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Holidays

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

Original poster

Solo parent holiday

13 replies

Newpjamas · 03/04/2022 11:43

Has anyone been as a single parent with their dc
Im thinking of taking mine, not sure wether to do a caravan uk, disney paris, or an all inclusive in spain…
Would love to hear others experience

OP posts:
Chocbuttonsandredwine · 03/04/2022 12:48

All inclusive would give you more of a break, depending how old your kids are

Original poster
Newpjamas · 03/04/2022 13:13

Age 6 & 10

OP posts:
MintJulia · 03/04/2022 13:25

I took ds, 10yo, to a cottage in Cornwall for a week at the start of July, with direct access on to the Camel trail. We took bikes and cycled every day without worrying about traffic.

We could cycle to the beach, eat out, shop in Wadebridge or Bodmin. The cottage we rented had a good pizzeria nearby. We were lucky with weather and it was blissful.

Two dcs, less easy but if you drive rather than cycle, there is plenty to do for that age group.

Chocbuttonsandredwine · 03/04/2022 15:20

You’ll probably get more peace at an AI, and with the weather they’ll hopefully play in the pool, and with other kids most of the day so you’ll get time to relax a little:

U.K. you’ll have to do more day trips I’d imagine: and if SC cook and tidy. I know what I would do (and did) ☀️

ChittyChittyBoomBoom · 03/04/2022 16:50

I’m a single parent and have just booked an AI week in Spain for us 😄 can’t bloody wait! We did a caravan holiday last year and I just wanted the luxury of no cooking for a week, this year. My children are 15, 9 and 9.

TheBigDilemma · 03/04/2022 17:02

AI would be your best bet to have a proper holiday and to keep finances in track, just be careful to choose one that is family oriented.

There is a website called TravelZoo, you need to register to get their offers and you need to be flexible about where to go but it is worth it. We managed a week in Crete in a 4 star all inclusive for £350 each including flights. The food was glorious (if you arrived early enough) and DS had plenty of kids to play with so there was not much need to travel around/go to places to keep him happy.

I have also taken him glamping, I didn’t enjoy it that much and it was more expensive than staying at a nice BB.

Starlightstarbright1 · 03/04/2022 17:07

When my ds was little , Haven and Butlins were ideal

Now older Ai .. but make sure there is a great kids club.. also i also always read trip advisor to check sun beds. Can't leave the room to reserve sunbeds

Istumbleandfall · 03/04/2022 17:12

I've taken mine (now 7&11) to Europe and the carribean. AI is the best option imo, especially as they usually have a kids club - I was always of the opinion that I wouldn't use them but the reps come round the pool and invite the kids. They end up having an amazing time and I get a couple of hours chill time round the pool.
AI is better for us as my budget isn't massive so having all food and drink covered in the cost takes the stress out, we do a couple of meals out but the bulk is at the hotel.
I have booked turkey this year with tui and with one child free and a £200 discount for being a lone adult I got a really good deal.

Notnastypasty · 03/04/2022 23:26

My vote would be Disneyland Paris but that’s because I like to keep busy when it’s just me and DD. When we’ve been to an all inclusive I always make sure there’s lots of activities. That’s just what suits us though….

Original poster
Newpjamas · 04/04/2022 06:32

Thanks everyone

OP posts:
WindyKnickers · 04/04/2022 06:53

I always do UK self catering with my DC. My eldest has complex food allergies so I'm still working on my confidence in taking them abroad! We eat out a lot but in places where I can speak to the staff and be confident that they won't poison her. Or tried and tested chains. It restricts us a bit but we love our trips to Cornwall and Wales, exploring coastlines and moorland. Im not really a beach/hotel person so think theres nothing better than the UK for an outdoorsy, active holiday under your own steam.

Villagewaspbyke · 04/04/2022 09:32

Done loads of single mum holidays. Butlins, all inclusive Europe, keycamp, etc. most important thing imo is to have entertainment abs facilities on tap. A good campsite works well as lots to do but so does all inclusive.

littlestpogo · 04/04/2022 12:04

Single parent - don’t quite a lot of different types of holidays. Most relaxing I’ve found was AI somewhere sunny with a pool ( only slight hassle is if 1 needs the loo can’t leave the other in the pool!). Also enjoyed city breaks. Have found self catering less relaxing, particularly in the U.K. if weather not so good but this could be because I don’t drive.

Hope you have a fab time whatever you decide! I was really nervous before my first single parent holiday but now sometimes even enjoy them Wink

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