Hi there, looking for advice and help. Wanting to take myself and my 8yr old son (single mom) on holidays some where other then Mexico. (just done it to many times) Open to Europe, or any other amazing countries, just looking for kid friendly suggestions for a first time single traveller. Thanks everyone !

Ideas: Maui, Portugal and my personal favorite... Gold Coast Australia.

If you're looking for warm weather, then why not Hawaii? Safe, tropical, but you can drink the water and have access to all the modern conveniences. Maui is the most expensive island. Oahu, which is where Honolulu and the main airport are, is the cheapest but can be the most "un-tropical". I've been to Oahu 4x, and we stay up on the North Shore (Haleiwa). It's country, away from the hustle of Honolulu, but accessible to tons of activities. This year we're going to Maui and already with flights and condo rental we're over our budget of last year. But, we wanted to try something different. Next year we'll go for the Big Island (Hawaii) for the volcanoes. Hawaii doesn't have be hugely expensive, case in point, gas is currently cheaper on Oahu than it is here in Calgary, even with exchange.

My 14 year old son and I just did England & Ireland this summer. England was very cool - if he’s in to Harry Potter you have to do a WB Studio tour

A lot of the hostels in the uk and Europe have family rooms if you are looking to budget

Amazing place to see. So much history dating back to 1270. My husband is from there. We take the kids almost every year & they love it every time.

New Zealand is very outdoorsy and also kid friendly, they can come into any pub bar or restaurant with you, just not nightclubs, so you're not stuck with family restaurants all the time.
But only if he likes outdoors stuff like kayaking, sight seeing, zip lining, swimming/beaches, hiking etc.

Nicaragua/corn island. Super cheap

Little corn island ftw. 10 dollar lobsters all day!

My ex and son did Ireland and Spain this summer and loved it. Once you find a flight into the UK the flights around Europe are cheap. My daughter like Oahu but would have preferred Europe as there was more hiking and stuff. Just depends on what you want to do once you get there!

What about Iceland??

Have you been to Iceland. It’s stupid expensive!
I’d suggest Portugal. Cheap, culturally loaded, amazing food. Fairy tale places kids will love.
Or the island of Tenerife Spain!

I was totally going to suggest this. It’s very pricy, but incredibly kid friendly. This is going to be our first real family vacation when our kids get a bit older. I loved it so much, can’t wait to go back. Go late spring/early fall. Avoid July/August because that’s when everyone goes, but go close enough to summer that you get lots of day light. We went late April... would plan late May, early June next time.

Jennifer we just got back it’s busy whenever you go lol we had an amazing trip.

Krista really? We accidentally went for a week over Easter and it was totally dead! It was awesome!!!! I cannot wait to go back

Jennifer I can’t wait to go back as well I’ve been planning since we landed back in YYC lol

It's not THAT expensive if you work it to your budget. There are wicked deals to get there, completely child-friendly and you don't have to go for 10 days to make it worth it. Iceland is a GREAT choice.

Erin we found food and car rental expensive, but activities cheap. Most things for kids under 12ish were free. We got a ridiculous flight/hotel package that made it affordable.

What are your son's interests? Some kids are total sport/outdoors kids, some are more cerebral. Does he want to climb a volcano, or would he be thrilled to see a bug museum?

Costa Rica is a fantastic vacation as a single mom. I did it with my boy and there’s was a time of things to do and see. The tours (alligators, monkeys, birds, jungle animals) surfing, beaches, zip lining, volcanos, waterfalls, rain Forrest, iguanas... we were in a few different places (I had been before a couple times so knew where to head) but tamarindo is a great base with lots of vrbo availability. Awesome vacation for adventure and experiences.

So many things to see and do with kids near Toronto !

I took my son to Denmark and we had the best time. Most people there speak English and they were so friendly!

I did Royalton Negril with my twin boys who are 8 ! They have a single parent deal where the kid/kids stays free if you upgrade to diamond club. ! We went twice last year and the boys looooooved it. They have an amazing kids club with so many fun things for them to do! (My boys were content hanging with me most of the time though!!)
Overall an amazing 5* plus resort with amazing food, staff, pool , beaches! You Cam walk the beach to the market that’s right on the beach!
Jamaica is our fav.... the people are so loving and kind! We volunteered at a soup kitchen that feeds the less fortunate children as well as visited a school and donated school supplies! It was an incredible experience for our boys and they loved it!

Krista yep! There’s crime everywhere! You obviously have to use your street smarts and not venture off on your own off resort!

Krista again , it happens at plenty of other resorts in different countries too! Have a good day

If he is interested in history and learning I would suggest London. Loads of things to do and the big ( huge!) museums are free. London is very easy to walk around and there is so much to see.

San Francisco

Denmark, in Copenhagen you have Tivoli Gardens, in Billund the original Legoland plus lots of other interesting places to see

Ignore gift shop suggestion. Popped up by itself and won’t let me delete it

Take him to a Smithsonian

London. Lots to see and do.

Disneyworld.

Monique has given me amazing itineries for my kids - she can help out

Thanks Fiona!
Rachel if your an adventure seeking family I’d suggest a Disney Alaska Cruise quick and easy flight departing from Vancouver!
possibly NY so much to do from the museum of Natural History to Central park and a Broadway show. Europe is do able but may be hard to keep the interest when your 8 fabulous when your 12 and ip to make the most of it and appreciate it! PM i am happy to chat on more ideas.

I took my 12 year old to Europe - cruised the Mediterranean via Princess - excellent kids club