Family Package Holidays
Discussion
I haven't been on a package holiday for a long time... like 15+ years. Normally do self-catering, self-book. With a 2 year old and a baby, however, this year Mrs 2CV has convinced me that we need to do a package holiday to somewhere warm, and just not have to worry about shopping, cooking etc.
We've looked as far as 'tots to travel' and TUI websites, and the cost is a bit toppy... however i realise it will in theory at least cost a lot less during the actual holiday.
Seen a nice place in Ibiza, very family friendly, looks like good facilities etc, excellent reviews, doesn't look chav... but like £2800-3500 price range for 7 nights (including flights, transfers etc)... is this reasonable?? Maybe this is what people with 2 kids pay, I dunno...
What sites do you use? How much do you usually aim to spend for the family holiday?
We've looked as far as 'tots to travel' and TUI websites, and the cost is a bit toppy... however i realise it will in theory at least cost a lot less during the actual holiday.
Seen a nice place in Ibiza, very family friendly, looks like good facilities etc, excellent reviews, doesn't look chav... but like £2800-3500 price range for 7 nights (including flights, transfers etc)... is this reasonable?? Maybe this is what people with 2 kids pay, I dunno...
What sites do you use? How much do you usually aim to spend for the family holiday?
Blown2CV said:
I haven't been on a package holiday for a long time... like 15+ years. Normally do self-catering, self-book. With a 2 year old and a baby, however, this year Mrs 2CV has convinced me that we need to do a package holiday to somewhere warm, and just not have to worry about shopping, cooking etc.
We've looked as far as 'tots to travel' and TUI websites, and the cost is a bit toppy... however i realise it will in theory at least cost a lot less during the actual holiday.
Seen a nice place in Ibiza, very family friendly, looks like good facilities etc, excellent reviews, doesn't look chav... but like £2800-3500 price range for 7 nights (including flights, transfers etc)... is this reasonable?? Maybe this is what people with 2 kids pay, I dunno...
What sites do you use? How much do you usually aim to spend for the family holiday?
I have a four year old and and one year old and we are off to Turkey in June with all inclusive and its one of their family life resorts. Quite new I believe. We paid £1700 and this was booked back in October to take advnatge of the free child space. We went there in 2017 as well and paid £1400, but that was with only one 3 1/2 year old. We've looked as far as 'tots to travel' and TUI websites, and the cost is a bit toppy... however i realise it will in theory at least cost a lot less during the actual holiday.
Seen a nice place in Ibiza, very family friendly, looks like good facilities etc, excellent reviews, doesn't look chav... but like £2800-3500 price range for 7 nights (including flights, transfers etc)... is this reasonable?? Maybe this is what people with 2 kids pay, I dunno...
What sites do you use? How much do you usually aim to spend for the family holiday?
Unfortunately, at two years old, they have to have a seat on the plane, so that immediately bumps the cost up, but hunt about for free child spaces as TUI do offers on that.
We have pretty much gone with the cheapest options. The first Turkey holiday at £1400 was actually excellent, so we have no issues going back there again. The dining halls can be a bit manic, but to be honestv the food was good and they catered very well for my dairly intolerant wife (at the time)
Worth highlighting that we have gone for the cheapest options and most of the other places were in the £2k+ region and bare in mind that this is out of season too.
I also wanted to do self catering at Centre Parcs in Paris or similar, but it is a holiday for aqll of us and my wife just wanted to spend a week where she doesn't have to cook at all and I totally respect that.
Booking well in advance is key to getting the room and hotel you want. We we went with the family life resort because they offered rooms with effectively three rooms, so as parents we get our own space in an evening.
If you are on a budget, I would forget Tots-To-Travel. They always look quite expensive to me, but you do get a lot of toys thrown in for the kids.
When are you going OP?
That's sounds expensive to me especially if it is out of school hols but then again Ibiza is expensive compared to other islands in the med and mainland Spain.
Turkey is a good shout but it's bloody hot in the summer and a long flight but a bargain compared to Europe.
We normally go in October half term when temps are sensible and it's pretty quiet in the resorts.
Maybe try Majorca or Minorca or the Algarve.
