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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Advice for not so single mum travel with DC

36 replies

Treesaa · 14/02/2022 19:25

Hi everyone. I have a strange question to ask and would appreciate any helpful suggestions. My DH is unable to go on holiday with myself and DC. Changing dates would not help the situation as it is not all work related. I'm looking for other parents, preferably women, who are in the same situation as me but I do not know where to look. I cannot go on Gingerbread or other sites for single parents because I am not single. I have looked at single parents holidays but they do not suit. Most are swimming/skiing type of holidays which we don't want to do. Also I would like a holiday where I can plan my own activities without being restricted by a pre planned schedule. The reason why I would like to travel with another single parent is so that we can look out for each other as I am a bit scared of travelling solo with a 6 year old...I've never done it before. We can also keep each other company and chat if DCs are busy playing. As I said all helpful suggestions are welcome with thanks.

OP posts:
FAQs · 14/02/2022 19:31

I’m not sure what you are asking, you either book a holiday as per anybody and you might find someone to chat to (my worst nightmare having another mum clinging to me on holiday) I’ve traveled to various countries in Europe, Dubai, America alone with my daughter or you contact someone like this and ask if you can book on.

www.mangoholidays.co.uk/single-parent-holidays/destinations/

HerRoyalNotness · 14/02/2022 19:34

Just go somewhere relatively safe? I’ve travelled alone with my D.C. and prefer it. I hire a car and get us around. We did a 2600km trip in the southern states last summer, no problem.

Original poster
Treesaa · 14/02/2022 19:45

@FAQs
Thanks for your reply. I'm not looking to cling to another mum as I too would find it overbearing. DH pointed out that it might be lonely/scary doing it alone, so that's why I thought it would be nice to have someone in a similar situations (who feels the same way) to look out for each other if necessary. Just to feel a bit safer.
I already looked at Mango, the holidays look fab but DC and I don't swim or ski

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Original poster
Treesaa · 14/02/2022 19:47

@HerRoyalNotness
Thanks for your suggestion. We are thinking of Cyprus or Greece. I thought these locations are safe, just DH's comment is now making me wonder

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audweb · 14/02/2022 19:49

It’s not scary, I’ve travelled solo as a lone parent with my daughter who is now nine. What would you find scary? I think decide what it is that you need from a holiday and chose one that suits, but honestly, I’ve always found it fun.

Sunflower40 · 14/02/2022 19:54

What about a cruise? Lots are aimed at families, excursions off ship would be done in a group & then the main dining rooms you can opt to sit with other people or dine just the two of you? Often there are social meet ups for various groups on board like single parents. Kids clubs are fab if your daughter would enjoy that?

Original poster
Treesaa · 14/02/2022 19:55

@audweb
Thanks, I was very excited too and was looking forward to spending time with my daughter abroad. Then DH mentioned something along the lines of needing a man's presence to be safe and I started wondering if I'm being careless

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Original poster
Treesaa · 14/02/2022 19:56

@Sunflower40
Never looked at a cruise...will have a look thanks :)

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Trunumber · 14/02/2022 20:01

Of course it's not careless, if you're happy to travel alone then do. My mum took me all over the world on her own. It's fine.

RedCandyApple · 14/02/2022 20:03

So you want to travel with another single parent that you don’t know? Do people do this? I think it would be quite odd to travel abroad with someone you don’t know, and I say that as a single parent, no friends or family to invite along rather than a stranger?

Original poster
Treesaa · 14/02/2022 20:08

@Trunumber
Thanks for saying that :)

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milcal · 14/02/2022 20:08

I travelled with my daughter on my own when she was about the same age. I booked flights and organised a taxi to pick us up from the airport at the other end to the hotel. It was a great holiday and didn't need a man or others. Plan what you can before you go. Google places to visit. Google street view is useful to see what's around your hotel and the surrounding streets. It really helps you to feel more confident before you arrive. It was a city break that we chose and walked to most attractions and also booked a day trip through the hotel out of the city.

