whats cheaper, a few days in London with teenagers or a week self catering in Spain?

[ssd]

haven't much ££ but have had a rotten year and am dreaming of holidays

can anyone give me any advice?

live in rainy west Scotland and would need kids passports

[AgentProvocateur]

We're just back from London with teens, and it can be done cheaply. We're in Glasgow, but by going edi - kings cross was a third of the price (including getting to Edi). We spent £120 on tickets for four of us (inc two 16-25s with railcards, which were another £25 each)

Then a family room in travel lodge was 90 per night.

We spent a lot on food and tickets, but actually getting there and staying there was cheap.

[Theas18]

Depends on how you do it.... I can do both on a shoestring, but staying somewhere that isn't a travel lodge in an armpit location out of london, or if you want 2 rooms not 1, shoots the cost up.

Me I'd go for Spain any day if you need a lovely break that is very different. Find where you can fly cheaply, and take it from there ( rent apartment direct from owners too).

I'd bet flights to spain cost less than travel to london from the west of scotland and the costs when you get there will be less.

[Yonihadtoask]

Possibly could cost the same.

I would choose the week in Spain though. You have more chance of sunshine.

When? How old are dc? Keycamp style hols can be quitegood value?

[nagynolonger]

I would get the DC passports and go for Spain. Passport is useful ID and they may need that for opening bank accounts etc. Also weather is bound to be better.

[Callofthefishwife]

I would go for spain and consider looking at a lower star half board hotel because you will need to factor in food.

We found some hotels cheaper with breakfast and eve meal cheaper than some SC. Costa Dorada tends to be cheaper than other areas of Spain.

[PestoSwimissimos]

If you go to Spain you won't have to factor in entertainent costs, you'll have the sun, the beach, the pool and can just chill in the evenings

[BeGoodElliot]

From Prestwick you can fly to Malaga really cheaply if you have a play about with dates. I did this last year, travel would probably be cheaper than to London.

[ssd]

thanks!

I know this might be daft to ask but can anyone roughly tell me how much going to spain for 4 (kids 13 and 14) would cost, and how much £ to take?

have never taken kids abroad, or been on spain, literally have no clue

also where would you recommend? not too busy and lively, am an old fart and kids wayyyy too young to want to go clubbing Ihope

[Yonihadtoask]

I love holiday planning.

When do you want to go?

[Yonihadtoask]

It doesn't have to cost a lot.

In larger resorts eating out is cheap, due to all the competition.

Combine it with self catering in an apartment and you can get by on simple foods, and buying pop and ice veranda etchedfrom supermarkets keeps costs right down.

Hard to give a figure, it all depends on what you like?

[magentastardust]

You can get self catering accommodation very cheaply in Spain but the flights can add a fair amount on ?

You would be a lot cheaper travelling to London but then obviously you will need more for accommodation and spending.

Not very helpful am I!

[ssd]

great yoni!!

would go round about 1 july, give or take 3 days

flying from glasgow or prestwick or (edinburgh)

7 nights max

if you could help me that'd be great!

[Yonihadtoask]

Try Thomas Cook

7 nights - dep 1 July. Self catering in Benaldmadena.

I only put you two suitcases on - it's cheaper than three.

Self catering means you can stock up in the supermarket - and have cold drinks to hand. Cook basic meals. and eat out the rest.

No transfers necessary. Malaga airport is on the train line down the coast. it's a few euros. Or a taxi will be about 30 Euros each way.

£1095 total holiday cost for all of you?



or this one www.thomascook.com/product/?brandCode=Z&searchId=1368557549982&trail=19012%3A1_2_0_0_13_14_1%3A19008%3A07012013-07012013%3A19006%3AfacetGroup_2100010_0%3A19010%3AfacetGroup_1900020_0&tcSearchResultId=flexitrips%40532055-&sortOrder=ASC&journey=normal&srpTrail=19012%3A1_2_0_0_13_14_1%3A19008%3A07012013-07012013%3A19006%3AfacetGroup_2100010_0%3A19010%3AfacetGroup_1900020_0&productId=H0043654&sortingBy=PRICE&resultsCount=512&pageNum=1&searchType=tc&roomCodes=H4U%7C12592_rc_Family_Room_-_Self_catering_bbc_4%40&dd=07012013&accomIndex=1 Similarly priced.

