There are very few places I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking my kids on holiday as a single mum. I believe that with some careful research and planning, kids and solo parents can travel almost anywhere and have a wonderful experience. However, for those who are new to travel or are particularly nervous, choosing one of the best destinations for single parent holidays can be the difference between a complete disaster and a roaring success.
Here are my top five best destinations for single parent holidays that are almost guaranteed to be a great time*!
*Check out my tip about managing your expectations here 😉!
1. Singapore
Singapore was the first place I took my kids as a single mum so it holds a special place in my heart. We had such a great time and I would highly recommend it as an easy destination for single parent travel. The city is easy to navigate, clean and everyone speaks English which makes communication straightforward.
Known as a playground for ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, Singapore is also a city of fun for kids of all ages with an incredible zoo, theme parks, beaches, shopping and amazing food. Definitely one of the best destinations we’ve been to.
2. Gold Coast, QLD
The Gold Coast is best known for its surf beaches and theme parks which are exactly what makes it a must-visit destination for single parent holidays. We all know it can be difficult to find a balance between things the kids will love and things a parent wants to do but not on the Gold Coast! From adrenaline junkies to wildlife warriors, there is something for everyone on the beautiful Gold Coast. Some of our favourite activities include surf lessons, snorkelling with turtles, and for my water babies, Wet n Wild.
Easily accessible from all of Australia and with no need to worry about international border crossings, the Gold Coast would be a great first choice for any single parent taking their first solo holiday with their kids.
3. Fiji
Fiji is renowned as a kid friendly destination and for good reason. Aside from the obvious tropical paradise, beautiful beaches and kid-friendly pools, what stands Fiji apart is its wonderful people. Fijians are the most friendly, generous and caring people and it feels like they’re on a mission to ensure you and your kids have the best holiday possible.
Almost every resort has a kids club, babysitting or nanny services so the kids will be entertained while you can squeeze in a massage, dinner or some quiet reading which means the adults can come home feeling relaxed and refreshed too.
If you’re travelling from Australia, Fiji is also particularly convenient. The four-hour direct flight and three-hour time difference in winter make travelling to Fiji a breeze.
4. Thailand
Thailand is a great option for a single parent holiday if you want to experience some cultural activities alongside great beaches, watersports and family-friendly resorts. Popular areas of Thailand for family holidays include Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and Khao Lak.
Again, a lot of hotels and resorts are set up for families with kids club and babysitting facilities and Thailand offers a great variety of activities so that even the fussiest of families will find plenty to keep everyone entertained.
5. Lapland
Full disclosure, we haven’t actually visited Lapland as a family yet but it’s my number one destination choice for 2022. Lapland can only be described as a Winter Wonderland with Finnish Lapland, in particular, set up to accommodate families who make the trip pre-Christmas to meet Santa himself.
As well as your personal encounter with the big man, single parent families can enjoy Husky rides, drive snowmobiles, meet reindeer, stay in glass igloos, go skiing and if you’re really lucky you might even get a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.
If you’re travelling from Australia, this trip does involve some significant travel time, but did I mention you get to meet Santa?!
If you’re inspired to start travelling with your kids or would like to join a trip with other single parent families, check out our Outnumbered Holidays upcoming trips, here.
Ellie is the founder of outnumbered holidays. She is a single mum to two incredible boys and a host of fur kids. Ellie believes in the magic of making memories through shared experiences and is on a mission to make travel accessible to all single parents through tailored trips, advice and content.