Are holidays over-rated?

We have always loved our holidays and usually go to Europe,but I think next year it will be a UK holiday.
The treatment DH received for prostate cancer has left him needing to use the toilet far more often than usual.
Public toilets are few and far between in most European countries, our last holiday was very stressful.

Love holidays and short breaks. Years ago when we were both working we would often have separate holidays as he wanted hard treks in places like Iceland while I wanted heat and more heat! It worked for us. Now we are retired we go to South East Asia every winter, been doing it for the last year and love it. The rest of the year we go away usually once a month but I love the Airports. The flights and everything about going and we get on fine together!

All of my book group ladies jet off on long haul and short breaks all the time and some other friends, when I asked them, gave me a list of ten holidays they had booked to go on that year. I couldn't afford to be so well travelled and I was scornfully asked, ' I suppose you will be off to Devon again?' Indeed I was!

I loved my Devon break . Europe was melting in temperatures of 49 degrees plus and Devon was close, cool and gorgeous. No passport control, no disappointing accommodation, no tummy bugs, no day travelling to get there. Lots of walking, reading, sight seeing and lovely food.

Thanks Jane I shall try that next week whilst on hols. I'm glad it isn't just me who has this problem.

I think that holidays that 'go wrong' can seem very stressful as we look forward to them for such a long time and build up perfection in our minds - then the reality can't possibly live up to the fantasy.
There's probably always going to be 'a bit of a niggle' isn't there? My dear late husband and I loved our holidays and he was my perfect companion as we loved to do the same things, go to the same places - at the same time. I have my memories.

Thanks pensionpat and MagicWriter for the advice, I think it's a good idea to just treat the place like 'home from home' and hadn't even thought about doggy daycare, will look into it

NanKate I read an article about just that recently. It's about getting used to a different bed, acoustics etc as well as often slightly more alcohol than usual and different food maybe slightly later than usual. Recommendations included using a very low pillow and sleeping on your left side. I forget the rationale behind this but it was all scientifically proven.

Why do I always find it hard to sleep the first night on holiday even if the bed is comfy? I'm usually fine by night two.

Final message to say my holiday wasn't disasterous. We have had some lovely times amongst the traumatic events. Just wanted to put in motion some general thoughts about holidays.

Sorry about your disastrous trip Maccyt1955, but I love holidays whether with family or just the two of us. The only exception being last year where we were near Porto with 40 degree temperatures and surrounded by forest fires. Getting to and from our Quinta was a nightmare, sometimes with fires burning or smouldering on either side of the road and we kept our cases packed by the door. We had emergency kits ready in case we had to submerge ourselves in the pool if the fire got too close. Now I wonder why we didn't pack up and go home, but at the time we just used a website called Fogos.pt to keep us informed of where the fires were and what stage -starting/under control etc. and prayed the wind wouldn't change while we were out.

I love holidays, both in the UK and abroad. The most important thing for us is the weather as living in NE Scotland, we don't get a lot of good weather that lasts. We can have brilliant sunshine in morning followed by rain and wind in afternoon, so it's very hard to plan a whole day anywhere. I used to love the travelling, but as my health has got worse and my mobility can be problematic I find it a lot more stressful. The first few days of most holidays are taking up with getting used to the area, finding out where things are and learning how to 'relax', but then we love it. We tend to go for smaller, not so touristy places, as it is usually cheaper and the people friendlier. Can't imagine life without some sort of holiday. Hope the OP will one day look back on her holiday and laugh about all the mishaps. As long as our accommodation is clean, we are usually happy.

Currently on holiday in the Dordogne. Loving every minute of it! Fabulous scenery, good weather and great food. Been lost a couple of times and Sean the satnav has taken us over some very dodgy roads but having a great time. I love holidays, both long ones and short breaks. Have christened DH "the coach driver" as he seems to have taken on the role of one, planning our daily itinerary. Funny really as he is so hard to get organised at home!

Mercedes55, we took our dog with us to a flat in South Shields and found a lovely doggie day care where we left him for one full day and a half day so we could go out and not worry if he would be welcome. They were wonderful with him, even getting him an ice cream once as it was so warm lol. Might be worth seeing if there would are any near where you are going. Hope you have a lovely time xx

We tend to have a 'big' holiday every now and then interspersed with shorter breaks. We're booked on a Baltic cruise next year which gives me lots of time to look forward to it. Meanwhile a short break to Kirkcudbright next week and a weekend in St andrews in a couple of months. We do have to plan a bit to fit in with other commitments but I do enjoy the anticipation - TripAdvisor reviews and looking at websites etc

Mamie, you holiday sounds wonderful. I am beginning to think, as we get older, familiarity makes a big difference to our holidays.

maryhoffman37 Airbnb is great - affordable prices, good accomodation, and you get to meet local residents that way. The hosts depend on good reviews to get guests, so they have to provide what they advertise.

