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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Stoots on September 18, 2023, 06:02:42 pm

Title: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Stoots on September 18, 2023, 06:02:42 pm
I know people go on holiday and i know we all have days off when we like on top of forced days off such as illness or bad weather

But what i mean is (solo guys) do you consciously give yourself so many week off a year ? and make sure you take it? Just have a week off for the sake of a week off to relax rather than for anything in particular ?

Only asking because i just realised ive only had 1 week off this year in May, before that it was a week for christmas....If i dont go away on holiday i dont really just take a week off and have been like this for a few years now.

Dont get me wrong i dont work fridays and i have the odd random day off but its only usually when forced or i have an appointment etc
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Bungle on September 18, 2023, 06:22:46 pm
I'm on holiday a lot. I'm currently at least 4 weeks behind with my work. I'm off to Portugal next week for 5 days to watch the WSBK. Only staying in a 3* AI though  :D
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: MrChurchMouse on September 18, 2023, 06:30:08 pm
Other than giving myself 3-5 days at Christmas, I don't have any holidays at all.   It's been this way since I started in 2006.     
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Simon Trapani on September 18, 2023, 06:36:07 pm
I have time off to go away on holidays but not to just bum around the house. I've often thought about it but a days pay is too good to turn down.

I don't work long hours though. I don't think I could physically or mentally clean windows for eight hours a day every day.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: zesty on September 18, 2023, 06:38:15 pm
 Only when we have a holiday, but we’ve been to center parcs 4 times this year.

Never take a week off to do nothing, but do take days off here and there…
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Slacky on September 18, 2023, 06:50:48 pm
Im away on Sunday, staying in a 4* tin of Baked Beans.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: DJW on September 18, 2023, 07:47:58 pm
I go away four times a year with my hobby.
Gym spotting.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: deeege on September 18, 2023, 08:12:12 pm
I only really have time off for holidays. Always 3 weeks in summer, 1 week in May, 1 week in October and 1 week at Christmas.  Apart from that it’s pretty much 5 days per week with the occasional weekend worked too.

Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Shrek on September 18, 2023, 08:30:22 pm
Nope , I take 2 weeks off at Christmas then usually 1 week a year holiday and the odd forced day off due to it chuckin it down . Although I’m having mon - wed off this week due to heavy rain!! Other than that it’s usually 5 days a week plus Saturday mornings… can’t complain really , I actually like my job
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: windowswashed on September 18, 2023, 08:44:40 pm
Two weeks Xmas, week at Easter and two to three weeks during the summer. Happy work, life balance, too much work and no play would send me bonkers, need a break from the routine regularly.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Stoots on September 18, 2023, 09:43:44 pm
Nope , I take 2 weeks off at Christmas then usually 1 week a year holiday and the odd forced day off due to it chuckin it down . Although I’m having mon - wed off this week due to heavy rain!! Other than that it’s usually 5 days a week plus Saturday mornings… can’t complain really , I actually like my job


I worked in rain today and will tomorrow. I don't particularly like the job and I'd rather work in rain than work 5 days a week but in a way I'm jealous. If I liked the job and worked 6 days a week I'd probably be able to afford more holidays  ;D
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Shrek on September 18, 2023, 09:52:11 pm
Nope , I take 2 weeks off at Christmas then usually 1 week a year holiday and the odd forced day off due to it chuckin it down . Although I’m having mon - wed off this week due to heavy rain!! Other than that it’s usually 5 days a week plus Saturday mornings… can’t complain really , I actually like my job


I worked in rain today and will tomorrow. I don't particularly like the job and I'd rather work in rain than work 5 days a week but in a way I'm jealous. If I liked the job and worked 6 days a week I'd probably be able to afford more holidays  ;D

I don’t mind working in passing rain (maybe for an hour or so) but you know what it’s like up north, it rains a lot  - if it’s due to pee it down for a whole day I just can’t get into the mood of working, knowing il be drenched by 8:30am 😫. Tomorrow and Wednesday chucking it down all day so back at it on Thursday. Netflix, workout at home with my dumbbells and chill out…  it’s been a while since I took 3 days off due to the weather though
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Jay Le Huray on September 19, 2023, 06:34:02 am
I always take about 2 weeks off in the summer months, this Friday me and the wife are going on a 2 week cruise around the Canary Islands, the best thing about it is we don't need to fly as we live in Southampton (20 mins from the docks) and my mate is going to drop us off and pick us up when we return in his Rolls Royce.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: zesty on September 19, 2023, 07:17:44 am
A lot of it depends on your current life circumstances.

Before we had kids, we’d jet off 3 times a year without fail, plus weekend breaks in the uk.

Now I’ve got two toddlers, 3 and nearly 2, we go to center parcs regularly throughout the year.

We’ve seen a big change in our holiday routines, but it’s for a season. We love taking the kids to center parcs, they have so much fun. We also go with friends who have kids the same age.

I don’t take time off just to mince about, I find the hours are so good in this job, you don’t really need much time off other than holidays…

I’m also busier than ever, so it’s hard to take too much time off without getting behind.

All that said, if I feel my body is in need of a break, I.e I’m starting to feel really tired, then I will take a Monday off to have a long weekend - that’s rare though.

