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Holidays

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Abroad for the first time single parent tips and advice please!

24 replies

Singlemamax · 14/01/2024 13:55

So going abroad for the first time with my child (8) in the Easter holidays to one of the canary islands. Never been on a plane before so starting to feel really nervous!

Just looking for general tips and advice. Going for a week all inclusive so how much cash should i aim to take? How do i keep belongings safe? Should i take much towels etc.

My app shows i can check in now but don't know if i should ot not ? Feel so clueless and don't know what other questions i should be asking? Any help is appreciated thanks so much!

OP posts:
jeaux90 · 14/01/2024 14:04

I have travelled a lot with my DD as a lone parent. I have a partner now so haven't done it solo for a couple of years but from age 1-13 was doing it alone with her.

If you are taking a suitcase each mix your clothes in each in case 1 goes missing (it's rare but it can happen)

No need for towels at All inclusive places.

Take local cash for taxis and day trips if you are planning that.

Look into the booking process for kids club if there is one.

Make sure you carry documentation of proof of parent so birth certificate and residency order etc as sometimes they check even if you have the same surname.

You'll have a fab time, I know it feels pretty scary doing it for the first time but it will be wonderful.

Mosesbasket · 14/01/2024 14:53

I agree with PP’s advice.

I’d suggest taking just a small amount of cash and a credit card that offers a good exchange rate and no foreign currency fees - eg Halifax Clarity. Then you don’t need to predict how much cash you’ll need (or carry too much unnecessarily). In an emergency if you do need more cash you can always withdraw some from an ATM (likely to incur a small fee but ok as a back up plan).

Have a great time!

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 14/01/2024 16:07

If you’re staying in the resort you won’t need much cash but if you leave you might want some. You can use your cards though and withdraw as you go.

you won’t need towels.

for flying get there on good time. Have your passports with you and keep them accessible.

FlippyFloppyShoe · 14/01/2024 16:30

When I started travelling abroad with my DC I booked a package holiday too as it is the easiest thing to do and there are staff and reps to help with any problems and transport to and from the resort provided, so well done for booking somewhere.
I take layered clothes for flight as I find they tend to be quite cold so want a pair of socks on and my arms covered.
Make sure you know which terminal of the airport you need to check in at. You will check in your luggage (or drop it off if checked in online) and then the terminal/gate may or may not be on the various departure screens for your flight number and will have to keep an eye out for it. You will have to go through security before you get to the gate, I usually just go through as soon as checked in and get it out of the way. There will be people around that you can ask if you are not sure.
I also take sweets for takeoff/landing, water bottles that I can fill airside in airport and plenty of snacks for the journey. Also books/card game/tablet with downloaded films and headphones (so not to inflict pepper pig or whatever on the masses).
My DC were initially excited about the food in an all inclusive, but as time wore on they narrowed what they were eating a lot, they can be quite fussy, but if it happens to you, don't try to let it stress you x
The amount of money you want to spend outside the resort is up to you, I just took a few euros and then a debit/credit card for emergencies/unexpected large costs (never needed it). Depends if you think you will venture further than the local mini market for souvenirs.

tenbob · 14/01/2024 16:33

If you haven’t already done it, take out a travel insurance policy now

Don’t wait until you go away because if anything happens between now and when you fly (accident, illness, ill family member etc) you want to be covered to get your money back

TiredArse · 14/01/2024 16:42

You might need pool/beach towels as not everywhere provides them. I’ve seen some in stock in primark recently.

The trip advisor reviews are helpful to do a search for things like towels, is there a laundry area, is there a safe in the room, nearest shops etc.

Google street view is also helpful. And the moovit app if you want to plan a trip anywhere on your own.

There will be some airport walk through videos on YouTube.

FlippyFloppyShoe · 14/01/2024 16:43

@Singlemamax the brochure you booked from will tell you if Poole/beach towels are provided

TiredArse · 14/01/2024 16:44

Oh and buy travel adapters in the U.K. (much cheaper). B&M or similar will have them. If you have room take a small multi gang extension to charge everything at once. Or you can buy a multi usb charger.

EasternStandard · 14/01/2024 16:44

Good tips here. Have a fantastic time

TiredArse · 14/01/2024 16:47

Oh and check in as soon as you can to ensure you get seats together on the plane (if you haven’t paid for seats already).

