Family vacations are a wonderful way to spend quality time with our loved ones. However, as recent studies show, single-parent families now make up more or less 30% of households worldwide, which indicates that a portion of all vacationers goes on holidays without a partner. Since being a single parent requires you to do all the necessary preparations on your own while making sure that the kids will have fun, let’s take a look at some of the best road trip destinations for single parents.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Before going on any road trip, it’s important to prepare for it by choosing the right vehicle. An SUV or a pickup truck is ideal, especially if you’ll be driving on rough terrain. Pickup trucks, in particular, have become the vehicle of choice for many solo parent families as it’s preferred by those looking for a sturdy vehicle that is safe, flexible and stylish. Often bigger and sits higher than most four-wheeled vehicles, these monsters provide an amazingly spacious trunk that can haul heavier cargo and is designed to effortlessly navigate even through the most challenging road conditions. These features make driving a heavy duty pickup truck absolutely single-parent-friendly if you’re going to places such as the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
Home of the colossal and mysterious pink granite rock that serves as its centerpiece, this remarkable public space features various recreational activities that include camping, hiking, and rock climbing. Named by the Native Americans after the spiritual powers it harnessed, it is regarded as a popular destination for those seeking to commune with nature. A popular spot for picnics and bird watching, it offers a stunning view of the Milky Way at sundown, which makes it one of the most loved places to stargaze. While legend has it that misfortune, and even death, befall upon anyone who climbs the rock with bad intent, it is best to visit The Rock with nothing but good vibes to ensure a pleasant and unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen just to ensure that everything in the hike will go right.
Angelina National Forest
A popular spot for those who want to try their hand at fishing, this amazing destination offers a handful of engaging recreational activities that you can enjoy with the kids. Make sure you’re ready to snap some selfies as countless hiking trails weave through some of the most picturesque forests surrounding the reservoir. You can choose to either get an adrenaline rush by going water skiing, or discovering ruins of old bridges and sawmills which you can spot along the many trails. Be on the lookout for the variety of wildlife that dwells in the forest such as deer, wild turkey, and the red-cockaded woodpecker. Campsites like Sandy Creek feature picnic areas and boat ramps, while Caney Creek offers a campfire theater which makes roasting chestnuts on an open fire more fun.
Arbuckle Wilderness Park
Situated in more than 200 acres of land in the mountains of Oklahoma, this phenomenal tourist site hosts hundreds of wild and exotic animals that roam free in the park. As visitors are encouraged to drive their private vehicles through the park, it allows them to get a closer look at the animals and experience how it is to dwell among them. Much like in most adventure rides, it is best to always keep your hands inside the vehicle as some of these four-legged residents may come right up to your car. Its spacious reptile house and petting zoo offer a variety of engaging wildlife experiences, and you can feed several animals as well. An incredible space for kids and their parents, the park even features bumper boats and go-karts for a complete, fun, and memorable family holiday that you and your kids will cherish for years to come.
While a holiday is meant to be a stress buster, it can be quite challenging for single parents in terms of planning, organizing, and finding the most suitable holiday packages that both you and the kids will enjoy. And because solo parents have no days off from taking care of their kids, the chance to get away and spend time with the children in a peaceful and relaxed environment makes the difficulties of preparation all worth it.