Holiday / travelling as single parent

[notagain123]

Just need some reassurance that I can do this. At this present time I'm feeling so fragile. Some kind positive words and tips would help me right now.

First time holiday abroad as a new SP. All inclusive; lots to see and do; 2 preteen kids.

Not sure why I'm feeling so weak and useless about it as I did virtually everything anyway. Less than 3 weeks to go and I'm having tears & wobbles. I am trying to stay strong for the kids - I want them to have a good time.

Maybe I'm just feeling a bit drained with ExP being an arse this week; stress of summer holidays; working full time......

Do you think I'll be able to go and leave all my worries behind? Or will the reality of seeing 2 parent families cause me more pain? Then it's all the other logistics of meals etc. I'm usually so strong and cope ok ish. Why am I feeling so

[user1497480444]

I've never has any issues holidaying as as single parent. Never given it a thought, really

[dowhatyouwish]

You can do it OP and as a child of a SP I really appreciate the times my mum took us on holiday. Be strong, I'm sure when you get out there everything will fall into place. Do as much research as possible before you leave.

[Notinyournelly]

You'll have a great time. A good age to take them away, mine are too young to go abroad I couldn't carry everything.

[OllyBJolly]

Some of the best holidays I've ever had were on my own with the DCs. (Single parent for most of their childhood).

It was great. We could do what we wanted, no one else to think about, just have fun. I did get through a lot of books as I'd be stuck in the hotel room once they were in bed but I enjoyed that. (before the days of omnipresent free wifi!)

Look at the arguing 2 parent families and allow yourself a smug smile! Have fun!

[MozzchopsThirty]

Oh I love my lone parent holidays
We've done Florida and Italy

My dcs prefer having the alone time with one parent and always complain that exh takes his gf and her children everywhere

It's so much less stressful than holidaying as a couple, you'll notice your the least stressed mum there

I'm taking mine away in 2 weeks and I can't wait

Enjoy, take lots of books, drink from noon and relax

[Whoknows11]

I'm braving it to Cornwall with my children aged 6 and 2. I'm looking forward to being carefree and having no time restraints! I know it won't be a relaxing holiday but the memories we'll be creating will be worth it. I've travelled alone abroad with my eldest many times and travelled with both last year on my own and my youngest had chicken pox - he was 11 months old. Very kind people helped me out when I didn't have enough hands. It gave me the confidence to do it again. I think of it as adventure and my children were so excited!
Try not to stress and just enjoy x

[devondream]

Have been doing Holidays as a SP for 7 years.

Was very worried and anxious the first time but so proud I did it.

The relief at being the happiest looking family there (after a very abusive marriage) was a lightbulb moment.

My kids were both aged under 10 then.
There are now strapping teenagers and we have graduated from AI beach holidays to
3 week camping treks across the USA!

Your confidence will grow once you have done it once.

I have a lovely new DP but the kids I still go at least once a year in our own holiday / adventure. Those trips have been the best parts of the last years.

[notagain123]

Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. Whereas I would usually be counting down the weeks in excitement, I feel I'm counting them with dread.
It's lovely to hear so many positive comments. Perhaps I'll feel better once we get there and the first glass of fizzy has been poured?!

[MozzchopsThirty]

And don't listen to the MN angels who think you should be alcohol free if you're alone with children
Dear god I'd never be able to drink

[Holidayhooray]

Me too. My first holiday as single parent. My two are young.

I'm so excited but nervous about the physicality. Neither will be able to assist in any way with carrying luggage etc. Two car seats for two be taxi from the airport etc etc BUT overwhelmingly in excited.

It feels liberating. My children and I. A little gang. Answerable to no one but ME!

[Ted27]

You will be fine.

I've always been a single mum, adopted a 7 year old. In the last 5 years we have been to Gambia, France, Morroco, up to Scotland and Wales, down to Cornwall. Next week we are off to Rhodes.

The trickiest part for me is the evenings after you've eaten. I've never been all inclusive and we dont stay in big hotels so no idea what the evening entertainment is like but I imagine there is something going on.

I'm not a great one for 'nightlife' so I use it as an oppportunity to catch up on reading, I have 5 National Geographics to get through as well as a few trashy thrillers. Wee glass of wine, packet of crisps and I'm happy to be honest. He is 13 now so I am looing forward to staying out a bit later and wandering round the town

Have fun, it will be the first of many adventures

[anotherdayanothersquabble]

Where are you off to op? We usually have a bucket list for our holidays, things we want to do and places we want to see. Lots of road trips and camping. We bring lots of games for the evenings and books. I still read to my 10 year old and my 13 year old and I share books so have lots to talk about.

[notagain123]

Games and books are sounding like a good idea, thank you.
As a family of 4 the plan was to do a few excursions and sightseeing. However, now we're going as a family of 3, I think I'm better off not pushing myself too much and not planning too many activities. Also, I'm worried about wandering around a foreign country on my own with the kids - especially at night.
We're going to mainland Spain. It's a very tourist place.
I need to keep reminding myself how the positives far outweigh the negatives. That's what helped to get me through the last 4 months, and I'm sure it will work the same for this holiday.
Why does it have to be so bloody hard being the strong one for the sake of the kids?

[Starlight2345]

I took my DS abroad when he was 7 almost 8.. I did find at that age he ate early rather than contential times and not many people for him to make friends with so we played cards a lot.

I read far more than I do in total in the whole year when on holiday.. I have also been on holiday with family and friends prior to this and I love it been my son and I..He does always make friends.. It is fabulous..

I go every year now..I was really nervous. Especially getting my DS through the airport.. Once through I relaxed a lot.

Have a fantastic time.

[Iizzyb]

We did it for the first time this year & had a brilliant time. We went half board so stayed in the hotel in the evenings but explored during the day & had some lovely long lunches when it was too warm to be out in the sun. I took my kindle, ds (4) either played lego at the table or had the iPad with headphones in for s while. Rest of the time we played together unless he was playing with other children by the pool (or building lego on a sunbed whilst I read!).

It was our best holiday ever. He cried when it was time to come home. Our second best holiday ever was our Center Parcs trip last November (our first uk lone trip!).

I would say kids evening entertainment is definitely easier after a glass or two of wine! Good luck & enjoy xx

[SheRaaarghPrincessOfPower]

The best holiday I've had was my first one as a single parent. You'll do it, you'll have a great time, and you'll get back feeling so much better. Promise :)

[notagain123]

When I'm having a 'wobbly moment', I keep reading your lovey messages.
Thank you. I need to do this for me and the kids.