What ever you decide to do...relax and enjoy it 😁

Original poster
Treesaa · 14/02/2022 20:11

@milcal
Thanks for sharing...maybe I just need to build my confidence back instead of a new travel pal

OP posts:
milcal · 14/02/2022 20:20

[quote Treesaa]@milcal
Thanks for sharing...maybe I just need to build my confidence back instead of a new travel pal[/quote]
It is very daunting at first as you will be taking on all the responsibility but it also means you will be able to make all choices and you don't have to think about another adults opinion. You might even meet others on holiday in the hotel or round the pool.

M0RVEN · 14/02/2022 20:20

Why do you think your husband said that you need a man’s presence to be safe ? Are you ( or your child ) particularly vulnerable in some way ?

Because women travel / go on holiday without men all the time ( at least In Europe, North America and most of Asia ( for starters ).

Have you really never travelled anywhere without a male chaperone ? Are you from a culture where this is expected? What country do you live in right now?

Sorry for all the questions, I’m trying to understand why you are concerned so we ( Mumsnetters ) can help you.

MaizeAmaze · 14/02/2022 20:21

Yes, its unnerving the first time, but it's also great.
DH got a new job, so couldnt come on a prebooked holiday with me and the kids (then aged 4 and 6). So I took them alone. It was great. We flew to a Eurocamp holiday that was advertised as no car required, and had a blast. Worst bit was trying to explain at checkin why we had an empty seat between me and the kids (DHs seat). It took forever before they'd accept what was going on.
Since then I've flown loads of times with just the kids.
Pluck up the courage and go for it. You will find people there if you want to.

Original poster
Treesaa · 14/02/2022 20:31

@milcal

I was looking forward to that too...just enjoying time with my DC and doing just what we want

OP posts:
Original poster
Treesaa · 14/02/2022 20:32

@M0RVEN
No...we're British and not vulnerable in any way. That is why his comment threw me a bit

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Original poster
Treesaa · 14/02/2022 20:33

@MaizeAmaze

Thanks Maize, I think I'm going to enjoy travelling solo with DC

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MrsTerryPratchett · 14/02/2022 20:34

DH pointed out that it might be lonely/scary doing it alone

No it's brilliant. Me and DD have travelled solo and have all sorts of plans for the future. I wouldn't go to Somalia with her but anywhere in Europe, Canada, even Asia.

Gardenista · 14/02/2022 20:39

Why not ask your friends if anyone wants to join you on holiday? I'm a single mum and go with married friends who are splitting leave with their husbands to minimise using holiday clubs. Obviously you could go on your own but it's nice to have some company in the evenings when the children are asleep and you can catch up with your friend.

Northernsoullover · 14/02/2022 20:40

I would book a large hotel in a big resort. I've travelled abroad with two children and had a great time. I felt safe in a busy resort and the entertainment kept them busy in the evening.
I still fitted in a few cultural trips. You'll have a great time. Definitely do a package.

DappledOliveGroves · 14/02/2022 20:41

I took DD travelling around Vietnam and Thailand for six weeks when she was four and had a great time. I've also travelled with her to Orlando and Europe. Always been absolutely fine as a single parent traveller.

lollipopsandrainbows · 14/02/2022 20:41

I too have traveled alone with my two DDs and I love it. First time was because OH was going on a lads holiday, and knowing he would struggle to pack and organise himself, I made sure if flew the day before and left him to it. Cruel I know Grin. Since then we've been quite a few times.

If you're wanting the company of another single but not single (or maybe single) mum, the key is to people watch. Some single people will retire to their rooms with the kids on the night whereas some (like me) clearly like a vino and to watch the evening entertainment. Try make eye contact, perhaps go to bar at same time, swim in the pool, general chit chat without being a stalker. Also helps if your kids make friends with their kids. I've always found people to talk to, only once had a disaster. In this instance the single mum "found" me at one of the local bars and asked if she could sit down. Yes, of course. She then proceeded to get steaming drunk and I had to push her pram back to the hotel, struggling to find her room with her baby and toddler. I avoided her after that Hmm

lollipopsandrainbows · 14/02/2022 20:44

Oh and just to point out I did check that her young-adult daughter was in the room when I left. I didn't abandon said baby and toddler, just in case anyone is wondering!