Summer holiday abroad for older teens

pandora205

My ex is looking for somewhere to take our three teenagers (14, 16, 19) in the summer. They have rather different tastes which doesn't make it easy... I've taken them to Centerparcs over the last couple of years, done city breaks (they loved Amsterdam) and we're going to St Ives this year. Last time ex and partner took them on a summer holiday (villa in Menorca) but it was a bit of a disaster as they were bored.

They would enjoy a beach holiday provided it was suitably appealing to young people - maybe a hotel with included activities, etc.

I know this isn't my problem really but my ex is getting to the point of saying it's not a good idea to go anywhere as they don't enjoy it. My view is that they could do with a break together (and from me!) while they are all still 'around'.

Anyone been somewhere they would recommend?

blue_haddock

Perhaps look for an all-inclusive holiday that includes watersports and other activities within the price. BOund to be plenty to do to keep them occupied and interested.

pandora205

Yes I thought that would be the sort of thing they'd enjoy, then they can opt in or out of activities as they wish. It also keeps costs down if they want to do stuff (not that this is an issue for my ex).

I'm hoping someone will tell me they had a wonderful time at somewhere specific.

Thanks

duchy

If your ex's own tastes run to beach holidays then I'd look towards all inclusive with watersports included-otherwise why not get the kids in on the decisionmaking and give them some say.
If cost isn't a big issue a cruise would be an excellent option with this agegroup and would combine the relaxing side with lots of onboard activities (and probably more freedom to roam than in a resort) and also sightseeing at the ports of call.
Some ships are more suitable than others but the right ship would keep everyone happy.

deva

try sunsail-

pandora205

duchy wrote: »

If your ex's own tastes run to beach holidays then I'd look towards all inclusive with watersports included-otherwise why not get the kids in on the decisionmaking and give them some say.
If cost isn't a big issue a cruise would be an excellent option with this agegroup and would combine the relaxing side with lots of onboard activities (and probably more freedom to roam than in a resort) and also sightseeing at the ports of call.
Some ships are more suitable than others but the right ship would keep everyone happy.

Thanks for these ideas I'll pass them on to him. I asked the kids and these were their views:

DD3: Mauritius
DS: New York
DD1 New Zealand

I did mention these to my ex who pointed out that he was already going to New York with his partner (who is from there) and to Mauritius at Xmas (with partner). I wonder if the kids are trying to tell him something?!
He also reminded me that the last holiday cost £6k (skiing in Vermont) so he was thinking more the Balearics, probably Menorca (where he and they have been lots of times).

Shame I can only run to St Ives with the kids (though I love it and so do they) and Amsterdam for a weekend for me! Still this is loads more than many families so I'm not complaining....

and I am gradually paying off my mortgage along the way!

LillyJ

I second sunsail. I went there as an older teen with my younger sister and parents. Brill.
Also Club Med is great but more French orientated.
Mark Warner may be another option.

We did Sunsail in Greece. I have been on many Club Meds but a lot were long haul like Malaysia, however I did go with them to Turkey a few years back.

pandora205

Thanks. I thought about Club Med - though it is a bit on the pricey side. Sunsail may be another option.

My ex is reading up on cruises after that suggestion. They're not as expensive as I thought, especially the European ones. A cruise wouldn't appeal to me but might him.

LillyJ

Cruises would be awful for teenagers! really boring!

Sunsail is pricey too, but clubmed have some great deals on. You can go for about £500-£600 all in which at clubmed is not like a normal all inclusive, it is infinately better. SO worth it if your OH has a bit of dosh. Also it would probably work out cheaper than a cruise, you literally spend nothing whatsoever at Clubmed. When I went to Turkey I didn't even get any currency so my spend was £0!

If you look at the clubmed website you can sign up for their newsletter with the deals in it.

EDIT just looked at the special offers, in May/June you can go to Beldi in Turkey (where I went, was beautiful) for £479 per adult. Seems pretty cheap to me for what you get. If I could afford it I would be off like a shot!

Incapuppy

Sign up for the weekly Travelzoo top 20 deals email.

Amongst others they sometimes feature special offers on the ClubMed/Sunsail/Mark Warner type of holiday.

LillyJ

Incapuppy wrote: »

Sign up for the weekly Travelzoo top 20 deals email.

Amongst others they sometimes feature special offers on the ClubMed/Sunsail/Mark Warner type of holiday.

Oooh yeah good point I had forgotten about travelzoo. Might be helpful for you OP as well as they often have deals on hotels and things in the UK.
It makes me want to go on holiday though everytime it pops in my inbox!