Overall, the joy of having kids far outweighs the holidays as a couple. It’s blooming hard work, but my word does it reward you.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Rob.Hall on September 19, 2023, 08:05:40 am
I aim to work 46 weeks a year.
It's easy to be flat and not taking time  out. Been there!
By getting prices right, being organised/disaplined and working in the rain, (if not blowing a hurricane), I find it possible.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Stoots on September 19, 2023, 06:04:39 pm
Nope , I take 2 weeks off at Christmas then usually 1 week a year holiday and the odd forced day off due to it chuckin it down . Although I’m having mon - wed off this week due to heavy rain!! Other than that it’s usually 5 days a week plus Saturday mornings… can’t complain really , I actually like my job


I worked in rain today and will tomorrow. I don't particularly like the job and I'd rather work in rain than work 5 days a week but in a way I'm jealous. If I liked the job and worked 6 days a week I'd probably be able to afford more holidays  ;D

I don’t mind working in passing rain (maybe for an hour or so) but you know what it’s like up north, it rains a lot  - if it’s due to pee it down for a whole day I just can’t get into the mood of working, knowing il be drenched by 8:30am 😫. Tomorrow and Wednesday chucking it down all day so back at it on Thursday. Netflix, workout at home with my dumbbells and chill out…  it’s been a while since I took 3 days off due to the weather though

Im quite happy to work in the rain, infact id rather work in rain than heat, i find i can clean quicker and being wet doesnt bother me. I do worry what the customers might think though thats the only reason i wont work when its really heavy.

The thought of starting a week on a thursday doesnt sit well with me, im not sure if i could be bothered, by thursday im ready to pack in for the week. I think in that situation if i was to sit out monday to weds i would just call it a draw and have the whole week off.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Stoots on September 19, 2023, 06:10:50 pm
A lot of it depends on your current life circumstances.

Before we had kids, we’d jet off 3 times a year without fail, plus weekend breaks in the uk.

Now I’ve got two toddlers, 3 and nearly 2, we go to center parcs regularly throughout the year.

We’ve seen a big change in our holiday routines, but it’s for a season. We love taking the kids to center parcs, they have so much fun. We also go with friends who have kids the same age.

I don’t take time off just to mince about, I find the hours are so good in this job, you don’t really need much time off other than holidays…

I’m also busier than ever, so it’s hard to take too much time off without getting behind.

All that said, if I feel my body is in need of a break, I.e I’m starting to feel really tired, then I will take a Monday off to have a long weekend - that’s rare though.

Overall, the joy of having kids far outweighs the holidays as a couple. It’s blooming hard work, but my word does it reward you.

My oldest is 18 and youngest 5 so ive known nothing other than holidays with kids really. Only been abroad once as an adult without kids so i cant really remember the joys of being child free.

Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 19, 2023, 06:17:05 pm
I have at least 5 weeks off a year.

1 week at Xmas(at least)Usually 10 days
2 one week holidays abroad
2 weeks off just chilling at home and a few weekends away.

I'm in Lanzarote now (we fly home on Thursday)but I won't go back to work until monday so 11 days off altogether.

It's been very enjoyable and relaxing and it'll be my last holiday until my xmas break.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Bungle on September 19, 2023, 06:57:26 pm
I have at least 5 weeks off a year.

1 week at Xmas(at least)Usually 10 days
2 one week holidays abroad
2 weeks off just chilling at home and a few weekends away.

I'm in Lanzarote now (we fly home on Thursday)but I won't go back to work until monday so 11 days off altogether.

It's been very enjoyable and relaxing and it'll be my last holiday until my xmas break.

Get much action with the fit Mrs?
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: colin bird on September 19, 2023, 08:30:02 pm
I use George software and have  factored in 36 days payed holiday a year,so sometimes I can be a week early then have two weeks off ,so one week paid as work already done,when I come back from hols , i,just  crack on and get in front again and so on.
I've done this for years and customers don't know any different.
Most of my work is six weekly so being n front is not really noticed,I do however do 4 weekly customers on there due date
It's works for me
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Bungle on September 19, 2023, 08:47:59 pm
I use George software and have  factored in 36 days payed holiday a year,so sometimes I can be a week early then have two weeks off ,so one week paid as work already done,when I come back from hols , i,just  crack on and get in front again and so on.
I've done this for years and customers don't know any different.
Most of my work is six weekly so being n front is not really noticed,I do however do 4 weekly customers on there due date
It's works for me

So what you're saying is you're not full?
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: colin bird on September 20, 2023, 05:57:24 am
I use George software and have  factored in 36 days payed holiday a year,so sometimes I can be a week early then have two weeks off ,so one week paid as work already done,when I come back from hols , i,just  crack on and get in front again and so on.
I've done this for years and customers don't know any different.
Most of my work is six weekly so being n front is not really noticed,I do however do 4 weekly customers on there due date
It's works for me

So what you're saying is you're not full?

