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Original poster

Single parents taking kids away tips please!

21 replies

Phillyfog · 07/08/2020 22:41

Evening,

I’ve never been away with the kids with out exdh. We split early this year and I’m looking forwards to going some I want to go.

We’ve always done resorts and all inclusive but I don’t know if I’m reaching with the idea I’ve got.

It’s a villa in a country I’ve never been too and I’d have to hire a car and driving on other side of the road - which I’ve never done GrinThere isn’t any entertainment which they normally have but the Villa is literally on the beach so thought the kids could knacker themselves out on it and have a meal out then bed.

Or should I stick to a hotel resort.

Would a resort be safer? Would you got a villa by yourself with kids?

The kids will be 8 & 4

Thanks

OP posts:
SoloMummy · 08/08/2020 07:22

Hi,
Hotel v apartment.
As a lone parent I like the security of hotels. But the privacy an apartment affords can be appealing.
I suppose much would depend on the type of apartment, location - flat in a building v detached house with no near neighbours. And also the country.
If it wasn't for covid, I'd be inclined to go for the hotel as a first holiday alone. (usually entertainment and pool being factors).
Not sure that helps?

Ricekrispie22 · 08/08/2020 07:36

I suppose it depends whether your children are good at entertaining themselves and whether they enjoy organised entertainment and company of children their own age.
Personally I’d go for a hotel with a kids club so that there was childcare (even if it’s for a couple of hours once or twice) and so you don’t have to cook. I find that when I’m on a beach with my Dc, I’ve got to keep half an eye on them at all times, which means I can’t nod off or get into my book. If we’re using a resort’s pool, I don’t mind reading so much because there are lifeguards watching the pools.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 08/08/2020 08:22

I'm a single parent and I've been going abroad on my own with DS since he was 2.

We always go to resorts. The idea of having to cook and clean at a villa isn't a holiday for me. Plus there's kids clubs and entertainment which is good for DS as he's an only child. Then we get out and about and do day trips if we want.

milkysmum · 08/08/2020 08:25

I took mine for the 1st time abroad 2 Years ago. We opted for an all inclusive resort so that it felt more like a holiday for all of us but it really depends on you and your children as individuals. We went to Morocco and loved it!

RedCatBlueCat · 08/08/2020 08:35

I've done EuroCamp /Haven style stuff with the kids alone (I'm not a single parent tho). Loads of entertainment, but also a small kitchen for when they want breakfast at 6am. Also a space I can relax in after the kids have gone to bed. The bit I cant get my head around with a hotel room is sitting in the dark from 9pm once the kids have dropped off.
I've also done self catering cottages, but usually very close to my parents or an area I know well, so the days are easy as I know my way around.

Its definitely worth a try. If you prefer the resort style holiday, you can go back to that for the next time.

Kittykatmacbill · 08/08/2020 08:52

A villa doesn’t sound like a holiday ever and especially without another adult to share the work with. I particular love a kids club, mine seem to love them, and it means we can get for run or read a book in the sun for a couple of hours and get a proper break.

JadesRollerDisco · 08/08/2020 09:03

Even at a hotel (suite with two bedrooms, small living/dining/kitchenette bit and bathroom), towel service, on site pool, spa and kids clubs, and not having to drive, I found holidaying as a single parent quite stressful. That's the most relaxing one I've had though, other than staying with family/friends who live abroad. I have tried to do holidays which had more things to worry about than that (not so easily accessible, no kids activities, self catering, etc.) and it wasn't a a holiday at all

Fldn33r · 08/08/2020 09:07

First time I went abroad on my own with my kids they were 5 and 7. I opted for the all inclusive, kids club type hotel because I thought it would be easier with me being in my own.

It worked really well, the kids made friends in the hotel and I didn't have to stress about cooking or the usual adult duties. I toyed with the idea of taking them to Florida the year afterwards (in the end I decided I couldn't afford it) but I have to say as a confident and experienced driver I felt rather intimidated at the thought if driving on the other side of the road with no one as moral support Confused But you are probably braver than I am!

SimonJT · 08/08/2020 09:10

I always do a villa when we go somewhere warm, I always book somewhere with its own pool, you can get catered villas (a bit like chalet girls at ski resorts) if you want a few meals cooking. Or you can book a seperate catering company to come and cook for you, even if its just one evening.

We were meant to be in Sitges in July ☹️
The villa has an insanely coloured pink kitchen 😂 private pool, garden, playground and outdoor kitchen. Its a maybe 5 minute walk to the beach and a 5-10 minute drive to the centre of Sitges, so it means the nearest beach is always fairly quiet, even in the high season.

My son is five now but we have been there twice before when he was 2 and just shy of 4.

Driving on the right is fine, but having your gear stick on the right can be a bit odd so some people find it easier to hire an automatic.

midnightstar66 · 08/08/2020 09:39

I'm a lone parent and have done every type of holiday you can think of. This year has just been camping and a seaside house but we normally go abroad. The only thing that would put me off is the driving - I've driven on the other side of the road and really hate it. I've never done it with dc and not sure I'd want to on my own in a strange place as they can be pretty distracting! So tend to use places with transport links except when we go to Cyprus where they drive on the left. Echo also what a pp said about not wanting to cook and clean but if there is a good range of restaurants you might only need simple breakfast and snack foods. We've never used a kids club but depends what your kids are in to . I'd maybe go for something in between - a self catering villa/apartment in a holiday village for example so you have the choice of either type of holiday once you are there. Many allow you to upgrade to AI once you are there for part or all of your stay.

blacktop · 08/08/2020 09:43

Tbh a villa on a beach may as well be a holiday cottage in the U.K. weather aside of course as we have no guarantees, but if I were paying lost of money and going abroad I would want something for my money. I think your kids would bore more than tire - a resort would be much better for them, and you.

