Is it normal to feel depressed about going on holiday?

[Achoopichu]

Single mum camping next week with two older kids. Up north. Forecast a bit pants.

Have done it lots of times out of financial necessity. Have to say it's usually better when I get there. The sun and red wine make it enjoyable. Feeling the pinch though having bought more school uniform today. Shoes and trainers to get tomorrow.

Feeling sorry for myself today but i know I'll just get in with it and make the best of it.

I think it's just the lp thing. It's all down to me. On my own I need to sort everything and try to make it fun. No one else gives a hoot. It's very hard.

[phoolani]

No, I'm not even a lp, but I take the dc away every year without DP and I always used to dread it tbh; it's nice for them, but wasn't a holiday for me, just more f/t parenting is a less convenient place. Perhaps just think of it like that, rather than a holiday and then when you get there, you'll be pleasantly surprised? It has got a lot better now they're older, though, and I am on the verge of at least not dreading it.

[Achoopichu]

I agree with you . I'm just having a bad day having heard about everyone else's fabulous AI holidays over the last few weeks !

I'm uncertain whether the week ahead is going to be fab or foul but I know I will be shattered when I get home !

[Painfulpain]

I've came back from a weeks camping, 2 weeks ago. I do it most years. I was dreading it a bit, for the reasons you talk about. But I really enjoyed it despite terrible weather. My top tips are;

1. Go with family or friends, so you have other adults to talk/drink with. And to share cooking
   
   
2. take an over sized tent. There is nothing worse than being squashed in, with everybodies wet clothes/towels etc
   
   
3. choose a good campsite. The one I go to a lot is not posh, but it has really nice showers...big cubicles with underfloor heating AND a miniature steam room stuck on the end!! Also has swimming pool and cafe/shop. And, can walk to the beach
   
   The worst bit is when you get home IMO. I have still got piles of washing 2 weeks on. A hallway full of gear that needs to go back in the loft and a tent I need to dry out somehow/somewhere/sometime

[Lindy2]

I think packing for a holiday is always hard work. Hopefully when you get there you can relax a bit more. If your kids make some friends you might get some time to put your feet up. If your budget allows I'd also go for as many easy options for food like take aways, prepacked sandwiches etc so your not spending too long preparing food and clearing up.

[Achoopichu]

Im quite seasoned painful so taking your advice!

Except going with friend and family. Not much family to take. Sometimes I take friends bit not convenient this time. So it's just us

[Achoopichu]

Agree that preparation is good and I will do it. But all the prep is down to me like everything else. Just feeling bleugh today. Will rise to the challenge I know but it's hard

I have a bitchy resting face - sometimes fellow campers warm to me sometimes as an lp they make me feel like a leper

[annandale]

I have to say prior to camping I always have a low patch as just getting away is SUCH a hassle - and am not an lp though dh being ill can't always help much, but he is there and that does make life so much easier. Really hope you find a buddy. Are your kids getting to an age when they can pack for themselves or anything?

[Achoopichu]

Yes they are getting more helpful.

Just having a wobble today. And wishing we had money to go to Somewhere hot and cultured

I have posted on other threads about being releuved To be single but holidays are a challenge

[Painfulpain]

Ah, chin up chuck, it is hard. Well done, for making the effort. The kids will love it

Just thought; this year I bought myself a camp bed (£20 from GoOutdoors)...have always been on self inflating mats in the past. My old bones, loved me for it. Made such a difference