Would it be terrible going abroad alone with toddler?

[jjanice842]

Like most of us I’m desperately missing holidays abroad. My little one will be two and a half in May and I’d really like to take her away on holiday for some sun. I’m a single parent though and I worry that it would be really awful doing it alone. I don’t have anyone who could come with me sadly. I really love my holidays and whilst I know expectations need lowered with little ones for going away I don’t want to end up going away and being miserable with tantrums alone, no adult conversation and zero break. Has anyone done it alone? I’d do UK holidays but the weather is just so awful and it’s so expensive!

I was a single mum and used to stay in the UK and go camping with DS. He loved it. We went to long weekend festivals too. There is always loads going on at festivals.

Could you take a parent with you? I drag my mum with me though I appreciate that that is a privilege.
My own concern would be airports make travel days long x

I don't think it has to be bad. Going with a partner and fighting over directions, who gets to relax etc adds its own stresses!

I'd have: low expectations, somewhere with easy entertainment (by the sea or in a resort or by a park etc), space for you to have a nice time in the evening with a good view or nice bath or whatever, as easy a journey as you can make it, and somewhere with minimal stress, eg not a bustling city.

If you're a single parent then you can't just never have a holiday!

I’ve taken my daughter away alone! We went to Spain last year when she was 2.5 and it was fab! We picked a resort with a baby club and she went there for 2 hours 4 times during the week which gave me a breather. She also still napped so I sunbathed on the balcony while she slept.
Take a buggy with you and the airport isn’t stressful :) feel free to PM me

How does your little one sleep? If they normally sleep well I’d be thinking of the nights when they are in bed at 6.30 - 7pm and you can sit on your balcony with a glass of wine or a book, but let’s not be unrealistic they won’t want to sit by the pool, they’ll be wanting to explore all the places that are off limits or dangerous.

I’d also recommend trying to find an all inclusive resort with an apartment style layout where you have a kitchenette/table & chairs for when your toddler just wants a snack & maybe a little nap

But I don’t see why given all of those things you can’t have a lovely time, just make sure your expectations are realistic xxx

I mentioned to my parents about coming away with us but they weren’t keen at all and said they were doing their own thing. Which is absolutely fair enough. I just worry about not having anyone to help me manage meltdowns like when it’s time to leave the pool or playground as she’s very difficult with that at home (like most toddlers I know!). I would prefer an apartment for the space so we’re not stuck in one room but the thought of making three meals a day plus snacks and supermarket trips makes it sound like such hard work. Especially going food shopping part. Maybe all inclusive would suit us better. I just don’t know what to do, maybe I haven’t got the confidence just yet and should wait until she is older and more independent as well as able to properly communicate with me x

I did it lots of times with my toddler when I was a single parent. I found an apartment with half board the best option. Evenings were bliss - relaxing on balcony with wine when DC was asleep!

From my experience, I preferred to avoid package holidays, and booked flights and private transfers. It’s a nightmare trying to fold pram, put luggage on the coach etc on your own, whereas the couples make sure one of them races to get on the coach and grab seats. Singleparentsonholiday is a lovely company that organises trips, if you fancy some adult company.

We did a package holiday but booked private transfers. Honestly OP no one bats an eyelid at tantrums. I had really low expectations and we basically just did what she fancied to keep things easy. I packed a bag of toys to play with in the shade near the pool, bought a few overpriced but expensive lilos etc to play with in the pool and we pretty much stayed on resort all week because it worked and we were both happy.

I actually ended up speaking to more people than I did when I was in a relationship and holidaying as a couple! Having kids is a great opener and sometimes I found I just had to be brave and strike up a conversation.