Last updated on May 12th, 2024 at 02:14 pm

Want to take your little ones on a trip, but worry that it will be a struggle as a single parent? Don’t stress! Here’s how to book the best single parent holiday ever.

Choosing The Right Single Parent Holiday Destination

As a single parent traveling with kids, you’ll want a family-friendly resort that caters to your needs. Somewhere with kids clubs and plenty of entertainment will be ideal for making sure that your family has fun, and you get a chance to sit back and relax! It’s also essential to choose a resort with a great pool, and maybe even some sports clubs. Here are some top-rated resorts that offer great experiences for families:

1. Royal Son Bou Family Club (Menorca, 4 stars):
   • Kids’ club, water slides, indoor and outdoor play areas.
   • All-inclusive option available.
   • Tennis court, games room, and large playground.
   • Just 3 minutes from the beach.
2. L’Azure Hotel (Lloret de Mar, 4 stars):
   • SPA, water park, kids’ club, entertainment.
   • Outdoor swimming pools and water park for children.
   • Daily activities for the whole family.
   • Beauty treatments and massages at the SPA.
3. Fantasia Bahia Principe (Tenerife, 5 stars):
   • SPA, water slides, play area, kids’ club.
   • All-inclusive option available.
   • Teen Club and gym for older kids.
   • Multiple swimming pools, including an infinity pool for adults.
4. PortAventura Hotels (Salou):
   • Free access to the PortAventura theme park.
   • Ideal for families who love theme parks and entertainment.
5. Iberostar Cristina (Mallorca, 4 stars):
   Rated 9 out of 10 by Tripadvisor reviewers.
   Offers a children’s pool, kids’ club, and various family-oriented activities.
   Proximity to the beach and other local attractions.
   Provides comfortable accommodations and excellent service for families.

Choose a Holiday Provider You Can Trust

This blog post is not sponsored by Jet2holidays, but we’re recommending them because they are the UK’s largest tour operator, offering 2 to 5-star ATOL-protected package holidays for a low £60pp deposit. They also offer an exclusive discount to single parent families who travel with them!

When you’re booking your single parent holiday with Jet2Holidays, use the discount code J2HSPF60 to get £60 off your trip.

Jet2Holidays are also proud to have won Best Short Haul Operator seven years running, as well as Best Trade Friendly Brand at the Globe Travel Awards. Which? awarded them Travel Brand of the Year 2022.

Wondering what ‘ATOL-protected means?

It means that your holiday package, which includes a flight, is financially protected under the ATOL scheme (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing). This UK-based protection scheme ensures that if your travel company stops trading, you won’t lose your money and won’t be stranded abroad. Here’s what it covers:

• Before Your Trip: If the travel company fails, you can claim a full refund.
• During Your Trip: If the company collapses while you’re away, ATOL will help you finish your holiday and return home.

When you book an ATOL protected trip, you’ll receive an ATOL Certificate. It’s important to keep this with you as it details who and what is covered and what to do if the travel company fails. It’s a separate protection from travel insurance and is funded by a small fee that travel companies pay into a trust.

Packing Tips

When it comes to packing, being smart and efficient is key. Whether you’re preparing for a trip or organizing your belongings, here are some tips to help you pack smart:

1. Prioritise Essentials: Start by making a list of essential items you’ll need. Focus on versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched.
2. Roll, Don’t Fold: Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This saves space and minimizes wrinkles.
3. Layering: Pack items that can be layered. Lightweight layers allow you to adjust to different temperatures without overpacking.
4. Shoes: Limit the number of shoes you pack. One pair of shoes and one pair of sandals for every three outfits is a good rule of thumb¹.
5. Wear Bulky Items: If you have bulky items like sneakers or a heavy jacket, wear them during travel to save space in your luggage.
6. Toiletries: Use travel-sized toiletries or transfer products into smaller containers. Consider solid toiletries (like shampoo bars) to reduce liquid weight.
7. Compression Bags: Invest in compression bags to squeeze out excess air and create more space.
8. Electronics and Chargers: Keep chargers and cables organized in a small pouch. Consider a portable charger for your devices.
9. Medications and Important Documents: Always pack essential medications and important documents (passport, ID, travel insurance) in your carry-on.

