Single parent holiday help!!!

[bunnyapple4]

Last minute I know, but I just had an unexpected windfall of £2.5k, and instead of squirrelling it away I've decided I want to take dd7 away on her first holiday abroad.

I've been looking and looking and my brain is totally and utterly addled with the options.

Can anyone hit me with some recommendations? I want to go somewhere not too far for a week, but far enough to be consistent sun, stuff for dd ie water slides etc, near a beach that doesn't involve trying to navigate local transport systems as I don't feel confident enough, full board (or AI, although I don't drink and obvs will be single parenting so would that be a waste of money?), not too long a transfer, and preferably within the 2nd and 4th week of the summer holiday (28th July up until the 18th August). Maybe Fuertaveura? Cyprus?

Anyway, can anyone help? I am absolutely shitting myself as it's been years since I've been away, let alone with dd on my own... but she deserves a holiday. And frankly, so do I.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

We went to Club Mac Alcudia
Loved it
Going to Turkey this year. You get more for your money in Turkey

How wonderful!
I think the big package holiday operators have single parent discounts too, Jet2 and Tui?
Maybe worth a look x

Link
https://www.jet2holidays.com/single-parent-holidays

Make your money go further @bunnyapple4 😀

Yes I've had a look at Jet2 and they do a single parenting discount! Just so many options it's making my head hurt.

I just want somewhere 'easy' where I don't have to worry about safety as will be on my own, and enough to keep dd busy!

How is your dd with heat? Is f she’s never been abroad before it may be worth starting with somewhere that’s not too hot in summer. Places like Cyprus and Turkey can be very hot in August.

This is a very good point. Perhaps Canary Isles would be better?

Canary Islands even, can't type!

The single parent discount automatically gets applied. It did when I booked mine.

It's a bit misleading though surely because when there's only one adult you actually end up paying more per person because you don't get a free child's place. Just this discount.

Majorca it's a 3 hour flight, palma nova is 30 minutes from the airport. Pick a hotel that has kids club, evening entertainment something like sol Barbados. 4+ hotel and very close to the beach.

Hi OP, I'd recommend Barcelo Castillo in Fuerteventura. 10 minutes maximum from the Airport. Right on the beach. Very secure. Good value for money. Kids club is brilliant. Kitchenette in room. I did my first lone parent holiday there as it was perfect. I'd still recommend AI, I also didn't drink but worth it for ice creams and drinks.

I think I am set on Fuerteventura...

I've found one that I think ticks most of my boxes (looked at the Barcelo one but the only option was half board 🤦‍♀️) but £2k! And 2.5 hours from the airport. That's a no go, isn't it?

Mmm well it's a fair drive

I’ve stayed at Alua suites in Fuerteventura twice now. Not a long transfer, went with Jet2 they really take care of everything so it’s stress free.

One of the pools is heated which was the draw for me because I went in winter and the pools can be cold.
Also a single parent. DD and I loved it.

Have a look on on the beach. You get some bargains on there

I would stay well away from on the beach. Heard too many bad reports

I'd go with TUI or Jet 2 -both have good single parent discounts. All inclusive with good facilities and kids pools plus kids clubs - an option if you DC wants to go, no worries if she doesn't. TUI Magic Life brand has fabulous kids facilities.

Other things to consider - short transfer at the other side. Flight times if that matters to you. Mainland Spain, Canaries, Greece, all great and safe options. if you can get the time off work look at flying Tuesday-Tuesday rather than Sat-Sat -can be significantly cheaper. Also look at different airports if you're happy driving-obviously it depends where you live.

have a fabulous time :)

Sheraton fuertevntura -we've stayed there a few times when DS was younger. Dont think they do AI though. For waterslides/parks onsite The turkey 5 stars are excellent though may have long transfers and bad flight times.

Iberostar Las Dalias gets consistent good reviews and well prices. More expensive is IB Selection Anthelia Tenerife. Both AI.

Do be careful who you go with - avoid on the beach,love holidays and TP agents.

@SoMentallyDrained I keep coming back to this one! It does look good, any tips or insider info you could give me? Is it tricky to navigate things like the restaurants when there is no other adult?

Also @purpleme12 club Mac Alcudia also looks amazing! Is there much do to though apart from the water park/pools etc? Which to be fair I am pretty sure dd would be delighted to do all day every day!

Palma nova is dead easy, and lovely beaches, close to airport , loads to do x

Never been but club Mac gets mixed reviews x

2.5 hours from airport will be horrible x

We stayed in The Jupiter Albufeira in Portugal recently, with Jet2. It was amazing. So much for kids to do. And they have their own daily shuttle bus to the nice beach. The food was great too and all rooms have air con. Not sure of prices now though. As it is AI you don’t need much else in the way of spends. I think we spent the equivalent of £100 extra for a family of 4 but that included some extra sun cream and a lunch out and ice cream for 3 one day - so not essential.

And the flight was 3hrs from Newcastle.

Edited to say it was 30 mins from airport to hotel and was actually cheaper to get a private transfer.

La Pineda - Estival Hotel

its next door to a really good water park
gorgeous beach
and if you’re willing to get a taxi or a bus (the busses are so easy)
it’s close to Salou (magic show there plus other stuff) and the amazing Portaventura theme park.
you can also do a day trip to Barcelona from there or Tarragona.
lots to do anyway.

We went to Marineland one day. Really loved that too.

There are boat trips you can do. Sure there are other day trips as well.

And the beach of course.

I have read mixed stuff about it at times but we never had any bad experiences there and it was only good and we absolutely loved it