Last updated on April 22nd, 2024 at 08:24 pm
When summer is in full swing, it means time for vacations and beach holidays. And many parents long for a measured, calm vacation when their children will enthusiastically play games and they will relax under umbrellas.
But there is always some “but,” especially for single moms, when even the most pleasant moments become a clear source of anxiety. And questions. Lots of questions.
If you want to change your background but still have some doubts, I will advise you on single-mom travel and how to organize a beach holiday with children in the best possible way.
Such vacations for single moms will occur without stress and nerves (especially important for your mental health!). So pack your bags and prepare to embark on a memorable single-mom travel with your little ones.
Can You Go On Vacation as a Single Parent?
Yes, of course, you can and should go on vacation, even if you are raising a child alone. You are unlikely to be able to gracefully go down to the beach in a sundress and a sea diva’s hat, with a book in your hands and a slight detachment on your face.
If you have a small child in tow and no help, it’s over that your holiday will be a little stressful. And your nautical equipment will be more like a scout’s equipment since you need to take everything to the beach – from toys to an inflatable ring.
Therefore, if you are traveling on your own, the best advice for you is a single-parent vacation package. Choose places and resorts that are all-inclusive and have a friendly staff to help you play with your kids at the kids’ club while you enjoy a pina colada (and maybe not one!).
Single Parent Vacations: What You Should Know About Budget and Expenses
When planning vacations for single parents and children, you need to consider what sum of money you are willing (or can afford) to spend.
Well, vacations may be pretty expensive, but some great tips will make them inexpensive and fun for you and the kids.
I suggest starting with exploring cheap destinations with many children-oriented attractions and activities. You might also want to look at all-inclusive vacation offers that sometimes propose not only lodgings but even meals and entertainment in one price bundle.
If all-inclusive is a bit too much for you, plan short trips or weekend getaways as they may be more realistic on spending yet still avail enough time for some recreational fun sessions with the kids.
This way, you can budget and plan up an enjoyable vacation experience without having to break the bank!
Vacations for Single Parents: The Benefits of One-on-One Time with Your Child
Well, if you still haven’t grasped whether it’s worth the effort for a single parent to go on vacation one-on-one with the child, we’ll repeat our answer again: YES! This time away will make you even closer and help resolve family conflicts or problems.
Each travel is like taking a breath of fresh air – it gives freedom from stress caused by everyday routine and builds memories forever.
And sole custody over your kid (or kids) allows you to concentrate all your energy and attention only on a tiny creature so that they would trust you.
Contemporary tours represent contemporary possibilities. The next time you’re racking your brain about what to do for your next vacation, if you’re looking for vacation ideas for single mom and son – take him city hiking.
Or take him to see his favorite football team’s match. Or how about visiting an amusement park?
And if yours is more of a mother-daughter duo – the beach is waiting in store – spend some quality sunbathing together or maybe go shopping (because who doesn’t love new dolls/clothes?)
Either way, this one-on-one time with your kiddo(s) can only strengthen your bond.
Single Parent Vacation Ideas: Making Memories with Your Kids
I hope I have convinced you that a vacation for a single parent with children is okay (sometimes even fantastic!). Is it true? However, budget becomes a key factor when it comes time to plan.
Of course, there are no free vacations for single moms. Yet, many exciting and budget places will help you have an unforgettable time (without breaking the bank!). Let’s explore.
Domestic Vacation
If you want something more budget-friendly or are traveling with a child on your own for the first time (and are a little afraid?) – a domestic holiday is an option for you. Really.
Exploring your country or even your state is a journey that is convenient and highly accessible. Who else would you like to share this experience with if not your child?
You can even join single parent travel groups to participate in group activities and outings. Such a vacation will be interesting for both you and your child. So where can you go?
Arizona
Arizona is one of the best vacations for single parents. The state is renowned for its natural wonders – canyons (like the Grand Canyon and Sedona’s red rocks), rivers, and deserts. But there are also many incredible places to have fun, like water parks, zoos/aquariums, and amusement parks.
