Being a single parent can be tough on a regular day. But going on vacation alone with the kids? That can feel like it wouldn’t even be worth it. But it is! Here, a well-traveled single mom shares her experience, tips and insights for having a great vacation, saving a little money and making sure you have a good time, too.
Single Parent Vacation Highlights
| Destination / Trip Style | Best For | Childcare / Respite Option |
| All-inclusive Resort | Zero-stress, predictable budget getaways | Kids programs, daily activities and all the food a teen can eat included |
| Closed-Loop Caribbean Cruise (Disney, NCL, MSC) | First-time multi-stop family travel | Supervised youth clubs open late into the night |
| San Juan, Puerto Rico | Tropical domestic escape without passport hassle | Resorts with child care and kids’ clubs |
| Dude Ranch | Active school-age kids and teenagers | Supervised trail rides and organized daily camps |
Single Mom Vacation Memories
I’ll never forget the first single mom vacation I took with my son, just 2 years old at the time. Aside from safely getting to and from our destination, all I could think about was whether it would be enjoyable and affordable.
Much to my surprise, there are many destinations that are family-friendly, even for single parents. And with the travel industry seeing single and solo parent travel on the rise, travel is becoming easier and more affordable.
Here I share several different ways you can take an incredible single-parent vacation that everyone will enjoy, including you!
Want more family vacation ideas? Get inspired with our newsletter!
Where to Take a Single Parent Vacation in the USA
My No. 1 recommendation if you’re traveling as a single parent for the very first time: Start small and stick close to home.
Here are a few US destinations that pack plenty of fun for single-parent families, no passport needed:
Arizona: Dude Ranches and Waterparks
Dude ranches are, for the most part, all-inclusive, from the room to the food to the trail rides and non-horsey activities. And waterparks are my son’s favorite. Both work for me because they have plenty of activities to keep him engaged, happy and tired at the end of the day. Outside of the resorts, there is plenty to do with the kids, including exploring museums to avoid the heat of the afternoon, hiking the Grand Canyon and visiting Bearizona Wildlife Park.
- Tanque Verde Guest Ranch: This old-time cattle and guest ranch is located in the desert near two national parks. The accommodations are plush; there’s kids’ programming for ages 3-17 and a spa for me.
- The Westin Kierland Resort: This Scottsdale hotel is home to the Adventure Water Park, with a 900-foot lazy river, a 110-foot water slide, the FlowRider, a zero-entry area, cabanas and islands. Plus, the resort offers family game night and s’mores to roast over a fire pit on a Saturday night.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Here’s what to wear and what to pack for a dude ranch vacation.
Read more: The best resorts for families in Arizona
Florida: Theme Parks and Low-Stress Beaches
Florida is a popular single-parent destination with plenty of fun activities that parents and children can do together, from the world-famous theme parks to the calm Gulf Coast beaches.
- Disney World: Yes, this is a splurge for any family. But there’s a special joy watching your kid’s eyes light up the first time they walk into the Magic Kingdom. If you can’t afford a Disney trip, try one of the smaller theme parks, such as Peppa Pig or LEGOLAND. Tweens and teens will want the thrill of a visit to Universal Orlando.
- Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa: The resort offers seasonal activities and a list of complimentary resort programming. Or just rent a beach chair to relax while your kids play in the sand.
Puerto Rico: Caribbean Warmth, No Passort Required
Puerto Rico, a US territory, is a great option for a tropical Caribbean vacation that doesn’t require Americans to present a passport. San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the place I visited on that very first trip with my son, then just 2 years old. The only thing I wish I done differently: Stay longer!
Puerto Rico has a number of family-friendly beaches that are safe for children and small enough to keep an eye on them as a single parent. There are also plenty of other places to explore with children, including El Yunque National Rainforest, the two forts: Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal, the bioluminescent bay and the Rio Camuy Cave Park.
The Caribe Hilton has the only beachfront location in San Juan. The daily resort activities and calm bay waters make it easy to while away hours in the sunshine while the kids splash in the sea or dig in the sand.