And Tips for Packing for Travel With Kids

When planning a single parent holiday with young children, careful preparation can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential packing tips to consider:

1. Make Individual Packing Lists: Create a separate packing list for each child. As you pack, check off items you’ve already included. Highlight or mark items that need to be packed last minute, such as your child’s favorite blanket, lovey, or snacks¹.
2. Entertainment Essentials:
   • Tablet: Bring an Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet for entertainment.
   • Headphones: Saves you bothering fellow passengers with noise.
   • Coloring Book: Pack the Unicorn Imagine Ink Magic Ink Book.
   • Activity Book: Include the “On the Plane Activity Book.”
   • Craft Supplies: Purple Ladybug Wax Craft Sticks can keep little hands busy.
   • Games: Magnetic Travel Games are compact and engaging.
   • Books: “Where’s Waldo? The Fantastic Journey” and other age-appropriate books.
3. Sleep Comfort:
   • Sound Machine: Bring a portable sound machine.
   • Pillow and Blanket Set: Consider a travel pillow and travel blanket set.
4. Food and Drink:
   • Reusable Water Bottle
   • Snacks: Opt for a Healthy Snacks Variety Pack.
5. Cleaning and Hygiene:
   • Changing Pad: A portable baby changing pad (like SkipHop’s) is essential.
   • Wipes: Bring multi-purpose wipes (Hello Bello Unscented Baby Wipes) for various uses.
   • Face Wipes: Boogie Wipes Baby Wipes are gentle for face cleaning.
   • Surface Wipes: Lysol Disinfecting Surface Wipes help maintain cleanliness.
6. Luggage and Bags:
   • Diaper Bag: Consider the Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack.
   • Crossbody Bag: A Kibou Vegan Leather Fanny Pack Diaper Bag is practical.
   • Kids Backpack: Herschel Backpack Kids 9L is suitable for little ones.
   • Carry-on Suitcase: The Rockland London Hardside 20-inch Spinner is a good choice.
   • Ride-on Suitcase: Jetkids by Stokke Bedbox 19-inch Ride-on Carry-on is fun for kids.

Here’s an article from an expert travel mum on HOW TO MAKE AIRPORTS EASIER WITH KIDS
Source: Mummy Travels

Find an Unforgettable Poolside Read

Here are five best-selling books from Waterstones that would make great poolside companions:

1. “Abroad in Japan” by Chris Broad: A delightful travel memoir that takes you on a journey through Japan’s fascinating culture and landscapes.
2. “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros: A gripping novel that combines romance, suspense, and adventure, perfect for escaping into while lounging by the pool.
3. “Strange Sally” by Liz Nugent: A psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
4. “Close to Home” by Michael Magee: A captivating mystery set in a small Irish town, ideal for leisurely reading under the sun.
5. “Butter” by Asako Yuzuki: A heartwarming story about love, family, and the joy of cooking.

Getting Permission to Take a Child Abroad

“If you do not have a Child Arrangements Order that states that your child lives with you, or you are not a Special Guardian, then you must try to obtain the consent of everyone with Parental Responsibility.“

www.familylawgroup.co.uk

5 Key Things to Remember

Here are five parting tips to make your single parent holiday memorable and enjoyable:

1. Take Lots of Photos: Remember to capture those precious moments with selfies! Creating lasting memories is what family travel is all about.
2. Plan in Some Space: Travelling solo with kids can be intense, so it’s essential to build in some flexibility and downtime. While making amazing memories together, remember that the stresses of parenthood don’t magically disappear. Taking a moment to recharge your patience can make a big difference.
3. Get Your Kids Involved: Engage your children in the planning process. Discuss the trip, let them choose activities, and encourage their input. When kids feel involved, they become more excited and invested in the journey.
4. Make Life Easy on Yourself: Simplify wherever possible. Pack efficiently, choose practical clothing, and consider using travel apps to organize your itinerary. The less stress you experience, the more enjoyable the trip will be for everyone.
5. Don’t Forget the Paperwork: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including passports, travel insurance, and any required medical information. Having everything in order will give you peace of mind during your adventure.

Just-Us-Two.com