Topic: Holidays 2024 - What's your plans?

[The G in Gerrard]

Hugely jealous. I’m setting aside money for a ‘big’ trip next year, but we’re wrestling between Japan and Vietnam alongside Cambodia.

For me, 4 nights in Berlin coming up which has become a logistical nightmare due to the footy fixtures. I was stupid really, Liverpool v City was never going to be a Saturday 15:00, but I didn’t think it would be moved to the slot it has, completely forgetting the Europa League. As such, because we had separate bookings, I’ve cancelled my flight, my partner will still head to Berlin on our Sunday morning flight, while I race from Anfield to Manchester airport in order to follow her out there. Should be fine, we’ve done similar stuff before.

Then Costa Brava in July for a week for a friend’s wedding. Hopefully can fit another City break or quick winter sun in before the end of the year.

Cambodia is brilliant. You'll enjoy it for sure. Wasn't in my mind until Mrs mentioned it.

[Drinks Sangria]

Cambodia is brilliant. You'll enjoy it for sure. Wasn't in my mind until Mrs mentioned it.

I’ve always wanted to see Angkor Wat and I think we could really pack out two weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia, with it also likely being cheaper than Japan. Long term I intend to do both, maybe the best idea is Cambodia now in case it becomes increasingly westernised or we end up having to delay, as I feel Cambodia would be tougher than Japan when we’re older.

[The G in Gerrard]

I’ve always wanted to see Angkor Wat and I think we could really pack out two weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia, with it also likely being cheaper than Japan. Long term I intend to do both, maybe the best idea is Cambodia now in case it becomes increasingly westernised or we end up having to delay, as I feel Cambodia would be tougher than Japan when we’re older.

Angkor Wat is stunning. In general I'm glad we did it recently when we did rather than delaying it. Definitely want to go Japan as well. Feel like many people say that. How much there is to do for children there tho I'm not sure.

[blink]

Off to Japan a month today.

I have lived here for a long time; happy to help with any questions you may have.

[Dubred]

Anyone been to Marseille? 

It seems to have a bit of a reputation but at the same time lots say its a beautiful place and very safe, particularly in the touristy areas where you'd spend most of your time anyway.

[rob1966]

 

Big thanks for the recommendations, Rob

Dunno if you are into watching tribute acts and stuff, but if you are, download ABC Tenerife - its an app where you can see who is on where every night. EG, if you want to see Comedy Elvis, you just look on his page and its shows where he is, or you can look at a specific place and see who is on each night.

[Red_Mist]

Anyone been to Marseille? 

It seems to have a bit of a reputation but at the same time lots say its a beautiful place and very safe, particularly in the touristy areas where you'd spend most of your time anyway.

Went to see the Reds play there once. It was very nice down by the Old Port. Found it very friendly. We even gatecrashed the Marseille supporters club bar and were welcomed with open arms. Like any big city there’s areas to be a bit careful in, especially at night. If I went again I’d be tempted to combine it with a trip to some of the surrounding areas as well. I’m saying that like I know where to go, but I don’t!

[Dubred]

Went to see the Reds play there once. It was very nice down by the Old Port. Found it very friendly. We even gatecrashed the Marseille supporters club bar and were welcomed with open arms. Like any big city there’s areas to be a bit careful in, especially at night. If I went again I’d be tempted to combine it with a trip to some of the surrounding areas as well. I’m saying that like I know where to go, but I don’t!

Thanks for that!

[jason42]

I need help and advice.
Next year, 2025, Debs and I have been married for 30 years so we wanted to book somewhere in the sun and go all-inclusive. The idea was it was just going to be the two of us but now the kids and their partners and the 3 year old grandson may well be joining us.
I have looked on the LoveHolidays website (does anyone have any recommendations for using them or for not using them as the case may be?) and I found a couple of nice AI holidays in Alanya in Turkey and the Canaries.
I have put in the filters that I would like a 5* hotel with great TripAdvisor reviews and must be good for kids with water slides and the like and be good for disabled people.
There are 2 main places that have come up inside everyone's budget.
Have never been to Turkey but 2005 and all that, so that is one destination and the other is Lanzarote.

Ane recommendations and/or horror stories please?

[Crosby Nick]

How old are the kids Jase? Where in Lanzarote was it? I’ve not been there for about ten years or so but my wife’s brother has been there a few times with his young family and they love it. Playa Blanca I think.

And hello! Hope all is well! Have you not been posting so much of late?