That's sounds expensive to me especially if it is out of school hols but then again Ibiza is expensive compared to other islands in the med and mainland Spain.
Turkey is a good shout but it's bloody hot in the summer and a long flight but a bargain compared to Europe.
We normally go in October half term when temps are sensible and it's pretty quiet in the resorts.
Maybe try Majorca or Minorca or the Algarve.
Another vote for Minorca or Majorca. 2.5 hour ish flight. Pick up hire car from the airport, book an AI hotel if that is what you want.
When we took the grandaughter we bought a cheap child seat from a boot sale as to borrow one is expensive, donated it to another couple when we dropped the car back off.
Europe is very expensive at present, but long distance not much fun even more so with a child.
When we took the grandaughter we bought a cheap child seat from a boot sale as to borrow one is expensive, donated it to another couple when we dropped the car back off.
Europe is very expensive at present, but long distance not much fun even more so with a child.
GreatGranny said:
When are you going OP?
That's sounds expensive to me especially if it is out of school hols but then again Ibiza is expensive compared to other islands in the med and mainland Spain.
Turkey is a good shout but it's bloody hot in the summer and a long flight but a bargain compared to Europe.
We normally go in October half term when temps are sensible and it's pretty quiet in the resorts.
Maybe try Majorca or Minorca or the Algarve.
It is not a long flight. Think its five hours. However, this is coming from someone who went long hawu (9 1/2 hours) with a 20 month old). Wasn't easy at times. That's sounds expensive to me especially if it is out of school hols but then again Ibiza is expensive compared to other islands in the med and mainland Spain.
Turkey is a good shout but it's bloody hot in the summer and a long flight but a bargain compared to Europe.
We normally go in October half term when temps are sensible and it's pretty quiet in the resorts.
Maybe try Majorca or Minorca or the Algarve.
We tend to book everything separate although for March we just booked it all through Jet2, it was comparable to booking it individually, however Jet2 are very good when it comes to delays and issues so it was worth the little extra. We did book a hire car rather than use the free transfer.
I would certainly look at Jet2 and if possible check to see if the hotel you like has resort check in, if they do with a family it might make sense, they collect all of your hold luggage early in the day, give you a boarding card then all you need to do is go straight through security.
I would certainly look at Jet2 and if possible check to see if the hotel you like has resort check in, if they do with a family it might make sense, they collect all of your hold luggage early in the day, give you a boarding card then all you need to do is go straight through security.
stevemcs said:
We tend to book everything separate although for March we just booked it all through Jet2, it was comparable to booking it individually, however Jet2 are very good when it comes to delays and issues so it was worth the little extra. We did book a hire car rather than use the free transfer.
I would certainly look at Jet2 and if possible check to see if the hotel you like has resort check in, if they do with a family it might make sense, they collect all of your hold luggage early in the day, give you a boarding card then all you need to do is go straight through security.
Agree on Jet2. Last year we did Tenerife and Gran Canaria with them, this year will be Menorca - we'd definitely recommend (little ones were <1 and 3). Majorca is nice and easy to get to and has everything you want. See how you get on with the flights and maybe progress to the Canaries if the little one is ok. AI just makes everything easier and there's nothing to stop you going out for food (just paying twice, but it can be worth it). I would certainly look at Jet2 and if possible check to see if the hotel you like has resort check in, if they do with a family it might make sense, they collect all of your hold luggage early in the day, give you a boarding card then all you need to do is go straight through security.
Some of the best deals I’ve got over the past 2 or 3 years have been with British airways holidays strangely. Certainly come out cheaper than trying to book hotel direct and using a low cost carrier. It’s also been cheaper than tui and the like. Worth playing with their website as a comparison at least.
thanks to all. Had seen a few deals for mixtures of locations such as canaries, cape verde, greece, turkey, ranging from £1500 up, but trying to find somewhere not too long a flight, not ridiculously hot, and ideally packed or chavvy. Have had bad experiences with packages in the past so had always figured to err away from the bottom one-third of the prices. Not basing that on anything other than just if it sounds too cheap then it likely is. Also didn't fancy a hotel that was too massive, or somewhere where the hotel is the only thing around... maybe everyone goes for similar requirements. I am withholding judgement on package holidays in general till we've been on this one... still not 100% sure it's a good idea!! Like being in control...