In Phoenix, one of the top spots for family fun in town is Castles N’ Coasters, an amusement park with rides for everyone. They’ve got everything from kiddie carousels (the Patriot and Junior Dixie Wheel) to extreme rides (like Free Fall and Skydiver, Desert Storm…and others too numerous to mention).
Phoenix also has Wet ’n’ Wild water park if you’re into that kind of thing – which your kid probably will be!
OdySea in Scottsdale is the most giant aquarium in the Southwest United States. This place lets you get up close with all kinds of underwater critters – educational AND entertaining!
Or maybe your child would prefer to go to Phoenix Zoo? Apart from having many different animals, this zoo has some genuinely epic statues of dinosaurs.
Florida
Traveling to Florida with children is a dream of any family! In addition to relaxation on the beaches of Miami, this is an actual holiday not only for children but also an occasion for their parents to return to childhood and remember their first impressions of the world of Disney.
Flamingo Gardens is one of the best vacation ideas for single moms and young daughters. In addition to dreamy pink flamingos, you can see a lot of other birds and animals, ride around the territory on a “train,” get acquainted with rare vegetation, and take photos near the romantic wedding gazebo.
There are a ton of outdoor parks in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami area – in almost every room. You can go with very young children (unique playgrounds on the water have been built for them) and with older children who will enjoy more extreme slides.
The Miami Aquarium is a prominent, exciting place, but it is unbearable in the heat. Come to the opening! The show with killer whales is magical and worth going just for it.
Zoo Miami is kind of a must-see. Getting around the entire park on foot with children is difficult, so it is better to rent a bicycle. The park has an excellent water area for children (up to 5–7 years old), so don’t forget to bring swimsuits for them.
The Museum of Discovery and Science is a great place where you can wait out the scorching heat or heavy rain and, at the same time, get to know the nature and wildlife of Florida and learn how to build a house that can withstand an actual hurricane!
Puerto Rico
If you’re looking for other single mom vacation ideas– choose Puerto Rico. This little but extremely hospitable state is ready to welcome each tourist, and it doesn’t matter how experienced a traveler you are.
Here, everyone will have fun: restless kids, energetic youth, and experienced seasoned tourists. Many hotels offer playrooms for children and an enormous choice of excursions to interesting places.
In addition to a good rest on beaches and an all-inclusive hotel, you can make your vacation exciting and informative.
For example, visit San Felipe del Moro Fortress if your child is already old enough. This fort protected the bay for many years so they did not let enemies enter the country. Today, this place takes its deserved place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Bioluminescent Bay – here’s another fascinating thing. In bays, one of the most unusual phenomena of the entire country occurs. Microorganisms that live in water can produce bioluminescence through which I see them at night – just a stunning view.
To the east of San Juan city, in Carolina town, there is plenty of family fun at the Museo del Niño. There’s a great selection of interactive exhibits, educational displays, games, and exciting rides like catamarans, go-karts, and a real American Airlines jet.
International Destinations
Perhaps you have already visited all the states with your child, or vice versa – craving something exotic and original? In this case, international travel is for you!
As a single mother, perhaps money is tight. But do not despair! There are many affordable family vacations for single parents that will leave an indelible mark on memory. So let’s see where to go abroad with a child!
Aruba
Aruba is one of the many islands in the Caribbean. It is one of the most single mom weekend getaways.
It is located in the tropics, meaning a comfortable holiday with gentle sun and white sand is guaranteed here almost all year round. And, of course, there are many amenities for children.
Baby Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Aruba. This beautiful shallow artificial lagoon has very calm waters and is very comfortable for small children.
Renaissance Island is the same place where the flamingo beach is located. The island belongs to the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino and is opposite the Oranjestad harbor.
There are vending machines with exceptional food for flamingos right on the beach, where you can buy healthy food. Your child will be delighted!
Another enjoyable pastime with children in Aruba is visiting Arikok National Park.