AdaColeman · 14/01/2024 16:50

I agree about getting travel insurance arranged well ahead of time.

Give yourself plenty of time at the airport, as there are sure to be queues, and also the departure gates can be a long walk away. Check which terminal you are departing from before you leave home.

Have a wonderful time!

Singlemamax · 15/01/2024 19:49

Wow thanks so much for all the helpful and kind replies! I have screenshotted a good few so i can easily look back.

Any help on keeping belongings safe while poolside? Thanks again!

OP posts:
Businessflake · 15/01/2024 19:55

Dont take anything of value to the pool and that’s less to worry about! You won’t need cash or a card, if you do need to pay for anything it can just be charged to the room.

JaneKatSuttonGoals · 15/01/2024 21:44

How exciting OP - I took mine abroad on my own for the first time last summer, although I had travelled pre-kids.

Paperwork - permission letter from dad if possible and he has parental responsibility (especially if you have different name), passports (need 3 months left after return date), copies of flights/hotel reservations, parking documents etc (not always necessary due to qr codes etc but super handy when my phone got wet & died in Lanzarote) - I put them in the order I will need them for the full holiday to Stop myself getting flustered.
How are you getting to airport? Book parking in advance and allow plenty of time if it's a big airport for shuttle bus

If you can afford it book seats together - it will make it less stressful

Empty water bottles - fill them up airside after bag checks

Join FB group for the Hotel/Resort - loads of tips on there and find out about pool towels - we had to pay 20 eur cash deposit each day for ours last summer.

Beach towels - we like dock & Bay - small & quick drying

Definitely mix clothes up across separate suitcases, likewise I always put kids swimmers & spare underwear in hand luggage just in case.

Playing cards/Card game - good for downtime out of the sun

Mix of cash and cards - remember if paying on card and they ask you what currency - say Euros so that you get your bank rate. I use Revolut for holiday money but Chase/Monzo etc all do the same I think

Enjoy it, relax, it's your holiday too - make sure you do at least one thing you really want to do (I made mine do a bus tour of the island - which they ended up loving despite moaning about due to reduced swimming time)

cheercaptain · 16/01/2024 08:09

Nothing to add. So many invaluable tips here. Following :)

Singlemamax · 21/01/2024 11:19

Thank yous all again for the detailed replies!

Another question lol.

We had a flight change which meant we lose most of our first day there but stay longer on the last. Now obviously last day is a 12pm check out so in the case we wanted to do anything before we go can we store luggage or should we just head for the airport? The flight back is at approx 7pm.

OP posts:
Snowdropsareontheirway · 21/01/2024 11:48

If you’ve booked a package holiday you will probably have a transfer back to the airport included - check this out. You just need to leave your room at 12 and put your luggage in the hotel luggage store but you will continue to have access to all of the hotel amenities including restaurants and bars until you leave the hotel for the airport.

Take a first aid kit and a sharpie pen to label toys and floats for around the pool.

There is probably a facebook face about the hotel but not by the hotel. Join it to find out top tips.

Singlemamax · 21/01/2024 17:10

Thank you. Yes we have a shuttle booked.
I have heard those luggage stores can not be safe. Maybe i am being paranoid lol.

OP posts:
Snowdropsareontheirway · 21/01/2024 17:55

Singlemamax · 21/01/2024 17:10

Thank you. Yes we have a shuttle booked.
I have heard those luggage stores can not be safe. Maybe i am being paranoid lol.

They’re fine to leave your suitcases with your dirty washing and toiletries in but keep valuables (tablets, phones and passports) with you.

AdaColeman · 21/01/2024 18:08

If you are buying new luggage for your trip, try to get something in a bright colour, or unusual colour combination, so it's easy to spot on the carousel. Personalise your luggage with a pattern in strong colourful or metallic stick on tape, and get strong label holders in bright colours. all will help prevent someone else picking up your case in error.

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 21/01/2024 21:27

Definitely don’t go to the airport at 12 for a 7pm flight. Your luggage should be fine in the luggage storage. Keep warmer clothes for the flight/arriving in the uk accessible. If you go swimming on the last day have a plastic bag accessible to put your wet stuff in for the journey back.

