Traveling solo with kids is like parenting away from home with twice the stress. Between budgeting, safety, entertainment, and the very real need for rest, single and solo parents often have to be more strategic about planning family trips. The good news is that more destinations than ever are making provisions for family-first travel, offering built-in childcare, structured kids programming, all-inclusive pricing, and environments designed to reduce stress. That can leave more room to create sacred memories with the kiddos while also giving yourself a break.
Perhaps you’re navigating your first solo trip with kids. Or maybe you’re looking to upgrade to something that actually feels like a vacation. Either way, these destinations should make travel easier, safer, and more enjoyable for solo parents and their children.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana can be a stress-free international destination for solo parents thanks to its abundance of all-inclusive family resorts. Properties like Club Med Punta Cana are especially appealing because they offer supervised kids’ clubs for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens. That means kids are engaged in activities while parents can take a beat to indulge in a spa visit, enjoy a quiet beach walk, or simply eat a meal in peace.
Another benefit of staying at a resort in Punta Cana is that meals, entertainment, childcare, and activities are bundled into one upfront cost, which helps eliminate surprise expenses. Calm beaches, direct flights from many U.S. cities, and English-speaking staff also make Punta Cana an alluring option for parents traveling alone with children.
Cancun, Mexico
Parenting on a single income is one of the most expensive things you’ll ever do, so finding a budget-friendly destination is crucial. Short flight times (depending on where you live), reasonably priced airfare, and a wide range of hotel price points make Cancun especially attractive for families who want international travel without international stress.
Family-focused resorts like Crown Paradise Club cater to children, offering water parks, themed play areas, and supervised kids programs. That means parents have time to relax without stressing about safety or entertainment.
The ability to stay on the property and still offer kids plenty to do is a major win, particularly when energy levels start to dip mid-trip.
Cruises: Disney and Royal Caribbean
Cruises are one of the most underrated options for solo parents traveling with kids. Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, in particular, function like floating family resorts, offering kids’ clubs, onboard entertainment, plenty of dining, and childcare all in one place. Once you’re onboard, there’s no daily decision-making about transportation, meals, or activities since everything is mapped out.
Disney Cruise Lines takes the cake for families with younger children, thanks to character experiences and immersive kids’ spaces, while Royal Caribbean appeals to older kids and teens with surf simulators, rock-climbing walls, and youth lounges. Cruises also give you a chance to see multiple destinations within one trip, like beaches in the Bahamas, exposing your little ones to different experiences on a budget.
Turks and Caicos
For solo parents looking for a balance between relaxation and kid-friendly fun, Turks and Caicos offers a more elevated experience without sacrificing practicality. What makes this destination attractive is the layout: everything is close, well-staffed, and thoughtfully organized. That cuts out a common pain point—having to juggle long transportation days or complicated itineraries. Resorts like Beaches Turks & Caicos and Grace Bay Club offer supervised activities to keep the kids busy. While this destination can be pricier than others, booking during shoulder seasons or taking advantage of bundled packages can help manage costs.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando remains one of the easiest destinations for solo parents who want maximum flexibility. Beyond the theme parks, the city is packed with family resorts that offer kids programming, on-site activities, and family-friendly amenities designed to give parents support without the overwhelm.
You can alternate between high-energy park days and opportunities for slower, rest-focused moments. Domestic travel also reduces flight time, jet lag, and documentation concerns. This makes Orlando especially appealing for parents traveling alone with younger children or on shorter schedules.
The Azores, Portugal
For solo parents craving something different, the Azores offer a nature-driven alternative that’s both affordable and family-friendly. These Portuguese islands are known for their safety, slower pace, and breathtaking outdoor experiences. From whale watching to crater lakes and geothermal pools.
Formal childcare options are more limited than at resorts, but the Azores’ relaxed environment and walkable towns make it easier for parents to travel at a child-friendly pace. Accommodations tend to be affordable, food costs shouldn’t break the bank, and if you travel during off-peak seasons, you may be able to stretch your budget.
For solo parents, the key to successful travel isn’t just choosing a beautiful destination — it’s choosing one that offers support. These six places stand out because they acknowledge the reality of child-rearing alone while traveling and provide the structure, safety, and flexibility that make vacations feel restorative — instead of exhausting.