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Holidays

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

Holiday as a single parent

39 replies

OMS17 · 15/08/2024 11:20

I’m looking for some advice please, I really would love to take my 6 and 4 year old daughters on a proper holiday abroad next year I’m a single mother so I will be doing this by myself, I suffer really bad with anxiety and have not been abroad in 10 years myself, I’m really petrified of doing this but it’s something that I need to do for my girls sake, has anyone ever gone through this?

OP posts:
mayfridayjune · 15/08/2024 11:21

I've taken my son abroad on my own but not two children. I wonder would a UK holiday be better in the first instance? For maybe a short break to get used to being away with them and build your confidence a bit? Or do something nice and less stressful like Eurostar instead of a flight?

Pipecleanerrevival · 15/08/2024 11:23

Is there another single mom who you could team up with and go together?

good on you for taking your kids away. After the first time it will get easier. Good luck!

cestlavielife · 15/08/2024 11:23

Do a long weekend in UK first
train to coast premierr inn
and work out what works for you thru experience
Sleeping eating activities etc
Than list your must haves for an abroad holiday

cestlavielife · 15/08/2024 11:24

Search
single parent holidays
For a group experience

cestlavielife · 15/08/2024 11:25

They quite young can you take a friend or young adult with you so someone to watch while you take other to toilet etc

OMS17 · 15/08/2024 11:29

We have already done 2 UK holidays and they had a ball, the Eurostar scares me even more if I am honest I am just thinking 5 nights instead of the full 7 being out there that doesn’t scare me it’s when you get of the plane the other side not knowing where to go

OP posts:
thismummydrinksgin · 15/08/2024 11:32

I'd just go somewhere like Palma Nova in Majorca where the flight is short, and the transfer to the hotel is short (about 20mins). Lots of other families and easily accessible medical care. Go for it!!

LetMeGoogleThat · 15/08/2024 11:33

As a single mum, I took both of mine on holiday. We did villas, cos you have everything you need. I didn't mind hiring a car, but you can look for more central and get transfers.

RecoveringChocaholic · 15/08/2024 11:48

I've taken both of mine to Spain on my own. It was scary at first but they had the best of times and it was surprisingly relaxing. I would suggest that for a first holiday to book a package holiday so you don't have to think about stuff like transfers etc. I also went all-inc as I didn't want to worry about food. I have one VERY fussy eater and one that lives off snacks (healthy snacks/fruit/yoghurt etc, but she won't eat a proper meal). Our hotel had a kids club. Mine didn't go, they were very happy on the beach most days, but would be a good option if you wanted some time to yourself.

cestlavielife · 15/08/2024 11:55

OMS17 · 15/08/2024 11:29

We have already done 2 UK holidays and they had a ball, the Eurostar scares me even more if I am honest I am just thinking 5 nights instead of the full 7 being out there that doesn’t scare me it’s when you get of the plane the other side not knowing where to go

Book a package with transfers there will be someone at airport directing you eg jet 2 etc

OMS17 · 15/08/2024 12:03

RecoveringChocaholic · 15/08/2024 11:48

I've taken both of mine to Spain on my own. It was scary at first but they had the best of times and it was surprisingly relaxing. I would suggest that for a first holiday to book a package holiday so you don't have to think about stuff like transfers etc. I also went all-inc as I didn't want to worry about food. I have one VERY fussy eater and one that lives off snacks (healthy snacks/fruit/yoghurt etc, but she won't eat a proper meal). Our hotel had a kids club. Mine didn't go, they were very happy on the beach most days, but would be a good option if you wanted some time to yourself.

This gives me hope thank you, I’ve looking at half board plus as my girls are not massive dinner eaters but I’m now definitely feeling more confident in taking them.

OP posts:
OMS17 · 15/08/2024 12:04

cestlavielife · 15/08/2024 11:55

Book a package with transfers there will be someone at airport directing you eg jet 2 etc

This make me feel so much better thanks so much

OP posts:
LeoLeo2 · 15/08/2024 12:13

As a single Mum, of now older children, I have found that villas, mobile homes, airbnb etc are just more of the same as you do at home - but without the convenience of home. There is no-one to share the cooking/washing up with, no-one to stay withthe children while you pop to the supermarket to buy food...

For us, a half board gives us the freedom to do some things on our own/not feel tied but the relaxation for me of knowing there will be clean, dry towels the next day, someone else is sorting the food and if I need help or advice, there is a Reception desk I can go to.

We did do an All Inclusive once - somewhere with a water park - which worked because we just stayed 3 days and didn't even venture out of the hotel grounds.

For the first couple ofyears, I always went with a package holiday so we had transpoet and everything all as part of it. After I built my confidence a bit Ithen booked our own flights and sorted trains or taxis.

OMS17 · 15/08/2024 12:28

LeoLeo2 · 15/08/2024 12:13

As a single Mum, of now older children, I have found that villas, mobile homes, airbnb etc are just more of the same as you do at home - but without the convenience of home. There is no-one to share the cooking/washing up with, no-one to stay withthe children while you pop to the supermarket to buy food...

For us, a half board gives us the freedom to do some things on our own/not feel tied but the relaxation for me of knowing there will be clean, dry towels the next day, someone else is sorting the food and if I need help or advice, there is a Reception desk I can go to.

