Travelling solo with the kids can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Here's how to have an enjoyable holiday with the kids as a single parent...
Choose a holiday with organised activities
One of the hardest things about going on holiday by yourself with the kids (and the most costly!) is working out what to do each day (that you can all agree on!). You spend most of your daily life at home planning schedules and the last thing you want to do on holiday is plan and organise. By choosing a family holiday that includes all the activities you're not only going to make the budgeting side much easier, but you don't have to organise anything when you arrive. You can sit back, relax and let someone else do the work. Perfect!
The most popular holidays for single parent families are outdoor activity holidays which normally come as part of the package you book and can include lots of exciting things such as climbing, high ropes, water sports and more! Often you don't have to join in, if you don't want to. But the option to get stuck in too is there if you want it. It's a great way to spend quality time with the kids and certainly brings the moaning down...no bored kids on this sort of holiday. Thank goodness for that!
Pick a holiday that's exclusive to Single Parent Families
Going on a holiday surrounded by couples can sometimes be a daunting prospect for parents travelling solo with the kids. It doesn't have to be this way. There are holidays out there that are exclusively available for single parent families. These holidays make socialising really easy as there are plenty of others in the same boat as you and also plenty of kids for your kids to hang out with (giving you all a break). High Adventure Holidays, for example, have selected weeks and weekends in the year where they are only available to single parents so if you don't like the idea of mixing with couples, this is the ideal holiday for you.
Book a staycation
If you've ever flown alone with the kids you'll know that it isn't easy. But don't let this put you off going away with the kids as you don't have to get on a plane to have a fun holiday. Make life a bit easier and find a UK holiday that's easy to get to by car or even by train if you don't like the idea of a long drive.
Pick a package that includes pretty much everything
It can be tough to budget for a family holiday and often the real costs begin when you arrive. Meals out, activities, souvenirs, snacks, icecreams and food in general can all add up to a lot, especially when you're trying hard to make the holiday perfect for everyone. There are holidays out there that include accommodation, food, activities so that it is all pretty much covered and you don't need to budget much for once you are there. This is ideal as you'll know exactly what you need to save in advance making the planning side really easy for you.
Holidays like offered by www.highadventureholidays.co.uk offer excellent value for money because it is all pretty much covered in the price and what you see is pretty much what you pay (besides a few drinks & snacks at the bar).
Remember it's your holiday too...
Don't forget that this is your holiday too. By choosing a holiday that has lots of fun activities that are organised, included and where meals are provided (and the washing up is taken care of), you get a break as well as the kids. This will help you be the sparkly parent you strive to be because you'll be more relaxed and free to be `in the moment` with your children.
Travelling as a solo parent can be a daunting prospect, but by choosing the right kind of holiday you'll find that it can be hugely rewarding, enjoyable, relaxing and memorable for all the right reasons. As it should be.
Single Parent Holidays in the UK
High Adventure Holidays offer 2 & 6 night Family Activity Holidays in Yorkshire with all activities, meals and accommodation included. From just £149pp for a 2 night break, they offer great value and lots of fun and they also have a selection of dates that are exclusive to single parent families. Find out more www.highadventureholidays.co.uk
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