More US Single-Parent Vacation Ideas
- 7 Tips for Choosing a Family-Friendly Ski Resort
- Family-Friendly Florida Resorts that Are Worth the Splurge
- 21 Best USA Vacations
- Best Vacations for Kids Under 10 the Whole Family Will Love
Want more family destination ideas? Get inspired with our newsletter!
International Destinations for Single Parent Vacations
Traveling internationally as a single mom can seem like a big, scary step. But, thankfully, there are many international destinations that are both affordable and single-parent friendly.
Before You Leave the Country: Get Your Paperwork in Order
Customs agents what to know that a single parent crossing international borders alone with a child has the right to take that kid out of the country. So be sure to get your paperwork in order:
- Everyone, even babies, needs their own passport.
- Always travel with a signed and notarized Minor Child Travel Consent Form from the non-accompanying parent.
- If you have sole legal custody, carry a certified copy of your court order, adoption decree, or birth certificate showing only one parent.
- An emergency medical authorization form giving you unilateral authority to authorize care abroad.
- Any documentation required by the country you plan to visit.
Mexico
Mexico was the first international destination I visited as a single mom when my son was just 3 years old. I was so taken with Mexico’s family-friendly environment that I now live there with my son!
One of the perks of Mexico with kids: Many local restaurants offer free supervised kids clubs. As a single mom, having this option when my son and I go out to eat together is a win-win. He gets to play and meet kids, and I have a moment to myself to relax and enjoy my meal.
Mexico has numerous all-inclusive family resorts with fancy kids clubs and plenty of activities. Some of these resorts let kids stay and play for free and some even have the occasional single-parent promotions that waive the single supplement fee.
Club Med Cancun is the ultimate single-parent-friendly all-inclusive. This oceanfront all-inclusive resort has three white-sand beaches and five restaurants. plus a kids’ club and teen club. If you’re traveling with a little one, Club Med will deliver childcare equipment to your room and provide baby chairs and baby food in the restaurants.
Costa Rica: Wildlife Encounters and Built-In Airport Perks
My son and I first traveled to Costa Rica when he was just 3 years old, and he has been asking to go back ever since.
When it comes to activities, Costa Rica has plenty of beaches and nature to enjoy without spending a lot of money. From our Airbnb, we could spot monkeys, sloths and other wildlife while sitting on our porch or taking a dip in the pool.
There are also tours and activities for children of all ages. I booked a private tour of the Manuel Antonio National Park that was very affordable (and highly recommended for an enjoyable experience).
SheBuysTravel Tip: The airport in San Juan has a separate customs line for families with kids in strollers. Look for signs or ask someone to direct you. This was a lifesaver that helped us quickly get in and out of the airport.
Aruba: Calm Waters and the “One Happy Family” Program
Ever since my single momcation, Aruba has remained on my list of places to return with my son because of the vast number of family-friendly activities. Aruba is a small island that isn’t overwhelming to drive around alone. In fact, many other single parents I know have said that Aruba was one of the best vacations they have taken as a single parent.
Aruba has a “One Happy Family” program at several of its hotels and resorts that provide discounts and deals for kids ages 12 and under. These specials include free accommodations when sharing the same room as an adult, free daily breakfast, a family gift, kid cocktail upon check-in and a VIK (Very Important Kid) passport. Most of these hotels sit on calm, swimmable beaches, giving you the option of how you want to soak in the sun with your kids.
There are also a number of family-friendly tours for all ages. I’ll never forget the ATV tour where tour guides were so incredibly helpful to a family traveling with their 5- and 8-year-olds. Both kids as well as the parents had the time of their lives!
SheBuysTravel Tip: For the easiest single-parent vacay, stay at one of these family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Aruba.
