Holidaying as a single parent

I’ve done it twice alone with 3 kids (5, 7 & 11 months) and it wasn’t as bad as everyone made out! Kids club was great in the hotel also and they slept on the plane xx

@Tay oh this is so great to hear, thankyou. How did u manage airports and transfers? And were u urself bored at the hotel not having another grown up with u? Xxx

@Lorna Yeah it does get a little boring but when people you see you are alone the kids tend to attract them to speak to you. The airport just don’t overpack, I took 2 large suitcases for the hold and 3 hand luggage so made the oldest push the buggy all the way to the plane doors x

@Tay also how did u manage round the pool? In this country it's a 2:1 child to adult ratio swimming I think? Xxx

I’ve been on holiday with my older son years ago. He was an only child though. Try to make things as easy as possible for yourself like only choosing direct flights if possible. Transfers may stress you out with the kids and the luggage. Choose resorts with good kids clubs. You can remain nearby and relax if you feel comfortable. Have excursions planned on most days to fill up your holidays - if you look on Trip Advisor, some tour companies will pick you up from your hotel so you wouldn’t need transport. Also they give good reviews for trips and tours for families. Could you rent a car with car seats for more convenience and cost-effectiveness rather than getting taxis everywhere? Lastly, as an ex-single parent, go for it. You’ll make great memories with your children that they’ll remember for years. I’m glad I went on holidays with my son even though it was just the two of us. Hopefully other single mums will comment on your post with more kids so you can get more tailored advice.

@Lorna I would try and get the baby to nap in the buggy then park the buggy nearby where we are in the pool, other times when she was awake I would hold her and go in the pool with the big 2 on floaties or armbands- honestly we had the best time x

@Tay see that's my other worry, my baby is not one for napping in the buggy! But yeh with all the arm bands and stuff I guess we should be ok. Also what about getting lunch and drinks etc. Where do u leave the kids to get these things? Did u find other parents chatted to u and helped out a little watching them when u needed the loo or something? Even that's hard being a single parent eh! Xxx

@Nancy thanks Nancy, so glad u made magical Memories with ur son. Tbh I'd prob do all inclusive and besides pos visiting local shops if they're walking distance we wouldn't leave the hotel. I just want some nice weather and a good little pool for the kids to play in, not having to cook every night and some evening entertainment. I know it's gonna be early nights and missing out on a lot. I'm just worried about little things like needing to pop to the loo, or the bar for a drink. And yeh transfers worry me, I think what if we miss the bus 🤦🏼‍♀️I'm sure it wouldn't happen but being the only grown up there it's a lot of responsibility u know! Xxx

@Lorna So when we went away the first time she was 2 and a half months so pretty much stayed in the sling day in day out then last month we went away again and it was easier to take her in the pool with us. Lunch we all go together and for drinks I got loungers near the bar so I could see the girls getting drinks. Mainly other single people without children spoke to us and helped out and the loo I did end up taking them all as you don’t really properly know people! You’ve got this though; you’ll just naturally make it work the best way you can and the kids will have the best time either way x

@Tay wow u are amazing just going for it like that. And at 2.5 months on ur own, I'm inspired. I think I'm comparing everything to the only summer hol we had with their dad (pre third baby) was all families and everyone kinda kept themselves to themselves! It was so easy just wandering off to the bar, loo, massage, one of us would fetch lunch for everyone etc. The thought of doing all this on my own with them all is so daunting but you've def given me hope. Thankyou. May I ask where u went to? Xxx

@Lorna honestly people will try and put you off but I’m so glad we did it & your children are all around a similar age to mine. We went to turkey for the first one then Egypt last month where we extended our stay because they were having so much fun! So go for it, you’ve got this x

@Tay tbf anybody that I've spoken to that has done it have all said the same as u. It's just terrifying still thinking of all the things that could go wrong eh 🤦🏼‍♀️but yes ours are v similar ages. I guess I should have trust in myself and the helpfulness of others when on holiday, lol. Ah thanks babe I'm so glad you've had such wonderful times with urs ❤️🌞xxx

@Lorna The fact that you are now doing it everyday by yourself shows that you can do this! X

@Tay ah thanks babe. Means a lot ❤️xxd