[Nobby Reserve]

I need help and advice.
Next year, 2025, Debs and I have been married for 30 years so we wanted to book somewhere in the sun and go all-inclusive. The idea was it was just going to be the two of us but now the kids and their partners and the 3 year old grandson may well be joining us.
I have looked on the LoveHolidays website (does anyone have any recommendations for using them or for not using them as the case may be?) and I found a couple of nice AI holidays in Alanya in Turkey and the Canaries.
I have put in the filters that I would like a 5* hotel with great TripAdvisor reviews and must be good for kids with water slides and the like and be good for disabled people.
There are 2 main places that have come up inside everyone's budget.
Have never been to Turkey but 2005 and all that, so that is one destination and the other is Lanzarote.

Ane recommendations and/or horror stories please?

We had a spate of going to Turkey between about 2010 and 2015 - and all the hotels we stayed in were at Lara Beach, near Antalya

Lara Beach is a purpose-built resort that's still growing (AFAIK). The first phase was building a strip of hotels fronting onto the beach, and that was finished in the 00's. Subsequent phases have built landwards from there. I'll just talk about the beach-fronting ones cos that's where we stayed.

They range a bit in size, with some 5* and some 4*. The * rating isn't really that accurate in terms of opulence by UK/USA standards (knock perhaps half a * off)

Most have the own small pier, and most of those have a bar on it that's included in the AI, plus water sports (some are included; others like jetski you need to pay for) and the beach is Blue Flag and sand (quite coarse, though). All have great pools & a variety of water slides and fairground rides (usually only open in the evening). All seem great with kids activities. Entertainment on a night is pretty generic and often Eastern European dancing/acting along to a pre-recorded show.

Food is the potential spanner in the works. Standard is the buffet-format. I always found loads I liked (loved the carvery meats) - but Mrs R is more fussy and would probably only give a 6/10. It's a Muslim country, so pig-derived products are out (some did one day a week as 'English breakfast' with proper bacon) All tend to have multiple small outlets through the day serving different things (kebab, sandwiches, pide, jacket spuds, ice cream, etc) and free - but different ones sometimes open at different times.

Antalya is about 30 mins by taxi and has a lot of historical cultural things to sightsee (like Hadrian's Gate). Very convenient for the airport.

When we went, we stayed in either the Royal Wings or Delphin Diva, both of which were good.

[jason42]

How old are the kids Jase? Where in Lanzarote was it? I’ve not been there for about ten years or so but my wife’s brother has been there a few times with his young family and they love it. Playa Blanca I think.

And hello! Hope all is well! Have you not been posting so much of late?

Hiya Nick. All is as well as can be expected. Still buzzing after Sunday.

I took a fair old break - seems nobody missed me

When I say kids, they are both grown adults now. James is 27 this year and Jess just turned 29. My grandson will be 3 when we go.

Yes mate, Playa Blanca.

[jason42]

We had a spate of going to Turkey between about 2010 and 2015 - and all the hotels we stayed in were at Lara Beach, near Antalya

Lara Beach is a purpose-built resort that's still growing (AFAIK). The first phase was building a strip of hotels fronting onto the beach, and that was finished in the 00's. Subsequent phases have built landwards from there. I'll just talk about the beach-fronting ones cos that's where we stayed.

They range a bit in size, with some 5* and some 4*. The * rating isn't really that accurate in terms of opulence by UK/USA standards (knock perhaps half a * off)

Most have the own small pier, and most of those have a bar on it that's included in the AI, plus water sports (some are included; others like jetski you need to pay for) and the beach is Blue Flag and sand (quite coarse, though). All have great pools & a variety of water slides and fairground rides (usually only open in the evening). All seem great with kids activities. Entertainment on a night is pretty generic and often Eastern European dancing/acting along to a pre-recorded show.

Food is the potential spanner in the works. Standard is the buffet-format. I always found loads I liked (loved the carvery meats) - but Mrs R is more fussy and would probably only give a 6/10. It's a Muslim country, so pig-derived products are out (some did one day a week as 'English breakfast' with proper bacon) All tend to have multiple small outlets through the day serving different things (kebab, sandwiches, pide, jacket spuds, ice cream, etc) and free - but different ones sometimes open at different times.

Antalya is about 30 mins by taxi and has a lot of historical cultural things to sightsee (like Hadrian's Gate). Very convenient for the airport.

When we went, we stayed in either the Royal Wings or Delphin Diva, both of which were good.

I read somewhere that Lara Beach was described as Las Vegas like. Not too fussed on an overly busy resort which is why we picked Alanya hopefully.

