Is travelling with a toddler worth it?

[Lavender14]

Recently separated and now full time single parent. Part of me would love to take ds (2.5) away on holiday and I love the idea of spending quality time with him in the pool or on the beach but part of me is looking at the prices and thinking is it actually worth it when I know I'll be doing everything I would have been doing at home but just in the heat?!

The idea of travelling as a single woman with a small child is a bit daunting to me -from managing to carry everything and ds, to how safe I'd feel walking about on our own in the evening? We've done a few little staycations nearby but always end up at the same places and part of me is just craving the change of scenery.

What do others think? Any advice from those who have done this?

Yabu - it's worth it
Yanbu - staycation is more realistic

Do it. It'll be a change to your normal which will reset everyone and be exciting.

Choose a child/family friendly place so you don't have to lug too much gear and one that has a holiday club on site so you can park toddler there for a couple of hours to have some time just to yourself.

It’s not worth flying abroad unless you go for a week or more imo as they can take a few days to get settled- my daughter gets overly excited and doesn’t go to sleep easily for the first 4 nights (think running around the room at 11pm and then crashing in tears the next day). We still like to do it but usually go for 10days, we avoid city breaks and instead go to the beach, bring her to playgrounds etc… The main thing I’ve learned is not to make ambitious plans and try to cram stuff in - aim to do nothing but take it easy, have a swim, build some sandcastles and have some nice food in the first 4 days and accept there will be some late nights and mornings ahead. Go for an apartment rather than a hotel room so you can unwind when the toddler finally sleeps! We do love a staycation btw as you can load the car with everything you need and there are some lovely spots in the UK. Eurocamps could be a nice option too!