Single Mum holiday ideas

[Littlesticklebrick]

I'm wondering if any of you could give me any tips, advice, ideas please...
I've done the typical package holidays with my son for the past few years as I've felt safe doing them. I would love to try out a Eurocamp style holiday, I love the idea of it and then being able to show my son some of the culture around where we would stay. My son is 11 therefore he's a great age to experience something different and would be able to help me. I'm not keen on driving abroad, not brave enough for that yet. Can any of you suggest anything like this or other ideas? This would be for the summer holidays. Where would be nice Eurocamp wise? I'd maybe like to try France and maybe try travelling on the Eurostar? So many ideas and I don't know where I'd dare to travel to or where to start! Thank you in advance.

Duinrell in the Netherlands is very easy to get to by public transport. There’s lots to do onsite but the really great thing is that it’s walkable or bikeable from several of The Hague’s best attractions (including Madurodam and museums) and the beach. It could definitely be a cultural holiday.

Duinrel is not somewhere I would go as a solo traveller with 11 year old, especially if I was looking for culture - sorry.

eurocamp in La Rochelle area of France, flights to La Rochelle from U.K. or Bordeaux area, St Emilion is on train line with Bordeaux

How about a couple of short trips to work up your driving confidence? That opens up all sorts of things (driving in France is honestly fine - roads are great, and apart from being on the other side, it's just like the UK really)

Then you can do all sorts of stuff - I've done Centerparcs a couple of times for instance, with meandering drives back to see the Bayeau Tapestry, Monmartre, Carcassonne. I took them to Paris and Lille on Eurostar which was fun, and we're doing southern Spain this year - but with a car so we can move up and down the coast.

I’m a single mum - when mine was 11yo we went to La Rochelle by train. Stayed in a eurocamp-style place but in a cabin rather than tent. Surprisingly lovely entertainment some nights too.
Free interrail pass for U12s - just pay booking fees and a 4day pass for me. We stopped over in Paris. Had a great time!

When my daughter was 11 we went Greek island hopping. We loved it.

Thank you for this. Did you stop in Paris on your way home and can you remember where?

Could you tell me more about this as it sounds a great idea!

We stopped both ways actually! On the way there we stayed near Montparnasse as it was near the station for the train to La Rochelle.
We stayed on Rue d’Orsel in Monmartre on the way back. Love that area!

I know it's not what you are asking for but as a single parent, I love a cruise. Wake up somewhere new every day to go out and explore or you can do an organised shore excursion if you're feeling less brave. It feels adventurous but also very safe. The ships are great for kids with lots to do, plenty of dining options most of which are included in the price. The bit I love best though is that there are organised activities for kids so at least once in the week I can sneak off to the spa knowing they are in safe hands.

You can choose a city based itinerary if you want more culture- many do Barcelona, Rome, Florence etc in the same week or a more beach based itinerary, Greek Island hopping etc.

Seat61.com is great for information on train routes in Europe.

I’m not a single parent but I’ll be taking DS who will be nearly 11 to Munich without DH in October.

Magic life hotels by TUI are great. They offer lots of sport and even some water activities at some hotels. I've done Masmavi in Turkey it was excellent

How about Italy? For Eurocamp style I'd recommend the South end of Lake Garda eg Del garda campsite or Bella Italia.both reachable by public transport although think Del Garda is slightly easier from Verona airport. Been to both as a family but would be happy to take an 11 year old by myself with rules about where they could go eg stay on the site, don't go in lake by yourself etc. Can do train trip to Verona or longer get train to Venice. Boat trip to town around the lake. Walking distance to small town at Peschiera del Garda.
There s also eurocamp similar near Venice or one apparently v.easy to get into to Rome. I'm heading off on city break abroad just me and 11 year old soon. Its a good age for them to actually help.out!

Cruise

@cozycat1 thank you for this!
May I ask which city you’re off to as I’m thinking about doing something like this too.

Naples. Never been before. Other cities I've done without kids but would do myself with the 11 year old include Barcelona, Nice, Amsterdam and Venice.easy transport from airport and plenty of sights/culture/kid friendly type stuff. Hear Valencia is good too and Berlin