Portugal nightmare has many parents shifting in their seats

IT’S the last night of your holiday in Portugal. You, your partner and your kids had joined a group of your friends for a week-long break in the Algarve and it’s been a resounding success.

The kids had a ball and, in spite of the stress of keeping a constant eye on three toddlers who have a magnetic pull to water, you’re feeling chilled out and happy.

By 6pm, the kids are beginning to get teary-eyed and quarrelsome and you know they are more than a little exhausted from the heat and constant activity — there’s simply no placating them. There were plans afoot for all the gang to go for one last meal at that great little restaurant around the corner but now, you’re not so sure.