450 customers  I work bid days,not going to put my turnover on here
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: DJW on September 20, 2023, 08:57:37 am
I’m giving myself a holiday today! I deserve it and besides the forecast isn’t great 😊
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Shrek on September 20, 2023, 09:04:05 am
Nope , I take 2 weeks off at Christmas then usually 1 week a year holiday and the odd forced day off due to it chuckin it down . Although I’m having mon - wed off this week due to heavy rain!! Other than that it’s usually 5 days a week plus Saturday mornings… can’t complain really , I actually like my job


I worked in rain today and will tomorrow. I don't particularly like the job and I'd rather work in rain than work 5 days a week but in a way I'm jealous. If I liked the job and worked 6 days a week I'd probably be able to afford more holidays  ;D

I don’t mind working in passing rain (maybe for an hour or so) but you know what it’s like up north, it rains a lot  - if it’s due to pee it down for a whole day I just can’t get into the mood of working, knowing il be drenched by 8:30am 😫. Tomorrow and Wednesday chucking it down all day so back at it on Thursday. Netflix, workout at home with my dumbbells and chill out…  it’s been a while since I took 3 days off due to the weather though

Im quite happy to work in the rain, infact id rather work in rain than heat, i find i can clean quicker and being wet doesnt bother me. I do worry what the customers might think though thats the only reason i wont work when its really heavy.

The thought of starting a week on a thursday doesnt sit well with me, im not sure if i could be bothered, by thursday im ready to pack in for the week. I think in that situation if i was to sit out monday to weds i would just call it a draw and have the whole week off.

I think it’s because we run things differently, you are behind schedule and I have never failed to get all customers cleaned so far in any given month. Iv still got Thursday- Saturday this week so it’s all good. Next weeks a better week 🙂
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 20, 2023, 10:39:22 am
I have at least 5 weeks off a year.

1 week at Xmas(at least)Usually 10 days
2 one week holidays abroad
2 weeks off just chilling at home and a few weekends away.

I'm in Lanzarote now (we fly home on Thursday)but I won't go back to work until monday so 11 days off altogether.

It's been very enjoyable and relaxing and it'll be my last holiday until my xmas break.

Get much action with the fit Mrs?

Of course...every day while on holiday  ;D

Been doing a fair bit of walking,swimming,cycling too and im just about to go and do my 3rd weight training session of the holiday in the hotel gym soon then after lunch we will just chill by the outdoor Jacuzzis for a few hours and get the last bit of 🌞
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 20, 2023, 10:44:03 am
My working week is mon-thurs these days(6hrs per day)...sometimes less.

3 day weekends are my choice

I currently have 324 jobs....I've never been full with work since my trad days which is over 14 years ago now!🙂
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 20, 2023, 11:10:32 am
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1695204601_Screenshot_20230920_110913_Photos.jpg)

Lovely day here.just had breakfast...
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Stoots on September 20, 2023, 11:25:05 am
That's some contrast to here daz. Slinging it down sideways first thing. Overcast, dark and miserable.

But at least it's not red hot.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 20, 2023, 03:28:19 pm
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1695220056_Screenshot_20230920_152637_Photos.jpg)

27c here which is perfect under the palm trees....
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Slacky on September 20, 2023, 03:45:37 pm
I have at least 5 weeks off a year.

1 week at Xmas(at least)Usually 10 days
2 one week holidays abroad
2 weeks off just chilling at home and a few weekends away.

I'm in Lanzarote now (we fly home on Thursday)but I won't go back to work until monday so 11 days off altogether.

It's been very enjoyable and relaxing and it'll be my last holiday until my xmas break.

Get much action with the fit Mrs?

Of course...every day while on holiday  ;D

Been doing a fair bit of walking,swimming,cycling too and im just about to go and do my 3rd weight training session of the holiday in the hotel gym soon then after lunch we will just chill by the outdoor Jacuzzis for a few hours and get the last bit of 🌞

D’you ever have it off in the gym?
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Slacky on September 20, 2023, 03:46:09 pm
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1695220056_Screenshot_20230920_152637_Photos.jpg)

27c here which is perfect under the palm trees....

That looks nice. Much talent?
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Frankybadboy on September 20, 2023, 05:28:16 pm
Between 4-6 weeks a year we have normal plus a few weekends

gone down to working monday to thursday only with the few odd fridays  thrown in
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 20, 2023, 07:14:23 pm
Between 4-6 weeks a year we have normal plus a few weekends

gone down to working monday to thursday only with the few odd fridays  thrown in

How are you these days Frankie?(after the horrible bike accident from a few years ago)...
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Phil J on September 20, 2023, 07:52:19 pm
I'm off to Ibiza on Saturday for three weeks, can't wait!!!
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Stoots on September 21, 2023, 01:58:02 pm
I've actually been trying to trim down to 3 days a week. Managed it  twice out of the last 3 week and it's made a big difference to my enery levels and enthusiasm for the job . This week due to rain ive had to work today but nevermind all done now.  Fishing tomorrow.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 23, 2023, 10:54:21 am
Just booked another holiday yesterday to Ibiza for next year.5 star hotel of course. ;D
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 23, 2023, 01:26:32 pm
I'm off to Ibiza on Saturday for three weeks, can't wait!!!

How come you go away for 3 weeks?a week or 10 days abroad and I'm ready to come home and go back to work.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 23, 2023, 01:37:28 pm
Other than giving myself 3-5 days at Christmas, I don't have any holidays at all.   It's been this way since I started in 2006.   

