Planning a holiday as a single parent with children of differing ages can present unique challenges, but one mother has shared her successful strategy for a seamless trip to Lanzarote. Lisa Oxenham, travelling with her nine-month-old son and nine-year-old daughter, opted for a two-hotel approach on the Canary Island, focusing on functionality and value to ensure a stress-free experience for the entire family.
Key to Oxenham's planning was selecting a destination that minimised travel strain. Lanzarote, with its four-hour flight from the UK and no time difference, proved an ideal choice, mitigating the common issue of jet lag with a baby. The island's compact size also meant short transfer times from the airport, allowing the family to settle into their accommodation quickly. Furthermore, choosing to fly from Bristol Airport offered the convenience of train access, avoiding the expense and hassle of airport parking.
Oxenham's accommodation strategy involved booking two distinct resorts that catered specifically to families. Her initial stay at the Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort in Playa Blanca, a 385-room establishment, was chosen for its practical amenities. Prerequisites included spacious rooms, fresh food, proximity to a beach, walking paths for a pram, nearby shops, and crucially, somewhere the baby could nap while her older daughter enjoyed the pool. The hotel's impressive kids' club was a significant bonus, providing engaging activities for the nine-year-old and allowing Oxenham some respite, even if her infant was too young for most organised programmes.
Managing costs was another central pillar of Oxenham's plan. Opting for a half-board basis at Princesa Yaiza proved to be a major saving, with generous breakfasts often stretching to cover lunch. The hotel's direct beach access and suitable pool facilities for both children meant there was no need for expensive taxis or additional paid entertainment. This thoughtful approach to budgeting, combined with minimal luggage – just two cabin bags and one 10kg checked case – demonstrated how strategic choices can significantly reduce holiday expenses for solo parents.
For UK travellers considering a similar trip, Lanzarote remains a popular and accessible destination. The FCO currently advises that over 17 million British nationals visit the Canary Islands each year, with the vast majority of visits trouble-free. While no specific visa is required for British citizens for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, travellers should ensure their passports are valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure date and issued within the last 10 years. Comprehensive travel insurance is always recommended, particularly when travelling with young children, to cover potential medical emergencies or unexpected travel disruptions.