More Kid-Friendly International Vacation Ideas
- Best Countries to Visit with Kids
- Cancun for Families: 5 Star Service at this Fiesta Americana Resort
- Costa Rica Family Vacation: Complete First Timer’s Guide
- How to See Rome in 3 Days with Kids (and Stay Sane Doing It)
- Comprehensive International Packing List for Families
Staycation: The Budget-Friendly Option
My son and I are no strangers to staycations. In fact, we try to take one every now and then for a small change of scenery and for a fun way to act like a tourist in our own city.
Staycations are a much more affordable single mom vacation option and great for a short weekend getaway. Since you’re likely driving your own vehicle, there’s no need to worry about transportation. I’ve personally found plenty of gems in my own backyard that are worth exploring with my son and no more than a 30-minute drive away.
Sometimes we splurge on expensive hotels and resorts, but oftentimes we prefer to stay in affordable family-friendly hotel chains such as a Holiday Inn or Choice Hotels where kids stay and eat free. That way we have extra money to splurge on room service or to save up for a bigger getaway!
Set Sail on a Cruise
Cruises are a highly recommended vacation option for single and solo parents. And if you book a closed-loop cruise (starting and returning to the same US port), you can cruise without a passport!
Cruise ships take the hassle out of planning. Everything you need is in one place: lodging, meals and fun activities and excursions. Solo parents have plenty of opportunities for some “me time” while on the cruise thanks to the kids’ clubs. Additionally, there will be other families traveling, making it easy for them to meet friends. If you ask me, it’s the best way to see multiple parts of the world as a single parent family.
Here are a few cruise lines that are great for single parents and kids:
SheBuysTravel Tip: Beware the single supplement! Because cruise fares are set for two adults sharing one cabin, cruise lines often charge single adults more. But all of the cruise lines offer deals, including “kids sail free” promotions. Book through a travel agent for the best deal or search for “no single supplement” if you book yourself.
Disney Cruise Lines
Although on the expensive side, Disney Cruise Lines is still a popular choice for single mom vacations. These magical cruises pack a ton of family-friendly activities for both kids and adults. From exciting family entertainment to themed accommodations with 24-hour room service, it won’t even feel like you’re traveling alone. In fact, every single parent I know who has cruised with Disney has said it is well worth the cost!
Disney Cruise Lines is also known to place single parent families together during dinners, taking the pressure out of traveling alone. My son is very friendly and talkative, so I know he’d enjoy meeting a new family. There are also forums where single parent families can meet and chat before the cruise.
MSC Cruises
Voted the “Best Family Cruise Line,” MSC Cruises are specifically built for moms, dads and children to enjoy time together as well as separately. With kid clubs for ages ranging from 0-17, even the older kids in the family will be able to enjoy themselves.
Children under the age of 18 who travel in the same cabin as their parents, cruise for free year-round on select cruises. The cruise line also frequently waives the single supplement on select itineraries. And the company steeply discounts its short cruises, to as little as $199 for a weekend.
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Single parents traveling alone with their children will find plenty to do on Norwegian Cruise Lines. Children have plenty to do including zipping down twisting water slides, swimming in the pool or playing a game of basketball on the multi-use sports deck. There’s also a complimentary cruise youth program for children ages 6 months-17 years. There, they’ll have fun playing with other kids while you relax at the spa and mingle with other adults.
When it comes to accommodations, there’s a small (yet swanky) suite designed just for solo travelers. While more expensive than a double-occupancy room on a per person basis, it’s less expensive than the single supplement. There’s also complimentary family dining.
More Family-Friendly Cruises
- Tips for First-Time Cruisers: What to Know Before Booking a Princess Cruise
- Complete Disney Cruise Packing List – Everything You’ll Need on the High Seas
- Disney Dream Cruise Essential Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Sail
- Best Alaska Cruises for Families
Want more family cruise ideas? Get inspired with our newsletter!
Travel with a Family Tour Group
One thing that I have learned as a solo traveler is that traveling alone doesn’t mean that you’re alone! With these tour groups, you’ll be enjoying an action-packed single-mom vacation with other traveling families. Another bonus?
