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Summer holidays are a British institution. For a week or fortnight each year, thousands upon thousands of couples and families will leave these dreary shores for sunnier climes, laze on beaches, eat good food and escape the stress and strains of everyday life. We are currently at the height of the holiday season, however, many newly separated or divorced parents are facing the prospect of a holiday within which they will be the only adult member of their family – a daunting prospect that is more than capable of either preventing or ruining what should be an enjoyable time. What’s more, that first holiday without the other parent can be a testing time for children – particularly if they are still young and unable to fully understand their new situation – and should they find themselves in a hotel populated by traditional nuclear families, they are only likely to be  reminded of the fact that one parent isn’t there.   What’s more, being the only single parent at a resort is certain to bring about nervousness and discomfiture and, once again, could quite easily ruin your holiday. This is a great shame! A holiday is a perfect way of relaxing and forgetting about the problems and distress brought about by marital breakdown, a few weeks in the sun can also be very beneficial to children of divorce.  But how, exactly, does a recently divorced parent overcome the problems highlighted above? Quickie Divorce thinks it may have found a solution. Small Families Holidays was setup in 2001, after co-owner Allen Miller discovered that large tour operators refused to accommodate single parents’ specific needs, and so offers holiday packages designed exclusively for single parents. “Many newly divorced or single parents are apprehensive about travelling alone with their children as many hotels and holiday operators don’t meet the needs of their new family dynamics” says Miller.  “Small Families Holidays ensures that all individuals are supported.  A member of staff escorts each holiday and is always available to offer assistance and support and to get the group to ‘gel’ and socialise”. Amongst the holiday packages on offer at Small Families Holidays are tours to Ecuador, the Galapagos islands and Kenya, though Miller notes that trips to Tunisia and Majorca tend to be the most popular trips available throughout the summer months. The company also offer Christmas trips to Lapland, Caribbean cruises and winter breaks to Morocco along with a plethora of other packages including activity and skiing holidays. “Many single parents are apprehensive about booking a holiday for the first time following their separation” says Miller, “but we would always advise any such person that is considering getting away to get in touch with us. We are happy to talk and can always find a package that suits any circumstances and are also able to ensure that your children holiday with other children of the same age to ensure that they are able to make friends and enjoy the activities on offer.   This, in our experience, is extremely important as happy children makes for both a happy parent and, indeed, a happy holiday. So, put your apprehensions aside, pack your holiday gear and jet off. You’ll be glad you did. Small Families is owned by Allen Miller and Carole Cooper and is located in Sandy, Bedfordshire. Their website address is http://www.singleparent.travel/ and they can be contacted on 0845 9000 895.