DH and I started using the system about three years ago and have found it excellent.

Recently spent a few weeks with my sister who lives in France. Day 1 ..... Norovirus!! (picked up at a wedding in the UK the day before I left for France). One week later was able to function, so "started" my holiday again!

I am on holiday now! In the UK (Devon on the way to Cornwall). We haven't had a holiday in the UK since I can't remember when but we had a week in Sicily in May. I wouldn't dare use airbnb. Hope your holiday picks up soon.

message for annsixty

it's very hard when your DH isn't well - and when going on holiday is even more stressful due to caring responsibilities. You end up not going anywhere, and get even more tired. But you can, if you wish, get your GP to support an application for him to go into residential care for a week so you, as his carer, can have a much needed break. The thinking is, that if you weren't there, the costs to the public purse would be far greater, and such a break gives you an energy boost so you can keep going longer.

In the local authority I worked for, depending on how serious the illness or disability was, unpaid carers who were spouses, partners, adult children or other relatives could get up to 16 weeks off per year.

My DH has health problems and but can manage at home for short periods with a bit of support which I organise informally. I go off occasionally with a close friend whose husband died some years ago. DH is perfectly happy with this and it does us good to have a break from each other from time to time.Don't feel guilty about sorting out a week for yourself when you can!

Agree holidays at home are lovely. But haven't been put off to the extent that we are planning Australia or Canada next year. We also like short cultural city breaks. I know you have to make the most of the time you have while still fit. As a district nurse, I met all sorts of couples whose retirement plans were devastated by sudden illnesses.

Many years ago DH, the children and I had a much anticipated (rare) holiday to the Greek Island of Skiathos. Much excitement getting new swimsuits, shorts etc. It rained heavily from the minute we stepped off the plane until the minute we got back on a week later. Our apartment was at the top of a(what might have been a pretty) country road but was basically a fast moving muddy river. Have photos of us all wearing carrier bags on our feet and the beach towels (we didn't see the beach) around our head and shoulders. Typical of my luck with holidays.

After seeing two elderly gentlemen on holiday, struggling to walk round Venice, both using sticks, DH and I decided to go wherever we could while we were still reasonably fit. We have what we call a "Big Trip" each year, where one of us will choose a far flung corner to visit. My choice this year so in 2 weeks we'll be going to Canada, New England and New York. Not a restful holiday but we can be restful at home. We also have a couple of weeks in the winter when we have a real holiday somewhere warm like Tenerife and we get through loads of books. I love all the planning that goes into our times abroad and we've have some wonderful memories, but the half hour before we leave the house I am a whirling dervish of anxieties. Doesn't matter how many lists have been written and ticked off, I'm akin to a gibbering wreck. DH has to almost push me out of the door. It will be the same this time but once I have had a glass of wine at the airport, it's holiday time. Think it makes a difference that we do not holiday with family and so don't have to 'fit in' with what others want to do. I'd do anything for friends and family at home but after some very hairy times medically, this is our time to do what we want to do, while we can. I know how lucky I am to have my DH and we've every intention of making the best of our time together.

I'm an opportunistic traveller. I see a good deal (flights) and, diary permitting, I'm off like a shot. I arrange everything and get a real kick out of doing so. The airports I take in my stride. Kindle and people watching make that somewhat painless. I've managed four so far this year and number five is fast approaching. It is so good to have these to look forward to. To those who are thinking in the 'unaffordable' bracket....... flights £11 each way and students halls for digs. No brainer for me. Can't wait.

I don't do holidays. I enjoy days out at the coast though and I love taking myself out for a meal. My leave from work is spent relaxing at home. It has been 15 years since I went on 'proper' holiday. Have had the occasional long weekend away though. I now live on a narrow boat so I will be taking my home with me when I go on trips next year...hahaha

Mercedes55. Would it help if you decided to make your holiday rather like home, but without the work. You could have picnic lunches, takeaways for dinner. You wouldn't need to stress about what to wear, and your dog coukd be with you all the time. The Cotswolds are beautiful to explore and you could meander around the villages(including the model village of the village, in Bourton on the Water. Every tea room will have leaflets of places to visit. Or not. Whatever you feel like on the day. I hope you enjoy it.