Holiday 2012

I haven't even been on Holiday 2011 yet but already my thoughts are turning to next summer. Yes, I know it's a long time away but have you SEEN the prices of holidays outside school term-time? A girl needs to start planning and saving. 

As you might well know this year we are going to Florida. Now if I had my way next year we would also be going to Florida but Mr M thinks we should have a break for a year and so we will be heading to Europe.  The last few holidays in Europe we have been to Cala Bona in Majorca, staying at a Thomson Family Club Extra hotel which has been perfect due to the young ages of the children.  I'd go back there again, only because this time we want to go in school holidays rather than term-time it is double the price and whilst we had a great time, it wasn't so great that it warrants that much money!

So I've decided to look for a different holiday somewhere else - I don't mind paying the extra money but it's going to be somewhere nice and somewhere I've never been before to justify the expense! Mr M and I shortlisted last night (okay, we discuseed it in the car on the way home from work...) and I think my Top 2 want-to-visit Countries are 

Italy

Greece

More specifically Lake Como in Italy and Santorini in Greece (both pictured above).  My only hesitation is wanting something that is suitable for the children, after all it's meant to be a family holiday and I want them to be entertained so I am currently looking for family hotels in those areas.

My best memories of family holidays (although they were always UK based, my parents never took me abroad) was the evening entertainment. I loved taking part in the children's games and mini-disco at night and whilst it's not my idea of a holiday I don't want my children to miss out on fun times like that so wherever we go must cater for them too.  I also don't want to stay in a hotel where I am expected to keep my children quiet and impeccably well-behaved at all times. It goes without saying that they are but I don't want that pressure and feeling that I am being tutted at because one of them cries.  One thing I am not looking for is a creche/babysitting service/kids clubs. I don't really believe on going on a family holiday and then leaving them be looked after by someone else so that's not a priority for me.

I'd appreciate some help on this - good places to take children or madness? Has anyone got any better suggestions of summer holiday destinations? I'd love to hear about where you have travelled to.


And of course where are you planning on going this year and next? I'd love to know!

love & kisses 
Mrs M x