryanair-hand-luggage-restrictions-new-rules-2018

Essentially, as I read it, that means what was previously allowed as hand luggage in the cabin overhead lockers will now go in the hold, unless you pay £5 per item, each way, to have it in the cabin.

You will each be allowed a "small bag" inside the aircraft - but I'm not clear on what that means exactly.

I always secure the connecting zip eyes on hold luggage with plastic cable ties (cheap as chips from hardware stores) rather than small padlocks - not so much for theft deterrent but to prevent the zip ends becoming loose with the potential for the case contents to spill out - not a pretty sight !!! Mind and take small scissors or nail clippers to cut them open on arrival - they are allowed in hand luggage through airport security.

Food and cosmetics are much the same price in Spain as here, I wouldn't bother taking anything from the UK. Although sun cream tends to be more expensive, we buy ours here.

Have you got a "user friendly" debit or credit card which incurs no fees when taking cash from an ATM ?

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards

My only other advice, especially if you and your daughter have not been abroad in a hot country - beware the sun, always apply protection and wear a hat.

jhe

Cable car up the mountain is an interesting experience.
trip to Gibralter is an interesting day out, we did a trip up the rock to see the apes and world war 2 tunnels.

juby_2002

jhe wrote: »

Cable car up the mountain is an interesting experience.
trip to Gibralter is an interesting day out, we did a trip up the rock to see the apes and world war 2 tunnels.

My hubby and daughter are doing the cable car. They cant wait actually for it. Ill be spending that afternoon around the pool as there is no way im getting in that. Terrified of heights.

Im looking forward to going out on a sail boat to see the dolphins. Ive found a comapny called funsail who do it for 15 euros for an hour or 30 euros for 2 hours.

z1a

Bear in mind, that hotel is also a time share complex, and they may try to talk you into a presentation. - Just politely decline.

maman

Like others I frequently do a week's holiday with hand luggage only so you'll be fine with a hold bag as well. I don't think it matters if Ryanair put your hand luggage in the hold as you'll have to wait at the carousel for your hold luggage anyway.


Make sure you have all the things you might want on the journey easily to hand in case your hand luggage does get checked in at the gate. Especially valuables but also your packed lunch, drinks, book etc.


I always take tea bags and if your DH likes a particular coffee then it is worth taking some of that too. Personally I like my own kitchen knives that I wrap in a tea towel.


I like to take my own toiletries as I'm fussy but summer clothes should be light enough to still leave room for your toiletries including sun cream. You can take 100ml containers in your hand luggage but a family sized shampoo would be a good idea.


Shoes can be heavy so wear your heaviest pair to the airport and just pack flip flops/lightweight sandals.

Grumpelstiltskin

With regards to shampoo etc. don't forget all three of you can take up to 10 100ml containers through as hand luggage and you can pack any size in your hold case.

Car boot on a Wednesday AM if you are interested, get the bus to Fuengirola for Tuesday market or Saturday car boot.

LUHG1878

juby_2002 wrote: »

Is 3x10kg carry on and a 20kg hold bag enough?

As has been said, depends what you plan to take! Does your apartment have a washing machine, or laundry facility in the complex, as that will help cut down on what you need to take?

juby_2002 wrote: »

What is the weather like in june from personal experience?

It'll be nice in June, we usually go in May and September, been going for about 6 years and only seen it rain once! Usually around 25deg in May, so should be around 25-30deg in June

juby_2002 wrote: »

Apart from the main activities (sealife, tivoli world, waterpark, selwo marina, watersports), is there any other activities you would recommend?

It depends how far a field you want to go?

Parque de la Paloma is very close to where you are staying, it's nice if you fancy a stroll, or even to have a picnic.

A trip to Gibraltar will take around 1.5-2 hours on the coach, Malaga is also really nice, 30 mins in the train, the trains are spotless and very cheap.

Benalmadena Pueblo is also very nice just to wander, and to have some wine and tapas :-)

Search for Top 10 Places To Visit In Benalmadena on youtube

juby_2002 wrote: »

What would you recommend i bring from home food wise?
Are the supermarkets expensive?. Ive read mercadona chain is the cheapest.
What would you suggest i buy food wise?
Are the main liquid toiletries cheap enough to buy there eg shampoo, conditioner and body wash?.

We only really take suntan lotion, everything else like deodorant, shampoo etc is much the same price wise as at home. Food is pretty cheap, as is alcohol.

