soapdragon Posted May 8, 2019 Share Posted May 8, 2019 We are trying to find a short haul short break for the October half term. Having been to Bruges and Prague already with the boys we wanted to go somewhere more 'southern' so France, Italy, Spain, Portugal. BUT OH won't fly from Luton, hates Gatwick and Heathrow and seems set on Southampton (for preference) or possibly Birmingham. Lots of the Southampton destinations are only one or two flights per week so maybe not suitable for a three/four day break. Equally, many only fly over the summer. La Rochelle is an exception so we are thinking about there but I don't really know what there may be to do there without travelling far out for just 3/4 days; websites seem strangely vague! Has anyone been to La Rochelle or, indeed, flown from Birmingham? Over to you, oh wise ones! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted May 8, 2019 Share Posted May 8, 2019 This doesn't help as such other than maybe giving you more options but terminal 2 at Heathrow is actually OK. I like all of Heathrow but T2 is my favourite. It's tall and cool and more quiet than other terminals. DD works at Heathrow and says T2 is the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted May 8, 2019 Share Posted May 8, 2019 (edited) I’ve flown from Birmingham several times. It’s a dream to get there from where we live, Soapy. Hop on the train in Oxford or thereabouts and hop off at the airport. We’ve also driven and not had a problem but train easiest. The airport is not crowded, seems to be efficient too. Much better than Heathrow etc. We were going to Australia though not La Rochelle. Been there with the offspring years ago. Can’t remember in detail but no bad memories! Edited May 8, 2019 by Patricia W Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted May 9, 2019 Author Share Posted May 9, 2019 Thanks PW - it looks as though it will be Birmingham so I'll look at costs of taxis to Oxford station. Now looking at Palma or Barcelona. Florence looks WONDERFUL but over an hour from Pisa airport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 Had to Google it. sounds lovely. I'm with other half hate airports and being treated like a terrorist - I am a middleaged mum of 2 and get very cranky at being asked if I packed my own bags. Believe me my lot wouldn't have a clue - but ES now does his own - still have to remind re meds etc. Enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 Been to La Rochelle once, on the way from Brittany down to Lot. Has a very pretty harbour and a nice walk, but perhaps that's it. Met a French chap a few years back from La Rochelle and he was on holiday down here; better weather perhaps? My preference is the small airports, my favourite being Bristol. East Midlands is OK as well, but Stanstead is horrible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiseportia Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 We have been to La Rochelle many times but have always flown from Southampton as that is where we live. We love it and have been with our two young sons (went for 2 weeks) as well as by ourselves and other friends for long weekends. The town is lovely with a couple of sandy beaches, nice walks along the port and yachting marina and plenty of cafes several with views of the Vieux Port and the sea if you go to Les Minimes. They have an aquarium and the old town is lovely. We stay at at The Hotel Marine for the weekend trips as it overlooks the old port, if you book a sea view and we have always enjoyed looking out of the window with fabulous views of the Harbour Towers, listening to the people chatting underneath outside the bars and cafes. Easy to drive to Ile de Re accessible via a bridge from La Rochelle. Not all that south really for predictable sunshine, latest we have been is September. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted May 9, 2019 Author Share Posted May 9, 2019 Tanks for that, everyone! Am waiting to hear from Travel Counsellor re flights but, PW, I looked at rail from Oxford to Birmingham Airport and it was over £220 for the four of us return - I'm hoping one adult flight is less than that! Aggh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 We must have used our senior railcard.... Although do you know you can save a lot by ticket splitting? You ask for a ticket to Birmingham airport broken at Banbury. Saves a fortune. They have to tell you about it if you ask. Also if you book a long way in advance you save even more. See if these make a difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted May 12, 2019 Share Posted May 12, 2019 We stayed at Nieul- sur-mer just north and had a fab holiday. Not far away is Green Venice around the Marans area. You can hire authentic punts and wander round the narrow waterways. Nice pubs shops and villages on the way. Another thing I really enjoyed was a boat trip from Fouras to Ile d'Aix, you can walk round the island in a day. It's an old fort and there are places to eat and chill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted May 17, 2019 Author Share Posted May 17, 2019 Update; now looking like Guernsey will be the lucky destination for three nights during the October half term Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted May 18, 2019 Author Share Posted May 18, 2019 Nooooo, now seems like Jersey! I have to say that, after hours trawling the interweb looking at and comparing various hotels, guesthouses etc on several sites as well as direct on both islands I am def now in need of a holiday! Off to Gower next Saturday for half term - hooray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted May 18, 2019 Share Posted May 18, 2019 I haven't been to either of those so I would definitely like to see photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted May 18, 2019 Author Share Posted May 18, 2019 You may regret typing that PL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
