I would certainly look at a DIY holiday Elldes
(booking your own flights and apartments separately without the help of a Travel Agent.)
It's always worked out much cheaper for us that way.

Is there anywhere that you fancy?
Mainland Spain? Majorca? Menorca? The Algarve? Greece? Canary Islands?
They are all family friendly places and all have different things to offer.

I would suggest that you have a good think about where you want to go and then post on the
relevant forum on here and trip advisor for more detailed help.

Please don't think I'm "dismissing" (for want of a better word) you - honestly I am not.

My family and I love Portugal and have been going there since 1997.
So I could bore the pants off you about it - but it might not be what you want.

Other people prefer Spain or Greece or somewhere else....

Something else you could do is just have a read on different holiday forums about various
places - again, here and trip advisor are good places to start.

They should give you more of an idea about the different places and help you decide where you
would like to go.

I hope I've been of some help to you, and apologise if I haven't.

(If I can help you with anything, please feel free to send me a private message. )

Best of luck.

I agree with millie_molly, here is a couple of links that might help
http://www.freedomdirect.co.uk
http://www.travelrepublic.co.uk
http://www.lowcostbeds.co.uk

These might give you a clue
fiona

elldes - Have a think about how far your willing to fly first, so we can then start to think about countries. I usually fly from Cardiff and Bristol, and if you're looking at school holidays you'll be very lucky to find DIY holidays cheaper than package. What sort of sleeping arrangements do you want? As there are 6 of you, it's going to be difficult, but there are some 3 bedroom places around. Everyone on here will do their best to help you, we just need a few more pointers to set us on our way.

Hi all i did say i can either fly from CARDIFF or BRISTOL and due to it being our first time of flying on a plane i would say going somewhere abroad like Spain.

I think that the balearics ( particualry Majorca - something for everyone) would be a good place to start your search or perhaps Costa Dorado which is also a short flight and has the added bonus of the theme park to keep the kids occupied.

I also think that looking for a hotel which offers free kids would help with the cost , you could split the party in to 16 , 14 and 12 yr old and you ,partner and 4 year old - This would mean that subject to availabilty , the 12 and 4 year old would travel free.

Hotel would also not incur any under occupancy but you would remove the convenience of being able to prepare snacks and drinks in the room.

Also think about what type of board basis you would like i.e Self catering where you would normally go for an apartment and have facilities to cook if you need or a hotel on either a bed and breafast, half board (includes evening meal) or A/I that includes everything including snacks and drinks during the day.

Having older children myself we have always found A/I to work out much better value in the long run .the children make friends do their own thing and there is no need for them to come to us at all for money for drinks ice creams etc. As you will know children of any age and particularly 4 could potentially cost you a bomb in spending money .

Costa Dorada (Salou) is a lovely holiday resort, nice beach, 2 Auqa parks, Port Aventura theme park, loads of resturants, shops etc

Due to the kids ages , you would be better booking through a travel agent, and maybe going for a package deal, as, most DIY holidays you dont get free kids places

http://www.directholidays.co.uk/Book/AtopwebV2/EN/Ctg/AtopWeb.aspx

Have a look at this link to give you a idea
fiona