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Lone parents

Use our Single Parent forum to speak to other parents raising a child alone.

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Original poster

Going on holiday alone with dc's - what's it like?

18 replies

popcorn123 · 27/03/2009 22:34

Thinking of taking ds's (4, 3) away for a week to haven/parkdean or similar.

Happy taking them on day trips but worried it will be relentless hard work when away.

Also concerned that I wil feel left out if there are lots of families.

Do you stand out of you are on your own with dc's eg at bar/restaurant?

I know I am being a wimp but need some reassurance (if possible )

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

retiredgoth2 · 27/03/2009 22:45

...yes, it is relentless hard work.

But it is still fun, and quite manageable.

...I take my four urchins (11, 10, 7 and 7) alone. Indeed, on a number of occasions I have taken additional children too!

(bizarrely, this actually makes things easier. I am not sure why..)

Will you stand out? I am probably not the best to ask as I am too thick skinned to notice.

...it can be a bit lonely, but I take a stackload of books and a full iPod for company so it is easily manageable for a week. I did find a fortnight in Italy alone with them a little wearing, though...

Original poster

popcorn123 · 27/03/2009 23:06

I am impressed at you managing with 4! I am also reasonably thick thinned when out and about with dc's at family things so hope I will be OK.

Suspect I am going to try it - dc's are excited even if I am apprehansive!

OP posts:

sundaywriter · 27/03/2009 23:09

have only done self catering but really enjoyed though did wish I could have left the house in the evening. Having said that days were fab, if exhausting so really only had energy for a book and vino

skramble · 27/03/2009 23:20

My first holiday alone with my kids was a Haven type place, but very small scale place. Didn't think twice about how I looked at dinner or whatever, I suppose I was used to being out and about with the kids for years anyway. Worst bit was in the evenings when kids went to bed, I had wine and puzzle books so felt like a right fuddy duddy, Tv only had 3 working channels, so my tip would be take your own Freeview box, or DVD player.

onadietcokebreak · 27/03/2009 23:25

Please go. It will be fun. Yes its hard work but you will be rewarded with smiles and laughter (hopefully)

Choose a site with lots of entertainment and facilities and they will love it.

I am thinking of going away with my DS 18mths alone. I will just make sure I take some books for the evening when hes asleep.

Recently stayed in a B & B and that was a nightmare but we survived! The hardest thing was getting bags upstairs to room and carrying baby. At least with a caravan you are outside!

Got a particular park/area in mind?

singledadofthree · 27/03/2009 23:28

took mine around the country in an old vw camper for a few years which was brilliant. hard work tho and the underlying thought had to be 'musnt loose any of them'

i think that sums it up - took them abroad a couple of times and thought 'really musnt loose any'

RockinSockBunnies · 27/03/2009 23:33

I took DD backpacking around Vietnam and Thailand four years ago - she was four. We knew not a soul there, but made lots of friends on the way - fellow backpackers mostly.

We also went to Florida a couple of years ago, again just the two of us. DD made lots of friends at the hotel, I met some people my own age and it was a really good time.

We've just got back from a lone-parent holiday skiing in Romania with Mango holidays which was brilliant! They do holidays of all durations and locations, including weekends in the UK. If you're a bit nervous about going with the children on your own, maybe have a look at the website to ease yourself in gently. It's a really fab company, run by a lovely couple, and a great way of meeting others!

mummyfantastico · 28/03/2009 04:44

Only time I've taken the kids away on my own so far was camping for a weekend last year when they were 10 and 5. Camp site had no play area or anything but that has never been a priority for us when camping. We had a fantastic time and when we went for dinner in the local pub I was told how well behaved the DDs were
The only down side was not wanting to leave them in the tent to go to the loo, so by the morning I was desperate for a wee!
This summer we're going for a week in Majorca which we're really looking forward to (especially because it's full board so no cooking wahey!)
RockinSockBunnies you are very brave to take a 4 year old backpacking!

MANATEEequineOHARA · 28/03/2009 11:32

I went to Centre Parcs and am going again in a few weeks, I would TOTALLY reccomend it for single parents, it was really relaxing, not hard work at all.

Might be a bit more adventurous next year and go a bit further!

Original poster

popcorn123 · 28/03/2009 17:07

Ok - you have convinced me - will book for May - probably try Southerness in Scotland as only a couple of hours away.

I lov centre parcs- a bit out of my budget for this year (unless there is a bargain) and a lot of walking for my little one.

Will bring lots of things to do in the evening (and wine )

OP posts:

MANATEEequineOHARA · 28/03/2009 22:21

Do check Centre Parcs, we booked late and got it cheaper, soooo worth it for the relaxation!!! But actually I am just stuck in a Centre Parcs Holiday mind-set, ANY holiday will be relaxing!

Leslaki · 29/03/2009 10:23

You will enjoy iy - I actually enjoyed our first holiday as a single parent family much more than any of the family ones!! prob cos the biggest moan wasn't there!!! i took mine camping to Italy and it was fab!! We stayed ina mobile home and made loads of friends - adults too!!! I took loads of books and the portable DVD player for the evenings but didn't need them! Hope you have a fab time!

mrsmcv · 29/03/2009 21:06

It's fantastic, I know what you mean about self-conscious but I went on my own with dd for first time when she was 14 months, to spain. We had a great time, made loads of friends of all ages. I felt so brave for having done it as well, it really boosted my confidence. Been on hols alone twice since then, caravan sites in UK, and loved it just as much. We on one of those £9.50 hols from the Sun once - campsite was full of single parents! It's great, don't miss the chance to go on hols alone if you can.
will look out for you!

knockedgymnast · 29/03/2009 21:44

I took my 3 children (12 and 10 year old DT's) to Haven and it was a fantastic experience. I really enjoyed it and am going again this year!!

Go for it!!!

elastamum · 29/03/2009 22:56

Go for it! i took my 2 Ds's to florida all alone for our first holiday as a LP and took them skiing in Feb. Had a great time both times, am looking forward to doing it again

Original poster

popcorn123 · 30/03/2009 11:21

Am impressed at everyone's ability to have great holidays on their own.

Have booked a simple holiday to Southernness in May.

Looking forward to it now!

OP posts:

Gerfar · 07/05/2009 21:43

Hi
Booked a holiday with eurocamp in Italy from the 21 July for two weeks with friend and kids unfortunately she has lost her job and cannot afford to go now but I still plan to go would any mum or daughter (my daughter is 12yrs) be interested in joining us - the cost for the two weeks would cost you 1,000 great campsite and it would be nice to have a bit of company for mum and daughter.
Ger

caramelwaffle · 10/05/2009 16:24

I took daughter to Disneyland Paris (she was almost four at the time)

My only regret was not being able to have a go on the "big people rides"

Sometimes going away without other adults is far less stressful (no endless conferring)

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