If you are a single parent, you can be forgiven for thinking that going on a perfect holiday is more trouble than it’s worth. But please don’t. Being a single parent doesn't mean you can't have a decent holiday. Not only that, single parent family holidays can be cheap, easy and lots of fun.
I am a single mum, ex travel agent and seasoned vacationer! It doesn’t matter how hard a family trip might seem, I always find a way. If we are living on a tight budget, my girls and I still manage to travel and explore ... even if we have to stay in a single room!
The trick is crafting a no-fail plan for your perfect single parent holiday. This includes:
- How to book your holiday you can afford without going into debt
- Easy logistics to get your family from A to B, possibly C
- Not too much organisation before or during the trip
- Special needs and requirements all taken into account and catered for
- Staying within court orders or requirements from the father of your little ones
- A chance for you to relax and take a break, so you don’t need another holiday to be travelling solo to recover
It might seem like a big ask, but luckily you’re bound to find something that works. Here are my best travel tips and the best destinations for single parent trips when planning a holiday.
Package holidays
First up in our ultimate guide, the good old package holiday still exists. It is a great choice for single parents as everything is organised for you, allowing you to focus on having as much fun in the sun. It offers a wide range of services, including transport, accommodation, transfers, food, and tours. Travel insurance is a nice add-on for peace of mind in case of an emergency.
Package bookings usually offer competitive prices, as the agent gets a better rate than you if you reserve travel and accommodation separately. I always do a calculation before securing to ensure I’m not being ripped off and paying heaps more than I would if I DIY it. Don't forget that inclusive package holidays might have a slight premium. After all, you pay for the convenience of having it all secured for you.
Bali is the number one package holiday destination for one parent families in Australia. Not only does it tick all the boxes such as great beaches, beautiful resorts and lots of activities, but Bali is great for kids too.
The best thing about travelling on a package holiday is that everything is taken care of. You can rest assured that everything will be organised correctly to get from your home to your resort and back again.
You don’t have to physically go into an agent to arrange a package holiday. The best deals are found online at the big websites such as:
My favourite destinations for easy package holidays from Australia are Bali, New Zealand, Fiji and Singapore. They all have direct flights, reasonable travel times, manageable time differences and great places to explore with the kids.
Island getaways
Nothing screams “holiday” like an island getaway. And here in Australia, we have lots of islands that are perfect family holiday as a solo parent.
One of our best family holidays was on Daydream Island (part of the Whitsunday Islands) before it was devastated by the cyclone. Since then, it has been revamped and re-opened. It is small enough to feel like you are on an island, but large enough to have all the amenities you need for a great holiday.
Other great destinations to stay on with your kids include:
- Kangaroo Island (SA): Wildlife, beaches, cooler weather
- Fraser Island (QLD): 4-Wheel driving, inland lakes, camping
- Morton Island (QLD): Water sports, dolphin feeding, snorkelling
- Fitzroy Island (QLD): adventure, scuba diving, snorkel tours
Cruising
We are slowly welcoming cruise holidays with kids back into our post-covid world. This is a good thing for a relaxing holiday as a single parent.
As long as you're able to get your family on the ship, you’re done! Time to relax.
Whether it’s cruising up the east coast of Australia, heading to the South Pacific Islands or delighting your kids with the new Disney cruise, there are lots of kid-friendly options to choose from. You're looking for a cruise ship that has a kids' club.
Cruise ships are floating cities packed to the rafters with entertainment for kids and adults. They have family-friendly accommodation options, easy food choices, onboard medical centres and kids clubs galore.
Further reading: What I love most about cruising with kids.
Try these cruise lines that cater brilliantly for families:
Camping or camper vanning
Depending on your family, camping is either the best or worse holiday choice for perfect single parent travels.
We did it for years because it is literally the cheapest way to get away and there are so many places to camp in Australia. We could decide to go one day and be packed and on the road the next.
Most campsites are kid-friendly, but you'll also want to check first. You can also look for a local family who you can ask for help and information about the place.
If you have lots of children or a child with special needs, camping can be hectic. Setting-up tents, blowing up beds and providing suitable shelter from the elements is not conducive to a relaxing break. And the novelty of preparing family meals on a single-ring gas stove and washing up in the camp kitchen can wear off pretty quickly.
For families who love the outdoors experience but need some home comforts, add a campsite cabin or hire a camper van to your travel dates. We hired a small camper van when there was a special and haven’t used the tents since!
Theme parks
If you want to be in the running for the “Best Parent” award, then a holiday centred on adventure parks is the way to go.
You don’t need to leave Australian shores, as we have world-class amusement parks right here on the Gold Coast (QLD). They are:
If money allows, and you want to take the experience to the next level, don't be afraid to go overseas to one of the six Disney parks in either Florida, California, Tokyo, Hong Kong, China or Paris. Expedia and Wotif receive a 10 from us when it comes to holiday deals that you might be pleasantly surprised by.
Adventure trip
Adventure holidays are like package holidays but with heaps of tours for a more active, experience-based holiday.
I love adventure holidays as you see lots of the country you're travelling around while you get your kids to learn about history and cultures. For adults and older kids, adventure holidays are a fascinating learning experience. They are the kind of school holidays for kids with a passion for adventure.
If you book adventure types of holidays, you will be placed with a group who are doing the same experience as you. It’s a great way to meet people and enjoy the company of others on your trip. Although you are on the move a lot, everything is organised for you, so you can relax and enjoy the adventure with your kids.
Adventure tours are usually geared at specific age groups or interests, so you are travelling with like-minded families. There are family-friendly tours and some operators such as Intrepid Travel that are ideal for single parent travellers, yay!
Summary: Holidays for single parent families
Travel as a single parent shouldn't deter you from taking a well-deserved holiday. From package holidays and island getaways to cruising, camping, and theme parks, there are numerous options available to suit you and your kids are happy. Adventure trips offer a unique opportunity to explore new cultures and experiences while keeping the logistics simple and stress-free.
By following this travel guide to single parent trips, you can ensure that your next family holiday is enjoyable and manageable. Solo parent family holidays are not only feasible but can also be incredibly rewarding. The key is to find what works best for your family and embrace the adventure. So pack your bags, embark on a new journey, and enjoy the special moments that come with travelling as a lone parent. Single parenting has never been this fun!
