This post is in collaboration with Jet2 holidays
Planning a holiday as a single parent can feel overwhelming. From choosing the right destination to managing the logistics, it’s easy to put it off and assume it will be too much hard work. But taking that first step can be incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s your first holiday abroad or your first time travelling solo with your child, careful planning for single parent holidays can make all the difference.
After putting off an international trip for a long time, I finally booked a package holiday to the Algarve with Jet2Holidays for myself and my seven-year-old son. I wanted us to experience sunshine, adventure, and new cultures. If you’re a single-parent family considering a break but unsure where to start, here’s how to make planning stress-free and enjoyable.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Destination
The first challenge I faced was deciding where to go. I knew I wanted a family holiday in Europe with a flight time of no more than 3-4 hours. School holidays dictated my travel dates, and I wanted a destination that felt safe, welcoming, and family-friendly. The Algarve stood out to me because of its stunning beaches, child-friendly attractions, and warm climate – ideal for single parent holidays.
When choosing a destination, consider:
- Flight duration and transfer times – Shorter journeys reduce stress, especially with young children.
- Family-friendly resorts and activities – A location with plenty of activities ensures there’s always something to do.
- Ease of exploration – Being close to local towns and beaches means you won’t need to travel far for entertainment.
- Weather and best time of year to visit – A little research on climate and seasonal variations can help you plan accordingly.
Step 2: Simplifying the Booking Process
To make the process easier, I used Jet2Holiday’s website, which has an excellent filter tool. By entering my local airport (Birmingham), my preferred dates, and “beach holiday” as a keyword, I was able to generate around 70 different options. To narrow it down further, I applied more filters:
- All-inclusive option – Avoids the need to budget separately for meals and reduces stress about finding places to eat.
- Outdoor pool – Essential for keeping my son entertained. We love Splash pads so this was my number one must-have.
- Flight times – I wanted to arrive and leave at reasonable hours to avoid late-night travel with a child.
This left me with around 40 options. From there, I checked reviews, considered the average temperatures, and looked at specific facilities, family rooms, and locations before making a final decision. Using a structured approach helped simplify what initially felt like an overwhelming task.
Step 3: Finding the Best Deals for Single Parent Holidays
Travelling as a single parent can feel expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down. I took advantage of Jet2’s single parent discount, which offers £60 off, and they also provide a Free Child Place when one parent books with two children.
Other ways to save money when planning single parent holidays:
- Look for inclusive packages – Flights, accommodation, and transfers in one deal save time and money.
- Check for free child places – Many travel companies offer these, especially for single-parent households.
- Consider the time of booking – Prices fluctuate, so booking early or last-minute can sometimes lead to better deals.
- Think about a minimum stay requirement – Some destinations have restrictions on short breaks, so factor this into your plans.
- Use a unique promo code – Jet2 offers codes like J2HSPF60 for additional savings on single parent holidays.
Step 4: Choosing the Right Accommodation
Accommodation plays a big role in ensuring a stress-free holiday. I wanted a modern, spacious family room in a resort that had enough on-site entertainment in case we didn’t feel like venturing out.
Key things to look for in single-parent-friendly accommodation:
- Kids’ clubs – Provides opportunities for children to make new friends and have lots of fun. I have found a resort which has a games room, hosts craft activities and has play areas and sports pitches too.
- Family rooms or single rooms with extra space – Ensures comfort and convenience.
- Close proximity to attractions – Avoids long travel times between the hotel, beach, and town.
- Safe and welcoming environment – A resort that caters to families and has positive reviews from solo parents. The hotel I have found has a specific kids pool area and play park.
Step 5: Planning the Logistics for single parent holidays
One of my biggest concerns was managing everything alone. From handling luggage to keeping my child entertained, I knew I had to plan carefully. Here’s what helps make me feel confident travelling solo:
- Pre-booked airport transfers – A great way to avoid stress on arrival.
- Simple packing strategy – Avoiding the “kitchen sink” approach and sticking to essentials. I have got our luggage included in our package with very clear charges outlined from the offset.
- Travel insurance – Making sure we were covered for medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost items.
Step 6: Preparing for the First Trip Abroad
Since this is our first international holiday together, I want to make it as smooth as possible. Some top tips include:
- Talking to your child about the journey – Explaining airport security, flights, and what to expect can make them feel more comfortable. I am actually going to take a short internal flight to Scotland for a weekend minibreak to act as a bit of a trial run.
- Packing entertainment for the flight – Books, games, and snacks make a big difference.
- Keeping a flexible itinerary – While having plenty of activities planned is great, allowing room for spontaneity is just as important.
- Building family bonds – A holiday is a great way to spend quality time together without everyday distractions.
Step 7: Embracing the Experience of single parent holidays
Planning a holiday as a single parent can seem daunting, but once everything is in place, it’s time to enjoy the adventure. Travelling solo with a child is a great way to create new traditions, discover new things, and build confidence as a parent.
While there might be moments that feel overwhelming, a well-planned stress-free holiday will be filled with plenty of activities, much fun, and an opportunity to meet local families or other solo parents on similar journeys.
For any single parents who have been putting off travel, my biggest takeaway is this: You can spend your life worrying, or you can take the plunge and create incredible memories. Careful planning makes all the difference, and once you’re there, you’ll be so glad you did it.
This experience has shown me that planning single-parent holidays doesn’t have to be difficult. With careful planning, the best destinations, and the right travel services, a perfect holiday is possible. If you’re considering booking a trip, take it step by step—every decision brings you closer to making those unforgettable memories.
For single parents planning their first holiday, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Where are you thinking of going, and what are your biggest concerns? Let’s make solo holidays for single-parent families an exciting and rewarding adventure.