I really like the look of the Delphin Deluxe Hotel in Alanya - https://delphinhotel.com/360sanaltur/deluxe/en/

[Red_Mist]

Hi Jason. We’ve been to Alanya (not far from Antalya) in August and I remember it being very hot and humid (not surprising really!) So that’s something to bear in mind if you suffer in the heat, depending on when you’re thinking of going (or also if you love the heat of course, go!)

We’ve also been to Lanzarote, Playa Blanca, in April and it was very nice. More my kind of temp, low 20s. Decent resort, not amazing for beaches but there’s nice ones nearby. Liked the evening strolls along the very long waterfront with views of Fuertaventura. And the volcano trip was fun if you like that sort of thing. Out of the two I’d probably go back to Lanzarote, BUT there’s loads of other places in Turkey (my sister loves it) so definitely one to consider. You perhaps get more bang for your buck there as well.

[rob1966]

We went to Side Star resort in Side Oct 2023, AI - food was good, had 3 a la carte meals which were excellent, but I'd not go back. I like to go for walks and there was nothing outside the hotel, although there was a bar over the road and the owners were brilliant, so we watched footy in there most nights, hotel itself was lovely but the biggest killer for me was the sunbed situation, nearly every bed had a towel on it by 7:30am, fucking English are the worst in the world for this. We were lucky that we made friends with a couple from Altrincham and he woke at 6am every morning, proper morning person, so he used to get us beds otherwise we'd have been getting 5 hrs kip at most. The Bazaar was good though, missus got tons of jarg Nike and Adidas stuff for the kids. Missus would go back, but would be either Marmaris or Fethiye

Done Puerta Del Carmen on Lanzarote twice and will go back - the prom is lovely for walks. We don't go AI there as there are so many places to eat and drink

[Nobby Reserve]

I read somewhere that Lara Beach was described as Las Vegas like. Not too fussed on an overly busy resort which is why we picked Alanya hopefully.

I really like the look of the Delphin Deluxe Hotel in Alanya - https://delphinhotel.com/360sanaltur/deluxe/en/

I guess it depends on what you do. We only left the hotel once, to go visit a couple of shops because our girls (who were young back then!) wanted the belly-dancer outfits. There's a long stretch of road runs parallel to the beach that's lined with hotels and malls, so I get the Vegas comparison. If you want to be bobbing out of the hotel of a night to do a walk along touristy bars and the like, it's not really the place (but then, tramping through touristy bars isn't really my idea of a great holiday time anyway)

Like I said, though, Antalya's a totally different proposition.

[Nobby Reserve]

We went to Side Star resort in Side Oct 2023, AI - food was good, had 3 a la carte meals which were excellent, but I'd not go back. I like to go for walks and there was nothing outside the hotel, although there was a bar over the road and the owners were brilliant, so we watched footy in there most nights, hotel itself was lovely but the biggest killer for me was the sunbed situation, nearly every bed had a towel on it by 7:30am, fucking English are the worst in the world for this. We were lucky that we made friends with a couple from Altrincham and he woke at 6am every morning, proper morning person, so he used to get us beds otherwise we'd have been getting 5 hrs kip at most.

The two hotels we were at would go round at 8.30am'ish every morning and remove any towel, etc that was left unattended. Was brilliant.

I got into the habit of getting up before 8am and bobbing down on my own with towels and stuff to reserve 4 beds. I'd grab a beer and a coke from the [complimentary] minibar fridge and a book and sit there slowly waking up properly. Once the pool guys had done their rounds, I'd toddle off down to the beach, wander onto the pier, grab another beer just as the pier-bar was opening, chill for half an hour, then head back to wake the family up and we'd head down for brekkie.

I absolutely loved that routine.

(I only generally get 6-7 hours sleep a night anyway)

[rob1966]

The two hotels we were at would go round at 8.30am'ish every morning and remove any towel, etc that was left unattended. Was brilliant.

I got into the habit of getting up before 8am and bobbing down on my own with towels and stuff to reserve 4 beds. I'd grab a beer and a coke from the [complimentary] minibar fridge and a book and sit there slowly waking up properly. Once the pool guys had done their rounds, I'd toddle off down to the beach, wander onto the pier, grab another beer just as the pier-bar was opening, chill for half an hour, then head back to wake the family up and we'd head down for brekkie.

I absolutely loved that routine.