Here, you can spend at least a whole day walking along the paths laid among the massive boulders, photographing these bizarre landscapes and looking at the local wildlife – parrots, lizards, iguanas, and goats. The walk will definitely be exciting!
Mexico
Mexico is a beautiful place with fascinating landscapes and outdoor entertainment for single parents to travel. From museums or parks to theaters and restaurants, children receive discount tickets, special programs of joy, and even separate playrooms in restaurants.
Hotels and resort centers offer free accommodation for children or, at a minimum, with discounts. Many have “kid’s clubs” where all ages of kids will find entertainment.
If planning includes scuba diving or snorkeling – go to Cozumel, famous for its brightly-glowing (even by world standards) underwater flora and fauna and the atmosphere of a beach town.
Do not forget about available tours to picturesque Mayan ruins – cities of Chichen Itza (one of the New Wonders of the World) and Coba. There, it is still allowed to climb local step pyramids.
If your kids prefer outdoor adventures, get into Celestun Nature Reserve – a 590 km² protected area along the Gulf of Mexico.
Chapultepec Park will be a good beginning for single-parent travel. Its vast territory includes lakes with catamaran rentals, fountains, and botanical gardens.
Costa Rica
Any travelers who consider Costa Rica a country to visit with children will be provided with plenty of amusement parks, nature reserves, and other objects of interest. Moreover, don’t forget that luxurious hotels have single parent vacation packages!
You can start your trip at Parque Diversiones in San Jose. Solo parents may easily spend all day here. In addition to rides, the park keeps several historical highlights on its territory – not to mention an extensive park zone with walking paths and benches.
Water fans should necessarily go to Kalambu Hot Springs Water Park. Rain Forest Aerial Trams is to be considered by all thrill-seekers if they adore extreme entertainment; it’s also suitable for families with school-age kids.
One of the most unusual is Dino Park Blue River – an imaginative dino park full of huge figures of prehistoric creatures. Here, one can take plenty of beautiful photos; its grounds also feature rare flowers and other plants, not forgetting exotic birds.
Cruises
Would you like something more memorable than lying on the beach and strolling around local amusement parks? Go cruising! Do you think it is costly? No way! Cruises are one of the most affordable family vacations for single parents.
These floating resorts work in an all-inclusive manner, offering everything that can be reached within walking distance to you and your child.
Wanna water park? Sure thing! Do you want to watch a movie in the open sea? Run up to the upper deck. Shopping? Well, sure enough! Opportunities are countless, so look at the top cruises for single parents traveling with children.
Disney Cruise Lines
One of the best single parent vacation ideas is booking a trip with Disney Cruise Lines. This company is aimed at families with children and is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Five airliners of the company are stylized with Disney motifs – this is a natural paradise for children.
All liners are decorated in the style of the Disney Universe, and little passengers are provided with animators representing Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and other famous Walt Disney characters. These cruises are intended primarily for children happy to visit a magical world.
Disney Cruise Line offers itineraries in various regions: Europe, Panama Canal, the Caribbean, Alaska and Pacific, Bahamas, and transatlantic cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Lines is also considered one of the best vacation spots for single parent families. The relaxed, Scandinavian-style atmosphere is an excellent choice for travelers with children, especially those families who don’t like to have to worry about when and where to dine.
Splash Academy – an on-board entertainment complex that offers a variety of activities for children from 3 to 5 years old, from 6 to 9 years old, and from 10 to 12 years old. Children can paint, do crafts, sing karaoke, and play video games.
Entourage is an area for teens ages 13 to 17 to play air hockey and video games on flat-screen TVs while sitting on plush sofas. At night, the place turns into a “teens-only” nightclub.
Other popular on-board activities for you and your children include mountaineering, rock climbing, bowling, and a huge water park.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises offers exciting and cheap vacations for single parents. Children under 12 years of age traveling with parents in the same cabin travel free of charge, subject only to taxes and port charges, airfare, and transfers (if applicable).
All luxury on-board entertainment is free of charge on your cruise, from the water park, pools, and water slides to the best gaming consoles (PS, Xbox, and Wii). So your kids and teens can do whatever they want without thinking.
