Single Parent Holidays

Travelling with the kids when it's just you running the show is a different game. You're the entertainment coordinator, the snack provider, the luggage handler and the human sat-nav, all at once. So the best holidays for single parents are the ones where the hotel does the heavy lifting: all-inclusive deals where nobody's counting what they've spent at the pool bar, kids' clubs that genuinely tire them out (so you get a quiet evening), and resorts where everything you need is within flip-flop distance.

Whether you're a solo parent taking the kids abroad for the first time or a seasoned pro looking for your next spot, we've got cheap deals and flexible payments to take the sting out of booking, plus low deposits so you can lock it in without the big upfront hit and spread your payments out comfortably.

Why choose On the Beach for your next single-parent jolly?

As we send over 1.5 million customers, we always strive to give you the best holiday experience possible. We are the home of holiday perks, offering things like FREE lounge access (which is a lifesaver when you're doing the airport shuffle solo) and flexible payment options and low deposits. Combining all of this with our brilliant service, there are loads of reasons why you can book confidently with us.

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Best family-friendly holidays

Finding a hotel that works when it's just you and the kids is less about star ratings and more about the setup. You want on-site dining (ideally all-inclusive), a kids' club with decent hours, and a layout where you can see the pool from your sun lounger without needing binoculars. These are some of our favourites, handpicked for single-parent-friendly facilities across Spain, Turkey, Greece and the Canary Islands.

Family holidays for babies and toddlers

Having facilities specifically for babies and toddlers is a lifesaver, especially when you're on holiday. With these hotels, we've got you covered. From baby clubs to rooms with cots, you will be well looked after at these properties. Whether you're off to Majorca or Turkey, these hotels are ideal for you and your extra special little one.

Tips for travelling solo with kids

The airport is the hardest bit. Pack a small backpack for each kid with their own snacks, a colouring book and a charged tablet. If they're carrying their own stuff, that's one less bag on your shoulders. Arrive early, use online check-in, and if your booking includes fast-track security, take it.

Go all-inclusive. Seriously. When it's just you, the last thing you want is to be hunting for a restaurant at 6pm with hungry kids in tow. All-inclusive means food is always there, drinks are covered, and you're not doing budget spreadsheets on your sun lounger. It's the single biggest stress-reducer you can book.

Pick a compact resort. You want the pool, the beach, the restaurant and your room all within easy walking distance. Sprawling resorts with shuttle buses between zones are fine when there are two of you, less fun when you're solo-parenting a toddler who's decided their legs don't work anymore.

Kids' clubs are your golden hour. Not just so you can read a book in peace (though that too), but because the kids genuinely love them. They make friends, do activities, and come back buzzing. Check the hotel page for age ranges and opening hours before you book.

Book a room that works. Family rooms or apartments with a separate bedroom mean you're not tiptoeing around in the dark at 9pm. Some hotels also offer interconnecting rooms, which gives older kids their own space while keeping them next door.

Get those holiday extras...

Making sure everything is sorted for your holiday is important, never mind when you're bringing along the children as well. Getting your transfers, parking or even a comfortable pre-flight lounge sorted can just make your life easier and allow you to chill out (only a little though, you've still got the kids with you).

People also asked...

Not necessarily. The big cost to watch is room occupancy: some hotels price per room rather than per person, so one adult and two kids can work out well. All-inclusive packages are usually the best value because food and drinks are baked in, and On the Beach bundles flights, hotel and transfers into one price with flexible payment options and low deposits. Turkey and Spain tend to be the best-value destinations for single-parent holidays.

Any age works, it just changes what you need. Babies and toddlers need hotels with cots, highchairs and baby-friendly pools. Kids aged four to ten are prime kids' club territory (most run full days in peak season). Teens are more independent but want activities and enough to keep them entertained. The destination matters less than the hotel setup, so check what's included before you book.

Absolutely. The destinations On the Beach covers are well-established holiday spots with good infrastructure, English widely spoken in tourist areas, and resorts designed for families. Practical tips: keep your travel documents in one place, save your hotel's address and phone number on your phone, and let the hotel reception know you're travelling solo so they can flag any useful services like babysitting or kids' club registration.

It depends on the hotel and room type. Package holidays through On the Beach are priced per person, and many family rooms are designed for flexible occupancy (one or two adults plus children). The best way to check is to run a search with your actual travel party (one adult plus however many kids) and the pricing will reflect what's available. All-inclusive resorts in Turkey and the Canary Islands often have the most competitive rates for single-parent bookings.

Travel light but strategic. Each kid gets their own small backpack for the flight (snacks, colouring, tablet). Pack a basic first-aid kit, sun cream and any medications in your carry-on (not the hold luggage). Bring a lightweight stroller that folds one-handed if you've got a toddler. And the single most underrated item? A waterproof phone pouch, so you can keep an eye on messages poolside without worrying about splashes.

For one parent and one child, all-inclusive resorts are hard to beat because everything is right there and you're not juggling logistics on your own. Turkey and Spain both have great-value options with kids' clubs, shallow pools and on-site dining. If your child is under five, pick somewhere with a short flight and a quick transfer (the Balearic Islands are ideal). For older kids, Greece or the Canary Islands give you a bit more to explore together without needing a hire car. The key is a compact resort where you can relax knowing everything is walkable and safe.