I'm gonna say something that nobody tells single moms enough: you deserve a vacation. Like, a real one. Not a "staycation" where you reorganize the pantry and call it self-care. An actual, away-from-home, different-time-zone, somebody-else-made-this-bed vacation. And before you close this tab because you think you can't afford it — hang on. Because I've been finding vacation deals that would make your jaw drop, and alot of them are specifically designed for families on a budget. We're talking $59-$99 a night for full resort suites with kitchens, pools, waterslides, and activities that'll keep your kids busy while you actually sit down for five minutes.
Why Resort Deals Work for Single Moms
Here's the math that most people don't realize. A standard hotel room runs $150-$250 a night, has no kitchen (so you're eating out every meal), and fits maybe two people comfortably. A resort suite through a timeshare preview deal runs $59-$129 a night, has a full kitchen (hello, grocery savings), a living room (kids can watch movies while you breathe), and often includes free resort activities like pools, mini golf, and kids clubs.
The catch? You attend a 90-120 minute timeshare presentation. That's it. You sit through the pitch, say "no thank you," and go back to your waterslide. Single parents can absolutely do these deals — most companies require you to be 25+ with $40,000+ income, but they do NOT require a partner.
Best Budget Deals for Single Moms
1. Westgate Town Center, Orlando — $79/Night
Two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, four pool areas, a lazy river, and it's 10 minutes from Disney. At $79/night for a two-bedroom, you're paying less than a Motel 6 for accomodations that are genuinely nice. The on-site activities include mini golf, volleyball, and a game room — all free. Your kids will be so entertained you might actually get to read a chapter of your book.
2. Wyndham Bonnet Creek, Orlando — $119/Night
This one's surrounded by Disney property, has massive pools, and the suites are excellent. It's pricier than Westgate but the location can't be beat. You can watch Disney fireworks from the resort without buying a park ticket. That's like $150 saved per person right there.
3. BookVIP Myrtle Beach — $59/Night
Fifty-nine dollars a night. At the beach. With a kitchen. BookVIP runs deals at several Myrtle Beach oceanfront resorts, and at this price point, a 4-night beach vacation costs less than $240 for accomodations. Add $100 for groceries and you're looking at a full beach vacation for under $350. That's doable. That's very doable.
4. Westgate Branson Woods, Missouri — $69/Night
Branson is massively underrated for family vacations. Silver Dollar City is one of the best theme parks in the country (and way cheaper than Disney). The shows are family-friendly and often free for kids. Westgate Branson Woods has lodge-style suites surrounded by Ozark forest. At $69/night, this is one of the most affordable family vacation deals under $100 anywhere in the country.
5. Wyndham Smoky Mountains — $89/Night
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are family vacation gold. Dollywood is amazing, there's a free national park (Smoky Mountains), and the tourist strip has enough go-karts, mini golf, and pancake houses to keep kids happy for a week. Wyndham's mountain resort has beautiful suites and an indoor pool — critical for rainy days when kids need to burn energy.
Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work
| Strategy | Savings | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Cook in your suite | $50-80/day | Full kitchen means breakfast, lunch, snacks at home |
| Free resort activities | $30-50/day | Pools, mini golf, game rooms, kids clubs included |
| Off-peak travel | 20-40% off | January, September, November = cheapest rates |
| Pack snacks & drinks | $15-25/day | Avoid overpriced resort shops and vending machines |
| Free national parks | $30-50/day | Smoky Mountains, beaches, hiking trails cost nothing |
Real Budget Example: 4 Nights in Orlando
Here's an actual breakdown of what a single mom with two kids could spend on an Orlando vacation:
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resort (4 nights @ $79) | $316 | Westgate Town Center 2BR suite |
| Groceries | $120 | Breakfast + lunch for 4 days, snacks |
| Dining out (2 dinners) | $80 | Treat yourself twice |
| 1 day Disney (3 tickets) | $350 | Park day with kids |
| Gas/transport | $60 | Airport or local driving |
| Total | $926 | 4 nights in Orlando for under $1K |
Under a thousand dollars for four nights at a resort with a Disney day included. Compare that to the $3,000+ that most families spend on an Orlando vacation. The difference is knowing where the deals are.
Being a single mom is the hardest job on the planet. You don't need me to tell you that. But you might need someone to tell you that taking a vacation isn't selfish — it's necessary. Your kids need to see you happy and relaxed, and honestly, you need to feel that way too. Check out our vacation deals page for current offers, and start planning something for yourself. You've got this.