Lone Parent Holidays

Life as a single parent can be very difficult on occasions, such as when you're planning one of those lone parent holidays. Many single parents vacationing for the first time with their children are often in for a hard time. As a very common problem, hotel room rates are often based on "double occupancy".

In spite of the fact that you're a single adult, it is most likely that you'll end up getting billed double; your child will be charged at the full adult rate for a room. Even though there are over 14 million single parents in the US, the vacation industry is not very easy on them when they are on lone parent holidays with kids.

With passing days though, many opportunities have opened up for lone parent holidays where both the parents and the kids can have a great time. The growing trend for hotels to set room rates per bed, instead of by occupants means that the adult will often have to shell out less money. Moreover, especially in this economical depression where the tourism sector has take a hit, many resorts now offer single parent vacations, in an effort to claw their way back into the market.

Popular Beach Resorts and Club Meds have now specifically single parent oriented promotions that can be taken advantage of. For the duration of their stay, many activities aimed at ensuring single parents and their kids spend quality time with each other, are on offer. The pricing too is based on lone adult occupancy, so the resorts lift the fee for a second adult if you book during one of these promotions.

But there are other pastures you can look to capitalize on when planning such vacations. Many single parent organizations sponsor tours, vacations and get-togethers which are all inclusive packages. Organizations like "Parents without Partners" often endorse tours. Despite all this single parents need to sit down and plan prior to making arrangements, booking hotels and preparing for the holidays.

When planning a vacation, irrespective of the type of your parenthood, it's very essential to first determine the specifics of a vacation. Travel costs are at an all time high, gas costs have gone through the roof, plane fares are constantly being raised, and the additional costs that you incur, all these make it important for you to figure out well ahead of time, exactly what is your itinerary. You will be hard pressed to make plans, but the vacations in themselves can be more stressful. With some efficient planning and an imaginative foresight, they can be just as rewarding and morph your single parent family into one closely knit unit.

If you, like most single parents, run dry on finances, budgeting wisely is of extreme importance. Paying more than you can afford will stress you further and you would never be able to enjoy and get to connect with your child. Nothing can kill a vacation better than nagging worries in the back of your mind.

Let us discuss a final consideration that some parents skip. If you're traveling abroad with your child/children, you must possess signed (and even notarized) letter of authorization from the absent parent. Without legal approval for travelling outside the country, even though most nations won't be concerned about it, your vacation can turn horribly wrong. Importance to the littlest details can ensure smooth and enjoyable single parent vacations.