Why?do you not like taking a holiday/break for a few days?
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: DJW on September 23, 2023, 03:52:03 pm
I don’t take holidays either. Passport has run out too.
Prefer weekend breaks in uk. Can’t stand the hassle of flying etc only to sit by a pool for two weeks doing nothing. Been there done it, just find it boring waste of money to be honest. Most med countries are pretty much the same. Most package type holiday makers seem to all come out of the same mould!
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: deeege on September 23, 2023, 09:33:28 pm
I don’t take holidays either. Passport has run out too.
Prefer weekend breaks in uk. Can’t stand the hassle of flying etc only to sit by a pool for two weeks doing nothing. Been there done it, just find it boring waste of money to be honest.  ;DMost med countries are pretty much the same. Most package type holiday makers seem to all come out of the same mould!

Gotta be a joke this. You do know there’s more to do than this don’t you? Can’t believe you’ve just typed this yet constantly take the p out of Daz and his bath of beans.  ;D
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on September 24, 2023, 08:42:44 am
It goes in fits and starts with me.

The longest holiday I ever had since window cleaning was to Bali for 15 days followed by 9 days in Corsica. And two separate weeks in Tenerife.

As my mother in law lived on Tenerife for thirty years my wife and daughters occasionally went on their own.

We did Disneyland Paris and some camping in France by driving too. Long weekends in camping barns in the Lake District with the kids and friends.

We have a Caravan in Malvern too.

Since 2012 when my eldest two got married, my youngest went to Uni and we had COVID I have only been abroad for three 4 or 5 day breaks. Budapest in winter 2017, then Tenerife last November and Barcelona this January.

I also did three straight years of Canoeing for 5 day stints on the Wye, the Spey and the Caledonian canal to Loch Ness.

Now we have a dog it's going to be UK again for a while.

So in answer to the original question, as and when. Lots of long  weekends.

Made a conscious decision to have a few week long breaks going forward.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: james peters on September 24, 2023, 09:40:05 am
I don’t take holidays either. Passport has run out too.
Prefer weekend breaks in uk. Can’t stand the hassle of flying etc only to sit by a pool for two weeks doing nothing. Been there done it, just find it boring waste of money to be honest. Most med countries are pretty much the same. Most package type holiday makers seem to all come out of the same mould!

This is exactly how I  feel.    I used to love holidays abroad when I was younger..... I just seem to have changed the past few years.
I now prefer weekends away ,friday to monday  .

we do have 2 border collies now as well so this dictates  what we do to some extent because I dont like to leave them .
we probably do around 6/7 of these  a year

 we stay in caravans..... timber lodges or holiday cottages
I did go abroad 2 years ago but that was ti ireland .

sometimes I spontaniously take a few days off  or a week just to gather my thoughts  and have some me time .

Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Stoots on September 24, 2023, 09:50:46 am
I like going abroad when i get there but the travelling with kids is a nightmare. Even then though 7 days is plenty, im usually ready for coming back after 3 or 4 days. 

Overall though i dont think its really worth the hassle and money spent,   you are talking at least 2k for a very basic holiday abroad and we are all just as happy in a caravan for a week for 500 quid.

I think going abroad will be somehthing i enjoy in later life hopefully when you can just mooch about and relax a bit more rather than having to try to constantly entertain.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 24, 2023, 12:48:30 pm
I don’t take holidays either. Passport has run out too.
Prefer weekend breaks in uk. Can’t stand the hassle of flying etc only to sit by a pool for two weeks doing nothing. Been there done it, just find it boring waste of money to be honest. Most med countries are pretty much the same. Most package type holiday makers seem to all come out of the same mould!

I love going abroad....weather much better,good fresh food and I love swimming outside in the sea/pool.we chill and laze around the pool a few afternoons but we walk,my missus roller skates,cycles,I usually find a gym i frequent a few times and we go on the odd day out round the island or boat trip.i still actually like the flying bit and the eager anticipation at the airport!🙂
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Simon Trapani on September 24, 2023, 03:59:10 pm
Holidays are everything. It’s what I work for.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 24, 2023, 04:50:56 pm
I like going abroad when i get there but the travelling with kids is a nightmare. Even then though 7 days is plenty, im usually ready for coming back after 3 or 4 days. 

Overall though i dont think its really worth the hassle and money spent,   you are talking at least 2k for a very basic holiday abroad and we are all just as happy in a caravan for a week for 500 quid.

I think going abroad will be somehthing i enjoy in later life hopefully when you can just mooch about and relax a bit more rather than having to try to constantly entertain.

I've spent at least £40k in the last 11 years on holidays with the missus....
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on September 24, 2023, 06:15:43 pm
I like going abroad when i get there but the travelling with kids is a nightmare. Even then though 7 days is plenty, im usually ready for coming back after 3 or 4 days. 

Overall though i dont think its really worth the hassle and money spent,   you are talking at least 2k for a very basic holiday abroad and we are all just as happy in a caravan for a week for 500 quid.

I think going abroad will be somehthing i enjoy in later life hopefully when you can just mooch about and relax a bit more rather than having to try to constantly entertain.

I've spent at least £40k in the last 11 years on holidays with the missus....

Cheapskate.  ;D
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Soupy on September 25, 2023, 09:42:37 am
Did Australia for a month in Jan/Feb this year.

