Where to go?

[lynnod]

i'm hoping to go on holiday with my eight-year-old daughter in the next week or so. thing is- i am a single parent and not really sure where to go. any ideas/reccommendations of a family resort abroad? hoping to get a cheap deal-if anyone knows of a good t/agent or site to book with. thanks

[Buenchico]

It's going to be really hard (or probably impossible) to pick up a cheap deal at such short notice. The school holidays have already started in almost every country in continental Europe and the last week or two of the summer term here are the most popular periods, outside of the school holidays, for UK families to take their holidays.

If I wanted to take a youngster abroad, at this time of year and with very short notice, I'd forget about places like Spain or Greece. Instead I'd head for Ostend. It's a great place for families with lots to do and see.

It's unlikely that you'll find a cheap package to Ostend but, if you live near London, you can get there fairly cheaply on Eurostar. I've just checked some prices, going out on Tuesday 18 July and returning on Tuesday 25 July. (I deliberately chose mid-week, as prices are often cheaper). The total return price, ex-Waterloo, for both of you would be �119. (Eurostar tickets include free on-bound travel to any station in Belgium).

A quick websearch has shown that a twin room in Ostend, for 7 nights, might come to about �350. You'd have to add on meals but Ostend must have a greater density of eating places (mainly cheap) than any other place in Europe!

Ostend has got a great beach and there are plenty of activities specifically for youngsters. (Every Wednesday is Children's Day with different activities throughout the town. Plus there are the usual play centres with climbing areas, ball pools, etc). More importantly, though, there a lots of things for parents and childen to share. (e.g. boat trips or a tram ride to Blankenberge where there's a great outdoor family area with things like crazy golf and, even dafter, crazy snooker!). The tourist information office will have plenty of suggestions, including information about how you can get to several theme parks.

I've been to Ostend with youngsters several times and they've always

[Buenchico]

. . . really enjoyed it. (At least as much, and possibly more than, places around the Med).

If you like the idea and need further advice about travel, hotels, etc, just post again.

Chris

[Buenchico]

Oops!

I forgot the link!
http://www.toerisme-oostende.be/index.phtml?la nguageid=3

Chris

[Rock'n'Roll]

Centreparks have some resorts abroad. Don't know the cost or where you book them. A lot of people seem to really enjoy the places,maybe it's an option

[Buenchico]

Hmm. Center Parcs usually charge 'an arm and a leg' plus, unless you're taking a car, many of their European resorts are inaccessible. (The thought of driving many hundreds of miles with an 8-year-old wouldn't appeal to me!).

If you want to check out RnR's suggestion, here's the link:
http://www.centerparcs.com/

Chris

[jno]

http://www.smallfamilies.co.uk/

[Buenchico]

I'd also thought about that link provided by Jno but, unsurprisingly, that website states: " Due to high demand our summer holiday programme is now SOLD OUT"

Chris