Enjoy a Single Parent Vacation

A single parent vacation can be difficult to plan. If you are feeling burnt out and your finances are in healthy condition, now might be the time to start planning. If you have children, and you can work out their schedules, it might be a good idea to take a vacation together.

On the face of it, a "single parent vacation" may not sound particularly inviting. However, you can have a really great time with minimal stress, if you plan your trip properly, taking into consideration the age and personality of your children.

Below are some tips to consider when taking a single parent vacation.

• How difficult (time-consuming, etc.) is the trip to and from the destination site? For example, if you are travelling with an age 4 child, a flight time in excess of 4 or 5 hours might be challenging.
• Form a realistic budget for your spending money on the trip.
• Ensure that you have adequate medical insurance.
• Are there any supportive family members or friends that can join you? If your parents are able to join you, that might be a perfect situation. A doting grandmother can give you some much-needed down time, during which you can stroll on the sunny beach while your child bounces on grandmother's lap, in the shade. The trade-off is that your trip will be held at a leisurely pace, but just picture the vacation as an early-night, restful, and tranquil time, and you'll be okay "with it all".
• Research the destination including the hotel, and general local information, to make sure it is what you want. Make sure that all of your needs, safety and otherwise, are met. If you’re researching a hotel, you might want to check out traveler reviews.
• Pick the vacation destination with your children, and involve them in the decision-process. It will be fun for everyone.
• Prepare for the trip. For example, pack toys that you know will keep your children busy and happy on the airplane as well as portable snacks. If your children are small, prepare bottles or sippy cups. They will help their ears adjust to the change in cabin pressure when the plane takes off. Read up on your destination so that you’ll know what to expect. For example, ask your doctor whether any immunizations are required or recommended.
• Bring your sense of humor and patience. Also, bring a camera and take unusual pictures. You might want to buy a unique photo album from the country that you are visiting, to put your photos in. It will be a great way to remember the trip.
• Make sure the length of the vacation is reasonable. You don't want the vacation too shortly, but neither do you want it too long- there is such a thing, especially if you're traveling with extended family.
• If you haven't done so before the actual trip, try to make a plan within the first day or two, for any tours or shows that you want to attend and make the necessary reservations.
• If you are travelling alone with children, you may want to consult with a travel agent regarding "single-parent vacations". You may find, for example, that a beach resort or cruise has a week blocked off during the year, especially reserved for single parent family vacations. This could be a great environment in which both you and your children can mix and mingle in a fun and safe social environment.




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