If you are a single parent, issues like feeling you don't have enough time on your hands or money in your pocket can sometimes make you think twice about planning a holiday. However, you and your children deserve a break, so we have put together a list of tips that should help you feel less daunted about the prospect of getting away.
1) Get the kids involved! If you feel worried about having to plan your holiday on your own €" don't! Once you settle on where to go, you will find that going away will start to feel like more of a reality. Involving the children in deciding your destination could be what gets your plans off the ground. Kids love feeling that they are being entrusted with responsibility, so pick up some brochures, find some websites and ask them what they think!
2) Travel light! Picturing you and your family sunbathing on a golden beach is a nice thought, but what about the practicalities? The idea of not having another adult to help you drag three overloaded suitcases through the airport could be enough to put anyone off. The solution, though, is simple: only take what you need. By making sure you prioritise packing your money and passports over bags of toys and too many clothes, you will be able to make the load much lighter than you might think.
3) Do what you want! As a single parent, you might feel under a lot of pressure to satisfy other people. You shouldn't forget, though, that what you want is important too. Just because you may be the only adult going on holiday doesn't mean that you can't choose the type of holiday you have always dreamed of. You might be surprised at how many resorts and holiday companies now cater specifically for single parents, and whether you are looking to relax by the beach or treating your kids to the adventure holiday of a lifetime, you should be able to find what you want. Even if you really can't afford to spend a week in foreign climes, there are plenty of great weekends and mini breaks available at home.
So, however long you have been a single parent and however old your children are, there is no reason for you to feel that you can't enjoy the holiday of your dreams when you next feel like getting away. Your time with your family is precious, so don't be afraid to make the most of it and plan a getaway today!
1) Get the kids involved! If you feel worried about having to plan your holiday on your own €" don't! Once you settle on where to go, you will find that going away will start to feel like more of a reality. Involving the children in deciding your destination could be what gets your plans off the ground. Kids love feeling that they are being entrusted with responsibility, so pick up some brochures, find some websites and ask them what they think!
2) Travel light! Picturing you and your family sunbathing on a golden beach is a nice thought, but what about the practicalities? The idea of not having another adult to help you drag three overloaded suitcases through the airport could be enough to put anyone off. The solution, though, is simple: only take what you need. By making sure you prioritise packing your money and passports over bags of toys and too many clothes, you will be able to make the load much lighter than you might think.
3) Do what you want! As a single parent, you might feel under a lot of pressure to satisfy other people. You shouldn't forget, though, that what you want is important too. Just because you may be the only adult going on holiday doesn't mean that you can't choose the type of holiday you have always dreamed of. You might be surprised at how many resorts and holiday companies now cater specifically for single parents, and whether you are looking to relax by the beach or treating your kids to the adventure holiday of a lifetime, you should be able to find what you want. Even if you really can't afford to spend a week in foreign climes, there are plenty of great weekends and mini breaks available at home.
So, however long you have been a single parent and however old your children are, there is no reason for you to feel that you can't enjoy the holiday of your dreams when you next feel like getting away. Your time with your family is precious, so don't be afraid to make the most of it and plan a getaway today!