There are some to Turkey very reasonably priced too.But they tend to be bed and breakfast basis - which means they may not have a fridge and basic cooking facilities - which are useful with DC.

[Yonihadtoask]

Try Thomas Cook

7 nights - dep 1 July. Self catering in Benaldmadena.

I only put you two suitcases on - it's cheaper than three.

Self catering means you can stock up in the supermarket - and have cold drinks to hand. Cook basic meals. and eat out the rest.

No transfers necessary. Malaga airport is on the train line down the coast. it's a few euros. Or a taxi will be about 30 Euros each way.

£1095 total holiday cost for all of you?



or this one www.thomascook.com/product/?brandCode=Z&searchId=1368557549982&trail=19012%3A1_2_0_0_13_14_1%3A19008%3A07012013-07012013%3A19006%3AfacetGroup_2100010_0%3A19010%3AfacetGroup_1900020_0&tcSearchResultId=flexitrips%40532055-&sortOrder=ASC&journey=normal&srpTrail=19012%3A1_2_0_0_13_14_1%3A19008%3A07012013-07012013%3A19006%3AfacetGroup_2100010_0%3A19010%3AfacetGroup_1900020_0&productId=H0043654&sortingBy=PRICE&resultsCount=512&pageNum=1&searchType=tc&roomCodes=H4U%7C12592_rc_Family_Room_-_Self_catering_bbc_4%40&dd=07012013&accomIndex=1 Similarly priced.

There are some to Turkey very reasonably priced too.But they tend to be bed and breakfast basis - which means they may not have a fridge and basic cooking facilities - which are useful with DC.

[Yonihadtoask]

Your post inspired me.

I just booked a short trip to Spain in the Spring bank hols.

DH is working loads - so just me and DS are going. He is 15. I booked flights only so far to Barcelona. We have 5 nights - I plan to find us a cheapo hotel on the coast - maybe Calella?

Our flights were only £258 for both of us - which I thought was pretty cheap.

Am just so fed up of the weather here - I need sunshine!!!

[ssd]

wow good on you!

have heard calella is lovely and the ds's would love to see Barcelona...

thanks for the link, will look into that

dont fancy turkey, is it very cheeky to ask if you could see if there is anything similiar for the 4 of us that you're doing with your ds?

[ssd]

cant get the above link to work

I know I'm a pest

[mummylin2495]

Hi , I have stayed in Calella twice, and my dh and his friends go every year for a footi break. We normally stay at the Amika hotel. It is quite near the train station which can take you right into the centre of Barcelona. Hotel is two mins from the beach. The Rambles in the centre is fabulous to walk down. It is a world famous place. One word of warning ,watch out for you purse at the train station at Barcelona end !

[Yonihadtoask]

jet 2 - Glasgow to Barcelona airport. 2 July - 7 July = £687 - no bags in that - they are about £30 each. (we are taking hand luggage only).

A triple room in Calella - Hotel Internacional - on Full Board = £592.

So would be £1270.

You would just need to find money for drinks, excursions and transfer from BCN to resort.

I look at all the airlines for pricings - and flight times. The jet2 seem good for being morning flights - which I like.

Hotel rooms I generally use booking.com - as it's an easy site to navigate - and I have used them many times without issue.

[Yonihadtoask]

I have seen the Amika mummylin. Looks okay.

Have been to Calella - for one night only -a good few years ago. So I don't really remember it that well

Am happy to use the train/s to get from BCN to a h otel - it's quite straightforward. Get to see a bit of the coastline too.

[ssd]

hi mummylin!

thanks for that yoni, that actually sounds perfect! I'll look on bookings.com for the hotel. is it easy to get to calella from barcelona airport?

[Yonihadtoask]

Yes. Sounds it.

You can book a pre-arranged shuttle - for probably about £20 per person - it's quite a distance. Or can take the train.

Train from airport into centre of Barcelona. Then change to a local train.

[mummylin2495]

Ha ha ha , didn't even realise it was you I was posting to ssd blame it on the lateness of the hour !!!

[mummylin2495]

Oh and of course for your family ssdthere is neu camp which I'm sure would be a highlight for them. You can also get a bus in Barca to tour round the different places, you just get on and off at places at will. They provide headphones to tell you sbout everything, so much to see there.

[ssd]

yes they'd love to do that mummylin!

thanks yoni, will probably come back to you for more advice!