The first...family holiday. Where to?

After 20 years of going to concerts abroad, city breaks and weekends in nice manors and the like...we had a baby 2 years ago.

Not looking around at the first real family holiday and the options for next summer. And we don't have a clue!

Our requirements would be basic enough, 3 of us would fit in a studio, we don't need large rooms in 5 star hotels. And it doesn't need to be some place like Eurodisney either for day on day. The kid would be happy with a pool, my wife would like some warm weather, but a theme park nearby would certainly add interest for a couple of days and give the child something memorable. I'd ideally like Ireland but the weather may not be ideal, summer renting seems to be creeping back to the frankly laughable levels, eating out and everything just so expensive.

Was thinking of something like an apartment near Italy's Gardaland, or Futuroscope in Poitiers. Was wondering of any good companies that do packages around the €1k-€1500 mark, though would appreciate that car hire and food might tack on a bit.

Eponymous

Absolutely no point taking a two year old to theme parks etc... It'll be memorable for you, but not for your child. What you're doing is needlessly narrowing your search and pushing up your price.

We've being going to Lanzarote regularly since our first daughter was two and it's been ideal for us (she's seven now). It ticks all the boxes bar the theme park, but you do have Rancho Texas just outside Puerto del Carmen. Only thing is, it's starting to get very expensive for dates in the peak season. If you can get there in late spring or early autumn, just outside school holidays, there is value to be had. Likewise, the Costas in Spain or the Algarve offer great value outside peak season.

Personally, I'd avoid packages and book everything myself, but I understand that on your first family holiday like this, you might want the safety net a package offers.

If you like the sound of Lanzarote, there are plenty of threads here offering suggestions on things to do, accommodation etc.

The Davestator

Deleted User wrote: »

After 20 years of going to concerts abroad, city breaks and weekends in nice manors and the like...we had a baby 2 years ago.

Not looking around at the first real family holiday and the options for next summer. And we don't have a clue!

Our requirements would be basic enough, 3 of us would fit in a studio, we don't need large rooms in 5 star hotels. And it doesn't need to be some place like Eurodisney either for day on day. The kid would be happy with a pool, my wife would like some warm weather, but a theme park nearby would certainly add interest for a couple of days and give the child something memorable. I'd ideally like Ireland but the weather may not be ideal, summer renting seems to be creeping back to the frankly laughable levels, eating out and everything just so expensive.

Was thinking of something like an apartment near Italy's Gardaland, or Futuroscope in Poitiers. Was wondering of any good companies that do packages around the €1k-€1500 mark, though would appreciate that car hire and food might tack on a bit.

Bringing a 2 year old is handy enough - just need some planning!

Shorter the flight the better - Italy, Portugal around 2-3 hours.
Plenty of entertainment for them on the flight

Check depth of pools to make sure there is a kids paddling pool - water will be warmer as its more shallow.

Playground, bouncing castles etc are a good distraction.

Studio is fine, but, it really restricts your ability to have a conversation / listen to music after they've gone asleep as they'll be in the same room. One bed appt is better for everyone!

Thanks Eponymous and Davestator. Spotted a 2 room ground floor apartment in a Bella Italia complex with loads of pools for €400 in June. Was told ground floor with access to a small garden is handy...one of those things which would never cross our minds! Would also mean a separate room if we want to stay up for a while. Price seems decent enough, must check Ryanair flight and carhire. Would be near Gardaland, which might be handy for a day or 2 but must check their kids area (I take your point about theme parks Eponymous, hence I wasn't going to really bother with the pricey ones like Eurodisney or Portaventura as it would be lost on her a little bit, the nearby pools are the draw really). Plus 45 mins from Verona and a couple of hours from the Dolomites and Venice so won't be poolside for 7 days.

The Davestator

Deleted User wrote: »

Thanks Eponymous and Davestator. Spotted a 2 room ground floor apartment in a Bella Italia complex with loads of pools for €400 in June. Was told ground floor with access to a small garden is handy...one of those things which would never cross our minds! Would also mean a separate room if we want to stay up for a while. Price seems decent enough, must check Ryanair flight and carhire. Would be near Gardaland, which might be handy for a day or 2 but must check their kids area (I take your point about theme parks Eponymous, hence I wasn't going to really bother with the pricey ones like Eurodisney or Portaventura as it would be lost on her a little bit, the nearby pools are the draw really). Plus 45 mins from Verona and a couple of hours from the Dolomites and Venice so won't be poolside for 7 days.

I Stayed in Bella Italia with a 2 year old in Sept! Highly recommend it. we hired bikes with baby seat to kill a day as well as hired a car to go to verona and into the mountains.

kaltz

Bella italia is perfect for a first holiday. Stroll into Peschiera while they doze in the buggy. Garda land has an area for small ones as well and the ice cream is fantastic. we had a 2 bed apartment at the back overlooking the pools with a big safe balcony. They have 2 little amusement parks on site as well. Really enjoyed it

bluestrawberry

I'd highly recommend salou. Heading there myself in May. Booked the festival village apartments which is all inclusive and is not far fro theme park and water park. Look it up online it's a great spot.

mfceiling

Conor definitely head towards lake garda. That was my first "family" holiday and it was great.

Fly to Bergamo then rent a car and you're away!!

Check out agriturismo for great places to stay.