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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be freaking out now I’ve booked a holiday

17 replies

Loramora · 03/01/2023 20:40

I’m new here so be kind,
I booked an abroad holiday for me and my son (9), it’s for a week during school time (I’ll pay the fine if I get fined as its still hundreds cheaper then it would be during the holidays).
im a single parent and not a great flyer however this will be the second time I’ve been abroad with him but the first time where I’m alone, as in no other adult coming with us!
I wanted to do it for the memories especially as I am taking him back to a hotel my parents took me when I was in my teens and it honestly was the best holiday I can ever remember - but now eberytime I think about it I get a deep pit of anxiety in my stomach. I’m not even sure what for, I’m a fairly organised person so I’m not overly worried about forgetting important bits etc, and he’s a well behaved child so I don’t think he’ll be a nightmare on the flight and the flight is only 3 hours too.
have any other single parents taken their child abroad and AIBU just freaking out over nothing?! Please calm my nerves

OP posts:
SilverPeacock · 03/01/2023 20:44

I’m not a single parent but I took dd by myself to the other side of the world when she was 10. It was fine and we were fine. You will be fine and you will have a lovely time I’m sure.

formulatingAresponse · 03/01/2023 20:45

Think of the tummy wobbles as excitement

Imagine being there, relaxing and all the wonderful things you will do together

And tell the school you're going to a family wedding or something like that

I've taken my DC alone on holiday many times

They get very excited at the airport etc you can charge up iPads etc at the airport and they have WiFi take some cards like Uno.

Just remember your passport as your tickets will probably be online on your phone on an app

LadyHarmby · 03/01/2023 20:46

I love holidays but I also get anxious about them, I don’t know why. Just the unfamiliar I suppose and I’m not a great flyer either. I just try to ride it out and it usually passes.

fairgame84 · 03/01/2023 20:46

Yes I've taken my ds to lapland, Spain and Tunisia as a single parent. It was a doddle. You'll be fine.

Domino20 · 03/01/2023 20:47

I'm a single mum to a now 13 year old. Absolutely some of our best memories are from travelling. We didn't go abroad for a few years with Covid19 around and I did have slightly more anxiety on our first trip after Covid19/Brexit but honestly it was fine. We went to Spain for a week at half term and did the theme park in Salou. Fabulous time, try to relax, it'll be fine and so good for you both.

formulatingAresponse · 03/01/2023 20:47

There's not much to forget and you'll probably pack more than you need. The basics you can buy there or at the airport in boots etc

Tohaveandtohold · 03/01/2023 20:48

At 9, you’ll be fine. I always get the holiday anxiety as well even when I’m travelling with another adult but you’ll be fine. Don’t forget to get travel insurance as well for peace of mind

TomAllenWife · 03/01/2023 20:48

Taking my dc away without exh was far more pleasurable

We've had amazing holidays together and been to far flung places too
They've made some fabulous memories

gonnabeok · 03/01/2023 20:52

I'm a single parent and been to a few countries just me and my 12 year old dd..we had some great holidays..

MrsTerryPratchett · 03/01/2023 21:00

Excitement and fear are almost the same biologically! Just interpret it as excitement.

Not a single mum but DD and I have been all over together and with DH, or family members. 9 is a brilliant age to travel.

underneaththeash · 03/01/2023 21:17

you’ll be fine - I’ve taken my three away by myself a lot - I think the youngest they were was 4,7 and 9.

the main issue you’ll have term-time is that they’ll be no-one his age to hang around with and no activities for his age group in the hotel.

herbygarden · 03/01/2023 21:20

Hi @Loramora it sounds absolutely blissful. He will enjoy every minute of it, I hope you will too!

SomePosters · 03/01/2023 21:23

I was nervous the first time I took my kid away by myself but then I realised that I was doing it all myself whichever country I was in.

You got this!

We have since travelled a lot together and it was worth every anxiety

SwedishEdith · 03/01/2023 21:26

I always feel anxious booking holidays/flights - that I've booked the wrong dates or input the wrong names. But the 3 trips I had alone with my 4 / 5 year old were some of my favourites. You get talking to more people when you're alone and you'll feel more confident afterwards.

Minniem2020 · 03/01/2023 21:31

I took DD away myself when she was 4, we had a great time. Even in term time there'll be other children she can make friends with. I work in travel and there's still loads of people that are happy to take their kids out (including me up to a certain age). Yes it won't be as busy as school holidays but that's probably a good thing. I'm sure you'll have an amazing time

EllieRosesMammy · 03/01/2023 21:33

My mum used to take 3 of us abroad by herself, she loved it (I personally have no idea how she did it! It was hard enough last year when me and DP took our 2 kids abroad😂)

You'll have an amazing time and make lovely memories!

Original poster
Loramora · 03/01/2023 21:52

Thank you everyone. Yes good tip on trying to see the anxiety as excitement! I think I’m just having a wobble. You’re all so kind!

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