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Holidays

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

Holiday with 3 kids under 5

29 replies

ponds12 · 31/12/2024 07:47

I really want to go on a hot holiday but my husband will not be around for the time we can go. So I’m thinking of going without him as and taking the kids. Eldest will be approaching 5 and youngest will be 3 months. Want to find somewhere with a short flight maybe Portugal, and easy to roam around without driving myself but will take taxi. Not a fan of all inclusive, but would love to stay in a villa. Has anyone experienced solo parenting on holiday with children?

OP posts:
keepingsanity · 31/12/2024 09:04

I've taken 3 x 4.5 year olds to Portugal.

They could all walk so it didn't involve buggies etc and we just had one case between us.

I did very simple things so just one outing a day and a relaxed evening. Takeaways are available in Portugal.

The down sides are it's not really a break, going to the supermarket is a trial as is getting the shopping back. Mine had tablets and each other to play with but they didn't have many toys etc. pick pool areas carefully as mine panicked me as they were like rats up drainpipes 😂

If you are set on going id look for daytime flights, short transfers and lots of things in walking distance. Central albueferia is good. Id also go for all inclusive or similar to avoid shopping and cooking. Also decent kids clubs and a shallow kids pool. The problem with the different ages is you need a ton of luggage for all the stuff and it's difficult to navigate.

A cruise could work well but you need to investigate cabin options thoroughly. Great childcare, catered and very safe on board. Also full medical facilities although they don't usually let under 6 months olds travel.

Personally I'd stay in the UK. Maybe a caravan or try somewhere like the Dalmeny Hotel

Travelling alone often means literally no time for yourself and things like navigating the airport are are real struggle I.e going through security or just needing the loo yourself

whosaidtha · 31/12/2024 09:38

I think your idea of a holiday isn't bad it's just the type of holiday you have in mind. A flight with 3kids?? A bus with 3 those ages is hard enough.

What about a uk break?
Hiring a holiday nanny?
Going with your parents or other relatives?

Budgiegirlbob · 31/12/2024 09:52

Villa holidays with small kids can be lovely - we did them when our three were tiny. You do what you want when you want , you can give the kids food similar to what they have at home for at least some of the time, we found it easier to watch the pool area as it was private , not shared. Make sure you get one that is fenced with a locked gate - it really helps the stress levels!

But we always had at me and DH with us at a minimum, and sometimes my in-laws came too. We also had a car. Managing without one - especially for shopping - would be a real challenge.

Dont under estimate how difficult flying is with small children. Juggling buggies, car seats, kids , paperwork, and suitcases is hard work, and I’d say probably impossible with 1 adult. I don’t know if airports would give you assistance if you requested it in advance.

Also, remember that your kids may struggle with a change of routine/food/heat etc. Mine were great kids at home, but could be hell on earth for the first couple of days on holiday, until they settled.

if you think you can manage all this on your own, then go for it. But having done it with more than one adult (and it being hard work at times even then), I wouldn’t even consider it. I used to take regular hotel breaks to London on my own with three small kids, so I was used to doing some travel in my own with them, but two weeks abroad would be a step too far.

Disturbia81 · 31/12/2024 12:20

Makelikeatreeandleaf · 31/12/2024 07:54

Well it would only be a holiday in the sense there was sun and you were not at home. In every other way, I suspect it would be quite shit actually.

This
It was a nightmare even with just 1 kid and 2 parents.

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