That's me off holidays for the next 10 years.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: robbo333 on September 25, 2023, 05:28:02 pm
I used to have 2 weeks in the Canaries every winter and then a few long weekends in Bath.
Mrs Window Cleaner talked me into getting a dog, which I agreed to because I didn't really think it through, (and she won't leave it with anyone) so no more foreign holidays! Now I'm quite happy holidaying in the UK, as I don't particularly like flying/crashing, but it's quite expensive, you can't guarantee the weather and I now have to find places that are 'dog friendly' and that can be a pain.
So we'll see how I get on.
On a positive note, the dog is better company than the missus and more intelligent than her boy, so happy days!
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Stoots on September 25, 2023, 05:44:41 pm
I used to have 2 weeks in the Canaries every winter and then a few long weekends in Bath.
Mrs Window Cleaner talked me into getting a dog, which I agreed to because I didn't really think it through, (and she won't leave it with anyone) so no more foreign holidays! Now I'm quite happy holidaying in the UK, as I don't particularly like flying/crashing, but it's quite expensive, you can't guarantee the weather and I now have to find places that are 'dog friendly' and that can be a pain.
So we'll see how I get on.
On a positive note, the dog is better company than the missus and more intelligent than her boy, so happy days!

My mum has 2 dogs and we have gone on holiday with her a few times in the UK.  She wont leave them in kennels so always takes them with her.  Absoloute ballache that i wouldnt want, cant go in shops/amusements/beaches and lots of other places with them plus has to carry poo bags everywhere. Not my cup of tea at all dogs.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: deeege on September 25, 2023, 07:42:46 pm
I like going abroad when i get there but the travelling with kids is a nightmare. Even then though 7 days is plenty, im usually ready for coming back after 3 or 4 days. 

Overall though i dont think its really worth the hassle and money spent,   you are talking at least 2k for a very basic holiday abroad and we are all just as happy in a caravan for a week for 500 quid.

I think going abroad will be somehthing i enjoy in later life hopefully when you can just mooch about and relax a bit more rather than having to try to constantly entertain.

I've spent at least £40k in the last 11 years on holidays with the missus....

Thought you go on 3x five star holidays a year Daz?  £3600 a year doesn’t pay for that, does your Mrs pay for the bulk of them?  ;D
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: james peters on September 25, 2023, 07:54:51 pm
I like going abroad when i get there but the travelling with kids is a nightmare. Even then though 7 days is plenty, im usually ready for coming back after 3 or 4 days. 

Overall though i dont think its really worth the hassle and money spent,   you are talking at least 2k for a very basic holiday abroad and we are all just as happy in a caravan for a week for 500 quid.

I think going abroad will be somehthing i enjoy in later life hopefully when you can just mooch about and relax a bit more rather than having to try to constantly entertain.

I've spent at least £40k in the last 11 years on holidays with the missus....
If you had kids it would be double  ::)roll
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 26, 2023, 08:03:22 am
I like going abroad when i get there but the travelling with kids is a nightmare. Even then though 7 days is plenty, im usually ready for coming back after 3 or 4 days. 

Overall though i dont think its really worth the hassle and money spent,   you are talking at least 2k for a very basic holiday abroad and we are all just as happy in a caravan for a week for 500 quid.

I think going abroad will be somehthing i enjoy in later life hopefully when you can just mooch about and relax a bit more rather than having to try to constantly entertain.

I've spent at least £40k in the last 11 years on holidays with the missus....

Thought you go on 3x five star holidays a year Daz?  £3600 a year doesn’t pay for that, does your Mrs pay for the bulk of them?  ;D

No!she's never paid for any holidays!I think she gave me £500 one year.....

We never go abroad more than twice a year.id love to but she's too busy with her business to have too long off.we usually go on a few weekends away in this country too.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: DJW on September 26, 2023, 08:59:14 am
Weren’t you supposed to be moving in with her?
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Shrek on September 26, 2023, 09:35:08 am
I like going abroad when i get there but the travelling with kids is a nightmare. Even then though 7 days is plenty, im usually ready for coming back after 3 or 4 days. 

Overall though i dont think its really worth the hassle and money spent,   you are talking at least 2k for a very basic holiday abroad and we are all just as happy in a caravan for a week for 500 quid.

I think going abroad will be somehthing i enjoy in later life hopefully when you can just mooch about and relax a bit more rather than having to try to constantly entertain.

I've spent at least £40k in the last 11 years on holidays with the missus....

That’s super cheap for 22 holidays- your 5* hotels must be 4* or 3* in disguise. When you’ve been to a hotel that has red carpet, it’s own entrance to the airport and it’s own vip lounge in the airport , then you’ll know what a real 5* holiday is like
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Slacky on September 26, 2023, 07:24:11 pm
Life’s a permanent holiday where I am.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 27, 2023, 04:16:20 pm
I like going abroad when i get there but the travelling with kids is a nightmare. Even then though 7 days is plenty, im usually ready for coming back after 3 or 4 days. 

Overall though i dont think its really worth the hassle and money spent,   you are talking at least 2k for a very basic holiday abroad and we are all just as happy in a caravan for a week for 500 quid.

I think going abroad will be somehthing i enjoy in later life hopefully when you can just mooch about and relax a bit more rather than having to try to constantly entertain.

