Frustration organising non-MH holiday (1 Viewer)

[nicholsong]

I have spent about 20 hours recently trying to organise a Christmas break for us as Basia understandably does not want to be here now that her Mother is no longer with us.

We thought of Canaries for sun, so first I found out which islands one can fly to from our two local airports. Then one has to research some quiet places but with enough restaurants, after that it is the search for apartments, with sea view and terrace - and availability of course. Information is confusing, e.g. description says double bed but photos show twins pushed together.

So first choice of village on Fuerteventura finds no acceptable ones. So try Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Same results..

Obviously we have left it late but Mother has only recently died.

So let's look at a place we know on La Palma, needs local flight from Tenerife. Still the same.

All very frustrating after 20 hours hard work.

Just emphasises how easy is turning the key on the MH and driving off.

Fortunately we easily organised 2 weeks on Crete for next week and easily found a villa which we both said yes to on sight, but we still need to get away at Christmas, even if it is to take the MH somewhere.

 

[The Wino]

I have spent about 20 hours recently trying to organise a Christmas break for us as Basia understandably does not want to be here now that her Mother is no longer with us.

We thought of Canaries for sun, so first I found out which islands one can fly to from our two local airports. Then one has to research some quiet places but with enough restaurants, after that it is the search for apartments, with sea view and terrace - and availability of course. Information is confusing, e.g. description says double bed but photos show twins pushed together.

So first choice of village on Fuerteventura finds no acceptable ones. So try Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Same results..

Obviously we have left it late but Mother has only recently died.

So let's look at a place we know on La Palma, needs local flight from Tenerife. Still the same.

All very frustrating after 20 hours hard work.

Just emphasises how easy is turning the key on the MH and driving off.

I suppose at this time of year though the time taken planning would be a lot less than how long it takes to drive somewhere warm! Hope you find something.
We're not big fans of the canaries as we previously went to Tenerife and it's a bit Skeggy in the sun. We did our day skipper in Fueretaventura this year that was a lot nicer.

 

[Jo662]

I’m sorry to hear about the loss of Basia’s mother.
I hope you can find somewhere for Christmas,it will be sad for you both wherever you are.

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[GirlyVanGirly]

Have you tried Madeira ?

 

[jumar]

Don't give up...it's fabulous to spend Christmas in the sun...we do most years..,
Our beds are two singles pushed together..quite common here in Spain...

 

[Otter Spotter]

Madeira at Christmas is really nice, and you get the added celebrations on New Year’s Eve of Fireworks for the cruise ships in Funchal. Plenty of quiet places to stay if you look outside Funchal and their wine is special .

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[The Wino]

Madeira at Christmas is really nice, and you get the added celebrations on New Year’s Eve of Fireworks for the cruise ships in Funchal. Plenty of quiet places to stay if you look outside Funchal and their wine is special .

We went to the casino for a dinner dance evening. It was really good with food unlimited wine live music and a couple of pro dancers and very good value. The idea was to tempt you into the casino downstairs after but we just had the small bet included and left. It was a tip from the tourist office.

 

[Spriddler]

All very frustrating after 20 hours hard work.

I've tried several times and simply given up, brain-scrambled and frustrated.
Agents' and hotel websites just show pics of bedrooms, the bar, the pool, the restaurant and the beach. One has to do extensive research to find out about the area.
Then one has to join the masses in queues and be herded around an airport at some ungodly hour of the morning.

 

[EuroTrotters]

I have spent about 20 hours recently trying to organise a Christmas break for us as Basia understandably does not want to be here now that her Mother is no longer with us.

We thought of Canaries for sun, so first I found out which islands one can fly to from our two local airports. Then one has to research some quiet places but with enough restaurants, after that it is the search for apartments, with sea view and terrace - and availability of course. Information is confusing, e.g. description says double bed but photos show twins pushed together.

So first choice of village on Fuerteventura finds no acceptable ones. So try Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Same results..

Obviously we have left it late but Mother has only recently died.

So let's look at a place we know on La Palma, needs local flight from Tenerife. Still the same.

All very frustrating after 20 hours hard work.

Just emphasises how easy is turning the key on the MH and driving off.

Fortunately we easily organised 2 weeks on Crete for next week and easily found a villa which we both said yes to on sight, but we still need to get away at Christmas, even if it is to take the MH somewhere.

Sorry to hear about Basias Mother. I did see you posted it on the other post where I replied.

Should have come to Javea instead of Crete ! Ive got some cheap weeks from tomorrow until October 24th. You can even pop over to Mallorca from around £6 !

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[EuroTrotters]

Tenerife for £6 in November !. Madness

 

[BigDean]

I suppose at this time of year though the time taken planning would be a lot less than how long it takes to drive somewhere warm! Hope you find something.
We're not big fans of the canaries as we previously went to Tenerife and it's a bit Skeggy in the sun. We did our day skipper in Fueretaventura this year that was a lot nicer.

There are a lot of beautiful and intersting parts of Tenerife, and the other Canary Islands, if you dont go the the "tourist" areas.

 

[SpeedyDux]

In the past we used to stay at an apartment in Parque Santiago 3 in Tenerife. All part of a holiday package. I actually like Playa de las Americas. It is the sunniest corner of the island. I have visited the rest of Tenerife and my preference wouldn't change. Can be quite chilly and rainy at Christmas. Still much nicer than the UK's winter.

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[nicholsong]

Thanks to all for replies and suggestions.

We have been to La Palma (x2) and La Gomera in Feb/Mar. Tenerife I would only go to up north and I reckon it could be a bit cold up the hill. Madeira we have also been to, but I think it might be a bit cooler than Canaries at Christmas.

Trev, we cannot fly to Alicante from our local airports, only Malaga - bit too far from Javea, but we had considered Almeria. I am happy to go to Crete because I had not spent enough time at the western end. We fly to Chania and stay 25km W. of the airport.

Well when refreshed this morning I opened my 'Travel agent' desk at 0800 and persevered - I do not like to be beaten.

By luck I was looking at properties in Agaete on W coast of Gran Canaria, saw nothing suitable but further down the list they extended the search to another small port nearby and there is one by the port with terrace so we have booked. PHEW!

It feels strange discussing non-MH holidays on here, but it is for special reasons. Next year we will be able to 'long tour' in the Arto - Basia is already talking 3-4 months.

 

[nicholsong]

FURTHER REPORT BACK

Today I finalised our trip to Crete next week after waiting for our Credit Card to arrive before we could book a hire car.

Also, in addition to the accommodation for the Christmas break in Gran Canaria above, I have now booked the flight, Ryanair unfortunately, but no choice from here, and their website showed glitches yesterday and today, in that the space for a payment card was 'greyed out' so not able to pay. Finally on third attempt it worked. All adds to the frustration.

Only car in Gran Canaria to add, but need the Crete holiday before tackling that.

I am trying to take all this in my stride as part of the consequences of supporting Basia after her Mother's death, and I am happy in that role.

I look forward to the long trip in the MH next year, but was taken aback when Basia said 'Where are we going to book for Christmas next year?'. My immediate response was 'Morocco - in the MH!'

The 20 hours on tis project that I reported earlier has extended to 30 hours, and we have not started on what we will do in Crete(Lonely Planet guide should arrive tomorrow according to courier) and Gran Canaria, but there is time for the latter.

See you all on the sane side.

 

[bobandjanie]

You have done the easy bit, wait until you try and pack your luggage. Bob.

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[The Wino]

You have done the easy bit, wait until you try and pack your luggage. Bob.

No wait until you try and pick up the wifes suitcase!