23 October 2024

Travelling as a single mum As some of you know I’m a single mum. She’s an amazing young lady and she definitely has a sense of wanderlust. Last year she asked for a break away as her birthday present and I suspect it will be the same this year – not that I’m complaining! I first took her to Spain when she was 1 and I quickly realised that, with a little bit of planning, she was going to be a great travel buddy. Since then she’s visited 22 countries and lived in London, Qatar, Oman and Cambodia – she’s even talking about going to the Netherlands to study – I’ve told her that if she does a gap year I’ll stalk her! Of course, it’s hasn’t all been plain sailing but overall I am so happy that we are able to share travel experiences. Honestly, when we left to live in Cambodia I had a few raised eyebrows but it was easier – there was so much help available and the Cambodians love kids. Naturally, we took advantage of living in another country and tried to explore the regions at weekends and holidays – just last summer we also went back to Asia and spent 6 weeks visiting our old haunts. With years of travel as a single mum under my belt, I thought I’d share my top tips for travelling as a single parent. 1. Plan Ahead Thoroughly Accommodation: Choose kid-friendly places with amenities such as pools, playgrounds, or family activities – but don’t be surprised that your child decides to just hang out with you – mine did and I’m not sure she ever stayed in a kids club. When she got a bit older I didn’t have to worry too much about the big pools and kids clubs as it was mostly about the experiences but it’s important that you enjoy it too so don't make it all about the kids. Transport: When booking flights or trains, consider travel times that work for you and any schedule you might have – I was quite easy-going and when my daughter was young she would just curl up and sleep – now she can power through it – it’s maybe more me that needs the sleep! You might also want to consider stopovers or long transfers – we did this last time and it helped – a few hours to grab something to eat and maybe even change of clothes helped set us up for the next leg. 2. Pack Smart Bring essentials such as snacks, a change of clothes, a first aid kit, entertainment items (books, toys, tablets), and any favourite items. When she was younger I got her one of the those rolling sit on cases – I’m glad when she grew out of it and then she loved having her own little suitcase to pull along just like mum. Remember to bring documents like passports, your child’s birth certificate, and insurance information. Carrying a consent letter from the other parent if applicable can also be a good idea. I always had one but I was only asked when I came back to the UK. 3. Keep Your Itinerary Flexible Plan a realistic schedule that allows for downtime. Also, be prepared for changes – one year may not be the same as the last – this year my daughter struggled with the heat so we had a bit more pool time than we had planned. 4. Engage and Involve Your Child Discuss the trip with your child. Let them help plan some activities, which can be exciting and make them feel involved. On our last trip, I made the mistake of asking my teenager too many questions – to the extent she said I was the adult and she didn’t know – she was right – I thought I was trying to involve her but I risked getting her stressed. Choose activities that you both can enjoy, and try to incorporate educational aspects into the trip like visiting museums, historical sites, or parks. My other piece of advice is don’t assume they won’t like things – my daughter, aged 6 absolutely loved Angkor Wat – on the first day I was tired and she wanted to stay longer. 5. Stay Safe Always have a plan for emergencies. Know where the local hospital and embassy are in case of any problems. Use technology to stay safe. Apps can help you navigate new cities, translate languages quickly, or locate nearby amenities. 6. Connect with Other Parents If staying at a resort or on a cruise, take advantage of kids' clubs and parent meet-ups. Online communities and forums can be great for getting tips and support from other traveling parents. 7. Self-Care As much as travelling as a single parent can be rewarding it can also be exhausting. Remember to take some time for yourself when you can. Consider services like hotel babysitting to give you a brief respite. 8. Document Your Memories Take lots of photos and maybe keep a travel diary together. It’s a lovely way for both of you to look back on these experiences. Most of all be in the pictures – when I look back I have lots of photos of my daughter but not that many of the two of us. 9. Legal and Health Precautions Always carry relevant legal documentation that pertains to your child and any legal rights as a parent. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance. 10. Just do it My last top tip is to just do it – don’t be put off – it’s all doable and you’ll both look back on the experiences and be so thankful you went for it. I hope these have been helpful. If you’re looking for specific destination recommendations or further advice, feel free to ask! Let’s talk if you’d like to discuss your next journey – I’ll be able to help you plan and book an itinerary that works for you and I would always be on the other end of the line should you need help or advice. Photos are from some of our trips.