Even high-tech gaming attractions on board, such as a virtual world and 4D cinema, are available to you and your children for a small fee. At the same time, you will also get great pleasure.
Navigating Adventures: Single Parent Travel Tips and Tricks
Every child loves to travel and explore new places with their parents, regardless of age. Single parent family vacations in any of the world’s resort cities should be exciting, educational, comfortable, and safe.
A flawless trip with a baby is within every parent’s power; the main thing is to know about some main points and nuances of its organization. Traveling with a child will cause you no trouble if you follow the tips of experienced travelers.
Of course, it’s difficult to predict some moments in advance – after all, everything ideal in this world is relative – but it’s entirely possible to take habits, character, temperament, and routine into account.
Make a Plan and Stick It
Traveling with your child without pre-booking in any new place could spell trouble when you arrive.
Finding suitable accommodation might be more challenging than it seems at first blush, especially if you have little ones who need somewhere to sleep, eat, drink, and play.
So even if you don’t want to tie yourself down in advance to a resort and hotel – and enjoy the freedom of traveling light — it still pays to plan your whole trip so that fewer things can go wrong.
For example, first, analyze the best places to travel in the U.S. as a single parent. Then, choose those destinations where you are likely to feel most relaxed and safe on your own with a child.
Be Organized
Being well-organized is a must during a single parent vacation with kids! Start by making packing checklists, ensure you have all your important documents handy, and decide on a system for managing your belongings as you go.
Remember that many things can be bought once you’re there. If your little one is already reasonably independent, get them involved in getting their suitcase ready – it’s a significant first step towards gaining some basic traveler skills.
It’s also worth checking that your young tourist has remembered to pack their player, game console, tablet, book, or favorite toy. An exciting activity will help brighten the flight and time spent en route to the hotel.
Stay on top of bookings, reservations, and schedules so that nothing sneaks up on you at the last minute.
Explore Your Possibilities
Embark on an exploration of vacations for single parents and children. Evaluate locations that have family-friendly attractions suited to both yourself and your youngsters.
Identify places harboring theme parks, outdoor adventures, or educational experiences—with a mix that intermingles the kids with you.
When making your travel plan, consider your child’s interests and age. After all, they may not be interested in listening to the guide’s long stories about the history of this or that attraction.
Your task is to explain to your child in advance where you will interest them in interesting facts about the place of travel.
Devise ideas, in addition to those here, such as amusement parks like Disneyland or Universal Studios featuring rides, shows, and character meets that will bring smiles to kids—and adults, too—like you.
Outdoor adventures offer another enticing genre of single-parent vacation. Consider locales providing trails to hike, national parks, or beachfronts where together time in nature can be enjoyed.
Just as important, seek out destinations that offer specific attractions designed for single-parent families – a tip-off is parental reviews about them from people who’ve been there.
Prepare All Documents
Ensuring every family member, including children, has a passport is essential – it’s the most important document to take when you travel.
Before you go, check the requirements at your destination: some places (including Schengen countries in Europe) require six months’ validity after the date of exit from that country. In addition to a valid passport, many destinations require a visa to visit.
If anyone in your family has any medical needs whatsoever – from allergies and medications to disabilities – it’s wise to print out information about this and take it with you.
Pack All the Things You Need, but Don’t Take Too Much
All journeys should be comfortable, especially those single with kids. This is why you must consider many trifles: what your kiddo will do on the road, eat, and which hotel. Suddenly, they get sick?
But don’t take too many things. In fact, there is no significant difference in the set of things at all, whatever type of transport you choose. Always necessary are documents.
When choosing outfits, you must be guided by the trip’s goals and check the weather forecast. Take only a few clothes with you. It is best to give preference to comfortable and wrinkle-free things.
And, of course, remember toys and gadgets. They will help you easily endure your road or flight and make it fun!
Take Your Time
Remember, as a single-parent traveler, not everything will run smoothly to your plan, and forgiveness is one of the essential elements in surviving any sticky situations or tantrums.
