Travel Hacks for Single Moms: Finding Special Discounts & Deals on Flights, Hotels, and Attractions

Traveling as a single mom comes with unique challenges—balancing your budget while keeping your little one entertained and safe is no easy feat. But what if you could find discounts and deals that make traveling more affordable and enjoyable? The good news is, there are plenty of ways to save money on flights, hotels, and attractions, all while making sure you and your toddler have an unforgettable trip.

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In this blog, we’ll explore where to find special discounts for single parents, along with tips for maximizing your travel budget, so you can focus on making memories rather than stressing over expenses.

1. Finding Flight Deals for Single Parents

Flights can be one of the most expensive aspects of travel, especially when you're flying with a toddler. Luckily, several strategies and resources can help single moms save on airfare:

a. Sign Up for Airline Newsletters & Alerts

Many airlines offer email newsletters or price alerts that will notify you of special offers, flash sales, or discounted flights. Signing up for a few of these can give you an edge when it comes to spotting low-cost fares.

• Example Airlines Offering Deals:

  • Southwest Airlines: Often offers sales with no change fees.

  • JetBlue: Offers family travel discounts and occasional sales.

  • Delta: Frequent flash sales for flexible dates.

b. Use Travel Search Engines with Family Discounts

Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo allow you to compare flight prices across airlines and offer tools to track price drops. Look for "family" filters or search options that can show child discounts or free infant tickets.

• Tip: Consider flexible travel dates or connecting flights to lower your airfare.

c. Look for Airline Programs for Families

Some airlines offer discounts or benefits for families traveling with children. For example:

• American Airlines’ "Family Travel" program offers priority boarding for families with small children.

• United’s "Kids Fly Free" program may allow infants under 2 years to fly for free on domestic flights (though you'll still need to pay taxes and fees).

• Lufthansa and other international airlines sometimes offer discounts for toddlers.

d. Join Loyalty and Rewards Programs

Many airlines have loyalty programs, which allow you to accumulate miles or points for free flights and upgrades. As a single mom, you can take advantage of these programs by signing up, even if you don’t travel frequently.

• Example Programs:

  • Delta SkyMiles

  • American Airlines AAdvantage

  • United MileagePlus

2. Saving on Hotels with Kids

Hotels can be another major cost, but there are several ways to save and find family-friendly accommodations that offer more than just a place to sleep.

a. Look for Hotel Chains That Offer Discounts for Single Parents

Some hotel chains offer special family rates or promotions for single parents. Chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Best Western may offer discounts, including perks like free breakfast, kids stay free, or upgraded rooms for families.

• Tip: Call ahead to inquire about any single-parent discounts that may not be listed online.

b. Use Family-Oriented Booking Platforms

Websites like Family Vacation Critic and Booking.com often feature curated lists of family-friendly accommodations, many of which offer deals or perks like free children's activities, play areas, and kid-friendly pools.

• Tip: Use filters to narrow down your search to properties that offer amenities like kitchenettes, which can help save on meals.

c. Consider Vacation Rentals or Airbnb

Sometimes, renting a home or apartment through platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or HomeAway can be more affordable and convenient than booking a traditional hotel. You’ll often get more space, which is great when traveling with a toddler, plus the option to cook your own meals.

• Discount Tip: Some hosts offer discounts for longer stays, or you might find "last-minute" deals on vacation rental websites.

d. Check for Single Mom or Single Parent Discounts

Some websites and organizations provide discounts specifically for single parents. You might find deals on accommodations through specialized online platforms like:

• Single Parent Travel Club: A community where single parents can access discounts and share travel advice.

• Coupon Websites: Websites like Groupon and Travelzoo often feature hotel deals, many of which have family-oriented discounts or specials for single parents.

3. Saving on Attractions and Activities

Attractions and activities can quickly add up, especially when traveling with a toddler. But there are plenty of ways to save money while still making sure your child has an amazing experience.

a. Look for “Kids Free” Days or Discounts

Many theme parks, museums, aquariums, and zoos offer special days where children are admitted for free or at a significantly reduced price. These events can help you save big, especially if you plan ahead.

• Example: The Children’s Museum of Manhattan and many Smithsonian Museums offer free admission or discounts for kids, while Disneyland and Legoland often have promotions where kids under a certain age can enter for free.

b. Search for Single-Parent or Military Discounts

Some attractions offer discounted tickets for single parents, military families, or low-income visitors. For example:

• National Parks: Many U.S. national parks have affordable entrance fees, and kids under 16 often enter for free.

• Aquariums & Zoos: Some zoos and aquariums offer family passes, and some may have special pricing for single parents.

c. Use City Passes or Attraction Bundles

City passes are a great way to save when visiting multiple attractions in one destination. These passes often include discounted or bundled entry to top museums, theme parks, and experiences.

• Example: The Go City Pass or CityPass bundles tickets to popular attractions in major cities at a discounted rate.

d. Check Local Deal Sites and Coupon Platforms

Websites like Groupon, LivingSocial, and Goldstar often feature discounted tickets for local attractions. You might find deals on everything from kid-friendly activities to family restaurant offers.

• Tip: Search for “family activities” or “single-parent” to find discounts targeted to your needs.

4. General Tips for Saving Money as a Single Mom on Vacation

a. Pack Light & Save on Baggage Fees

By packing strategically and avoiding checked luggage, you can save money on baggage fees. Most airlines allow one free carry-on per passenger, so aim to pack efficiently for both you and your toddler. If you need to bring a car seat or stroller, remember that most airlines let you check these items for free.

b. Plan Your Meals

Eating out at every meal can quickly add up, especially when you're traveling with a child. Plan ahead by packing snacks, using hotel kitchens or Airbnb kitchens to prepare simple meals, or eating at local markets for affordable, healthy food.

c. Use Cash Back & Discount Apps

Apps like Rakuten and Honey allow you to earn cashback on hotel bookings, flights, and even activities. Don’t forget to look for codes and deals through these platforms before making big purchases.

Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Save Big!

Traveling as a single mom doesn’t have to be expensive, and with the right tools and strategies, you can find plenty of discounts and deals to make your trip more affordable. From flight deals and hotel discounts to attraction savings, there are a wealth of resources available to help you stretch your travel budget.

By staying organized, researching discounts, and taking advantage of special offers for families and single parents, you can enjoy a fantastic vacation without breaking the bank. Happy travels! 🌍✈️