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Holidays 2025
Comments
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Just got back from Croatia. Had a fantastic week staying on Koločep, near Dubrovnik. Brilliant holiday for middle-aged to older couples. Thoroughly recommend.4
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Never planned on one this year, but following visiting more funerals than weddings, thought, fuck it.
Hit the credit card and got flights to LA end of August.
Not bothered about going SF, but are definitely driving to vegas
Thinking about starting in Santa Monica, then Death Valley? Vegas, back?
Love any thoughts, ideas?
Do I stop at London Bridge?
Thanks all.
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who do you all book your holidays through?.......... we are looking to get away in June - not sure where to go yet0
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Depending on your type of holiday but if travelling try Trailfinders.1
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Whatever you want to do, use a travel agent who can advise (unlikely to cost you more) and if you are flying buy an ATOL protected package.markofkent said:who do you all book your holidays through?.......... we are looking to get away in June - not sure where to go yet1 -
we are looking at 7 days in Europe All inclusive if poss
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Don't get on the wrong bus from LA and instead of ending up at Venice Beach for sunset,.end up in Compton for sunset and the last stop on the bus... I managed it as a dopy 18 year old.R0TW said:Never planned on one this year, but following visiting more funerals than weddings, thought, fuck it.
Hit the credit card and got flights to LA end of August.
Not bothered about going SF, but are definitely driving to vegas
Thinking about starting in Santa Monica, then Death Valley? Vegas, back?
Love any thoughts, ideas?
Do I stop at London Bridge?
Thanks all.0 -
Then your local high street travel agent for someone like Jet2 Holidays, your local TUI shop, or an online agent like On The Beach will do everything you need.markofkent said:we are looking at 7 days in Europe All inclusive if poss
the high street shop will sell you a package from a tour operator such as J2H or TUI, whereas OTB would build a package using different hotels and flights.
either way, what you buy will be ATOL protected.
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maybe best to avoid On The Beach as I've seen many bad reviews?SporadicAddick said:
Then your local high street travel agent for someone like Jet2 Holidays, your local TUI shop, or an online agent like On The Beach will do everything you need.markofkent said:we are looking at 7 days in Europe All inclusive if poss
the high street shop will sell you a package from a tour operator such as J2H or TUI, whereas OTB would build a package using different hotels and flights.
either way, what you buy will be ATOL protected.0 -
Any tips for Lisbon as on a city break shortly?0
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Over 2 million people book with them every year. They are enormously successful and grow year on year. They are perfectly good.PrincessFiona said:
maybe best to avoid On The Beach as I've seen many bad reviews?SporadicAddick said:
Then your local high street travel agent for someone like Jet2 Holidays, your local TUI shop, or an online agent like On The Beach will do everything you need.markofkent said:we are looking at 7 days in Europe All inclusive if poss
the high street shop will sell you a package from a tour operator such as J2H or TUI, whereas OTB would build a package using different hotels and flights.
either way, what you buy will be ATOL protected.1 -
Why I’m dubious about it but would like to explore looking at Sal thanksPrincessFiona said:
Happy to share our experience of Cape Verde, but unfortunately it wasn't the best experience and personally we wouldn't go back4_bowman said:Off to lanzarote Peurto del carmen 2 weeks in June then Sal Cape Verde in September any advice on Cape Verde appreciated as never been thanks
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not ''perfectly good' for far too many. Too much of a risk I wouldn't book with them. Far too many better and less risky optionsSporadicAddick said:
Over 2 million people book with them every year. They are enormously successful and grow year on year. They are perfectly good.PrincessFiona said:
maybe best to avoid On The Beach as I've seen many bad reviews?SporadicAddick said:
Then your local high street travel agent for someone like Jet2 Holidays, your local TUI shop, or an online agent like On The Beach will do everything you need.markofkent said:we are looking at 7 days in Europe All inclusive if poss
the high street shop will sell you a package from a tour operator such as J2H or TUI, whereas OTB would build a package using different hotels and flights.
either way, what you buy will be ATOL protected.0 -
8 days in the black forest with a couple of mates starts on 24th May (so no Wembley for me).
We're driving and will stay in Baden Baden then likely Freiburg and Schiltach, with a night in Belgium on the return journey, probably Kortrijk which we liked a couple of years ago.
Bit of walking, bit of sightseeing, lot of beer is the plan. Looking forward to it hugely.1 -
As long as you read the terms and conditions and are aware of possibleSporadicAddick said:
Over 2 million people book with them every year. They are enormously successful and grow year on year. They are perfectly good.PrincessFiona said:
maybe best to avoid On The Beach as I've seen many bad reviews?SporadicAddick said:
Then your local high street travel agent for someone like Jet2 Holidays, your local TUI shop, or an online agent like On The Beach will do everything you need.markofkent said:we are looking at 7 days in Europe All inclusive if poss
the high street shop will sell you a package from a tour operator such as J2H or TUI, whereas OTB would build a package using different hotels and flights.
either way, what you buy will be ATOL protected.
consequences
anything happens and you need to amend holiday you are stuffed.With TUI or Jet2 if need to change the date or something that is easy to do.With OTB they just book your flight with RyanAir or easyJet and that is non refundable even if you can get the hotel to amend your booking with them.0 -
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.valleynick66 said:Any tips for Lisbon as on a city break shortly?