(I only generally get 6-7 hours sleep a night anyway)

Sadly there was none of that, wish they would just lash the towels in the pool

When we went to Dubai in 2019, I used to go down the pool while the missus and kids were getting up, with my kindle, grab 4 loungers, the pool staff used to come out and put the towels on for you and I'sd sit and chat with him and the fella who cleaned the pool. The guy who did the towels was from Northern India and the pool guy was from Tibet and we had some great chats, they'd tell me about where the came from, family life etc- I'd then read until one of the kids came to get me and we go for breakfast

[Trump's tiny tiny hands]

Heading back to the Canaries this Easter. Went to Tenerife a couple of years back, still had to wear masks in places, but had such a great time with the kids that we thought we would try Fuerteventura this time.

[rob1966]

Heading back to the Canaries this Easter. Went to Tenerife a couple of years back, still had to wear masks in places, but had such a great time with the kids that we thought we would try Fuerteventura this time.

No masks at all required in the Canaries now, just had a week in Tenerife and its fine. They're struggling with a drought though on Tenerife, so do wonder if they'll try and discourage tourists in the summer.

[Crosby Nick]

Fellow sunbed procurer here. Normally go down to grab 3 between the 4 of us (I’m not too greedy) and have a read before the rest of the lazy fuckers in my family get up just in time to get to breakfast before it closes!

Where in Fuerteventura are you going Trumps? We are thinking about going there in October. Been before to Corralejo.

[Trump's tiny tiny hands]

Heading to Corralejo. We couldn't decide on whether to base ourselves in the north or south of the island for awhile but Corralejo just had the better options for keeping the kids entertained.

We tend to try and get pool view/side rooms so we can spy how many loungers are free and if we need to make a move to grab some 

[Crosby Nick]

Heading to Corralejo. We couldn't decide on whether to base ourselves in the north or south of the island for awhile but Corralejo just had the better options for keeping the kids entertained.

We tend to try and get pool view/side rooms so we can spy how many loungers are free and if we need to make a move to grab some 

Where abouts? Have you been before? There’s a fairly decent water park there we spent a long afternoon at. There’s also some beaches which are nice, but very rocky of trying to get into the sea. Nice little old town and marina with plenty of restaurants if you’re looking to eat out of the hotel. You might know all this already.

[jason42]

Hi Jason. We’ve been to Alanya (not far from Antalya) in August and I remember it being very hot and humid (not surprising really!) So that’s something to bear in mind if you suffer in the heat, depending on when you’re thinking of going (or also if you love the heat of course, go!)

We’ve also been to Lanzarote, Playa Blanca, in April and it was very nice. More my kind of temp, low 20s. Decent resort, not amazing for beaches but there’s nice ones nearby. Liked the evening strolls along the very long waterfront with views of Fuertaventura. And the volcano trip was fun if you like that sort of thing. Out of the two I’d probably go back to Lanzarote, BUT there’s loads of other places in Turkey (my sister loves it) so definitely one to consider. You perhaps get more bang for your buck there as well.

Thank you for replying.

I have been messing around with Google's AI and asking it for recommendations and while it will not commit to one or the other, it is producing some good answers to my questions.

[jason42]

I guess it depends on what you do. We only left the hotel once, to go visit a couple of shops because our girls (who were young back then!) wanted the belly-dancer outfits. There's a long stretch of road runs parallel to the beach that's lined with hotels and malls, so I get the Vegas comparison. If you want to be bobbing out of the hotel of a night to do a walk along touristy bars and the like, it's not really the place (but then, tramping through touristy bars isn't really my idea of a great holiday time anyway)

Like I said, though, Antalya's a totally different proposition.

The missus and the daughter will probably want to go shopping at some point and the shopping is said to be very good at Alanya and close to the hotel I like.

We will more than likely stay in the resort for much of the holiday. I do like taking in some local history but the rest of the party is not so keen.

[Trump's tiny tiny hands]

Where abouts? Have you been before? There’s a fairly decent water park there we spent a long afternoon at. There’s also some beaches which are nice, but very rocky of trying to get into the sea. Nice little old town and marina with plenty of restaurants if you’re looking to eat out of the hotel. You might know all this already.

We haven't been before. We did make our call based on the waterpark, restaurants and beaches. The waterpark isn't going to match Siam Park but looks good enough. There is also the big dunes, which look cool

[Komic]

Off to Marrakesh in a few weeks, anyone been on one of the day trips into the Atlas Mountains? Any recommendations?

[rob1966]

Thank you for replying.

I have been messing around with Google's AI and asking it for recommendations and while it will not commit to one or the other, it is producing some good answers to my questions.

My missus always checks Tripadvisor (Googles AI is probably doing exactly the same) and makes her decisions based on reviews on there - she can usually weed out the crying arses who complain for the sake of it. It helped us swerve two horrendous hotels in Orlando.

