A non-caravanning holiday

We are going on a cruise in July (only our second one, first one five years ago) and packing is a nightmare. I have decided that I won't take a diner suit this time, just a lounge suit as its too complicated getting it arranged between our European trip and the cruise. One advantage of a cruise, at least with P&O is that providing you can get the luggage in the car in the first place and get it out at the Port you don't have to lug it around as they do it for you!!!

David

Since buying our caravan 4 years ago we have not travelled abroad mainly as we prefer not to leave the dogs in kennels and since all the kids have left home now we have no dog sitters....

We are going to Cyprus in June though for our eldest son's wedding and can't wait.

I find packing the caravan can be  quite stressful.....it's not me that stresses, it's OH!!

I can understand it as I always leave things till the last minute while she likes to be organised and work to a plan!

Non-caravan holidays mean much less to pack, but do have the downside of extra hours travelling to/from airports, hanging around, cramped seating on the plane etc etc.

On balance I prefer caravan holidays.

OH would like to try cruising, but is not keen on "dressing for dinner".  Is it compulsory?

I find packing the caravan can be  quite stressful.....it's not me that stresses, it's OH!!

I can understand it as I always leave things till the last minute while she likes to be organised and work to a plan!

Non-caravan holidays mean much less to pack, but do have the downside of extra hours travelling to/from airports, hanging around, cramped seating on the plane etc etc.

On balance I prefer caravan holidays.

OH would like to try cruising, but is not keen on "dressing for dinner".  Is it compulsory?

It depends what Cruise line you use. I have only been with P&O and during, say, a 7/9 day cruise its likely to have two formal nights which is dinner suit/lounge suit for the men and evening/cocktail dress for the ladies. There are always alternative restaurants available if you wish to avoid. A lot of people, my sister included, who love that part of cruising. There are, I am sure, other cruise lines which are less formal. An alternative might be River Cruising which seems to be less formal but they don't seem to be as good value. I would always suggest people give it a try. You don't have to go again if its not for you.

David

As IanH says - the biggest pain of a flight/hotel holiday is the (necessary) hanging around at the airport at both ends - dull and tedious but we've had some brilliant holidays in hotels that you simply can't have in your 'van and you have to put up with it. So we do a mixture of all sorts - hotels with a 20kg limit suitcase, van with hundredweights of clothes/shoes(!) and B&Bs touring in the 2 seater with 'overnightish' bags both at home and on the continent.Its a hard life