I've spent at least £40k in the last 11 years on holidays with the missus....

That’s super cheap for 22 holidays- your 5* hotels must be 4* or 3* in disguise. When you’ve been to a hotel that has red carpet, it’s own entrance to the airport and it’s own vip lounge in the airport , then you’ll know what a real 5* holiday is like

I've never stayed in a 3 star hotel....only 4 and 5 stars.....🙂👍.

That week away last week as done me good.i feel fantastic and ready for the run up to Xmas now!😄
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: robbo333 on September 27, 2023, 06:04:19 pm
Daz, a 3 star hotel is pretty much the same as a 5 star hotel except:
People go to dinner wearing a white vest and a huge beer belly (and that's just the women).
The gentle ambience of polite conversation is replaced with screaming parents trying to get their kids to eat f'ing mushy peas.
The option of a Continental, Eggs Benedict, or grilled 'Smoked Salmon' is replaced with some German poope that includes bacon that is fatty beyond belief, sausages that look raw and cold baked beans!!
Oh...and the hot tubs don't work and it looks like someone has ped in the pool.
Seriously mate, you don't know what you're missing!
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Shrek on September 28, 2023, 07:36:57 am
I like going abroad when i get there but the travelling with kids is a nightmare. Even then though 7 days is plenty, im usually ready for coming back after 3 or 4 days. 

Overall though i dont think its really worth the hassle and money spent,   you are talking at least 2k for a very basic holiday abroad and we are all just as happy in a caravan for a week for 500 quid.

I think going abroad will be somehthing i enjoy in later life hopefully when you can just mooch about and relax a bit more rather than having to try to constantly entertain.

I've spent at least £40k in the last 11 years on holidays with the missus....

That’s super cheap for 22 holidays- your 5* hotels must be 4* or 3* in disguise. When you’ve been to a hotel that has red carpet, it’s own entrance to the airport and it’s own vip lounge in the airport , then you’ll know what a real 5* holiday is like

I've never stayed in a 3 star hotel....only 4 and 5 stars.....🙂👍.

That week away last week as done me good.i feel fantastic and ready for the run up to Xmas now!😄

Some hotels might even give themselves their own 'unofficial' star rating. Then, there's the matter of tour operators running their own star rating system, which can make four-star hotels look like five-star hotels to unsuspecting bookers. In fact, the problem can manifest even within one country's ratings 👍
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Slacky on September 29, 2023, 05:43:01 pm
You should try using the locals accommodation and travel when you’re abroad.

I’ve backpacked round Egypt 3 times, travelled in the locals train carriages which really was an experience. Consider this, the 3rd class tourist carriages had 3” of 5hit on the bathroom floor (flips flops was the mode of footwear employed at the time) and in with the locals class we sat on straw with goats. Travelling from Cairo to Aswan was a 24 hour trip, so using the bogs was pretty much guaranteed. Imagine having food poisoning and needing to honk up in a toilet like that.

The youth hostels were 20p a night in Cairo, you inspected the room and beds before agreeing to stay. Having a crap in Egypt was ‘interesting’ to say the least in locals toilets. They don’t use toilet paper, but there’s this ‘U’- shaped pipe sticking up, out of the toilet which squirts your ass with water after. Needless to say this pipe becomes encrusted with poop from the last half dozen punters. Often it is also decorated with toilet paper from any previous westerners who haven’t quite managed to convert to pipe squirting but still retain the traditional method of cleaning up after a crap.

Once we got a coach from Aswan to Hurghada, it was an 8 hour trip at the time. When we got to Hurghada at about 8 at night we needed to find a hotel of sorts to stay in. I picked up my rucksack which had been stored in the compartment that is accessed from outside the coach  where everything is stored under the seats. At some point during the journey the pipe from the coaches toilet had leaked its contents all over my rucksack, clothes and sleeping bag and I had nowhere to sleep or clean clothes to change in to. Delightful.

I went and had a beer.

Travel broadens the horizons.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 29, 2023, 08:17:17 pm
You should try using the locals accommodation and travel when you’re abroad.

I’ve backpacked round Egypt 3 times, travelled in the locals train carriages which really was an experience. Consider this, the 3rd class tourist carriages had 3” of 5hit on the bathroom floor (flips flops was the mode of footwear employed at the time) and in with the locals class we sat on straw with goats. Travelling from Cairo to Aswan was a 24 hour trip, so using the bogs was pretty much guaranteed. Imagine having food poisoning and needing to honk up in a toilet like that.

The youth hostels were 20p a night in Cairo, you inspected the room and beds before agreeing to stay. Having a crap in Egypt was ‘interesting’ to say the least in locals toilets. They don’t use toilet paper, but there’s this ‘U’- shaped pipe sticking up, out of the toilet which squirts your ass with water after. Needless to say this pipe becomes encrusted with poop from the last half dozen punters. Often it is also decorated with toilet paper from any previous westerners who haven’t quite managed to convert to pipe squirting but still retain the traditional method of cleaning up after a crap.