GemIsaac · 17/07/2024 17:47

Hi
I'm wondering if you or anyone can give me some recommendations,
I'm going to take my 11yr old abroad for the first time alone and I'm not sure where to go or where is safe!?!?

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 18/07/2024 06:57

GemIsaac · 17/07/2024 17:47

Hi
I'm wondering if you or anyone can give me some recommendations,
I'm going to take my 11yr old abroad for the first time alone and I'm not sure where to go or where is safe!?!?

What type of holiday do you want/ for how long/ budget. What activities are you looking to do?

samarrange · 18/07/2024 11:59

If you have a package then you will be told when you need to be ready for the bus. If the flight is at 19:00 you may be leaving the hotel as early as 14:00 and spending quite a bit of time at the airport, because the bus might also be picking up people with 17:00 flights. Not much you can do about that if you want to stay until 16:30 on the last day, unless you take a taxi to the airport.

The hotel will provide luggage storage. Some places also provide a day shower room for guests who are leaving late. You will need to leave your room by 12:00 and that might be 11:00 or 10:00.

Get a GHIC for yourself and everyone else who is travelling (one per person). This will cover you for medical expenses in a public health centre or hospital. It doesn't cover repatriation though, so make sure that is in your travel insurance. But if you have an option to add or omit actual medical treatment itself in the insurance, the GHIC lets you omit that.

In Spain the medical system is a lot like the UK: Their NHS equivalent delivers care free at the point of delivery (just flash the GHIC) and there is a substantial BUPA-style private sector. If you need an ambulance or a doctor and ask your hotel, they will probably call something private as they often get commission.😠 So before you travel, find out where the nearest public medical centre is, and remember that the EU-wide emergency number is 112.

Check with your phone provider what you can do with roaming. Many UK operators have stopped providing like-at-home roaming to EU destinations, but some offer a package where you can roam for £2 per day or similar. Or if you will mostly be by the pool at the hotel and don't need to be online the whole time, you could just use the hotel WiFi and WhatsApp for calls.

You can pay by card almost everywhere. Your UK bank will charge you about 2.5% on top of the official interbank exchange rate for this. You can reduce that by getting an account with Wise or Revolut, where you only pay about 0.5%. But you have to keep the balance topped up on that. Up to you if you think it's worth it. It's useful to have an extra card, of course. If you are presented with a card machine that detects that your card is from the UK and says "Do you want to pay in pounds or Euros", always choose Euros as the transaction in pounds will cost way more than 2.5%.

Don't take too much cash. Order €200 from your bank before you leave, or change pounds to Euros at your local pawn shop (like Cash Convertors), which give surprisingly good rates. Money changers in the resorts can also have good rates. Do not use exchange offices or cash machines at the airport at either end, as the rates are eye-wateringly bad. When exchanging money (anywhere), always ask "If I give you £100, how many Euros will I walk out with", as there may be hidden "service charges" that are not mentioned on the rate board.

You can also get Euros out of a cashpoint in the resort. Use a machine attached to a bank rather than the Euronet ones that are freestanding in the street. The machine will charge you about €2.50 for the transaction, so take out €50 or €100, rather than €20 per day.

Do not take more stuff than you really need with you when you leave your room. You don't need to take your passport out with you. Officially you do, but you will never be asked for it unless you hire a car, and it's silly to lose that if you get your bag snatched when all the thieves want is cash. Take €50 and one card. If DC is reliable, get them to carry €20 and the other card in a zipped-up pocket of their shorts. Leave all of the other cards that you don't need (driving licence, NHS card, Costa loyalty card) in your room at all times. There will probably be a little safe, but don't worry about that too much - any thief will be able to open it, and they are only interested in cash anyway.

When sitting in a café, raise the leg of your chair and put it through the loop of the strap of your bag, so it can't be yanked away. Also consider getting a rucksack that has a zip-up pouch on the same side as the straps, so that it's flat against your back when walking. (I'm trying not to worry you about theft - the chances that you will be a victim of crime are pretty low - but a few people get robbed every year, and the idea is it for not to be you, or if it is, to minimise the damage.)

Make it into a bit of an adventure for DC. Get them to learn a few Spanish words, not so much to speak as to be able to read on signs and labels: Departures, Baggage Claim, ice cream (and a few flavours), etc. Our kids always felt like they had access to a secret code when something they had read actually showed up and they understood it.

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