It’s been a very busy couple of days, coming back from Spain, settling the kids back into school, returning to work, and just trying to get back into routine. It’s been a lot. But I told myself I was going to share this trip with you, and I’m keeping that promise.
So if you’re planning a trip to Spain, specifically Palma, Mallorca, this post is for you.
Let’s talk about how to do it on a budget, with kids, and still have an amazing experience.
Why Palma, Mallorca?
I wanted a holiday that ticked three boxes:
* Close to the beach
* Plenty of activities for the kids
* Not too far from the airport
Palma gave me all three.
How I Booked a Cheap Holiday (No Package Deals!)
Let me start with this:
I did NOT book a package holiday.
And honestly? That saved me money.
Instead, I booked everything separately:
* Flights
* Hotel
* Car rental
Package deals can look convenient, but they’re not always the cheapest option especially when you want flexibility.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Sol Barbados, part of the Meliá Hotels International group.
And location-wise? Perfect.
Here’s why:
* About 10 minutes walk to the beach
* Surrounded by restaurants and food spots (yes - KFC, McDonald’s, Domino’s, Burger King… if you need familiar options with kids, it helps!)
* About 18 minutes walk to kids’ activities
* Close to one of the biggest attractions: Katmandu Park
So everything we needed was within reach.
Getting Around: Why Renting a Car Saved Me Money
Now let’s talk about one of my best decisions:
I rented a car.
I got a Toyota Corolla Hybrid for about £7 per day.
Total transport cost? Under £50 for the entire trip.
Let that sink in.
If I had done:
* Airport transfers
* Taxis into the city
* Daily movement
…I would have easily spent way more.
We drove into Palma city about 3 times (roughly 30 minutes each way), and I only spent about €10 on fuel.
💡 Important note:
Only do this if you’re confident driving abroad. If not, skip it. But if you can, this is a massive money saver.
Things to Do in Palma (Especially with Kids)
🌊 1. The Beach
Simple. Free. Necessary.
Clean, beautiful, and perfect for kids.
🎢 2. Katmandu Park
This place? The kids LOVED it.
* Indoor + outdoor fun
* Perfect for a full family day
If you’re going with children, this is a must.
This was honestly one of my favourite parts of the trip.
Think:
* Interactive rooms
* Visual experiences
* Constant engagement from start to finish
This was better.
Every room had something new. It was fun, engaging, and just… joyful.
🏙️ 4. Palma City (Don’t Skip This)
We made sure to explore the town as well.
* Beautiful architecture
* The cathedral (stunning in real life)
* A different vibe from the resort areas
It’s worth stepping out of your hotel zone to experience the real Palma.
Let me save you money right now.
Stop booking activities online in advance.
I know, it feels safer.
They make it look like:
* “Limited slots”
* “Almost sold out”
* “Book now or miss out”
But here’s my real experience:
Example 1:
* Online price: €60
* Walk-in price: €45
Example 2 (via hotel discount):
* Online: Higher price
* Through hotel: Significantly cheaper
So what did I learn?
Wait until you get there.
Ask your hotel for discount.
Walk in and book directly.
Especially when travelling with kids because let’s be honest:
Plans change.
Someone gets tired.
Someone wants to be carried.
Time-bound bookings can become stress instead of fun.
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
Absolutely.
This trip was:
* Budget-friendly
* Kid-friendly
* Stress-managed (because of flexibility)
And most importantly?
We actually enjoyed it.
Not rushing.
Not overbooking.
Not overspending.
Just… living in the moment.
If You’re Planning a Trip…
If you’re thinking of going to Palma or anywhere similar, take this as your sign:
You don’t need a luxury budget to create beautiful memories.
You just need:
* Smart planning
* Flexibility
* And a few honest tips like these 😉
With Love,
Ayo
Osheyyyy chief planner
ReplyDeleteYes ke 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽
Delete