Whether you have recently become a single parent or have been parenting solo for a while, you have probably spent plenty of time wondering how to go about booking single parent holidays. Don’t let the thought of travelling on your own with one or more kids in tow put you off. Single parent vacations are a hugely rewarding experience. With each trip you will feel more confident that you can do this on your own. And don’t forget there are multiple ways of enjoying a family vacation when you are a single parent – you don’t have to travel alone. Here are just a few ideas to help with your planning:
Staycations
If the thought of flying or travelling far with young kids sounds stressful, start with something more low-key that does not involve hours of travelling. You could trial travelling solo with your kids by booking a camping trip or city break that is not too far from home and only involves travelling by car, bus or train. A staycation not only saves money but can also foster a sense of discovery and appreciation for the place you call home while strengthening the bond with your children.
Road Trips
Another fantastic option is a family road trip. This approach offers flexibility and can turn into an adventure filled with bonding moments as you explore new places together. Plan a route that includes fun stops like national parks, amusement parks, or historical landmarks where you can make educational memories while also having fun. This allows you to cater the itinerary around your children’s interests, ensuring everyone has a stake in the adventure. Plus, the journey itself can become part of the experience, creating stories you’ll share for years to come.
All-inclusive Family Resorts
One of the best vacation ideas for single parents is to opt for a family-friendly resort or an all-inclusive vacation. These destinations often provide supervised activities for kids, allowing single parents some much-needed downtime while ensuring their children are engaged and entertained. Look for places that offer a diverse range of activities, from water sports to arts and crafts, so that everyone can find something they enjoy, and make sure your children are the right age to participate, so that you can recharge your batteries.
Group Vacations
Don't underestimate the importance of company on holiday. Going away as a single parent can be a lonely experience and having company for yourself and your children might make all the difference. If you are looking for conversation over dinner, want your kids to make friends quickly, and want a little support at your chosen destination, then fully-organized holidays for single parents would suit you best. UK tour operator Single Parents on Holiday provides vacations in Europe exclusively for single parent families. Trips are accompanied by a team member who organizes every aspect of your trip, so you can have a stress-free time away.
Naturally, there are other ways to have a group vacation. You could also book a trip that aligns with your family’s hobbies: There are companies offering cycling, horse riding, golf and hiking vacations. For the more artistic, there are painting, photography, and cooking holidays. These holidays will have a mix of singles, couples, singles and families on them, but it’s another route worth exploring.
Volunteering Vacations
This is definitely one of the best vacation ideas for single parents and one that many single are simply not aware of. Volunteering teaches kids valuable life lessons about empathy and teamwork and what better way to do this than on vacation? There are organizations that offer programs that cater to families, whether it’s helping at an animal shelter, participating in beach clean-ups, or assisting at local charities. Not only will you spend quality time together and strengthen your family bonds, but you will also instill a sense of purpose and gratitude in your children.
House Swaps
There are house swap websites through which you can connect with other families who, like you, might fancy a change of scenery for a week or two. This may not be everybody’s cup of tea, as it does require a little bit of prepping. Even if your home is spotless (which family homes rarely are, let’s face it), you might have to lock up or remove personal documents and treasured items if you want to be sure that they are safe from prying eyes and destructive children. Other than that, it’s a wonderful and inexpensive way to get away.
Ultimately, whether you choose a far-flung destination or a local adventure, the best holiday ideas for single parents revolve around creating meaningful experiences that you and your children will cherish together for years to come. Vacations are about getting away from a usually stressful home life, decompressing, exploring new places, and spending quality time with your children.