We did do an All Inclusive once - somewhere with a water park - which worked because we just stayed 3 days and didn't even venture out of the hotel grounds.

For the first couple ofyears, I always went with a package holiday so we had transpoet and everything all as part of it. After I built my confidence a bit Ithen booked our own flights and sorted trains or taxis.

Thank you this is exactly the advice that I needed, with the collection of luggage the other side is it just a case of following everyone else as not being able to find where to collect it from is one the worst parts for me.

OP posts:
longdistanceclaraclara · 15/08/2024 13:17

I'm not a single parent but I do take my kids away a lot on my own. We've done city trips but the easiest, and I'd assume particularly as a single parent, go AI so you actually get a break.

Look at tui or Jet 2 depending on what airport you need to fly from, or better still go in and speak to them. Lots of hotels in the Balearics (I'm sure others too but no knowledge), have rooms specifically for solo parents.

Collecting luggage is easy and it's well signposted. If you have a flight that lands early / before check in pack some swimwear in your hand luggage.

Booking a package including a transfer just removes the stress imo, especially if you are anxious already.

pinotnow · 15/08/2024 13:30

I've been taking mine away since they were 7 & 5, mainly SC in Airbnbs. I have loved it, and now they are 17 & 15 I've noticed a kind of role reversal has taken place and they tend to be the ones downloading tickets etc and working out local transport while I follow behind - it's great!

Go for it - you will make some amazing memories whatever you decide to do.

User6874356 · 15/08/2024 13:35

I’ve done loads of holidays as a single mum with my two. It can be stressful but great fun too. I second a package with transfers - jet 2 can be a bit more expensive but take care of everything

mondaytosunday · 15/08/2024 13:45

Yes I ve done it loads but I don't have any anxiety issues (though I hate flying).
Is there a friend you could have come with?
One of our most successful trips was to Rome (don't go in summer too hot). I booked the nicest hotel I could afford and I prebooked day trips/tours (Colosseum, Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius) as well as walked around a few churches, Trevi fountain and so on.
Or a package where there are activities within the complex for the kids?

Whatineed · 15/08/2024 14:04

Definitely book a package holiday so your transfers are included to reduce the stress.

Try to get reasonable flight times so you aren't getting up too early, arriving too late, and also from the return side that you can just check out and get on the transfer bus with a small piece of hand luggage with essentials, rather than hanging round until the evening (some companies even offer a hotel room to change in, so you can swim or stay around the pool for a bit and change clothes if you need to check out of the room before your transfer.)

Kids activities are always a plus. Definitely look for kid friendly pools at a resort. Much easier to manage two in a small splash pool area, and a little playground on a cool evening helps.

I don't really do AI now as my DC is grown up and we are out and about all day, but for young children it's a brilliant option. There's always something they can find to eat, many will have pool snacks, ice cream, afternoon pizza etc so you won't stress if they miss a main meal time because they want to sleep in, stay in the pool, take a nap etc or you don't feel like managing them round a buffet system.

You also don't have to keep your purse on you and don't need to pay out for full portions of spaghetti that they just fall asleep over. I learned that through experience. 😅

I used to also pack a bottle of squash and some snack bars just in case, and also to keep up hydration if it was getting hot.

Don't sweat the small stuff, if they live on cucumber slices, or chips and ice cream for the week, just go with it.

ChittyChittyBoomBoom · 15/08/2024 14:09

I’m a single parent and first took mine abroad a couple of years ago. They were older at 9, 9 and 15. We went with Jet2. There was always lots of staff available in departures and arrivals to show you where to go.

I’d suggest going at least half board, AI if you can afford it. It can be pretty full on taking children away on your own so having all food and room cleaning accounted for takes a lot of the pressure off.

OMS17 · 15/08/2024 14:38

Thank you so much everyone for your support and amazing suggestions, I’ve done it and I’ve booked a 5 night stay in Majorca transfers included and half board plus so meals and drinks are included 😀 thank you I appreciate all of your help.

OP posts:
SansaClegane · 15/08/2024 14:43

@OMS17 hope you enjoy it!
First time I took mine on my own, they were 5, 8 and 10. Was so so nervous about it. I booked AI just so I wouldn't have to leave the hotel with them, and a family friendly hotel with water park.
Don't be afraid to ask for help - I traveled with Jet2 and there's customer helpers everywhere ie airport baggage reclaim, you don't have to do everything on your own!

Torcentre · 15/08/2024 14:46

I’d do all inclusive with transfers included to take the pressure off. Just somewhere in Europe so flights aren’t too long

And take as little luggage as possible, hand luggage if you can. Buy fast track security and park right at the airport or get a taxi

ChittyChittyBoomBoom · 15/08/2024 15:15

@OMS17 that’s fantastic, I’m really pleased for you! Majorca is a perfect destination-it’s where we went for our first single parent holiday.

Whatineed · 15/08/2024 16:37

OMS17 · 15/08/2024 14:38

Thank you so much everyone for your support and amazing suggestions, I’ve done it and I’ve booked a 5 night stay in Majorca transfers included and half board plus so meals and drinks are included 😀 thank you I appreciate all of your help.

Brilliant! Hope you have a wonderful time!

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