Navigating the summer holidays for single parents

The weather is finally warming up (despite a few rainy days) which means the summer holidays are fast approaching. We know that the six-week holiday can seem daunting for single parents, so we have put together our top summer holiday tips for parents apart.

If you don’t think you can afford to go abroad this year, we’ve got you covered with some free or low-cost options too. You can also find information on organisations which provide discounted holidays and days out for single-parent families on Gingerbread’s holidays page.

You might also get some ideas from a single mum Chris's video about going on holiday with her two sons.

10 tips for planning for the summer holidays for single parents

1. Don’t feel under pressure to go abroad

There are lots of holiday options in the UK, try searching ‘single parent holidays in England’ or ‘unusual holidays UK’ for something a little different (we found a place where you can sleep in stables with an actual horse!).

2. If you’re keen to go further afield, it pays to shop around

You will often get the best price by booking online but make sure you book with companies that are Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) registered. If you’re travelling with an independent tour operator or travel organiser, check that they have a valid Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL) number.

3. Make sure you get the break you deserve

If you’re going away and would like a break from childcare (after all, it’s your holiday too), check if children’s clubs or crèche facilities are available at your chosen venue. If your child has special needs, you can book with an organisation that caters specifically for them. You can find a list of these on Gingerbread’s holidays page.

4. Make sure you travel with the right paperwork

If your child(ren)’s other parent has parental responsibility, you will need to get their permission (preferably in writing) to take them abroad. If you have a different surname to your child, it’s also a good idea to travel with your child’s birth certificate and your marriage or divorce certificate (if you have one) along with the other parent’s written permission.

5. Summer holidays don’t mean you have to go on a lengthy break to have fun

Councils often put on free/low-cost activities throughout July and August. Search for ‘summer holiday activities near me’ to get you started.

6. Get your child(ren) involved in a project

The Summer Reading Challenge is free and you can take part online or at your local library. They could also:

• restyle their bedroom (a chance to retrieve lost items from under the bed!)
• keep a scrapbook to record memories of the summer
• try a spot of gardening with quick growing veg like cress, lettuce, radishes and beans

7. Get out and about

The summer is a great time to get outside and explore your local area. Take a picnic, a ball or a frisbee, or just sit back and relax. If you want more of a challenge, download Gingerbread’s ‘My Family Moves’ activity pack and see how much you and your children can complete in six weeks.

8. Share the holiday experience

Get together with friends and family for a trip out or a BBQ to share the fun and the costs. You could also swap childcare days with other parents. Your child gets two days of fun with a pal, but you only need to take one day of annual leave.

9. Whether you’re going on a day trip or away for longer, make a checklist

It will help to build the excitement of the trip as well as help you to remember everything you need. Our essentials always include hats, water bottles, waterproof jackets, insect repellent, sun cream, snacks, and card games (Dobble and Uno are firm favourites for us).

Packing for multiple people can be a bit of a headache but packing cubes can save space and improve organisation.

10. Enjoy it!

Holidays are for you as well as your children so make sure there is a mix of activities planned so that everyone (including you) gets to do something they enjoy. Involve your children in planning activities so that they learn to organise their day, share their time, and consider what others want to do too. They can often be the most inventive summer holiday activity planner in the room!

Gingerbread has lots of helpful FAQs on our holidays page, from what will happen to your benefits if you go abroad to negotiating holidays with your child’s other parent.

FAQs

How much does a single parent get on benefits per year?

In England and Wales, the current maximum amount a single parent can get in benefits is £25,323 per year in Greater London and £22,020 per year for single parents outside Greater London.

What help can I get as a single parent?

There is a wide variety of help available to single parents in the UK. For information about financial and emotional support as a single parent, please call Gingerbread’s Single Parent Helpline at tel:08088020925.

What can I claim as a single parent?

There are multiple financial resources available to single parents in England and Wales. For information about these services, please refer to Frolo’s guide to Single Parent Benefits in the UK.