Be flexible with your schedule—part of the excitement in travel. Kids may find they can’t cope with too much information at once or be stimulated by too many sights, so try spacing out trips and entertainment.
Generally, begin with your average sightseeing pace, but tone it down to two-thirds of its usual rate. For example, don’t make walking around interesting places or museums a super-intense back-to-back activity for your child.
Consider Renting a House in Comparison to Hotels
So why not consider renting a house or apartment when planning your single-parent holiday? It’s got loads of advantages over the old traditional hotel scenario.
For starters, there’s space. With separate bedrooms and more extensive common areas, you can spread out and enjoy that downtime – but still be near each other at night.
And what about privacy? Single parenthood is like one long juggling act most days of the week. So having the run of an entire house – instead of being holed up in a couple of rooms – is a real advantage.
Letting you self-cater will save on costs rather than eating out every night. Besides, rented properties are often located in larger complexes with shared facilities such as swimming pools or gardens that one cannot find in hotels.
Travel with Friends
For single parents, going on holiday with friends who also have kids can be a brilliant choice. It doesn’t just mean your children get playmates – it allows you to share the load and enjoy adult company.
It is easier when two or more families travel together, as you can take turns supervising the children – which means everyone gets some relaxation time. You can plan group activities for all ages (and interests), from picnics to museums and theme parks to wildlife spotting.
Even better, by sharing accommodation costs or booking a villa or large apartment together, you may save money compared with paying for a smaller rental. The same goes for transport: train fares and fuel costs per person will fall if shared among many passengers.
Give Yourself Time to Relax and Enjoy Your Vacation
Vacations are supposed to be the most fun and exciting part of the year, but remember that you will also require some downtime.
Do allow yourselves relaxation periods – time in which you can bask in simply enjoying each other or your surroundings.
Take a slow visit to parks or nearby beaches. Maybe even take an idle walk? Or find somewhere still for a picnic?
Allowing yourself and your children this quiet time will mean the holiday is much more rounded – and therefore better.
Vacation for Single Parents: Recommended Resorts for the Perfect Resort
Indeed, selecting a hotel is essential when considering a few options.
Before contacting a travel agency or making your reservation at your favorite hotel, I suggest that you get ready for a conversation with someone who sells tours or the hotel manager.
It would be good if you come up with questions and requests ahead of time, and if you’re traveling independently, after studying the hotel’s website in detail, contact the property directly.
Here are some places to consider that provide great entertainment for you and your children.
Franklyn D. Resort, Jamaica
If you are a single parent looking for the perfect destination to take your kids to, then Franklyn D. Resort in Jamaica must be at your top. This all-inclusive resort offers something unique: full-time babysitting with its package.
With attentive professionals caring for the little ones, moms and dads can finally kick back on their Caribbean getaway.
Catering to children of all ages, Yellow Bird Kids’ Club club provides various activities such as games, arts and crafts workshops in both indoor and outdoor settings, snorkeling tutorials, beach picnics, cookery classes, and how-to demonstrations on napkin-folding. Additionally, there is a playground solely for kids’ use.
The Franklyn D. Resort ensures that every family member has an excellent time during their stay — making it perfect for single parents seeking a worry-free break.
Atlantis Bahamas
Atlantis, a legendary hotel in the Bahamas and one of the world’s most famous, has partnered with Johnson & Johnson to offer an unrivaled experience for children aged 0-3 years. The Gentle Travel Kit contains everything your baby needs.
One of Atlantis’ unique offerings is its dolphinarium, a water park, and 11 lagoon aquariums housing about 50,000 marine creatures from every ocean and sea visible from within a transparent tunnel.
For kids, there are special pools with toys, clubs for different ages offering entertaining programs, and games rooms.
Moon Palace, Cancun, Mexico
If you want to create lifelong memories with your kids, you can’t miss the Moon Palace resort in Cancun, Mexico. This place is the parent’s dream vacation and the child’s perfect world at once.