Viva Sunrise in Alcudia is nice, although it has started to get very expensive. Its good for kids though and the beach is 10 minutes walk, again very child friendly. Its worth getting a taxi too the marina, the surrounding area in Alcudia is a bit meh, british brekkies etc but its what we go for 
Blown2CV said:
thanks to all. Had seen a few deals for mixtures of locations such as canaries, cape verde, greece, turkey, ranging from £1500 up, but trying to find somewhere not too long a flight, not ridiculously hot, and ideally packed or chavvy. Have had bad experiences with packages in the past so had always figured to err away from the bottom one-third of the prices. Not basing that on anything other than just if it sounds too cheap then it likely is. Also didn't fancy a hotel that was too massive, or somewhere where the hotel is the only thing around... maybe everyone goes for similar requirements. I am withholding judgement on package holidays in general till we've been on this one... still not 100% sure it's a good idea!! Like being in control...
Don't get hung up on the flight. It's a tiny part of the holiday. As for too chavvy, how can I put this, get over your self. At 2 years old, your kids really won't care one bit. I have stayed in places where it was the hotel and that was it. It was Marsa Alam (Egypt) in the mid noughties. Not something I would do again and that was a diving holiday too so you were out on the boat most days, but it still felt pretty isolated.
However, that was pre-kids and once again if I took them there and there was a pool, would they care at two years old. No they wouldn't. This is subjective, but our two would spend all day in a pool if they were given the choice. Obvioulsy all children are different.
With kids in tow, you aren't choosing holidays for you anymore. Mine are our 4 and 1 and this is subject that my wife and I have come to blows over several times
You want a great kids hotel
Two that are amazing for kids are the Ikos olivia and the Martinhal Sagres
Flights are very easy and cheap to book
I refused to go to a hotel for 15 years, but we stayed at the Ikos Olivia 3 years ago ago with a 6 year old and 2 year old and it was amazing- truly excellent food, and really well thought out kids entertainment. there was a really fun kids club for the eldest which she found much more fun than staying with us, and they arranged baby sitting in the evening.
best touch was the small creche in the very high quality buffet restaurant- the kids could eat whateve they wanted, and when they got bored they couold go and draw/play under supervision. We totally relaxed our usual dinner rules and had a great time.
Two that are amazing for kids are the Ikos olivia and the Martinhal Sagres
Flights are very easy and cheap to book
I refused to go to a hotel for 15 years, but we stayed at the Ikos Olivia 3 years ago ago with a 6 year old and 2 year old and it was amazing- truly excellent food, and really well thought out kids entertainment. there was a really fun kids club for the eldest which she found much more fun than staying with us, and they arranged baby sitting in the evening.
best touch was the small creche in the very high quality buffet restaurant- the kids could eat whateve they wanted, and when they got bored they couold go and draw/play under supervision. We totally relaxed our usual dinner rules and had a great time.
bakerstreet said:
Blown2CV said:
thanks to all. Had seen a few deals for mixtures of locations such as canaries, cape verde, greece, turkey, ranging from £1500 up, but trying to find somewhere not too long a flight, not ridiculously hot, and ideally packed or chavvy. Have had bad experiences with packages in the past so had always figured to err away from the bottom one-third of the prices. Not basing that on anything other than just if it sounds too cheap then it likely is. Also didn't fancy a hotel that was too massive, or somewhere where the hotel is the only thing around... maybe everyone goes for similar requirements. I am withholding judgement on package holidays in general till we've been on this one... still not 100% sure it's a good idea!! Like being in control...
Don't get hung up on the flight. It's a tiny part of the holiday. As for too chavvy, how can I put this, get over your self. At 2 years old, your kids really won't care one bit. I have stayed in places where it was the hotel and that was it. It was Marsa Alam (Egypt) in the mid noughties. Not something I would do again and that was a diving holiday too so you were out on the boat most days, but it still felt pretty isolated.
However, that was pre-kids and once again if I took them there and there was a pool, would they care at two years old. No they wouldn't. This is subjective, but our two would spend all day in a pool if they were given the choice. Obvioulsy all children are different.