If your husband likes a particular brand of coffee then take some with you, it won't take up much room in the case.

Mercadona is the main supermarket i'd say, Supersol is another, they're pretty cheap, there's also a big Carrefour in the Miramar mall in Fuengirola, you're probably best just going to wherever is closest to you.

Supermarkets are generally closed on a Sunday.

juby_2002 wrote: »

Is there any other tips or advice that you think i could benefit from?.

We always change our UK bank notes over there, Ruben Exchange always has the best rates, they are located near the Marina. Commission free and better rates than back home, https://www.rubenexchange.com/

You can also book trips and excursions via Rubens, again very cheap compared to the resorts and local vendors.

The beaches are lovely, but very busy on weekends, as locals flock to them too.

If you like steak, then i'd thoroughly recommend Gaucho Grill at the marina, if you book a table via Trip Adviser then you can usually get 20% off during quieter times, so 6pm seating for example.

juby_2002 wrote: »

As a first timer its pretty daunting lol.

You'll love it, have a great time!

juby_2002

LUHG1878 wrote: »

As has been said, depends what you plan to take! Does your apartment have a washing machine, or laundry facility in the complex, as that will help cut down on what you need to take?



It'll be nice in June, we usually go in May and September, been going for about 6 years and only seen it rain once! Usually around 25deg in May, so should be around 25-30deg in June



It depends how far a field you want to go?

Parque de la Paloma is very close to where you are staying, it's nice if you fancy a stroll, or even to have a picnic.

A trip to Gibraltar will take around 1.5-2 hours on the coach, Malaga is also really nice, 30 mins in the train, the trains are spotless and very cheap.

Benalmadena Pueblo is also very nice just to wander, and to have some wine and tapas :-)

Search for Top 10 Places To Visit In Benalmadena on youtube



We only really take suntan lotion, everything else like deodorant, shampoo etc is much the same price wise as at home. Food is pretty cheap, as is alcohol.

If your husband likes a particular brand of coffee then take some with you, it won't take up much room in the case.

Mercadona is the main supermarket i'd say, Supersol is another, they're pretty cheap, there's also a big Carrefour in the Miramar mall in Fuengirola, you're probably best just going to wherever is closest to you.

Supermarkets are generally closed on a Sunday.



We always change our UK bank notes over there, Ruben Exchange always has the best rates, they are located near the Marina. Commission free and better rates than back home, https://www.rubenexchange.com/

You can also book trips and excursions via Rubens, again very cheap compared to the resorts and local vendors.

The beaches are lovely, but very busy on weekends, as locals flock to them too.

If you like steak, then i'd thoroughly recommend Gaucho Grill at the marina, if you book a table via Trip Adviser then you can usually get 20% off during quieter times, so 6pm seating for example.



You'll love it, have a great time!

Thankyou for all your advice. Yes paloma park is right behind our hotel. I love walking around at sunset listening to birds etc so i imagine im going to love it. I also want to visit the park in torremolinos too.
We are going wed till wed rather than sat to sat.

Ive been reading alot of reviews about our hotel. Also from the pic it does look dated and basic which i dont mind at all. It seems fine for us who are only going to be sleeping there and eating breakfast and it has a pool for me to laze around while hubby and daughter do the cable car ride. With it been so basic i dont see how much actual cooking can be done there. I suppose it will be fine for toast/cereal and storing and making pack ups.
Personally i dont see the point in paying for a posh room when not alot of time is going to be spent there. I understand families with small children going to the big hotels as they do have alot of facilities onsite for the younger end, activity clubs, entertainment, better pools with childrens slides etc.as long as its clean i dont mind where i stay.

I caught my daughter on google maps searching for the nearest mcdonalds :rotfl:. She cant live without her nuggets and there is one just on the front.

Reading the reviews for tivoli world i think we are going to skip this. It seems more aimed at the younger end with only 2 'big' rides. Also after paying enterence fee you then have to purchase a wristband, then 3 of the main attractions in there have to be paid for seperatly too. I also think we are going to stick to the selwo marina instead of the sealife centre. I think theres only so many fish you can look at before getting bored, especially us who dont have an interest. But we are going to pay for the dolphin experience at selwo marina.

Id say we have a budget of around £800 to £1000 which includes food.

It was a toss up between benalmadena, alcudia and malta.

Now all i need is my passport to come!!