CayrolBaaaskin · 08/08/2020 09:46

I’d go for a eurocamp or hotel type holiday with entertainment. I’m a single parent and find that much easier. The kids have entertainment and friends and company for you too if u want

Original poster
Phillyfog · 08/08/2020 10:03

Thanks for the messages!

The villa is is Sardinia and it’s back gate literally opens on to the sand, I’ve stared at this villa for years but ex always vetoed it so I think that’s why I’m still hankering to go.

Simon this villa has a dubious pink frilly room Grin

I had visions of my self driving through the Sardinian country dude with a scarf around my head and sunglasses but I think the reality of it would be that if he sweating with anxiety and shouting at the kids so I can concentrate Grin

I think I’m going to stick to a resort so I dont have to cook and tbh I think I might get a bit spooked in a villa by myself at night. I think the kids clubs will be a good idea as ex would never allow them to go in before but at least i’ll get an hour to myself.

OP posts:
Original poster
Phillyfog · 08/08/2020 10:04

So many typos!!

OP posts:
SoloMummy · 08/08/2020 11:11

@RedCatBlueCat

I've done EuroCamp /Haven style stuff with the kids alone (I'm not a single parent tho). Loads of entertainment, but also a small kitchen for when they want breakfast at 6am. Also a space I can relax in after the kids have gone to bed. The bit I cant get my head around with a hotel room is sitting in the dark from 9pm once the kids have dropped off. I've also done self catering cottages, but usually very close to my parents or an area I know well, so the days are easy as I know my way around.

Its definitely worth a try. If you prefer the resort style holiday, you can go back to that for the next time.

I've never experienced the hotel at 9pm issue tbh. Usually we've been busy so back late. If an earlier night I've sat on the balcony, read a book - heaven, watched a film, lounged in Bath! But I'm not a parent who insists on an early bedtime on holiday. Though I bring supplies/snacks etc so early wakes etc are always easily remedied. And prefer to book a hotel that provides a fridge as a minimum and I always investigate the location of nearest supermarket before we leave so can do this cheaply.
SoloMummy · 08/08/2020 11:13

@Phillyfog

Thanks for the messages!

The villa is is Sardinia and it’s back gate literally opens on to the sand, I’ve stared at this villa for years but ex always vetoed it so I think that’s why I’m still hankering to go.

Simon this villa has a dubious pink frilly room Grin

I had visions of my self driving through the Sardinian country dude with a scarf around my head and sunglasses but I think the reality of it would be that if he sweating with anxiety and shouting at the kids so I can concentrate Grin

I think I’m going to stick to a resort so I dont have to cook and tbh I think I might get a bit spooked in a villa by myself at night. I think the kids clubs will be a good idea as ex would never allow them to go in before but at least i’ll get an hour to myself.

It sounds idyllic. But I'd be terrified that others could easily access the apartment with the beach access. I know from experience in other countries a lot of people wander off beaches, even if private ....
Original poster
Phillyfog · 08/08/2020 11:20

It sounds idyllic. But I'd be terrified that others could easily access the apartment with the beach access. I know from experience in other countries a lot of people wander off beaches, even if private ....

I know this is what I’m worried about! Ah well a girl can dream!

OP posts:
midnightstar66 · 08/08/2020 11:58

. Also a space I can relax in after the kids have gone to bed. The bit I cant get my head around with a hotel room is sitting in the dark from 9pm once the kids have dropped off.

Why would anyone do that?

OP do you have a friend with DC you could do the Sardinia villa with together some time? Might be more fun with adult company.

JadesRollerDisco · 08/08/2020 12:38

The 9pm thing is easily resolved for me when I have my kids with me, because we have early starts, busy days, and by 9pm all I want is a bath, something to watch on TV and room service/pizza maybe. On holidays that have evening entertainments for the kids, you pick a night or two to stay up later, bringing buggy for them to sleep in. Or if it's somewhere in a town/city a meal later and a tired carry/buggy ride to bed. In places like Spain/Greece/Italy/Portugal etc. it's not unusual to have a siesta and then eat later especially in the hotter months. I'm not an evenings out person when we are home either though. As a single parent I find that I live much more to my kids schedules than when I was with my ex. I try to get an hour of child free time most nights for headspace, but my oldest is getting to an age wheee she needs almost the same amount of sleep as me.

JadesRollerDisco · 08/08/2020 12:41

It can be lonely though! I have gone away with friends and family or to see friends and family, and that's a lot more sociable and fun, especially if the ratio of adults to children is right.

SoloMummy · 08/08/2020 15:07

@JadesRollerDisco

It can be lonely though! I have gone away with friends and family or to see friends and family, and that's a lot more sociable and fun, especially if the ratio of adults to children is right.
I have never found it lonely, but have always chattered to people when out and about. Though I know last year there was a lone mum also on holiday who had money issues and stated she was lonely and hated lone holidays. 🤑
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