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!3 -
Heading up to the northern hemisphere for 4 weeks.2 nights in Tokyo.2 weeks in Denmark.5 nights in London (hope that we're playing a pre-season friendly first Saturday in July)3 nights in LA before flying back to Auckland.1
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Just booked 3 nights in an Airbnb in Granada (any recommendations?), followed by 2 in the Paradore in Carmona and 2 in the one in Jaen. The nights in Jaen are on a “digital gift box” which are offered on the Paradore website at a discount from time to time; worth looking out for.0
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I think AC has covered it very well.Athletico Charlton said:
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.valleynick66 said:Any tips for Lisbon as on a city break shortly?
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
We loved Lisbon, my wife booked a tuk tuk tour round the city, which was great fun (meets near the Hard Rock Cafe) which we did try, food is good, but the music was very loud.
She also booked a sunset boat trip, which was brilliant , the captain gave us beers as we were going along, and seeing the city from the river, gave the city a completely different angle.
We went to the aquarium, which I liked, thought it was much better than the one in London.
Had never had them before, but if you get a chance try a pascal de nata, no he doesn’t play in central defence, it’s a local delicacy they are famed for, lovely, enjoy your trip, hope we can hear how you get on.1 -
Sorry to be a pedant, but it's Pastel de nata, mate.Mendonca In Asdas said:
I think AC has covered it very well.Athletico Charlton said:
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.valleynick66 said:Any tips for Lisbon as on a city break shortly?
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
We loved Lisbon, my wife booked a tuk tuk tour round the city, which was great fun (meets near the Hard Rock Cafe) which we did try, food is good, but the music was very loud.
She also booked a sunset boat trip, which was brilliant , the captain gave us beers as we were going along, and seeing the city from the river, gave the city a completely different angle.
We went to the aquarium, which I liked, thought it was much better than the one in London.
Had never had them before, but if you get a chance try a pascal de nata, no he doesn’t play in central defence, it’s a local delicacy they are famed for, lovely, enjoy your trip, hope we can hear how you get on.2 - Sponsored links:
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Just back from Aguadulce, about 6 miles to the west of Almeria, stayed by the harbour, great setting.0
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I'm going to Boa Vista, I follow the hotels Facebook page, vast majority are positive posts thankfully, but these things are subjective, its down to your own tastes and what you find acceptable or reasonable. We went to Gran Canaria last year and the reviews were 50/50 but we loved the place and will go back in a couple of years.PrincessFiona said:
Happy to share our experience of Cape Verde, but unfortunately it wasn't the best experience and personally we wouldn't go back4_bowman said:Off to lanzarote Peurto del carmen 2 weeks in June then Sal Cape Verde in September any advice on Cape Verde appreciated as never been thanks0 -
Let me guess MIA, your wife booked the aquarium? :-)Mendonca In Asdas said:
I think AC has covered it very well.Athletico Charlton said:
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.valleynick66 said:Any tips for Lisbon as on a city break shortly?
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
We loved Lisbon, my wife booked a tuk tuk tour round the city, which was great fun (meets near the Hard Rock Cafe) which we did try, food is good, but the music was very loud.
She also booked a sunset boat trip, which was brilliant , the captain gave us beers as we were going along, and seeing the city from the river, gave the city a completely different angle.
We went to the aquarium, which I liked, thought it was much better than the one in London.
.2 -
You are sort of right and sort of wrong...MrOneLung said:
As long as you read the terms and conditions and are aware of possibleSporadicAddick said:
Over 2 million people book with them every year. They are enormously successful and grow year on year. They are perfectly good.PrincessFiona said:
maybe best to avoid On The Beach as I've seen many bad reviews?SporadicAddick said:
Then your local high street travel agent for someone like Jet2 Holidays, your local TUI shop, or an online agent like On The Beach will do everything you need.markofkent said:we are looking at 7 days in Europe All inclusive if poss
the high street shop will sell you a package from a tour operator such as J2H or TUI, whereas OTB would build a package using different hotels and flights.
either way, what you buy will be ATOL protected.
consequences
anything happens and you need to amend holiday you are stuffed.With TUI or Jet2 if need to change the date or something that is easy to do.With OTB they just book your flight with RyanAir or easyJet and that is non refundable even if you can get the hotel to amend your booking with them.
