Single Parent Travelling: Berlin Dec'17



I think there is a lot of things about being a single parent that is tough, but for me the hardest part is not having someone to do things with. You are a pair, rather than a group. You are one to one, rather than a team against your children, this can be everything from meals out, trips to the cinema, days out and holidays. 


Most of the time the easiest way to combat this is doing things in groups - so going with another mum and child etc. But it can get to a point where you feel like a burden, especially when going away somewhere - especially when they are in relationships. Asking them if they would like to go away  and knowing they would rather be away just them... that feeling of just not 100% happy. 

So AJ & I have gotten very used to doing most things just the two of us, we can go into town, we can go to the cinema, we can eat out, we can have a good time just me and him - but a holiday is always something I have been scared to do. The whole idea of getting on a plane, travelling, just us - absolutely terrifying. 

I suppose I could have gone abroad alone for the first time, but childcare is an issue, and I get more worried about leaving him here with me away, rather than us just being together - it just seemed silly for me to go alone, when I would feel so guilty leaving him behind. 

My anxiety can be a nightmare at the best of times, but the idea of getting on a plane to a different country, travelling thousands of miles to somewhere I have never been before makes me feel a little sick with all the "What ifs".  I think the main concern initially is safety. Travelling alone can be daunting enough for some, so the idea of taking a totally reliant 6 year old is even more nerve wracking. Sure AJ is at the point he wont run off and understands the basic safety instructions - but still. What if. 

But I think I have decided I am done being worried on the bad "What ifs" I mean what if we have a good time? What if AJ gets to see a country he has never seen before and loves it? What if it brings us closer together? What if he gains memories of us somewhere he will never forget? What if he learns about other cultures and cities? What if this is just the beginning? 

I am done wishing. I am done wishing I could go away, why wish when we can? Sure it'll be harder than a couple holiday - but its something that we are used to, and I'm sure we will have an amazing time. - I just need to be brave. 


So AJ & I are going to Berlin for the Christmas Markets in December. He has already decided we are going to Lego Land there - which I am happy with. We are going for 3 nights, just enough to see the city, and not long enough to be too scary.

We will fill our days with sight seeing, and our nights in a swanky hotel watching movies.

If you are thinking WHY? Check out this video from Sawyer Hartman, skip to 9.30 in, he puts it beautifully... and I would be the happiest Mum if AJ can look back like this about our time together - Just like I look back on my holiday with my Mum.

Have you ever been away alone or with a child? Or do you have any holidays booked in this year? Any Berlin recommendations? Let me know in the comments below :) 



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25 comments

  1. You'll love Berlin! It's such a beautiful city! X

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  2. Have an incredible time! I went to the Christmas markets in Berlin last year and did a wee post about it: http://whatlisadidnext.com/2016/12/24/48-hours-in-berlin/. I definitely recommend the one out at the Schloss Charlottenburg- it was the calmest one and there was a children's play bit as well. Oh and the one at Potsdamer Platz has a big slide that you slide down on a rubber tire for like a euro, a lot of fun! I'd recommend going up the Bundestag dome as well- it's a big wide spiral inside the dome roof of the parliament and it's free to visit, you just need to book in advance.
    Berlin is a lovely city and fairly easy to get around too. I'm sure you'll have a fab time!
    Lisa x

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  3. You will absolutely love the Christmas markets. They are so magical and every child's and adults dream!! X

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  4. I love love love the post! Single parent anything is difficult and travel must be close to the top of the list!

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  5. I absolutely loved Berlin, I went on a travel writing internship about six years ago and the city was just amazing. I don't think many of my recommendations are particularly child-friendly since we mostly drank fruity beers and went to all the weird and wondrful nightclubs in our down time! But for something really quirky there's Burgermeister, a burger joint by Schlesiches Tor station which is actually an old converted public toilet! You'll get by with English but if you do want to learn a few words and phrases the Coffee Break German podcast is great. It's run by the Radio Linga network and I think they even have kids classes so AJ could learn some phrases for the playground! Try not to worry and have a great time planning it all!

    http://victoriaspongepeasepudding.com/

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  6. you single mums need the biggest acknowledgement! you guys are super mums and should be told it every single day!
    you're going to have the best time! I'm actually coming over to Edinburgh to see the Christmas markets in December too and I can't wait! x
    have the best time x

    Liz | LotsofLoveLiz

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  7. I give single mums and dads a lot of credit! It can be hard work bringing up a child on your own. I hope you have a fab time at the Berlin markets with AJ this year lovely x

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  8. Erm where was my invite? Rude! Lol. You'll have an amazing time xx

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  9. Oh this is so cute! You'll have the best time i'm sure!

    www.upyourvlog.com

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  10. I can only imagine how daunting this must be but I'm sure all the positive what ifs definitely outweigh the negatives! <3 You'll both have a ball!
    Chantelle x
    The Girl In The Tartan Scarf

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  11. You will have an amazing time! I love Berlin! xx

    Beautylymin| LuxurySkincareGiveaway

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  12. I'd love to visit Berlin! I'm going to London and Norway in August x

    Heather | Of Beauty & Nothingness

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  13. Aww, Erin, you almost made me cry. I admire you so much for everything you've done with your life and for AJ. I think you guys will have an amazing time in Berlin.

    Michelle Morchella

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  14. Aww I can imagine it is hard but I bet you will have an amazing time and it will be amazing memories for you both.

    www.EmmysBeautyCave.com

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  15. Yay I'm so happy for you! It's gonna be amazing xxx

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  16. Awwww I am so excited for you! What an adventure!

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  17. I can't imagine how tough being a single parent is. I really have so much respect for you. I hope you both enjoy your trip, it's sounds wonderful.

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  18. You'll have an amazing time and make some amazing memories x

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  19. I took my girls to Majorca for a week when they were small, my youngest was only just 3, I found the days ok, people chatted by the pool etc but at night in the restaurants and watching the hotel entertainment nobody really bothered with us, I am going back years though considering my youngest is now 20 ha ha, but if ever there is a single mum or dad when we go away we always chat to them round the pool, ask if they'd like to join us at dinner and ask them if they will be watching the entertainment and if they'd like to sit with us/join our quiz team etc etc xxxx

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  20. Awww this sounds amazing! I only know the ravey side of Berlin so club recs probably aren't what you need lol. I am going to Vermont in America again this year and can't wait x

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  21. I'm sure you'll have a great time and this will be the first of many little holidays together :)

    Gemma x | flutterandsparkle.com

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  22. Aww I have a lot of admiration for you but I bet you will both absolutely love it. It will be an amazing experience and one for you both to remember years to come.

    Kristy | www.thevioletblonde.com

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  23. I bet you will have an amazing time away!

    Cass | CassandraMyee

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  24. I'm going on a ten day trip to italy in july which I am so excited for! I really want to go to Berlin at some point. I'm sure you will love it!!! X

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  25. I hope you have the best time! x

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