Last Updated on Monday, May 5, 2025 by Lavania Oluban
Going on holiday as a single parent is a whole different experience. You’re excited to make memories, but the logistics and responsibility can feel like a mountain. Everything is on you: the planning, the packing, the childcare, the navigating. You don’t get to tag anyone in or take a break, and at first, it can feel more overwhelming than relaxing.
But it gets easier. And it can even become one of the best parts of single parenting.
This is how I started, how I keep holidays running smoothly now, and why I think every solo parent should stop waiting for someone else to take them and just go.
At first, everything felt hard
The idea of travelling alone with a child was daunting. Carrying bags while keeping an eye on your little one, constantly being the one responsible, and not having another adult to help makes even simple things feel tricky.
Going to the loo at a café means dragging your child with you and possibly losing your table. Queues feel longer. You can’t distract your child while someone else waits in line. There’s no one to give you five minutes of peace.
Even on holiday, it feels like parenting full-time with no pause. At home, there’s school, routine, quiet evenings. On holiday, it’s just the two of you, non-stop. And that can feel intense. But once you let go of the idea that it has to be relaxing in the usual sense, it actually becomes enjoyable in a different way.
Building confidence took time
I didn’t start with big international holidays. It was gradual. Day trips first, then weekend breaks, then longer holidays a bit further from home. We took our first flight from Birmingham to Edinburgh which was a short distance, and allowed us to get used to the airport routines. Each time we have travelled has helped me learn what worked.
My child is used to travelling now, and we’ve got our systems. A little bag of colouring books and small toys is always packed. We plan playlists for car journeys. We chat about where we’re going and what we’re going to see. He helps with map reading or choosing stops along the way.
I’ve stopped panicking about forgetting things. I’ve had to buy sun cream, socks and swimsuits on different holidays and it’s never been a disaster. You can always find what you need. It’s not the end of the world.
I want to set an example
There are things we want to do. Beaches, swimming pools, exploring cities, trying new foods, seeing waterfalls, watching entertainment shows. And I don’t want my child to think we have to wait for someone else to take us.
If I waited around for someone to take us, what kind of message would that give him? I want him to have a sense of adventure. To grow up knowing he doesn’t need anyone else’s permission to enjoy life. We go, even if it’s just the two of us.
Practical things that make it work
Now that I’ve done it a few times, I’ve got into a routine that works for us.
I look for short UK breaks out of season when they’re cheaper. Caravan parks usually price for two adults and two children, so I take the hit and look for low-demand dates. One bonus of only having one child is that we can book twin or double hotel rooms at short notice. I plan driving routes in advance and know where the good service stations are on most motorways. If something is more than a few hours away, I plan a stopover so I’m not driving tired. I pack snacks and extras in the car. Always bring more than you think you’ll need.
I book big holidays a year in advance with a very small deposit and pay them off in monthly instalments. If we have a weekend free, I’ll also look for last-minute hotel deals or campsite options. Budget brands and youth hostels are surprisingly good if you plan ahead and check reviews.
My advice
Just do it. Be brave. You might not have chosen to do this alone, but you can still give your child a life full of memories. Don’t let your child miss out on the hopes and dreams you had for them just because life didn’t turn out the way you expected.
Take the trip. Make the memories. That’s the best thing you can pass on to your children.