As a single mum to go on holiday

[Milkybarmummy]

I'm a single mum of a 5 year old girl and I want to take her on her first holiday abroad this summer, obviously prices are quite high during the summer holidays but places like Morocco and Turkey are generally cheaper/ better value.... so AIBU to think these countries may not be quite as welcoming/ safe feeling towards a female traveling alone with a child?

Turkey felt safe at an all inclusive - no issues. That said I was with my husband.

TBH given your concerns, to ensure you feel comfortable - I would pay slightly more but take advantage of a single parent discount and book Spain or Greece, where you will just feel more relaxed throughout.

Turkey for a package holiday, absolutely fine. Morocco as a woman traveller, really not ok.

I don’t think either sound great tbh. I would have thought Spain or France? Not just the safety aspect but also the heat for a 5 year old in the summer!

@PixieLaLa we went once in July it was 42! Never known heat like it !

I'd avoid Turkey myself. Have you considered somewhere nearer, perhaps where you speak some of the local language?

In similar circumstances Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco would be off the list. Greece or the Canaries could fit better.

In a resort type place, you'll be fine in either location. If you're nervous, make sure you have airport transfers included so you don't have to deal with that solo.

I've only done Morocco as a young backpacker and it was fine, just a few moments that were a bit worrying, but actually I blend in there fairly well in appearance and I dressed to blend in, too. I imagine Moroccans are very friendly towards children. I visited Tunisia around the same time and was physically grabbed and hassled a lot, despite dressing VERY conservatively and being in a very touristy area. I was shocked at how much worse it was there in this regard!

I've done Turkey twice alone with a baby and a toddler, to visit friends so not in a resort at all and often out and about alone. My toddler was very clearly a foreigner (very white skin, blue-eyed, fair-haired) so we got some attention but all warm and friendly, not overwhelming. The baby got more, actually, with people blessing him and pinning little evil eyes to my baby carrier! Honestly I found Turkey a wonderful place to travel with kids. My friend lived there for a few years and her husband frequently worked away so she was often solo with her children and she LOVED it.

You'll be fine, I hope you have a great holiday wherever you go!

Personally I wouldn't as have heard you can't just go on a walk without thinking about it, unlike other countries. For me that's a big part of the freedom of a holiday, exploring, seeing things. I'd find somewhere cheap in Spain if you can.