To think you're not really that adventurous if you have your husband with you

It’s definitely more of a challenge (and therefore more adventurous) to travel as a single woman, either with or without kids. Find a new group, OP. This one doesn’t sound like it gives you the encouragement you need.

Good for you for trying to give your children a great holiday on your own terms, I wouldn’t spend any time mithering about other people’s views or relationships, you’ve got enough on your plate!

I hope you’ve got travel insurance though, if you’ve really only got £200 and no credit card. Not being judgy, I’ve been there.

Are they trying to be adventurous? It's not a competition, and every family has a different comfort and risk tolerance level, which changes with the ages of the kids involved.

Hi OP
As a single parent, I can understand if you have felt hurt by their comments, and that you would want them to be more sensitive to your situation.

But they aren't going to change. You would be better off finding a group that is nicer to be around. All round, that would be better for you and nicer for your child too.

Of course it's easier when there are two of you, or when you travel in a group. Each to their own. But I do agree it's more challenging to go to many places in the world as a single woman for instance. I've travelled alone for many years - Egypt as a lone female was a shock! Fine if you're flying out to a resort and staying in a tourist, protected hotel complex. Definitely more challenging if you're out with the locals and travelling up and down the Nile....

I have been to many Asian countries, trekked across deserts, climbing in Patagonia, up mountains and into rainforests....and many other unusual places over the years. All on my own although often hiring local guides for information or to get me from one place to another. Yes, I feel adventurous. I also think that if you go with partner/family or group of best friends, you will tend to stick with them (naturally) and you won't be forced to build relationships with the locals, nor have to adapt to local conditions to get by. Not everyone wants to do this, obviously, but I have found I learn the most by travelling by myself, and have come away knowing so much more about the joys and challenges of everyday life in the countries I have travelled in.

But that's just me. As others have said, it isn't a competition; however, personally I would only choose to travel alone these days, I love it!

O would focus on the fact that you find the group rude and unfriendly - and tha to making you come across as bitter and jealous as a result - which mean it's not a good environment for you

Yes alone is more adventurous but I wouldn't leave dh out of something he loves after all! , and if I was in a group that didn't all help each other out I'd leave it

If you could be more open I am sure we could find you another group that was better

I get you. I try not to but I often feel envious and resentful of other people who I perceive as having better life than me.

And I agree, you should feel a great sense of achievement camping on a budget and on your own. I've been camping solo, and also on a self organised on holiday to Greece. That was all fun.

There is a Facebook group for women's camping UK you could try that.

Have lots more fun adventures!

YANBU OP. There is definitely more jeopardy navigating holidays as a LP. However whilst the couples may seem to have an advantage, their relationships are transactional and who wants to be nice to Gavin who has decided he needs an hour long poo when you need him to connect the gas bottle.
I recommend finding yourself a single mum friend to share your adventures for mutual support.

It sounds like you need to be in a single parents group of campers, as you've realised you don't have anything in common with the married couples.

You don't say what sort of advice you've been given that's rude, but it might not be personal.

You can probably teach yourself to read an OS map with the guide from the OS map website.

Does it matter that you're not as good as kayaking? Like most things, you improve with more practice.

I don't think you needed to be scathing about married women not being as adventurous as you though.

Women are generally safer out and about anywhere if they're accompanied by a man. Sad but true

Life is also easier when you have money

Why does it matter? Are there points being handed out somewhere based on how adventurous you are? I'm also quite amazed that people tell you they have a credit card and how much the holiday has cost them.

I agree that I did feel a peculiar sense of ‘Gosh, it’s all on me’ for the first day or so, the first time I took my young DC on a long journey. My husband was simultaneously travelling in the US for work, so not easily reachable at times.

But of course it was nothing compared to actually parenting solo or being a widow.

However I take issue with your disparaging use of ‘heteronormative’. The UK is 89% heterosexual, according to the census, so why would it be surprising that a family camping group is mostly comprised of heterosexual couples?

Really?! I know loads from my school who went to the other side of the world 'volunteering' paid for by their wealthy parents safe in the knowledge that if the shit hit the fan they'd be bailed out by said parents and on the first flight back home. What then grates is they put this on their CV and expect to be viewed favourably for this mammoth selfless task. Naturally non of them would dream of volunteering in the UK.

You’re right being 2 people will make things look easier compared to on your own even if l of you is just busying the kids

They're kids on gap years. First time away without adults for many of them. Pretty mean spirited take on a load of 18 year olds.

Why does everything have to be a competition?

Here’s your validation medal you’re clearly looking for. Huge congrats

I don’t understand the point you’re trying to make? Why does it matter who is more adventurous?

There's nothing wrong with it but don't frame it as an amazingly brave accomplishment that makes you better than others.

If I said I think my single parent sister is doing a more adventurous thing in going on a physical holiday alone with a limited budget and basic supplies, than I, going with another physically capspable adult, and enough money to buy whatever I need for maximum convenience, safety and to pay my way out of mishap, would you disagree? Or is it only because the OP has said it about herself you insult her and cant bring yourself to agree with the very obvious point she is making? Just curious as to when facts become 'chips on shoulders'.

Personal locater beacon

Is there a competition for 'most adventurous' and a decent prize at the end of the season? If not, what does it matter?

I could tell you many stories about my travels through Europe when I was in my 20s. Many instances certanly qualify as 'adventurous'. I didn't make those choices because I wanted to get a medal though - I was simply poor and single.

If you want to think you are the most adventurous of all to make you think better, there. You are more adventurous than everyone.

It's a pity if you don't do things because you actually enjoy them but because you think you are in a competition. It's your own space and your own time you are wasting.

What's the problem with that? Should they go travelling only if they can't get home quickly and live somewhere disadvantaged?

What does who you have sex with have to do with how adventurous a camper you are?!