Where to find holiday help for single parents

Single parents are offered free "arrival survival" service, kids' clubs and discounts of £65 on eight nights or more with Eurocamp (0870 366 7552; www.eurocamp.co.uk); additional discounts to Gingerbread (single parents' association) members of between £50 and £100. Eight nights under canvas in France for one adult and up to three children under 18 starts from £180 per family, including Dover/Calais ferry crossing.

One Parent Family Holidays (01456 821288; www.opfh.org.uk) is a nonprofitmaking association organising a range of trips for small groups of single parents, from camping in Europe to visits to Disneyland and round-the-world tours.

Kuoni (01306 747000; www.kuoni.com) offers special deals to single parents in selected hotels in Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Maldives, with 50 per cent discount on the adult price for up to two children under 12 sharing their parent's room. Five nights at Mount Lavinia hotel, Sri Lanka, cost from £521 B&B per adult and £264 for under 12s, including flights and transfers. A second child gets 10 per cent off the adult fare.

There is still a limited number of free and discounted places available to children of single parents who book a package with Skytours (08705 133500; www. thomsonholidays.com). Seven nights' B&B at the Mariner Club, Alcudia, Majorca, costs from £285 per adult, first child goes free, second child £79 (when free places have gone, £79 first child, £119 for the second).

Simply Travel (020 8541 2222; www.simplytravel.com) offers special prices for single parents on selected dates in May to Capicciolo, Corsica (adults £420 per week; £99 for under-twos; £199 for under-12s) and Akyaka, Turkey (£540 per adult, child prices as Corsica). Prices include five half-days' child care.

Contact The National Council for One Parent Families (020 7428 5400; www.oneparentfamilies.org. uk) for a copy of Holidays 2002: The Guide for Lone Parents.