Top 10 Tips for Planning a Summer Holiday as a Single Parent in the UK

Planning and preparing for a summer holiday as a single mum in the UK can be both exciting and challenging. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan and enjoy a stress-free holiday:

1. Set a Budget

Determine Your Budget: Calculate how much you can afford to spend on the holiday, including travel, accommodation, food, activities, and any extras.
Savings Plan: If you don’t have the funds upfront, start a savings plan a few months in advance. Budgeting is a massive part of your family holiday, even if it’s just a short parent-child holiday. Not to mention that this is even more important for larger tips!
Consider different payment options, for example, while we do not offer financing options, we allow you to pay a full amount, or a deposit and split your holiday costs into smaller instalments as long as it is paid in full no later than 8 weeks before your holiday begins.

To help keep your budget low, you can:

Choose a destination with low-cost or free attractions: Reserves, parks, beaches, and other natural attractions often have a low price tag or can even be free, so you can target locations with this type of attraction if you want to keep costs low. When you stay in Brean, you are in a great location to explore most of the popular Somerset attractions. If you have a National Trust membership it will save you admission fees while visiting Brean Down, just a short drive away from Holiday Resort Unity, or even Dunster Castle near Minehead!
Research the area you’re staying: By knowing the area you’re staying you will know exactly what options you have available, so you can plan every day of your trip every day in more detail. Here, at Holiday Resort Unity and Brean Leisure Resort we offer reduced admissions to our on-site Brean Splash Waterpark and Brean Play indoor soft play area, so you can tick two boxes of fun activities right now!

Hunt for bargains: Bargain hunting feels like a millenary tradition and you should not hesitate to tap into this resource, just like countless parents who have planned amazing vacations on a low budget. We have a variety of different offers available like Unity Value Breaks or family off-peak savers, be sure to check them out!
What time of year: When are the school holidays? Make sure you check your child’s term dates before you book your travel. If you are planning a trip with toddlers, why not choose term time dates to save you some extra cash?

2. Choose a Destination

Domestic vs. International: While a holiday in Turkey or Spain guarantees you sunshine, travelling with kids for a single parent can be very stressful and difficult. Domestic holidays can be less stressful and more affordable.
Family-Friendly Destinations: Look for destinations that cater to families, offering activities and amenities that are child-friendly. While staying with us, you can enjoy free daytime entertainment for kids at The Tavern, as well as great family shows and live music in The Tavern and RJ’s.
Travel Time: Consider the travel time and how manageable it is with children. Shorter trips can be less tiring and easier to manage. Brean is located only 10-minute drive away from M5 J22, so whether you are travelling from you will not be wandering narrow country lanes for hours.

3. Accommodation Options

All-Inclusive Resorts: These can be cost-effective and convenient, offering meals, entertainment, and kids' clubs.
Self-Catering: Renting holiday accommodation gives you flexibility with meals and often more space for your family. At Holiday Resort Unity we offer a variety of different options, from camping and touring holidays and glamping pods, to static caravans, spacious Brean Country Club lodges or relaxing breaks in hot tub lodges. All our caravans are equipped with kitchens, so you will be able to cook yourself or go out for a meal in our restaurants.

4. Plan Activities

It’s a good idea to prevent your child from getting bored by planning several activities. However, in most places, there are tons of fun things to do locally and these are usually only available once you get to the location.
The solution here is to find the right balance between planning a large portion of your trip, but also leaving some free time to either recharge your batteries or do another fun activity.
We suggest to pre-book your Brean Splash and Brean Play sessions, as you will get a guest discount, and leave some time to go on a ride or two at Brean Theme Park or explore the local area and other Somerset attractions, such as Wookey Hole, Puxton Park or spend a day in Weston-super-Mare and Grand Pier.

5. Travel Arrangements

Travel light with a baby or young kid. This seems like an obvious one. Although it is hard to keep the checklist to a bare minimum when travelling with a baby. But many times, you will find that hotels and restaurants do have cots or high chairs for guests’ babies and toddlers. You also need to keep your carry-on bag light and super-organised while travelling as a single parent/mum so that your hands are free to manage your baby.

Are we there yet?: Decide whether you’ll drive, take a train, or fly. If you are planning a road trip down to coastal Somerset, make sure you have games in place for children to help the time pass quicker. It could be as simple as a colouring book!
Packing: Make a packing list that includes essentials for you and your children, such as clothing, toiletries, entertainment, and snacks. However, do not worry if you forgot something, we have a supermarket right in the middle of our resort, where you can find most of your daily essentials.

6. Prepare Your Children

Involve Them in Planning: Let your children help choose activities or destinations, which can make them more excited about the trip.
Discuss the Trip: Talk to them about what to expect, especially if this is their first big holiday.
Pack Comfort Items: Bring along a favourite toy or blanket to help them feel secure in unfamiliar surroundings.
For tired legs: If you have a baby take a carrier – always! Depending on your family's needs it might be a good option to take a small buggy with you, or plan activities which will be not too challenging for short legs (and accessible with a pushchair!)

7. Health and Safety

First Aid Kit: Pack a basic first aid kit with essentials like plasters, antiseptic wipes, and pain relief medication.
Sun Protection: Ensure you have sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for everyone.
Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts and medical facilities at your destination.
We suggest downloading our app, which will not only help you keep up to date with the latest news about entertainment but also will have all the emergency contacts, like the security team, in case you need them.

8. Consider Support

Invite a Friend or Relative: If possible, invite a friend or relative to join you. This can provide you with some support and company.

9. Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Activities: Research free attractions or activities, such as parks, beaches, or museums.
Meal Planning: If you’re self-catering, plan meals ahead to save money on eating out.
Discounts and Offers: Look for discounts on travel, accommodation, and attractions. At Holiday Resort Unity, we offer a privilege pass, which grants you free access to RJ’s entertainment venue for evening shows and live music, as well as gives an additional 10% off food and drink across our venues.

10.Stay Flexible

Expect the Unexpected: Be prepared for plans to change and try to go with the flow.
Stay Positive: Focus on enjoying the time with your children, even if everything doesn’t go perfectly.

By following these steps, you can create a memorable and enjoyable summer holiday experience for you and your children.