Once we got a coach from Aswan to Hurghada, it was an 8 hour trip at the time. When we got to Hurghada at about 8 at night we needed to find a hotel of sorts to stay in. I picked up my rucksack which had been stored in the compartment that is accessed from outside the coach  where everything is stored under the seats. At some point during the journey the pipe from the coaches toilet had leaked its contents all over my rucksack, clothes and sleeping bag and I had nowhere to sleep or clean clothes to change in to. Delightful.

I went and had a beer.

Travel broadens the horizons.

I'm never going Egypt again after the last time....even the locals wouldn't take us to the valley of the Kings...too dangerous at the time we was there(2018)

Plus I got some food from the airport on the way back and I ended up with severe food poisoning...

Horrible,dusty,dirty,filthy country....
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Slacky on September 29, 2023, 09:02:34 pm
It’s a fantastic country, full of history (we think we have a historical heritage, Egypt beats us pants down), guaranteed sunshine, they know how to manage hotels better than anywhere else I’ve stayed, fantastic scuba diving.

A mere 5 hours flight from the UK, albeit somewhat further from where I am now. Back in the 80s it was a backpackers heaven. Best time of my life without a shadow of a doubt was spent exploring that place. You’ve lived a sheltered life Daz, travelling with tour reps and operators is no way to see the world. You’re simply ripped off, they view you as pay pigs. Do it the way the locals do, eat what the locals eat, drink what the locals drink; that’s travelling.


I thought you went to Sharm once and loved it?
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: DJW on September 29, 2023, 09:29:54 pm
Dodgy beans?
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 29, 2023, 10:07:14 pm
It’s a fantastic country, full of history (we think we have a historical heritage, Egypt beats us pants down), guaranteed sunshine, they know how to manage hotels better than anywhere else I’ve stayed, fantastic scuba diving.

A mere 5 hours flight from the UK, albeit somewhat further from where I am now. Back in the 80s it was a backpackers heaven. Best time of my life without a shadow of a doubt was spent exploring that place. You’ve lived a sheltered life Daz, travelling with tour reps and operators is no way to see the world. You’re simply ripped off, they view you as pay pigs. Do it the way the locals do, eat what the locals eat, drink what the locals drink; that’s travelling.


I thought you went to Sharm once and loved it?

Sharm was fantastic with a busty blonde who paid for the holiday back in 2005...hotel breathtaking!

No chance I'd slum it in Egypt mate!not for me!
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Slacky on September 29, 2023, 10:52:32 pm
You’d love the pyramids at Giza. They stink of pi55 inside.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: KS Cleaning on September 30, 2023, 01:09:42 am
It’s a fantastic country, full of history (we think we have a historical heritage, Egypt beats us pants down), guaranteed sunshine, they know how to manage hotels better than anywhere else I’ve stayed, fantastic scuba diving.

A mere 5 hours flight from the UK, albeit somewhat further from where I am now. Back in the 80s it was a backpackers heaven. Best time of my life without a shadow of a doubt was spent exploring that place. You’ve lived a sheltered life Daz, travelling with tour reps and operators is no way to see the world. You’re simply ripped off, they view you as pay pigs. Do it the way the locals do, eat what the locals eat, drink what the locals drink; that’s travelling.


I thought you went to Sharm once and loved it?

Sharm was fantastic with a busty blonde who paid for the holiday back in 2005...hotel breathtaking!

No chance I'd slum it in Egypt mate!not for me!
I can guarantee if you went to Sharm with a busty blonde it wouldn’t have been a very enjoyable experience due to the staff/locals leaching over her……….unless you like that kind of thing of course?
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: zesty on September 30, 2023, 06:45:06 am
It’s a fantastic country, full of history (we think we have a historical heritage, Egypt beats us pants down), guaranteed sunshine, they know how to manage hotels better than anywhere else I’ve stayed, fantastic scuba diving.

A mere 5 hours flight from the UK, albeit somewhat further from where I am now. Back in the 80s it was a backpackers heaven. Best time of my life without a shadow of a doubt was spent exploring that place. You’ve lived a sheltered life Daz, travelling with tour reps and operators is no way to see the world. You’re simply ripped off, they view you as pay pigs. Do it the way the locals do, eat what the locals eat, drink what the locals drink; that’s travelling.


I thought you went to Sharm once and loved it?

Sharm was fantastic with a busty blonde who paid for the holiday back in 2005...hotel breathtaking!

No chance I'd slum it in Egypt mate!not for me!
I can guarantee if you went to Sharm with a busty blonde it wouldn’t have been a very enjoyable experience due to the staff/locals leaching over her……….unless you like that kind of thing of course?

Had that in turkey when the now wife and I were 19, the blokes were awful, and you hardly saw a Turkish woman about. Horrible experience.

Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 30, 2023, 09:35:20 am
It’s a fantastic country, full of history (we think we have a historical heritage, Egypt beats us pants down), guaranteed sunshine, they know how to manage hotels better than anywhere else I’ve stayed, fantastic scuba diving.

A mere 5 hours flight from the UK, albeit somewhat further from where I am now. Back in the 80s it was a backpackers heaven. Best time of my life without a shadow of a doubt was spent exploring that place. You’ve lived a sheltered life Daz, travelling with tour reps and operators is no way to see the world. You’re simply ripped off, they view you as pay pigs. Do it the way the locals do, eat what the locals eat, drink what the locals drink; that’s travelling.


