Files
holiday-plans/fly-drive-options/05-DECISION-GUIDE.md
Sean C 0615c049d6 Add Germany option with detailed costing
New file:
- 04-GERMANY.md - Black Forest & Bavaria option

Features:
- Center Parcs with epic Aqua Mundo pools
- Europa Park (Europe's 2nd best theme park!)
- Mountains, hiking, nature
- Direct flights Manchester to Munich/Stuttgart

Verified prices:
- Center Parcs Bostalsee: £1,480/7 nights (source: Holiday Park Guru)
- Europa Park: €76 adult / €62-65 child (source: schwarzwaldportal.com)
- Car hire Munich: 8-34/day (source: kayak.com)
- Flights: from £56 return (source: momondo.co.uk)

Budget reality:
- 10 nights Center Parcs: £2,400+ (over budget)
- 7 nights Center Parcs: £2,000-2,200 (tight)
- 10 nights Airbnb: £1,800-2,100 (achievable)

Updated:
- 00-OVERVIEW.md - Now 4 destinations
- 05-DECISION-GUIDE.md - Includes Germany comparison

All prices clearly marked as:
 Verified (with source)
⚠️ Estimate (clearly stated)
2026-03-15 23:56:22 +00:00

3.9 KiB

Fly-Drive Holiday Decision Guide

Quick Comparison

Destination Total Cost (10 nights) Private Pool? Flight Time Best For
Portugal Algarve £1,600-2,150 Shared: £1,600 / Private: £2,150 2h 50m Best value, amazing beaches
Mallorca Spain £1,710-2,350 Shared: £1,710 / Private: £2,350 2h 30m Guaranteed pool, family-friendly
Croatia Split £1,800-2,000 Shared: £1,800 / Private: £2,000 2h 55m Culture + coast, unique

Budget Scenarios

Under £1,800 (Budget)

Option Accommodation Pool Duration
Portugal Shared pool apartment Shared 10-12 nights
Mallorca Shared pool apartment Shared 10 nights
Croatia Apartment Split Shared 10 nights

£1,800-2,000 (Mid-Range)

Option Accommodation Pool Duration
Portugal Better apartment Shared/Private 10 nights
Mallorca Shared pool apartment Shared 10 nights
Croatia Split + Hvar Shared 10 nights

£2,000-2,200 (Premium - Over Budget)

Option Accommodation Pool Duration
Portugal Villa Private 10 nights
Mallorca Villa package Private 7 nights
Croatia Resort apartment Private 10 nights

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Portugal Algarve if:

  • Budget is your #1 priority
  • You want amazing sandy beaches
  • You're happy with a shared pool
  • You want 10-12 nights
  • You've never been to Portugal

My pick: Portugal gives you the most holiday for your money.


Choose Mallorca if:

  • A private pool is essential
  • You're happy with 7 nights instead of 10
  • You want villa-style accommodation
  • You like package holiday convenience
  • You want cala (cove) beaches

My pick: Mallorca for a more luxurious feel with guaranteed private pool.


Choose Croatia if:

  • You want culture + history
  • You're happy with shared pool
  • You want something different
  • You like exploring historic towns
  • You're okay with pebble beaches

My pick: Croatia for a more unique, cultural holiday.


Next Steps

  1. Decide on destination (Portugal/Mallorca/Croatia)
  2. Check flight prices for your dates:
    • Portugal: Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2
    • Mallorca: easyJet, Jet2, TUI
    • Croatia: easyJet, Jet2
  3. Search accommodation (Airbnb, Booking.com, villa operators)
  4. Book car hire (if needed)
  5. Get travel insurance

Key Websites

Flights

Accommodation

Car Hire


Final Recommendation

For staying under £2,000 with a pool:

Option 1 (My favourite): Portugal Algarve

  • 10-12 nights
  • Shared pool apartment
  • Amazing beaches
  • Total: £1,600-1,800
  • Leaves £200-400 for activities/treats

Option 2: Mallorca

  • 7 nights
  • Private pool villa
  • Package including flights
  • Total: £1,750
  • Shorter but more luxurious

Option 3: Croatia

  • 10 nights
  • Split + Hvar island
  • Shared pool
  • Culture + beaches
  • Total: £1,990

All three are achievable within your budget. Portugal gives you the longest holiday, Mallorca gives you the best pool, Croatia gives you the most unique experience.

Let me know which appeals most and I can help research specific accommodation and create a detailed itinerary!


Created: 15 March 2026