Everything here has been created for children of all ages to feel welcome and comfortable: a model workshop, an arcade, or playrooms –an area that grows yearly. Unlimited fun!
Two playgrounds (one of them next to a pirate ship), two dollhouses, two sandboxes, and even a mini soccer field are there just to keep little ones amused.
And if your kid is more into arts and crafts than sports? No problem. The hotel also features a creative zone where they can showcase their artistic skills.
Nickelodeon, Punta Cana
The resort brand goes above and beyond to ensure babies and toddlers are cared for with incredible amenities and services – making this vacay stress-free for a single parent.
The kids club is next-level, offering supervised activities and the one-of-a-kind Nickelodeon Experience (breakfast with SpongeBob? Yes, please!).
Aqua Nick offers water fun galore thanks to slides, splash pads, spray grounds, and a lazy river that will have your little ones screaming ‘again!’
And Character Central means they can actually meet their fave Nickelodeon characters like Dora the Explorer or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in person!
Divi Resorts, Caribbean
When it comes to single-parent vacations in the Caribbean, Divi Resorts is a prime choice. With six all-inclusive resorts sprinkled across breathtaking Caribbean islands, Divi offers an unbeatable deal for solo moms or dads.
At least one child stays free with a single parent; extra children are charged an “extra child fee” instead of an adult rate.
Among its hotels, Divi Aruba All-Inclusive stands out as the most kid-friendly option overall: It has plenty of activities, bike rentals for kids, and multiple pools.
For families with teens and tweens who like diving or snorkeling—or want to learn—Divi Flamingo in Bonaire is worth considering. It also implements PADI’s diving programs, and its “house reef” makes snorkeling right off the beach accessible.
Palace Resorts, Cancun, and Jamaica
Searching for an affordable way to make memories with your children without spending extra money? Look no further than Palace Resorts in Cancun and Jamaica.
Their “Kids stay free” promotion is perfect for single parents wanting a stress-free vacation that’s easy on the wallet.
With this deal, children up to 17 years old can stay at any resort without costing mom or dad anything extra. It’s available across the Palace Resort chain, which includes several properties in Mexico and two in Jamaica.
Each location offers age-appropriate amenities and activities so everyone can enjoy luxurious accommodations, beautiful beaches, and many dining options.
Palace Resorts are all-inclusive, meaning unlimited food and drinks – even room service – are part of the package.
Grand Palladium in Puerta Vallarta, Cancun (Mexico), Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic
Perfect for single parents wanting to enjoy a family-friendly getaway, Grand Palladium resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Cancun (Mexico), Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic are built with families in mind.
Water play areas keep small children entertained, while those as young as one can join the robust kids club, which includes activities such as arts and crafts. One resort even features what it claims is the most giant playground in Mexico.
Other facilities catering to younger visitors include teen game rooms with everything from video games to pool tables, soccer fields, and multiple pools for different ages. Some of these are adults only.
Some resorts also feature meals and shows with Raggs, the resort mascot, and his friends – which is quite an entertaining experience.
Beaches Resort, Jamaica
Jamaica’s Beaches Resort, is the ideal single-parent destination with kids-only amenities and activities. At the Kids Camp, staffed by trained child experts, babies to 12-year-olds are cosseted while parents have grown-up time.
There’s an exclusive waterpark called Pirates Island with hair-raising slides and swim-up soda bars. Sesame Street Caribbean Adventure lets little ones join in interactive activities with their favorite characters.
The Xbox Play Lounge offers limitless gaming and a Junior Golf Club and Kids Scuba Programme for added fun and learning.
Hyatt Ziva Resorts, Mexico and Jamaica
Consider one of the Hyatt Ziva Resorts in Mexico or Jamaica for a vacation that will be etched in your family’s memory.
Let your kids go wild at the infinity pools, try kayaking and paddleboarding, or explore colorful marine life while snorkeling in Mexico.
The resort also has a first-class fitness center and offers beach sports like volleyball. The Kidz Club keeps little ones busy with everything from beach sports to arts and crafts.