02 May 2024

With the weather turning a little bit warmer your thoughts might be turning to your family's summer holiday, after all, it’s the perfect opportunity to make those family memories. I was looking at some family photos over the weekend and came across some from our trip to Italy last year and oh my – those smiles said it all and the memories came flooding back - from seeing the view from the villa the first time, coming across that perfect little restaurant surrounded by sunflowers, and finding the perfect pistachio gelato. Bliss! Whether you’re dreaming of waking up to the gentle murmur of the ocean, discovering hidden coves in Mallorca, island hopping in Greece, ziplining through the Rocky Mountains or enjoying time with elephants in the Thai jungle I know that it can be a little stressful finding that perfect trip that will work for everyone. After all a family trip should be for everyone and it’s important to get the balance right – after all the last thing you want to hear on holiday is ‘I’m bored’. The question is where to go : Resort style perfection : Perhaps all you have been dreaming of after a crazy start to the year is sun, sea, sand and being pampered! The good news is that there are some amazing family resorts – the even better news is that you won’t have to compromise on style. Just imagine waking up to the sound of the waves, having breakfast on the terrace and knowing that you can happily stay on your lounger with a good book knowing that your kids are well looked after – or maybe a spa afternoon when your kids are having a football lesson or learning how to cook up a storm! Some of the best resorts understand the importance of creating a range of activities that work for both adults and kids - often featuring a dizzying array of activities from golfing to cooking, football academies, dance classes, yoga, woodworking, theatre workshops, archaeology and so much more. From family favourites such as Ikos, Sani, Domes, Grecotel, Hillside Beach club and the Atlantis (to name but a few) to the eagerly anticipated new arrivals such as Anda Barut, the One and Only Kea Island, the Conrad Orlando and the new 5 star Disney hotel in Paris your summer plans are in safe hands. The Maldives and Mauritius are also great options – I can let you in on a secret - it’s not just for couples! To get you in the mood here are just a few resorts to whet your appetite. Grecotel LUXME White Palace - Crete On the stunning north coast of Crete, this luxury seafront property sits on a gorgeous Blue Flag 1000m beach ideal for family holidays. The Grecoland kids’ programme for children from four year olds to teens immerses younger visitors in authentic experiences, including local cookery lessons, Greek culture sessions, and Greek dancing, as well as games and competitions. There’s also the option to visit Agreco, Grecotel’s traditional farm and mini zoo a short drive from the property, where kids can play at being a farmer for the day with the likes of dough-making and vegetable – and where all ages can tour the vintage olive oil stone press, see silk production and beehives, and taste age-old Cretan recipes. Back at the resort, there’s a water sports school, snorkelling, board games, and entertainment, including, family discos, and shows, in addition to cinema screenings and daily DJ sets. While kids are enjoying the activities, adults can make the most of the sleek spa, head for the adults-only area of the waiter service and beach, The White restaurant (Adults only 12+), or sign up for Pilates, stretching, and yoga classes. Ikos Porto Petro - Mallorca Opened as the first Ikos resort on this ever popular island in the Balearics, this sleek and sparkling property sits on one of the Mallorca’s best preserved sites, beside the gorgeous Mondrago Natural Park and the cosmopolitan Porto Petro Marina. The resort offers a whole array of both thrilling and relaxing activities, including a football academy, water-skiing and canoeing, beach volleyball, basketball, tennis, mountain biking, and fitness classes including Pilates and yoga. Evenings see everything from live music to children’s movies. There’s a fantastic programme of events and games every day of the week, a teen club, a kids’ club for children from four years and upwards, and a crèche for the littlest ones. There’s even the complimentary Beach Childcare Service for ages four years and up. A home away from home Sometimes the best holidays are ones where you have your own space. A bedroom for all the kids and a space to call your own and socialise when the little ones are tucked up in bed. From spacious villas close to Walt Disney World Florida, a two bed hotel villa in Phuket, a resort apartment, a converted cottage with a private pool on Corfu to beachside paradise in Antigua you know you’ll quickly feel at home. For the Adventurous bit in all of us Whilst many of us dream of that week or two in the sun, more and more are looking at experiential holidays that offer authentic travel experiences and cultural highlights, such as cruising in the Nordics and adventures in Iceland, walking in the Cloud Forest in Costa Rica, safaris in South Africa, or making memories to last a lifetime touring round Sri Lanka – ‘mum, I spotted a leopard!’. My daughter was 5 when she first visited Thailand and Cambodia - what a trip - I had lived there before but even so it was such a great place to visit with children - so many memories! Just ask and I can help you plan. Sailing the high seas Cruising is another idea for your summer trip – families love the variety and the fact that you could be visiting so many amazing places. Whether you opt for a 10-night cruise to the Canaries, a family adventure in the Mediterranean, a Disney cruise to meet your favourite characters, a Caribbean cruise with a stop at a private island or an enchanting adventure to the Norwegian Fjords you’ll probably come home hooked on cruising and wanting to book again. Inspired and want to get your trip booked up without spending hours and hours at the laptop? – why not get in touch. Tell me about your family and I’ll inspire you with holiday ideas! Whether your brood is big or small, you’re travelling with tots or teens, craving adventure, or in need of rest and relaxation – if I can understand your family, I can understand your family holiday. Are you ready to start the ball rolling? Give me a call and let’s do it.