Single parents discover park holiday perks

Single parents who sign up to a park holiday are escaping some of the main stresses which can mar an eagerly-awaited break.

That's the view of one of Britain's largest park operators, Park Holidays UK, which says that single parents represent a fast-growing proportion of guests at its 25 holiday centres.

"Single mums and dads with youngsters, be they toddlers or teens, find that a park environment ticks all of the boxes which hotels leave blank," says company director Tony Clish.

"One of the most frequent comments we hear is that the absence of pressure on keeping children amused is one of the biggest stress-busters for everybody.

"The dread question of "what can we do now?" simply doesn't arise when you have a host of different options right outside the front door of your holiday home," he said.

Often, said Tony, single parents on his company's parks form impromptu communities which encourage single parents also to mix with others of a similar age.

This can help avoid the sense of isolation which some singles say is a negative factor of holidays - in the UK or overseas - when guests rarely, if ever, get a chance to meet informally.

Depending on how old they are, children can also spend time alone with their own age-group - even if the parent is quite happy just enjoying quality time alone with a good book.

"Kids are naturally gregarious, much more so than most grown-ups, and will strike up friendships with other children at the drop of a hat," said Tony.

"Single parents often say that they feel most relaxed when they know that children are happy, engaged and safe, and a holiday park provides exactly the right setting," he points out.

With no surcharge for under-occupying a caravan holiday home or lodge, single parents need not feel they are being penalised for sleeping fewer than the accommodation provides for.

Budgeting is also made easier by the all-inclusive nature of the holidays, so the mother or father need not set any limit on the number of visits made to the pool or other attractions.

These include nightly entertainment which is suitable for all ages, and enjoyably fills out the sometimes empty hours in an hotel between the evening meal and bed-time.

Meals can also be pre-booked at a significant discount, making spending on the holiday easier to control.

The parks owned by Park Holidays UK, says Tony, are more intimate than many major centres meaning that parents and children quickly become familiar with the surroundings.

"Almost all of our single parent bookings are repeat visitors or are made as a result of a recommendation from another mum or dad who has been here," said Tony.

"Unlike hotels, parks are created purely for pleasure - and we've yet to hear anyone complain that they miss the mini-bar, trouser press or early morning wake-up call!" he added.

The group has parks in Devon, Dorset, and southern and eastern England, and short-break prices in spring start at £108.00 for a fully equipped two-bedroom holiday home.

Visit ParkHolidaysUK for more details, prices and the latest special offers.