In Jamaica, get competitive at games such as ping pong tournaments or beach volleyball, have fun learning dance routines, participate in water sports – think: scuba diving lessons – and much more.
Like the Mexican site, this one also offers beach sports and arts/crafts through the KidZ Club. Besides, both resorts offer trips to local attractions like jungles or historic landmarks.
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, Saint Martin
If you want to treat your kids, consider the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino in Saint Martin. The resort offers a host of amenities and activities for tots to teens (and their parents).
Three- to 12-year-olds are treated like VIPs at the Beach House Kids Club, which has dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces, playgrounds, and character experiences.
Teens have a hangout zone called Teen Zone, with pool tables, air hockey, and gaming consoles. There’s also an aqua park featuring a pool with slides and a breezy deck for lounging; water slides can also be found at the Oasis pool.
Onsite, there is activity all day and night with daily fitness sessions, games, parties, karaoke, and live music performances.
Single Parents Travel: The Best Tour Companies
As a solo parent, planning this kind of trip is sometimes very difficult. Yet there are travel companies that cater to the needs of these kinds of parents whose goals are not just to make them happy but also their kids.
During those trips, both children and adults will have the opportunity to gain more friends while having an adventurous experience at the same time.
Explore Worldwide Group Travel
Catering exclusively to single parents seeking adventure, Explore Worldwide Group Travel is a tour company that takes you on inspiring journeys where the focus is as much on the world as on who you want to share it with.
Choose from more than 350 tours in nearly 100 countries and travel styles ranging from small group adventures, family holidays, and city breaks to cycling and walking tours.
Explore’s average group size of just 11 people means you can get off the beaten track – not only exploring destinations but developing a sense of camaraderie with your fellow travelers.
And while all tours are open to everyone aged 16-plus, around half have no upper age limit. Moreover, many trips lend themselves particularly well to solo travelers or those holidaying alone with their children (around one-third of clients travel this way).
OARS
OARS is a company that offers extraordinary experiences for single parents. It specializes in adventure travel and has been doing so since 1969, when river pioneer George Wendt established it. Today, it’s run by his sons, Tyler and Clavey Wendt.
The family-owned-and-operated enterprise – ‘OARS’ stands for Outdoor Adventure River Specialists – is highly regarded for its guided rafting, sea kayaking, and hiking trips in the western US (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Utah).
Indeed, OARS boasts more than 70 different itinerary choices throughout North America; few river trip outfitters worldwide are as geographically diverse or respected.
In short, if you’re a single parent looking for high-quality adventures with your children that connect you all to incredible landscapes – while also having fantastic fun – OARS could be perfect.
Intrepid Travel
Operating for 34 years, Intrepid Travel is a well-established travel company that offers experiences on all seven continents. The firm specializes in small-group adventures and is recognized as an industry leader in this area.
While the company does run some traditional sightseeing trips – to Peru or Thailand, say – its bread-and-butter products are innovative itineraries that fit new trends such as local living and food tourism.
The company now runs over 1,000 different adventures across 100 countries, but its ambitions lie beyond just getting bigger.
Instead, it wants to be better too … or rather do better: its corporate mission statement includes helping travelers explore off-the-beaten-track while delivering a positive global impact.
Conclusion
Just like adults, children love new places and excitement. But, not all single parents decide to go on vacation with their children. Especially if the child is little – say 1-3 years old.
Many people are worried about how the flight will go, how the baby will cope with acclimatization, and how comfortable it will be for everyone.
And these worries make sense: holidays with children should be fun but also safe.
But with good planning and wonderful destinations, it could also prove to be really unforgettable -for you as well as your kids.
From resorts offering babysitting day and night to tour companies specializing in family adventure travel, there’s no lack of ways you can make your single-parent holiday different from everybody else’s.
So ditch any idea that being a solo parent means going without kids – pack those bags and start exploring together!
Photo by Brett Sayles
I am Linda Bunnell, freelancer and Relationship Expert.
