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Solo Parent in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

In: Blog, Dominican Republic, North America by Nicole Last Updated: June 18, 2019

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As soon as we arrived at our resort in Punta Cana, I wished Jamie could be with us and wondered when we would go back! It’s been six years since our trip but I keep dreaming about the white sand beaches, crystal clear water and heartfelt people in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

This was a trip that was filled with many firsts for us; it was the first trip for Luca, first flight for Luca, first trip travelling as a parent and first trip travelling as a solo parent! I learned so much from this trip and although some thought I was crazy… I didn’t care and I took Luca and we went.

Punta Cana Beach

It was unfortunate that Jamie couldn’t come with us, but he was just starting up his business and the timing was just not right. I on the other hand was in the midst of a full year of maternity leave and was going stir crazy with the four walls of our house in the middle of winter in Canada! It was best for me, Luca and Jamie for us to go on a little tropical adventure. I figured there is no difference on whether I took care of Luca at home or in the Dominican Republic – all the same for me :)

Punta Cana Luca Beach

I also had a lot of help from Jamie’s family who came on the trip; my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and brother-in-law were all travelling with me. So even though I was a solo parent I was definitely not alone. By having their extra hands and help it made things so much easier and gave me a bit of confidence that I can do this. I am forever grateful for their help but also the wonderful life-long memories we have from the trip.

Punta Cana Nonna

What You'll Find in This Post

  • Why did we choose Punta Cana?
  • Where did we stay?
    • Pros:
    • Cons:
    • The Grand Palladium Resort Facts
  • Quick Tips for Solo Parent Travel:

Why did we choose Punta Cana?

Looking back there were a few key reasons.

  1. Direct flight and the timing of the flights were fairly good. Although, I wasn’t sure how the flight home being a red-eye was going to go… But it was awesome! I am a big fan of them now, especially on the way home.
  2. Cost was reasonable. My sister-in-law (who was also on maternity leave) is in the school system so very rarely does she and her family get to take advantage of flight deals during less busy times. So based on being able to go anytime we could get a good deal at a more expensive destination.
  3. Crystal clear blue water and white sand beaches…. Need I say more?

Punta Cana Beach 2

Where did we stay?

We opted to stay at an all-inclusive resort due to the cost saving and just looking for a relaxing beach vacation to get away with. The resort we choose was The Grand Palladium in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Jamie and I were actually married at The Grand Palladium in Mayan Riveria, Mexico so we were familiar with the resort chain (another story coming soon for that)!

Grand Palladium Punta Cana

Grand Palladium Punta Cana 2

Grand Palladium Punta Cana 3

Punta Cana Grand Palladium 6

Pros:

  • Five different pools that had different water levels and different vibes and scenery at each one.

Punta Cana Pools

  • Great atmosphere is the lobby area for having casual drinks and listening to music after supper. Luca loved watching the fish in the front lobby, which was a great distraction for me relax.
  • Good variation of restaurant selections.

Grand Palladium Punta Cana 5

  • By far, I was most impressed with how helpful and thoughtful the people were! The staff was SO helpful with getting me hot water, making sure there was nothing we needed. So helpful and understanding with little ones.
  • I was able to request a crib so I didn’t have to bring a portable playpen.  The quality seemed safe for my standards especially since Luca wasn’t moving around too much.

Grand Palladium Punta Cana Crib

Cons:

  • Although the resort was easily accessible with the stroller, our room was on the second floor so I had to ask for help to get the stroller up to our room at the end of the night.
  • It was a larger resort so if we ended up going to a pool that was far away from our room and I forgot something, it was a long walk back.

The Grand Palladium Resort Facts

  • Along the shore of Bavaro Beach
  • 8 A la Carts restaurants with different styles of food
  • 5 Buffet style restaurant and 14 bars
  • 5 pools
  • Casino
  • Over 400 rooms
  • Small supermarket and a few stores on the grounds
  • Kids club – I did not use the services, so I can’t comment on the facility but they do offer the service for children.

Quick Tips for Solo Parent Travel:

  • Have a letter written from the other parent that provides authorization and awareness that you are taking your child out of country with the dates, location, etc. I know divorced/separated parents probably get this… but a lawyer friend told me it was best to have this on me just in case I was asked. Sure enough I was when I came back to Canada!
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Trust me people want to help you if you are willing to take it. Please and thank-you go a very long way.

If you are thinking about taking a solo trip with your kids, just go! Take the plunge and explore without regrets! If you have the opportunity to take your kids someplace and it just doesn’t work for your spouse give your kids and yourself the chance to travel. This trip will be a bond that I will have with Luca for the rest of my life!

Half our family has been to the white sand beaches of Dominican Republic and hoping soon we can all go together! Plus, I’m sure Luca needs a little reminder too!Punta Cana Luca Mom

Punta Cana Footprints

Have you taking a solo trip with your kid(s)? If so, where and how old were you kid(s)?

SOLO PARENT IN Punta Cana

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About Us

We are a Canadian family who loves to travel and recently finished an amazing travel adventure by taking our two kids around the world for 1 year. We have travelled to over 28 countries and 5 continents, with so many places in the world to see we are always up for an adventure!

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Comments

  1. gessell says

    June 17, 2016 at 11:39 am

    That sounds like an awesome time. I’ve never been to Punta Cana but looks like a great place. Not sure I’m brave enough yet to do the solo traveling with a baby. More power to you!

    Reply
    • The Passport Kids says

      June 20, 2016 at 9:17 am

      Thanks Gessell, sometimes you don’t know what you are capable of until your just try it :) It all worked out and we really enjoyed Punta Cana. We hope to go back soon with ALL the family.

      Reply

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