A New Family Travel Niche: Single-Parent Travel

If you Google “family vacation,” you will find an abundance of images that portray a husband, a wife and their two children playing on a beach. For some travelers, these images represent the vacation of their dreams. But for single-parent families, these images displayed might not resonate. That just goes to show that despite the near 12 million families in the U.S. that are run by a single parent, travel is still tailored to the couple. So, we’ve put together a list of tips and resort options to help you successfully plan a single-parent family vacation for your client.

Tips

• Help your client to plan ahead for their transportation. This could mean picking a resort that has an airport shuttle, booking them an airport transfer as part of their package or choosing a resort that’s close to the main attractions.
• Book excursions before they go! Excursions are a great way for your solo client and their kids to interact with others during their vacation. Activities like boat rides or snorkeling can help them meet new people while doing something enjoyable. Plus if you book it for them before they go, they won’t have to make any additional plans when they’re actually there.
• Research if the hotel or resort offers children’s programs or any babysitting services that could allow your client to have some quality “me” time.
• Consider all-inclusive resorts. By choosing an all-inclusive resort your solo client won’t need to worry so much about dining and activities. It’s also a great way to meet new people! Check out the list below for some options.

Resorts

These resorts are known for being kid-friendly and could be the perfect place for your client and their family to stay.

• Velas Resorts are located throughout Mexico, but the Grand Velas All-Inclusive Resorts located in the Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Los Cabos make excellent options for those traveling with children. All three options are offering “kids stay free” promotions in 2018 and children’s programs. The Grand Velas Riviera Maya also boasts babysitting services as an amenity.
• Beaches Resorts have an excellent reputation for being welcoming and accommodating to all travelers. They also offer a renowned Kids Camp, which includes a program for children of all ages and is staffed with certified members of the International Nanny Association.  Be sure to check out Beaches Negril, Beaches Ocho Rios and Beaches Turks and Caicos – all of which have babysitting services, children’s programs and a children’s play area.
• Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa’s all-inclusive Montego Bay resort is situated between the scenic mountains and turquoise Caribbean waters of Jamaica. It offers a complimentary shuttle to nearby attractions, as well as all-inclusive food, drinks, Kids Klub, non-motorized water sports, activities and nightly entertainment. On top of that, the Kids Klub has a complete daycare pavilion with activities for children ages 4-12 and a Teen Zone for kids ages 12-17. 

It’s important to remember that single-family travelers need a little extra consideration when planning a vacation for them. Do everything you can to take as much work off of the parent’s shoulders so they can enjoy their family vacation just as much as the kids.