With kids in tow, you aren't choosing holidays for you anymore. Mine are our 4 and 1 and this is subject that my wife and I have come to blows over several times
The kids wouldn't know either way, but the adults still have to have some enjoyment too surely. Package holidays to me conjure up images of canteen food, towels on the sun loungers, loud families being obnoxious, just having loads of people close by... i think what differs between people is not whether these things are true, but really how you react to and deal with it. Some people don't even register it (or maybe even do their bit to create that environment themselves too), but for some people it would risk ruining their holiday.
To date I'd been willing to do self-catering, shop, cook and do everything myself in order to not have to put up with a stereotypical package break, but the reason for my post is that i had hoped I had the wrong idea about package holidays and also that the kids are around now and want something for them too... however I was looking to try and find something that wasn't just going to reaffirm my preconception, without just paying out huge money. I am indeed willing to 'get over myself' if that's how you want to phrase it.
Blown2CV said:
without just paying out huge money. .
This may be the problem- the really good all inclusive hotels- that are a realstic alternative to a really good villa just aren't cheap. 10 days at the Ikos was soemthing like £3500 all in (inc flights and food).
When i added it all up in comparison to a good french villa, it was actually slightly cheaper, but it doesn't feel like it because you pay it all at once in one big lump, whereas with a villa its spread out over 3-4months.
PugwasHDJ80 said:
Blown2CV said:
without just paying out huge money. .
This may be the problem- the really good all inclusive hotels- that are a realstic alternative to a really good villa just aren't cheap. 10 days at the Ikos was soemthing like £3500 all in (inc flights and food).
When i added it all up in comparison to a good french villa, it was actually slightly cheaper, but it doesn't feel like it because you pay it all at once in one big lump, whereas with a villa its spread out over 3-4months.
You may well enjoy it!
i was adamant that i didn't want to go to an all inclusive hotel for a family holiday- and ended up loving it and would definintely go again.
Its the fact that everything was done for you, and because they were setup for kids you didn't hvae to worry about them so much. it was a really good holiday!
i was adamant that i didn't want to go to an all inclusive hotel for a family holiday- and ended up loving it and would definintely go again.
Its the fact that everything was done for you, and because they were setup for kids you didn't hvae to worry about them so much. it was a really good holiday!
Blown2CV said:
maybe that's all there is to it then... just went ahead and booked the Ibiza break and took the hit on the cost as whilst it feels toppy, the Mrs is in love with it (Happy wife/life etc.) and the kids are too young to be bothered either way, although there is lots to do for a toddler so she will be happy too. The room has a swim-up pool in with that cost so that should be a nice balance of privacy/public. Don't see the point in trying to lowball the cost if i am trying to convince myself this can work for me too!! It will be fine I'm sure.
Would be interested to know where you have booked in Ibiza - I am looking out for something similar with my 5 year old twinsPugwasHDJ80 said:
You may well enjoy it!
i was adamant that i didn't want to go to an all inclusive hotel for a family holiday- and ended up loving it and would definintely go again.
Its the fact that everything was done for you, and because they were setup for kids you didn't hvae to worry about them so much. it was a really good holiday!
that's what i am hoping certainly. I can imagine i won't want to do it for every holiday, but I am think if we can aim for once a year then great!i was adamant that i didn't want to go to an all inclusive hotel for a family holiday- and ended up loving it and would definintely go again.
Its the fact that everything was done for you, and because they were setup for kids you didn't hvae to worry about them so much. it was a really good holiday!
MrThomo said:
Blown2CV said:
maybe that's all there is to it then... just went ahead and booked the Ibiza break and took the hit on the cost as whilst it feels toppy, the Mrs is in love with it (Happy wife/life etc.) and the kids are too young to be bothered either way, although there is lots to do for a toddler so she will be happy too. The room has a swim-up pool in with that cost so that should be a nice balance of privacy/public. Don't see the point in trying to lowball the cost if i am trying to convince myself this can work for me too!! It will be fine I'm sure.
Would be interested to know where you have booked in Ibiza - I am looking out for something similar with my 5 year old twinshttps://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/europe/spain/ib...
Blown2CV said:
Looks nice - have stayed in a Sensatori before pre-children. Will check it out in more detailGassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff