Holidays with kids when single..

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maybe this should be in the lone parents forum - but I tend to frequent here - sorry!

I was wondering - anyone else going away on their own with the kids this year?

have been seperated from ex-dh for 3 years - first year, we were all too shell shocked to do owt. Second year, I came into a bit of money, and took them skiing - I knew I wouldn't be able to afford to do it again - so we went - and it was great!

It was bloody hard work - trying to get everyone ready for the 8am bus to ski school with skis, poles, bibs, passes, snacks, goggles etc - it was like the school run multiplied by 38! I met another woman with two boys (like me) who was also doing it on her own - and we had a great time! I know it sounds pathetic - but it was a big deal to me- feeling that frisson of excitement and nerves about being in a different country on my own with the children for the first time

Later that year, in summer, I took them camping for a few weeks - started off in North Yorkshire, and meandered our way down, with the bikes on the back, staying in various places on our way back down south. Again - we had a great time - but it was a bit scary - putting the tent up on my own, wondering if the bikes were secure on the back, handing ds1 a map to try to direct us, only to find it was a map of France...... again it was great - made loads of mates!

I was still a bit unnerved however.

Then last year - I had a boyfriend at the time - we saw each other for about a year, so we all went to a caravan in Dorset. It was kinda nice having another adult there, but tbh - it felt like another person to have to look after and placate, as he didn't do a lot, (well - nowt really) and had a tendency to sulk.. - we split up not long after....

Tomorrow - me and boys are going to the isle of wight to a caravan (was going to do camping, but given recent weather..)

Most stuff is packed, bike rack on, a list of last minute things to do. I excelled myself today by putting my debit card through the washing machine on a 60 ' cycle with spin - but it still seems to be working - hoorah!

We practised our cricket skills on the green at the end of the street today, and ds2 sent the ball into someone elses garden, and I had to take him with me to ask for it back - I felt like I was 10 again ("Mister - so sorry mister - can we have our ball back please?")

I still feel excited and a bit nervous. I know we will have a great time - ds1 is older now (14) and is good at map reading if the map relates to the right country... I know I will meet new people, who I will get on with.

I still feel slightly nervous though - all the things to remember - the kids are great at doing their bit - I dunno what it is - just slight anxiety that I get every time I do this - am I pathetic? it doesn't stop me doing it however, cos I know deep down it will be fine - do I sound stupid? I know i'm not trekking over the himalayas, just going to thge isle of wight FGS!

Anyone else going away with the kids alone this year?

Yes, and it's really no big deal. I've been holidaying on my own with DCs since they were 8 and 4; they are now 13 and 9.

Some years we have booked places to stay with or close to family or friends, and that can be good so that the children have other children to play with (but going to a holiday park or family-type hotel would also work for that) and I can have some adult company, but we've also travelled all over the place just the three of us, including lots of Europe, US, Asia and Australia.

It's not easy when they are little, but your DCs are old enough to be helpful and possibly good company. You'll be fine - hope you have a great time.

Yes I am not long back from Lanzarote .. first holiday as just me and DD7.. I was quite worried before I went but it was great!

Have a lovely time spending lots of quality time with the kids x

Me and my 3 yo had a week at the seaside, was brilliant!! You will have a fab time!!

DS and I have been going on holidays together for 12 years now - single parent from birth. When he was very young we used to go on family activity holidays where everyone pitches in together rather than sit round a pool saying nothing to each other. Now he's older we choose the location together and take ourselves off to somewhere we both find interesting. I do the lions share of the jobs but he has to take on certain responsibilities. I find the best approach is to be very organised (looks at holiday folder rapidly filling up with this year's bookings and information) and take plenty of cash in case of emergencies.

Everything packed, ready to go - and what fab weather!

Thanks guys for moral support - I know it will be fine and will have a superb time - see you when I get back!

There are companies that specialise in holidays for single parents. I have experience of this one: www.singlewithkids.co.uk/ and they also have a forum, where people can chat and arrange their own meet ups and trips.

yes -

and even before as exp had always reasons to not come !

it's great as you say

and as kids get older too they help more.

so much nicer than with a grumpy child-adult around

Op I think you sound fab taking your dc on all those holidays on your own as do the other posters, this year is my first proper year now the dust had settled from divorce etc and all I am managing is a few days with my parents in their caravan in Wales which will be nice, but I don't have the confidence yet to book and travel on my own with the dc, it seems a bit daunting tbh, so hats off to all of you that do!

@susiedaisy. It's probably more daunting when you're used to doing things as a couple. Pre-DS I'd been on singles holidays for years so it wasn't such a stretch. Nothing wrong with a caravan. We've mostly done UK holidays because, much as I like travel, I said we weren't going abroad until he was big/old enough to pull his own suitcase :) Also, if the destination is a car-drive away and we aren't having a good time, there's always the option to come home early.

Another long-term single parent holidayer. Seemed like hard work when DCs were little but now they are older, we have a great time. I've done a wide variety of types of holiday; some on my own, some with tour operators. When the DCs were little a tour operator was easier, as the DCs have got older, I've found we enjoy doing things by ourselves.
Would second Cogito's advice about being very organised & trying to cover off all eventualities.
Understandable to feel nervous - it is always a bit of a step into the unknown!

Just back from a week in Majorca just me and DCs. Was great. I didn't find it harder than with ex-H, was much easier. No-one wingeing or complaining and no arguing or sulking. Fantastic and would recommend. Really I can't think of any disadvantages. I suppose the only one, possibly, is that if you are somewhere that it's predominantly families then you can get viewed slightly suspiciously when it comes to talking to other adults, esp if the kids have gone off to play. But take a book and enjoy some peace and quiet.