To book a holiday even though we are quite strapped for cash?

[BlueFishWonder]

We have had a really tough year, DH's father has been very ill, through no fault of his own DH lost his job and has started again from scratch, we had 4 mcs before falling pregnant (this was before DH losing job) and there has been an awful lot of family stresses putting pressure on us, these are still ongoing. DH supports his families business aswell. We are due DC2 in a few weeks. I have a good job but money is tight...
Problem is where DH helps with family he never gets time off, he just cannot get a decent 'at home' break to relax. If he takes time off at home he either ends up feeling really guilty and gets pressurised into doing other things. He is exhausted and even if he does get a few hours off he thinks its mandatory to do things round the house or jobs he's been putting off for ages, etc, etc. I just think for him to have a proper break and really relax with family we need to go away. I have found a nice holiday park , and if we're not silly with money we can afford it. We have no debts, we just don't have alot of free cash either. DH thinks we can better use the money elsewhere or put it to savings. I disagree I think he needs a break and we all need some nice family time away from all the hassle we've been through. Especailly with a new baby, I think our toddler would also benefit from dedicated family time.

We do spend time as a family and DH is a very good father. It is just especailly at the moment, his work and family business all pull him in different directions. I know he is just trying to support us, but equally I really think he needs a break before he crashes.

[LeaveTheBastid]

Do it. It never ends up going into savings or being better spent, it just ends up getting frittered away. We booked ours for this summer in January and whilst we could probably have done with using the money elsewhere, new car for example, I'm glad we booked it and the thought of it is seeing me through some trying times atm!

[AThingInYourLife]

You say you can afford it.

It sounds like you (all) need it.

I'd book it.

[NorthernLurker]

Sounds like a short break would do you all good and you have the 'discretionary' cash to use. Personally we have one main holiday a year, in this country, It's pretty modest by some people's standards but we adore it and I would be devastated if we couldn't go. Now we could save that money instead - but holidays, time off together is important and an investment in your family.

[LetMeAtTheWine]

Do you think your husband would be able to relax or would he stress out thinking about what he should be doing?
It might not be much of a holiday for him at this point, particularly if he would be worrying about other things the money could be spent (not sure if this would be the case?).
That being said, it would probably be your best chance of getting him to relax...

[wibblyjelly]

If you can afford it, do it. Putting money in savings won't give you lovely family memories.

[nkf]

I think you are right to take the holiday. Enjoy it.

[DragonMamma]

Do it.

Holidays rank high in my priorities. My best childhood memories were on holiday, usually caravan ones as opposed to the fancy abroad ones. We had a big touring caravan for years and we would go for 4 weeks in the summer. I adored it and I'm trying to convince DH to buy one ourselves, the man from Del Monte, he says no

[PicaK]

I totally agree that holidays at home do not work - you can't switch off.

If you will not cause yourselves financial distress then go. Sounds like you need the break. And you won't get it at home while he's on call.

[BlueFishWonder]

thanks all. letme - we've been in this situation before, not the financial part, but my DH is always hard to get on holiday and then he loves it once he is there. I grew up in a family where we never had a lot but we went camping for two weeks every year and it made some of my happiest memories. DH can only ever remember going away for a 3 day trip to see family, thats it. His family seem to think holidays are frivourlous and a waste of money. DH agrees that our children will have a very different experience but I think his biggest worry is what his family will say.

However I have just told him I am booking a little cabin on the Devon coast. Any other year I would be happy camping but as our DC2 will still be under 3 mths don't feel the 'camping' is suitable this year! DH seemed pretty pleased after all that. I think he almost wanted me to make the decision for him!

[CremeEggThief]

Go for it! Sounds just what you all need. Enjoy :).

[BlackholesAndRevelations]

Definitely the right choice! We need our family time more than anything, and we only ever get it pure and unadulterated when away on holiday (Cornwall or wales!) enjoy! [grin[

[FarBetterNow]

It will be lovely.

I love camping, but the weather is unpredictable so a cabin will be ideal.

You certainly don't need to get on a plane to have a brilliant holiday.

[Shelly32]

You've definitely made the right decision and it sounds like you definitely deserve it! Holidays are, to me, so important as they build memories that you can hold on to during harder times. Money in the bank or memories? Memories every time!

[McNewPants2013]

Do it

[KC225]

In my experience, there is never any monetary gain by not going on a little holiday. The break away from the routine/problems just for a few days is always worth a little bit of scrimping to get there. It also gives you something to look forward to

Sounds like you good do with a holiday. Book it and enjoy it

[zwischenzug]

If your partner honestly is on the verge of a breakdown of sorts and you aren't just exaggerating then yes book the holiday for the good of his mental health.

However in general if you are strapped for cash holidays should be one of the first luxuries to go, you should always make sure you have a cash buffer of a few months wages before spending money on an expensive non-essential.

[dizzyhoneybee]

Book it, and I hope you have a lovely time.

[raisah]

Use the break to emotionally & physically recharge your batteries. If you dont the stress will eventually get the better of you. I have had a tough few years with one thing after another & I kept going instead of taking some time out. I then had a massive panic attack followed by a further two smaller ones. So please do take some time out to relax.

[Almostfifty]

Enjoy!

[MyDarlingClementine]

Lovely enjoy!

[nkf]

Have a wonderful time.

[LetMeAtTheWine]

Sounds like you have done the right thing OP. And Devon is lovely! Hope it does the trick