Families come in all different shapes and sizes and single parent families are no exception. In fact, single parents often juggle the needs of dual parenting roles in the family in addition to jobs, activities, homework, and household. With all the responsibilities laid upon single parents, there is little time left in the day for simply “family time”; these parents earn their vacation! But having to pay the adult price for one of your children (also known as a ‘Single Supplement Charge’), when many packages are based on double occupancy, creates an unfair hurdle for single-parent families to overcome.
Fortunately, many Canadian travel operators are now accommodating single-parent families with no single supplements and created programs to help identify resorts for families so they can travel with their kids offering extra value and benefits with their packages so that mom or dad can also enjoy cherished adult-only time as well! However, looking for these elusive vacations online can only create questions and confusion as it is not always clear which resorts offer “no single supplements” to families.
The “Smile Resorts” Program with Sunwing Vacations is the perfect place to start your research. All resorts that have the “Smile Resorts” designation means that the resorts meet these requirements:
– Kids Stay, Play and Eat FREE – up to 2 kids (ages 2-12 years old) stay, play and eat for free every day of the year
– No single parent supplement
– Exclusive rates for teens (ages 13-17 ages) so teens don’t have to pay adults rates
– Smile Kids Club and kids pools at resorts
When you book these properties with Sunwing Vacations, you shouldn’t have to pay adults prices for your children.
JAMAICA
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa – deluxe accommodations, a luxury spa, waterpark, kids and teen clubs and varied onsite dining options.
Kids Club at Hilton Rose Hall Jamaica
Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay – a beautiful beachfront resort with private beach, spacious family rooms and kids and teen clubs onsite.
Jewel Runaway Bay Beach and Golf Resort – a top-rated family resort, includes unlimited access to Jewel Runaway Bay Water Park and unlimited complimentary green fees at Jewel Runaway Bay Golf Club.
CUBA
Memories Varadero Beach Resort – best of Varadero where you can hang out at the pool, enjoy the white sand beach or explore downtown.
Occidental Areas Blancas – beachfront resort on the finest stretch of Varadero. Stay at 1, Play at 2 provides exchange privileges with Barcelo Solymar resort, adjacent sister resort.
Muthu Playa Varadero – white sand beachfront resort, conveniently located next door to the Varadero Dolphinarium
Memories Holguin Beach Resort– Picturesque oceanfront property surrounded by lush greenery and features Cuba’s largest kids club with 2 pools and fun amenities.
Pestana Cayo Coco Beach Resort – white powder beaches with a pool and play area for kids.
Iberostar Colonial – small village atmosphere on a picturesque island.
Sol Cayo Guillermo – charming hotel with tropical-style accommodations located on a stretch of pristine white-sand beaches, ideal for those who love fishing and diving.
Starfish Santa Maria – offers a range of activities including sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling and diving, perfect for kids.
Melia Las Dunas – dedicated kids and adults sections with kids clubs, pool areas, lively entertainment.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa – Five-star luxury family resort located on the stunning white sands of Bavaro Beach. Lazy river, splash pad and Flowrider offers water experiences for all ages.
Grand Memories Punta Cana – includes access to one of the largest water parks in the Caribbean. Lots of entertainment options with spacious accommodations and a fresh and modern decor. Connecting rooms are available for large families or families travelling together. Stay at 1 play at 2 with Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino (shuttle service included).
Endless beaches in Punta Cana Dominican Republic
Vista Sol Punta Cana – family friendly, quiet and serene resort, perfect for rest and relaxation among the tropical gardens, peacocks and royal palm trees and upscale spa and wellness centre.
Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach – beachfront resort, close to well-known diving areas and includes a freshwater pool, an onsite spa and fun kids club.
MEXICO
Occidental Costa Cancun – minutes away from downtown Cancun in a beautiful bay with picturesque views of Playa Linda, and supervised kids activities in the kids club.
Seadust Cancun Family Resort – beachfront resort in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, and home to the Treasure Island Waterpark
Viva Wyndham Maya, Riviera Maya – conveniently located near Playa del Carmen for shopping and nightlife, full-service kids club and diving opportunities.
Grand Park Royal Cozumel – crystal clear snorkelling right in front of the hotel, secluded beach access and supervised kids clubs.
The Cafe at Grand Park Royal Cozumel is stocked with treats and Gelato that no one can resist!
Azul Ixtapa Resort, Ixtapa – mini-water park, kids and teen clubs with disco and climbing wall, kayak, bicycle tours and paddleboarding at this all oceanview rooms resort on the Pacific Coast.
Park Royal Ixtapa – fun resort along Ixtapa’s Playa El Palmar location with unique and exclusive inclusions such as Spanish lessons, cooking and dance classes that provide authentic Mexico experiences, Mexico fiesta, live music at the lobby bar on weekends.
Las Brisas Ixtapa – beachfront resort close to two Championship 18-hole golf courses, kids clubs, playground and a dedicated kids pool.
Sheraton Buganvillas, Puerto Vallarta – recently renovated resort, within walking distance to town, access to onsite gourmet dining experiences.
Plaza Pelicanos Club Beach Resort & Plaza Pelicanos Grand Beach Resort, Puerto Vallarta – affordable and comfortable options for a family getaway offering sunset views, kids pool and spacious rooms.
Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments, Puerto Vallarta – recently renovated beachfront resort, kayaking tours, beach soccer and fitness centre provides options for active families.
Samba Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta – hacienda-role architecture in a lush tropical garden setting full of Mexican charm and newly renovated rooms.
Royal Solaris Los Cabos – surround yourself in Mexican culture, ideally located with a quick walk to downtown, mini-water park, jungle gym, playground for kids, pool tables and video games for the teens.
Holiday Inn Resort Los Cabos – three separate sections for families and adults. Bird sanctuary, natural lagoon and nature reserve next door and seasonal opportunities to participate in a turtle release program when available.
Barcelo Huatulco – charming resort in Great Bay Tangolunda, only five minutes from town with plenty of activities for the kids and newly renovated rooms.
El Cid Castilla Beach, Mazatlan – located in the Golden Zone Marina, the resort is within walking distance to many of the city’s attractions and restaurants, with great pools and waterslides for kids. Also have access to the El Cid Granada facilities with the Stay at 1, Play at 2! program.
El Cid Granada, Mazatlan – intimate and upscale resort in Mazatlan, with private courtyard pool and gardens, perfect for tranquillity and relaxation. Onsite golf course and water sports available.
Plaza Mazatlan Beach Hotel – beachfront hotel, with authentic Mexican experiences such as dance lessons and margarita tastings.
Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa – gourmet dining, sparkling infinity pool, world-class spa for a truly relaxing vacation experience.
Notes about Tour Operators
The above resorts, when booked with Sunwing Vacations, include no single supplements in their prices so children do not have to pay adults rates when there is a single occupancy adult. The resorts, when booked with another tour operator, may not be priced the same so it’s important to note the difference.
Transat Holidays also offers a Family Collection program where included resorts have additional amenities included to make travelling easier with kids, and a Solo Collection where there is no single supplement for solo travellers. Family-friendly resorts offering the no single supplement are available at some but not all family resorts, or may fall within a specified promotion.
WestJet Vacations and Air Canada Vacations also have Family Collection programs but do not include any specifics for single parent travellers.
For the best options that will suit your families needs, it is advantageous to reach out to a Travel Advisor who is also a Family Travel Specialist. They can provide specific prices and promotions that fall within your specific needs and preferences and be a valuable asset in helping you find the best vacation option.
Single parent families deserve a vacation just as much as anyone else so make sure you research your options to maximize the opportunities for your next vacation with your kids!