If you book a holiday (directly or through an agent) with a tour operator such as TUI, Jet2Holidays, Olympic Holidays etc. etc. You are likely to be purchasing flights that are either on an in house airline or where they have group seats (not always the case) and likely to be staying in a hotel that the tour operator has a contract with to guarantee / assigned standard and potentially a degree of "in resort" customer service.
If you book through an online travel agent such as On The Beach, Love holidays etc. etc they will create a package with a flight (typically a low cost carrier) and a hotel through general availability (through global distribution systems).
Both will provide ATOL protection so in the event of the failure of any element of the holiday (air, hotel, transfers etc etc) you are guaranteed a full refund or the fulfilment of your holiday.
The main difference is that if you buy through a "traditional" travel agent and want to change something or need advice, you will have a physical person to talk to. If anything goes wrong they are likely to be very helpful in sorting things out.
If you book through an on line travel agent, then its very unlikely that you will get any personal level of service. The upside is that the price is likely to be better.
If you wanted "to change the date or something" then whether you are booked through a traditional agent or an on line agent, that will cost you - likely a change fee and any additional holiday cost. If you are past the date by which the holiday was due to be paid, then in both situations you are unlikely to be able to change anything.
Either way, both are better than the "smart" way of doing it which is to book your flight and accommodation separately to believe you are saving a few pounds (often not the case) and then moaning like buggery when something goes wrong and you have no financial protection or possibility of redress.0 -
true, but it was too windy, you couldn't swim in the sea as it was way too rough and the swimming pool was freezing because of the wind - I was one of only a few who braved it all week. The food at the hotel was awful - the only one that was drinkable was the dry prosecco. They did one or two nice cocktails and the lunch place by the pool was pretty good - in hindsight, we wished we'd han an early and late lunch and not bothered with dinner.DA9 said:
I'm going to Boa Vista, I follow the hotels Facebook page, vast majority are positive posts thankfully, but these things are subjective, its down to your own tastes and what you find acceptable or reasonable. We went to Gran Canaria last year and the reviews were 50/50 but we loved the place and will go back in a couple of years.PrincessFiona said:
Happy to share our experience of Cape Verde, but unfortunately it wasn't the best experience and personally we wouldn't go back4_bowman said:Off to lanzarote Peurto del carmen 2 weeks in June then Sal Cape Verde in September any advice on Cape Verde appreciated as never been thanks
Food poisoning is not subjective0 -
Its a custard tart aint it?Mendonca In Asdas said:Athletico Charlton said:
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.valleynick66 said:Any tips for Lisbon as on a city break shortly?
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
Had never had them before, but if you get a chance try a pascal de nata, no he doesn’t play in central defence, it’s a local delicacy they are famed for, lovely, enjoy your trip, hope we can hear how you get on.3 -
That was his brother. :0Algarveaddick said:
Sorry to be a pedant, but it's Pastel de nata, mate.Mendonca In Asdas said:
I think AC has covered it very well.Athletico Charlton said:
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.valleynick66 said:Any tips for Lisbon as on a city break shortly?
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
We loved Lisbon, my wife booked a tuk tuk tour round the city, which was great fun (meets near the Hard Rock Cafe) which we did try, food is good, but the music was very loud.
She also booked a sunset boat trip, which was brilliant , the captain gave us beers as we were going along, and seeing the city from the river, gave the city a completely different angle.
We went to the aquarium, which I liked, thought it was much better than the one in London.
Had never had them before, but if you get a chance try a pascal de nata, no he doesn’t play in central defence, it’s a local delicacy they are famed for, lovely, enjoy your trip, hope we can hear how you get on.1 -
Was it practical to visit Dubrovnik for a day trip whilst staying on Koločep?Stig said:Just got back from Croatia. Had a fantastic week staying on Koločep, near Dubrovnik. Brilliant holiday for middle-aged to older couples. Thoroughly recommend.
Not sure how the ‘islands’ lend themselves to easily / cost effectively seeing more of Croatia.0 -
Oh, get him, acting like he lives thereAlgarveaddick said:
Sorry to be a pedant, but it's Pastel de nata, mate.Mendonca In Asdas said:
I think AC has covered it very well.Athletico Charlton said:
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.valleynick66 said:Any tips for Lisbon as on a city break shortly?
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
We loved Lisbon, my wife booked a tuk tuk tour round the city, which was great fun (meets near the Hard Rock Cafe) which we did try, food is good, but the music was very loud.
She also booked a sunset boat trip, which was brilliant , the captain gave us beers as we were going along, and seeing the city from the river, gave the city a completely different angle.
We went to the aquarium, which I liked, thought it was much better than the one in London.
Had never had them before, but if you get a chance try a pascal de nata, no he doesn’t play in central defence, it’s a local delicacy they are famed for, lovely, enjoy your trip, hope we can hear how you get on.
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Off to Crete next Friday with the Mrs and kids, just seen the island has been hit by a 6.0 magnitude earthquake and there has been a tsunami warning issued....ffs!0
