First holiday abroad

[ilovecrumpets]

Sorry I know I am both lucky and being silly but I’m due to go on my first holiday abroad alone with the kids and I’m feeling so nervous and can’t stop worrying about really silly things. I’m really regretting booking it which I know is ridiculous!

Kids are 6 and 3. I’d saved for ages to take them abroad for first time then ex left at xmas. I decided to go ahead anyway and now I’m thinking why didn’t I at least just stay in the UK. It’s only a week.

I know this is silly. I don’t really know why I’m posting just needed to say it.

[DunesOfSand]

It will be great.
Totally different, but i fly with 2 kids tonight to spend a month in the UK with friends and family. Leaving DH here. Im dreading the flight (we leave at 1am, and change flights at 6am, its going to be a long night), but the kids will have a fantastic time, and that makes it worth it.

Just remember it's ok to spend half a day relaxing in front of the tv. It doesn't all need to be action packed.

Relax, enjoy and

[Domino20]

In a few years time you will look back at this holiday as a treasured memory. I've only the one child but honestly my favourite times have been just the two of us on holiday. Make sure you have a phone or iPad/kindle that they can use in the mornings so you don't have to get up at 6am every day. Some breakfast snacks to keep in the room so you don't need to run off to breakfast at the crack of dawn. You'll love it! Enjoy x

[drspouse]

Where are you going, what kind of accommodation?
Loads of people on here will have great tips whatever kind of holiday you've chosen!

[disconnecteddrifter]

Where are you going? Took mine at 6 and just turned 4 to Nepal for 5 weeks. I knew some people there and we stayed in orphanages so they had lots of other kids to play with whilst learning culture etc it was fab. I had super long flights (stopover in Bahrain) but had Nintendo ds to entertain them. It was brilliant.
Last year took them to Greece for two weeks, 8 and 6. Stayed in hotel with pool, island hopped - they were awe struck by the ferries. They built sand castles all day and I read a book on sun lounger. Again really lovely. I did feel lonelier on this holiday but I needed some thinking time anyway and we loved the holiday.
I think you'll have a fab time and kids most certainly will.

[ilovecrumpets]

Thanks everyone!

We are going to Italy to a farm stay hotel with a pool and a kids activity for a couple of hours each day. I’ve done UK travel ( I don’t drive) and holidays on my own with family as ex was away long period anyway. I think it’s the going on my own and then being on my own that is freaking me out! Plus the flight and I guess being in a different country.

I’m naturally a worrier - I booked this is a ‘I have to be brave and do things on my own’ moment and I’m now just wishing I’d booked somewhere in the UK. Or gone to my mums .

Thank you for the positive stories though! I loved travelling pre kids, and it is only 7 nights after all

[Cupoteap]

Once you've done it you will be so pleased and proud of yourself

[SaintEyning]

Congratulations, that sounds like it will be a fantastic holiday. I have only one as well and we have done all sorts of holidays together. Off to Morocco this year but we have been to the ME, SE Asia, European Center Parcs and all inclusive in the Canaries - you might be a bit cabin feverish by the end (I seem to, anyway after two weeks of conversing mainly with a small child) but we have loved our time away, just us and no boring daily routines to adhere to. Enjoy it, make the most of the kids club time to read, do your nails, have a treat or just sleep!

[TickledOnion]

I’m doing my first holiday alone with the DCs this year. I’ve been away with my parents for the last couple of years but decided to be brave this year. They are 6 & 8.

It is quite scary thinking that you have to do everything, carry everything, remember everything and there’s no back up but I’m sure it’ll be great.

Do you have a link to where you are going? It sounds lovely.

[user1471530109]

I too am braving this, this summer. I'm not so worried about actually being there alone as I've done lots of UK holidays alone. It's the travelling that scares me. Particularly the airport and flight. DC are 8 and 5 and the youngest has never flown and is so excited.

I agree with pp that I'm hoping for the elation of knowing I will done it, and enjoyed it. We all want to visit friends in the states next year and it's my anxiety over flying alone with the DC that is stopping me. So this year's v short distance flight is the test

[drspouse]

That does sound amazing! Have a lovely time.

[se22mother]

Holidays are much more straightforward when you are the sole decision maker. You will enjoy it. We just got back from a pleasant holiday with no exh. So much more relaxing

[Nellia]

As said above much more pleasent when you dont have to ask anyones opinion where to go for dinner, what sights shall we see? do we really have to leave them in this dodgy looking kids club....
Nope none of that, you get to decide for yourself.
Also it really is quality time with the kids-no manchild competing wirh them for your attention, you relax and suddenly get to hear those little thoughts and dreams come out of them that are lost in the rush of day to day life.
It will be fantastic. You can chill out and read a book while they do their activities. Explore with them or let them run wild when they are not.
As for the journey. If you can make it round a supermarket without loosing them you will be fine.