[kavah]

Tripadvisor - she can usually weed out the crying arses who complain for the sake of it.

Some of the 1 star reviews on trip advisor are mental - the things people complain about. I remember one about a hotel in Greece we stayed in and the review was 1 star because the AC wasn’t working which is fair enough but the hotel reply on trip advisor was they came and asked your husband if you wanted to change rooms but he said no you were fine 

[SamLad]

saw a review about a hotel the other day, the guy was complaining about cockroaches in his room and calling the place every name under the sun.

the hotel replied pointing out that (a) he never told any of the staff about any insects at all during his stay and (b) they asked him to leave because it's a non-smoking place and he refused to stop smoking in his room, the restaurant and the pool.

not a single other review ever posted for the place backed up his "cockroaches" story.

[ScottScott]

Off to Japan a month today.

So jealous

We had booked 3 weeks in Hong Kong and Japan for our honeymoon, were due to fly out on the 13th March 2020 and just couldn't because of COVID. Will do it eventually but will be taking our daughter along next time so will wait until she's a bit older

[filopastry]

I have never been to Japan and it is one that I would love to do sometime soon as well!

[Nobby Reserve]

On my bucket list, too (along with NZ)

[TheRedBaron]

Just booked two weeks in Thailand from mid April, cant wait its been 10 years since I last went somehow...

[I've been a good boy]

saw a review about a hotel the other day, the guy was complaining about cockroaches in his room and calling the place every name under the sun.

the hotel replied pointing out that (a) he never told any of the staff about any insects at all during his stay and (b) they asked him to leave because it's a non-smoking place and he refused to stop smoking in his room, the restaurant and the pool.

not a single other review ever posted for the place backed up his "cockroaches" story.

Can't trust Tripadvisor reviews, most of them are snobby families who want to be able to eat their dinner off the floor. And another thing I've noticed is one of them will leave a 1-star review, then the wife, then the son, and so on.

[red_Mark1980]

Just booked two weeks in Thailand from mid April, cant wait its been 10 years since I last went somehow...

Whereabouts?

My first time last June and absolutely loved it.

[slotmachine]

Just booked two weeks in Thailand from mid April, cant wait its been 10 years since I last went somehow...

Songkran is mid april and is celebrated all over the country. Some places its a bit more mental than others. Its basically a massive party and water fight and a lot of people love it. Its not my scene and i am going mid march to the start of April because i wanted to avoid Songkran.

Another thing to take into consideration is there have been indications that March and April are going to be scorchers. Thailand is like this anyway but they reckon temperatures are going to reach over 40C and with humidity high you need to be sensible. Cover your head, keep extra hydrated etc.

The air pollution is also some of the worst in the world during this time due to burning season which is December to the end of April especially in the North but also Bangkok is bad as well. I know of numerous people who have been really ill in December and January over there with bad coughs and chest infections. The doctors and Pharmacies all said it was due to the air pollution.

The good thing is you can buy Anti-Biotics over the counter if you get sick over there. Also the AC in hotels can cause you to get sick because you have to leave them on during the night due to the heat and it really isnt good for your throat and chest. I would often wake up during the night and would make sure i was drinking plenty of cold fluids to counteract the dryness of my throat from the AC.

You say you have been before so you probably know most of this anyway. Have a great time.

[God's Left Peg]

I've booked apartments for all the family (wife, kids, in-laws) in Lanzarote in August through booking.com. Still need to book flights and just trying to work out whether to get it boxed off now or whether to leave it nearer the time. Do more flights get released as the year goes by or is what's on sale now just about my lot? The flight times I've seen are ok but not ideal and we've little kids and OAPs so I'm not wanting to go any further afield than Manchester or Liverpool airports.

Any advice appreciated.

[rob1966]

I've booked apartments for all the family (wife, kids, in-laws) in Lanzarote in August through booking.com. Still need to book flights and just trying to work out whether to get it boxed off now or whether to leave it nearer the time. Do more flights get released as the year goes by or is what's on sale now just about my lot? The flight times I've seen are ok but not ideal and we've little kids and OAPs so I'm not wanting to go any further afield than Manchester or Liverpool airports.

Any advice appreciated.

Personally, with it being school holidays, I wouldn't be leaving it too late, I wouldn't be prepared to risk not getting seats for everyone.

[God's Left Peg]

Personally, with it being school holidays, I wouldn't be leaving it too late, I wouldn't be prepared to risk not getting seats for everyone.

Cheers pal