Opinons Please

[Shannabee80]

I'm a solo parent. Dad is completely not in the picture. No family around also. My 10 year old is going on his year 6 school trip for 5 days. I have been thinking that while he is away I could take a quick trip somewhere, just me. Somewhere in Europe. I would leave on the same day he does and get back the day before. So i'd be away for 4 days. The prospect seems exciting but also feels me with dread at the same time 😂. God forbid if anything were to happen, as in he'd gotten hurt or needed to return home I would not be there. Would anyone take the chance ? Or am I ludacris for even thinking of doing such a thing? I've always been a very responsible parent but this one chance of jetting off solo to a beautiful destination is rather tempting 😫. Your thoughts please 😬

I'd do it! Is there someone who could be an emergency contact on your behalf?

Omg, I'd love this!

I'd do Paris or Rome and soak up the culture in the museums. Lots of barista coffees, pastries and fresh pasta. And extra long lie ins.
Dreamy

Would you be able to enjoy the break while constantly worrying and checking your phone in case the school had called?
Do you have couple of alternative emergency contacts who could pick up and look after your child if they were sick on the trip?
What will happen if your flight is delayed, can someone else collect from school?

You say you are jetting off to a beautiful destination, but couldn't you postpone the trip and go together with your child? Going alone can be fun but it's also nice to share these experiences with someone else. 10-12 years old can be the perfect age for going on more adult sightseeing holidays - old enough to appreciate taking nice 'instagram' pics but not old enough to be grumpy teenagers. Also old enough to look after themselves in terms of, you can leave them alone in the hotel room for a short while, they can get themselves dressed, carry their own luggage, do their own packing etc.

Get on the booking sites now! Your son will be fine, take the opportunity while you can!

I would only do it if there's a reasonable alternative emergency contact.

Do it! Have someone as emergency back up in case your flight is cancelled. Or get the train. They’re more reliable (outside the UK anyway).

This. Could be a good friend even, but I wouldn't go if there wasn't anyone to be around in case of emergency. If you do have someone then go and enjoy!

Where do you live? Could you take Eurostar to Paris? That way there’s several trains a day to get back quickly.

My husband and I and youngest child went away for a couple of nights earlier this year while our oldest two were at a school residential. All was fine but we only went a couple of hours drive away just in case we had to dash back. Personally I don't think I could go abroad while my kids were away with school, just in case there was a real emergency and we couldn't get back quickly. It's all very well having a grandma or someone able to collect, but, worst case scenario, if my child ended up in intensive care I'd want to be the one with him.

I would if there was somebody to be an emergency contact for your kid (not that unlikely that they may be sick or something and need to come home)

I wouldn’t unless there was somebody that could step in if there was a problem. We have done overnight trips when ours were at scout camp but only when my parents or brother was around. We have had times they’ve been sick and had to come home.

I see the point others are making re needing an emergency contact for your child. if you don't have this, why not book yourself for a UK break? maybe a fancy spa hotel? or a few days in London doing more adult things eg. opera/maybe a beauty treatment at the la mer spa etc. etc.?

Do it! You're only a flight away if you need to come back.

You could fall down the stairs at home and be laying there unable to reach the phone.

Enjoy your holiday but let the school know you will be away and perhaps have another parent willing to collect him in an emergency or delay.

I would do it, but in the UK.

I would not be comfortable being out of country. We just had an air traffic malarky with people being stranded abroad for a few days.

But I tend to be a bit on the cautious side.

Wow. Thank you all so much for your encouraging words. That's really helped me. I will definitely be sorting out emergancy contacts if I decide to go ahead. My neighbour has already agreed and I will be asking a close friend. I've done quite a few holidays with my son throughout the years and though it's been amazing experiences he doesn't like the airports and long journeys. I know if i spend the week at home, it will be a lonely, depressing one. I'm a widow, so it's only me. I may never get a whole week to myself again! 😂 You have all touched my heart today with your positivity. Thanks!

Have a brilliant time and let us know how it goes!

I think it’s a marvellous idea @Shannabee80 . I would though go to London or Edinburgh rather than mainland Europe just because of logistics and emergencies. Go away, relax, go to the theatre, drink wine and see art. Walk, breathe and spend some time on you. Wonderful!