Traveling as a single mum with a 6 year old

[user1496231209]

Hi everyone looking for advice really!

I am currently in the middle of a Social Work degree and I am due to finish next June. My little man is 5 years old and we've both had to make massive sacrifices so I could study. He has to go to breakfast club from 7.30 and I don't get home till 6pm which is just enough time for reading, bath, story and bed (luckily his friends mum drops him into my mum after school or I get him a cab)

Anyway, its just us two and always has been since he was born and I really want to book a weeks holiday to the Dominican Republic for next June when I finally finish university. I'm going to go all out and book the best 5* break I can for the two of us and it comes to just short of £3000 which I'll pay off in monthly instalments so its all paid for but it really will be the holiday of a lifetime. The only thing I'm worried about is travelling so far with him on my own as I'll only be 24 years old when it comes around and he'll be 6 years old. The hotel is right on the beach so there is no need to leave the complex really as it has everything including a water park.

I guess I just worry about getting lonely as I have anxiety/depression and seriously struggle talking to strangers and people I don't know so that's out the question haha. Has anyone travelled that far with their children as a single parent and have any advice?

Thankyou x

If you worry about getting lonely, Explore Worldwide do holidays for parent(s) and children, often with single parents going.

I don't think your age is relevant you're not a new mum! Some people struggle being on their own abroad and some people love it-no matter their age. I think you'll love it and find other parents to talk to and you'll probably just enjoy that time you've been missing with your son. It won't be awkward as you won't actually be on your own. You've got a built in lunch date. Good luck it sounds awesome

thankyou! I guess I'm just a bit of a worrier with my anxiety and what not and I'm worried that if something goes wrong I'll be in a foreign country on my own with little man! On the other hand, you are right I'm not a new mum and what could possibly go wrong if we stay within the confines of the complex

There will presumably be lots of day trips that the hotel can organise for you. That might temporarily increase you anxiety, but you will meet some people and potentially enjoy yourself, so it could be worth doing.

Do you have the same name? You need a letter from his dad giving you permission to leave the country. You may be stopped at passport control and asked for it.

If you are worried about going so far why don't you look at similar hotels in Europe? Then it's not such a long journey.
Being a single parent on holiday is definitely doable and enjoyable! I've done it for 9 years and my two were 5 and 6 the first time. The first few holidays were eurocamp style campsites which were great as the DC could play outside with all the other kids and we all socialised in the beings with bows etx, it meant that when dc went to bed I could still sit outside the mobile home chatting to the neighbour's and it was great fun and very safe!

Since then we've done many sc holidays and an AI holiday in Greece which sounds like the kind of thing you are looking for. Google Mitsis hotels if you are interested.

Hope you relax and enjoy your well earned holiday wherever you go!!

My dc have a different surname from me (reverted to my maiden name after divorce) and I've ne we needed a letter from their dad. He's not been in touch for 7 years so could t get one anyway! I noted it on my dc passport forms and take birth certificates, and my statutory declaration from a solicitor about me changing my name, plus wedding and divorce Certificates.

I'd say, take a different holiday at that point. Something fun, and nearer to home.

Then, when you've had one or two holidays which go well under your belt, go for the trip of a lifetime. Your DC mightvaporeciate it more when a little older too.

Book it. You will have a fab time. Your DS will likely make friends at the pool/beach. You will likely chat to their parent (s). Just book it and enjoy yourselves. What a lovely celebration for you both.