One of the most challenging things about getting divorced is what to do about holidays. If you are very lucky you will have a single friend who you could go away with but often all your friends are in relationships. There are tailor made ‘singles’ holidays, which you can find by surfing the Internet. However, ensure that the company you choose is offering the sort of holiday you are looking for and that you are happy with their ethos. Why not learn a new skill or improve an existing one. I found holidays providing courses on cooking, painting, photography, dancing and yoga. This is a good way of meeting like-minded people. There are also activity holidays such as walking, trekking and cycling.

Most of these holidays cater for single people. Organisations such as The National Trust offer volunteer holidays where you can help with tasks such as gardening, clearing footpaths, woodland management, dry-stone walling, or constructing new coastal paths. Alternatively you could volunteer for a working holiday abroad. There are several companies offering these, just type ‘volunteer holidays’ into your search engine. Opportunities include working with children in Peru, turtle conservation in Costa Rica, building projects in Ecuador, marine conservation in Mexico and wildlife conservation in the Amazon. There are some fabulous opportunities to see the world and do some good.

If you have children it is worth looking at the Gingerbread website where they have lots of tips about holidays for single parents. If money is tight why not look at the area in which you live through the eyes of a tourist. Go to the nearest Tourist Information office and see what is on offer. Most places have museums, good walks, gardens, National Trust properties and parks within easy reach and the Tourist Office will be able to advise you on public transport routes if you don’t have your own transport. Also local events will be publicized in your local newspapers and library.

Before you book any holiday check that the company is registered with the appropriate bodies, what the price includes, you have valid and appropriate insurance and that the company has a good reputation or can provide testimonials from previous customers.