Last Updated on Friday, May 9, 2025 by Lavania Oluban
AD – This post is part of a collaboration exploring single parent holidays Jet2 currently offer. All thoughts, opinions, and recommendations are entirely my own.
Why we chose the Algarve
As a single parent, booking a holiday comes with a few non-negotiables. It needs to be simple. It must be safe and worth the effort. I knew I wanted to stay in Europe, ideally somewhere with warmer weather but not too far away. The Algarve was perfect, under three hours flight time, with sunshine in April and the beach right by Faro Airport. Win, win, win. For single parent holidays Jet2 also offers a discount and smooth booking process.
After some research and checking temperatures, flight times and resort options, I locked in on the Algarve. What sealed the deal was knowing how easy it would be to fly there from Birmingham with Jet2holidays.
Booking with Jet2holidays as a single parent
Booking through Jet2holidays was genuinely straightforward. The site let me use filters to narrow down dates, board basis, destination, hotel features, and more. Each hotel page showed clear pricing and loads of photos. They provided helpful information like beach distance and transfer times. The pages even included reviews both from Jet2 and TripAdvisor.
It gave me the confidence to make a fully informed decision. For single parent holidays Jet2 are ahead of the competition. Having everything in one place, especially without any hidden costs, is invaluable.
You can check out the range of single parent holidays Jet2 offer if you’re considering a trip like this yourself.
The airport experience at Birmingham
We travelled during the Easter holidays. I expected chaos. However, the Jet2 area at Birmingham Airport was calm, with lots of staff around (and even balloon arches). There were plenty of desks open, so check-in was quick and efficient.
The Jet2 staff checked our bags. They gave us the option to pop our hand luggage in the hold for free if we preferred. Security was straightforward too. I’d packed light, JUST one case between us and I gave Arlo little jobs so he felt involved and not overwhelmed. He loved it. Especially because I promised sweets once we got through to duty free.
The flight with Jet2: smooth and child-friendly
The flight to Faro was smooth and easy. Boarding was fast, and we had a window seat over the wing. Arlo had the best time watching takeoff and spotting boats on the sea as we flew down the Portuguese coast. He flicked through the food catalogue, had some Pringles and a drink, and rotated through the colouring books, tablet and fidget toys we’d packed together in advance.
The Jet2 staff were great with him – friendly, calm and helpful. It honestly felt like the ideal age to travel with him. Independent enough to manage his stuff, but still full of excitement at every little thing.
If you’re thinking of planning your own escape, check out flights to Portugal.
Arriving in Faro and getting to the resort
Passport control at Faro was the only time we had to queue, but there were seats and toilets nearby. Arlo sat within sight while I queued, and jumped in with me near the front, excited to get his very first passport stamp.
Our suitcase was already on the carousel and, as expected, the Jet2holidays team were impossible to miss in their red uniforms. They directed us quickly to our express transfer, and we were on our way in a small minibus with just one other family. Arlo happily watched out the window, spotting orange groves, turtles, and even a water park.
First impressions of Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort
We arrived at the Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort just after lunch. Although it was a little early to check in, the staff were amazing, friendly, calm and clearly used to families. They took our bags, handed us our wristbands, and showed us where to get changed. There were cookies and welcome drinks in the lobby and a Jet2holidays board with all the local info.
It felt warm and welcoming, not overwhelming, such a huge relief when you’re the only adult navigating it all as until you arrive you never quite feel relaxed.
Our family room: bright, spacious and smart
When our room was ready, the concierge gave us a buggy ride across the grounds to our block. The hotel is laid out like a resort, with small apartment style blocks spaced around pools and communal areas.
We were in a ground floor room near one of the family pools. It had a large double bed, a sofa bed, sliding doors out to a patio area, and a huge bathroom with glass walls and privacy curtains. There was loads of storage, a fridge, TV, desk and even a washing line in the shower to dry swimwear. It was spotlessly clean, and the air-con was already on. Heaven.
All-Inclusive food and drink: a parenting dream
Food is usually the thing that stresses me out most on holiday… but not here.
The main buffet restaurant served breakfast, lunch and dinner with loads of options: waffles, pancakes, cereals, eggs, meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, breads, juices, and even build-your-own burger stations for the kids.
Arlo was living his best life, helping himself to new foods, trying seafood and curry, and of course making repeat visits to the unlimited ice cream stations with cones, sauces and sprinkles. There were always plain options available too, perfect for fussier eaters.
We also dined at the resort steakhouse on our final night. Arlo told me it was one of the best meals of his life. It was such a special experience to dress up, order from a menu, and enjoy a proper sit-down meal together.
The pools: the heart of our holiday
There were five pools, including an adults-only pool and a separate splash zone for younger kids. Arlo was straight in, lilo in hand, snorkel ready. Every morning he stomped out like it was his job.
He loved the big pools most, making friends, diving, playing games and joining in with the entertainment team. I was able to relax nearby, with clear views of the water, no trip hazards, and plenty of loungers.
The splash pool had a play frame and tipping buckets, and there were towels provided at every pool. Everything was spotless and well maintained.
Exploring Alvor and the Algarve
We made the most of the resort’s land train one afternoon to visit Alvor. We walked to the beach via a footbridge and woodland trail, grabbed ice cream, and wandered for hours along Praia dos Três Irmãos, collecting shells and enjoying the sun before heading into the marina.
We also booked a boat trip through the Jet2 rep. It was amazing, we cruised 50km out in an attempt to spot wild dolphins and then explored the caves and pirate hideouts along the coastline. Arlo loved every second, especially waving to people on the secret beaches.
We even walked all the way back along the beach, finding local shops, play areas and even a volleyball tournament before getting an Uber back (a brilliant tip from hotel staff!).
Resort entertainment and kids activities
There was so much for kids to do. The splash pool and football pitch were packed with energy, and although Arlo didn’t fancy the kids club (he was too busy swimming), it looked really well-run with crafts, toys and activities.
The animation team were fab, organising games, poolside dancing, table tennis, and party tunes without being pushy. Arlo’s favourite was the animal show one evening, with lizards and snakes he could touch. There were magicians, cabaret acts and music too. And, of course, slushies on tap – the highlight for every child at the bar.
How it felt as a single parent
I was genuinely expecting to just survive this trip, to be Arlo’s snack provider and activity coordinator while he had fun. But honestly? I rested. I had space. I finished a Jack Reacher book. I had a cocktail by the pool. I laughed.
Everything was walkable. I didn’t have to lug Arlo back to the room if he got tired. There were poolside toilets (crucial), staff offered help with bags, and I never once felt out of place.
It wasn’t just Arlo’s holiday. It was mine too.
Coming home and looking ahead
We were gutted to leave. On the plane back, the Jet2 crew gave Arlo a Crème Egg for Easter Sunday, and the reps were just as helpful and cheerful at Faro Airport as they were at the start.
We came home with full hearts, loads of memories and about 500 photos. We’re already looking at where else we can go with Jet2holidays. When something feels this easy, why wouldn’t you?
Tips for other single parents
- Go all-inclusive. Less planning, fewer decisions, no stress about meals.
- Get the kids involved. Let them choose the hotel, help pack, and count down together.
- Use the Jet2holidays tools. Read the folder in the hotel, check the boards, talk to the reps.
- Don’t overthink it. If you can handle daily life as a solo parent, you can absolutely handle a single parent holiday.
You deserve it.