You don’t have to do any of the planning. You don’t even have to carry the bags! Just put them outside your hotel room door and they magically appear at your next hotel!
G Adventures
G Adventures specializes in planning small group travel of no more than three or four families. For the single parent traveler, this is an excellent way to meet other worldwide families while building everlasting friendships!
These family trips aren’t just vacations, but fun hands-on educational experiences that expose you to the culture and language. Some of their most popular family trips include Peru, Thailand, Costa Rica, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel offers solo parent vacation packages to far away and exotic destinations. Some of the destinations include Morocco, Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt and India. You and your children will take part in fun yet educational age-appropriate activities such as snorkeling amongst the coral reefs of the Red Sea, hiking the Amazon jungle, exploring Chinese temples and dining with local families.
The best part is, they take care of all of the planning and arrangements so that you don’t have to stress about a thing. To make it even more affordable for single-parent traveling families, they even offer 10% off for children under the age of 17.
OARS
For single-parent families who love outdoor adventures but don’t feel comfortable doing it alone, OARS has you covered. This tour group offers diverse outdoor family vacations appropriate for families with children as young as four years old.
Most of the trips take place in the western states of Colorado, Arizona, Colorado and Alaska. There, you’ll participate as a group in exciting activities such as river rafting, camping, kayaking or horseback riding. There are also international family trips to Peru, Costa Rica and Mexico. The tours usually take place over school breaks so you don’t have to worry about missing a day of class!
Trafalgar
Trafalgar takes the stress out of planning a single mom vacation with action-packed itineraries appropriate for all ages. They take care of all the logistics ensuring that adults, children and teenagers create unforgettable memories alongside other families.
Whether it’s jungle-trekking in Costa Rica, island-hopping in Greece or even exploring one of the many national parks right here in the USA, you’ll be sure to have a one-of-a-kind, fully-immersive experience.
Vacation Express
Vacation Express is an online booking site that offers family-friendly vacation packages to the best beaches in the Caribbean. Their destinations include Cancun, Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Panama and Saint Lucia.
In addition to the kids’ clubs, kid-friendly entertainment and restaurants, their line of “Smile” resorts waive the single supplement fee for single parents sharing a room with their kids. Additionally, up to two children ages 2-12 can stay, play and eat free. Teens get special pricing as well!
Plan a Road Trip
Going on vacation doesn’t have to mean getting on a plane, train or boat. Sometimes the best places are a short road trip away. Road trips are great for single parents who are on a budget or don’t have time for lengthy trips.
The first road trip I took with my son was to New Jersey when he was just 2 years old. It was helpful to be in control of our own schedule and take breaks as needed. It was also nice that he could play with his toys in the car without disturbing other passengers My recommendation is to get up bright and early before traffic and to safely get to your destination before dark.
Frequently Asked Questions and Single Parent Vacations
There are many ways to save money on a single parent vacation. If you’re comfortable taking your kids out of school for a trip, travel during the off-season (April-May and September-October). If not, take shorter trips and stay closer to home so you can drive instead of fly. Consider booking an Airbnb or hotel with a kitchen so you can cook some meals and save on eating out. For a splurge, consider an all-inclusive resort so you know exactly how much the trip will cost when you book.
The key is to find a vacation spot that caters to adults as well as kids. That includes resorts with both a kids’ program and a spa so everyone can enjoy. Mexico, with its strong family-friendly vibe and local restaurants that offer free kids clubs, is a good choice for an international trip.
Snacks, games and electronics are the answer. If you’re driving on a single-parent road trip, it’s important that the kids be able to entertain themselves without you getting involved. This is no time to restrict screen time!
Look for resorts that cater to kids, like Club Med all-inclusive resorts, which will deliver childcare equipment to your room and will supply baby chairs and baby food in the restaurants. Keep to your child’s routine as much as possible — kids who miss naps are never fun to be around! And loosen rules around screen time, especially during long flights and car rides.