I thought you went to Sharm once and loved it?

Sharm was fantastic with a busty blonde who paid for the holiday back in 2005...hotel breathtaking!

No chance I'd slum it in Egypt mate!not for me!
I can guarantee if you went to Sharm with a busty blonde it wouldn’t have been a very enjoyable experience due to the staff/locals leaching over her……….unless you like that kind of thing of course?

I had to go and stand outside the toilet as men were following her every time she went outside the hotel...it was a nightmare...it didn't help that she was dripping in diamonds and expensive handbags and clothes!
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: zesty on September 30, 2023, 09:40:25 am
Bunch of pervs, lock their own woman up and hide them under burkas, then stare and follow western girls about.

Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on September 30, 2023, 02:38:08 pm
Bunch of pervs, lock their own woman up and hide them under burkas, then stare and follow western girls about.

It's a total culture clash in any of the Muslim countries(Turkey,Tunisia,Egypt especially).....

The food hygiene is terrible outside the fantastic hotels I've stayed at in Egypt so that's another reason why I wouldn't go back now....

It's true,the sea,weather and hotels are fantastic in Egypt but it was just too dangerous to even venture outside of the hotel which is not good at all....soldiers with machine guns everywhere doesn't really fill my missus with confidence..... ::)roll
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Slacky on September 30, 2023, 06:39:45 pm
I’m still here after eating their street food regularly, drinking their water,  sleeping in the filthiest of dives, had the worst case of coach and train travel you could ask for.

The reason you went with some dippy wench who liked to flash her goods was because it made you feel good. The fact it attracted others just ped you off, you did know they treat western women who can’t keep their goods under control like hookers don’t you? I’d look a little closer to home about who’s to blame here.

The place is fine so long as you live according to their customs. Bit like living here if you’re not a born westerner. Refugees have a lot to learn, if they don’t, they come unstuck, which is also their fault.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Splash & dash on September 30, 2023, 10:17:33 pm
Bunch of pervs, lock their own woman up and hide them under burkas, then stare and follow western girls about.

It's a total culture clash in any of the Muslim countries(Turkey,Tunisia,Egypt especially).....

The food hygiene is terrible outside the fantastic hotels I've stayed at in Egypt so that's another reason why I wouldn't go back now....

It's true,the sea,weather and hotels are fantastic in Egypt but it was just too dangerous to even venture outside of the hotel which is not good at all....soldiers with machine guns everywhere doesn't really fill my missus with confidence..... ::)roll



Lol I have been to all the Egyptian coast  ports many times since the early 80s diving , and the army are there with machine guns but so are our police at our airports and many places in London etc , have you ever witnessed any violence yourself out there ?  In all the trips we have done out there must be a couple of hundred trips at least we had a car bomb at the gazelle gardens hotel hours after booking out and that’s it . I agree about the guys being perverts with English women though
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: Slacky on October 01, 2023, 04:10:20 am
I remember when they drove a car bomb into the un-loading bay at the Hilton at Taba, on the Israel border. We could see from our hotel where half the Hilton had been taken out, leaving all the room decor hanging by a thread from the walls of each of the rooms above where the bomb went off from the ground floor up about 8 flights.


It was quite surreal to witness, a murder site, but also insomuch that we just kept on holidaying like it had never happened. Then there was the 60  tourists killed at Queen Hatshepsuts temple in Luxor, in 97. That was worrying and made me pull up on my eagerness to get back there, but it’s such a great country I didn’t stop for long.
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: dazmond on October 01, 2023, 01:15:07 pm
I’m still here after eating their street food regularly, drinking their water,  sleeping in the filthiest of dives, had the worst case of coach and train travel you could ask for.

The reason you went with some dippy wench who liked to flash her goods was because it made you feel good. The fact it attracted others just ped you off, you did know they treat western women who can’t keep their goods under control like hookers don’t you? I’d look a little closer to home about who’s to blame here.

The place is fine so long as you live according to their customs. Bit like living here if you’re not a born westerner. Refugees have a lot to learn, if they don’t, they come unstuck, which is also their fault.

I'm not into roughing it mate.certainly not in a filthy country like Egypt...the reason I wouldn't go back is because we couldn't visit the tourist attractions. No one would take us...

The reason I went is this gorgeous women paid for me to go with her.fantastic holiday and wonderful memories...
Title: Re: Do you give yourself holidays ?
Post by: simon w on October 01, 2023, 07:46:04 pm
I’m still here after eating their street food regularly, drinking their water,  sleeping in the filthiest of dives, had the worst case of coach and train travel you could ask for.

The reason you went with some dippy wench who liked to flash her goods was because it made you feel good. The fact it attracted others just ped you off, you did know they treat western women who can’t keep their goods under control like hookers don’t you? I’d look a little closer to home about who’s to blame here.

The place is fine so long as you live according to their customs. Bit like living here if you’re not a born westerner. Refugees have a lot to learn, if they don’t, they come unstuck, which is also their fault.

I'm not into roughing it mate.certainly not in a filthy country like Egypt...the reason I wouldn't go back is because we couldn't visit the tourist attractions. No one would take us...

The reason I went is this gorgeous women paid for me to go with her.fantastic holiday and wonderful memories...

were you a gigolo back then Daz?