where to go?????

Pebbles!

Hey!

I need some suggestions I'd love to go on a sun holiday with my boyfriend but he thinks he wouldn't like it (he's never been on one!) so I would like to book someplace, not the typical holiday locations! need something with lots to do!! and that won't cost an arm and a leg!!!

solovely

I'm not into sun holidays myself, but do like a few days to chill at the end of a holiday.

What is your budget? You thinking long haul or short haul? If you're on a budget Croatia is amazing! Lots to see and do, fab island beaches. Fly to Zadar with Ryanair, spend a few days island hopping then bus it down to Dubrovnik for some culture...great balance of both.

North of Spain is supposed to be fab too if you are looking to go somewhere close to home.

If you're looking to go longhaul, then the list is endless....you'll spend more on flights but way less on food and accommodation when you get there...

Pebbles!

No not really thinking long haul cause you'd nearly need two weeks there between travelling..wanted to spend roughly a week. Croatia sounds good, someplace I never thought of. Don't want to spend a fortune can't afford it!! Would like to keep it as cheap as possible!!!

magentas

hey pebbles!

I went on my first package sun holiday 2yrs ago, I thought I'd hate it, images of Ibiza and glo sticks and loud Irish and English tourists getting hammered and lying by pool drinking all day but my OH persuaded me but I said on the grounds that it was somewhere a little different...so we went to Turkey.

It was class, amazing place. It's on european/asian border so great mix of cultures. Wonderful people. Loads to see and do, jeep treks, Temple of Artemis, Mountain trips, markets, beaches, waterparks, Ephesus was unreal. We did something different every day and were so excited planning our itinery when we were there, still didn't get to do everything we wanted!

Flight is 3.5hrs from dublin and you can get packages from just over €300pp this yr

Other places to consider Tunisia or Morocco? They're in Africa so would have a different vibe and more exotic than usual tourist resorts

Only thing is weather depending on when you're planning your trip.
We went to turkey late October/early Nov so tourist season was ending, shops closing for winter and although was nice and sunny during the day it did get chilly in evenings.

We're thinking of cheap hol to Canaries or Maderia next month purely because it's straight down south so will still be good weather and hopefully not so busy!

Fratton Fred

Why does he think he won't like it, because he doesn't want to lie on a beach all day, or because it migh be a bit "Foreign"?

schemingbohemia

Sicily sounds like it has a good mix of beach and historical sights and beautiful landscape, might be a good compromise.

solovely

I'd say Sicily would be great! That or Sardinia! Not too "packagy", off the beaten track, lots to do, not too many drunken Irish/ English, yet still chances to chill.

With reference to people hating sun holidays, for me anyway, it's more about the packaged, lack of "foreign" element rather than the nothing to do, or the heat. When we get so few holidays a year, really want to experience as much as possible, and as authentically as possible, rather than just waste it in somewhere that's the same as home, just more tacky with more drunk Irish people, and great weather.

Greek islands are also good for fun and offer a bit of variety, but island hopping can be hard work, especially if you only have a week.

Croatia would still definitely be my top recommendation, although it's 7 years since I was there, and I hear it's changed a lot in that time! It still offers a really authentic, varied experience though.

Pebbles!

Fratton Fred wrote: »

Why does he think he won't like it, because he doesn't want to lie on a beach all day, or because it migh be a bit "Foreign"?

He thinks he'l be bored and there will be nothing to do. He's only ever been on city breaks before n he'd have all seen in a day. also he doesn't drink so I don't want the typical holiday destination that is all about drinking!!

Pebbles!

magentas wrote: »

hey pebbles!

I went on my first package sun holiday 2yrs ago, I thought I'd hate it, images of Ibiza and glo sticks and loud Irish and English tourists getting hammered and lying by pool drinking all day but my OH persuaded me but I said on the grounds that it was somewhere a little different...so we went to Turkey.

It was class, amazing place. It's on european/asian border so great mix of cultures. Wonderful people. Loads to see and do, jeep treks, Temple of Artemis, Mountain trips, markets, beaches, waterparks, Ephesus was unreal. We did something different every day and were so excited planning our itinery when we were there, still didn't get to do everything we wanted!

Flight is 3.5hrs from dublin and you can get packages from just over €300pp this yr

Other places to consider Tunisia or Morocco? They're in Africa so would have a different vibe and more exotic than usual tourist resorts

Only thing is weather depending on when you're planning your trip.
We went to turkey late October/early Nov so tourist season was ending, shops closing for winter and although was nice and sunny during the day it did get chilly in evenings.

We're thinking of cheap hol to Canaries or Maderia next month purely because it's straight down south so will still be good weather and hopefully not so busy!

Thanks a mil for your reply, sounds like a good idea and within my price range! I'l start looking it up, think I should Just book it and surprise him!!!

Clare Bear

Taormina in Sicily is nice.

Fratton Fred

Take him to Egypt and book him on a diving course. That will give him something to do while you soak up the rays:)

magentas

Pebbles! wrote: »

Thanks a mil for your reply, sounds like a good idea and within my price range! I'l start looking it up, think I should Just book it and surprise him!!!

No probs! It's honestly one of cheapest destinations this year and we definately plan on going back sometime.

None of my business but I was dissappointed that most Irish over there (like anywhere I suppose) just spent their days drinking by pool and saw nothing! After visiting Ephesus and Temple of Artemis and getting back to hotel same people in same spots on sunloungers by the pool that were there when we left that morning while we've been out looking at one of the wonders of the world!!!

Another thing...you HAVE to get a Turkish bath...it'll be an experience you and your boyfriend will never forget!:D

Pebbles!

yeah magentas I totally agree with you, I wouldn't be into that either...would rather be up and about, sounds like a far better holiday to me! ya can sit and drink all day at home if you want!!! but whatever floats their boat!!

Okay..I'l definitely keep that in mind! Have heard about them before but no idea what it's like!!

Did you book you holiday through a travel agent or did you book your holiday and flights seperately? I'm thinking of doing it that way, might work out cheaper!