Testimonials

Hi Alan and Carole - Just back from Majorca with our host Stuart Vines and we had a brilliant time. Stuart was an absolutely fantastic host and could not have been more helpful and kind. We'll certainly be booking for our 4th year in a row! Could you give me more information about the cruise on the Nile and the Inca holiday because there is no information yet as far as I can see. Kind regards Lisa, Ruaidhri (16) & Connor (22)! - Majorca Aug: 2011

We have such very very fond memories of our holidays with you, and I am still an ambassador for your company! I held a WAY, (Widowed and Young), coffee morning recently and some of our new members were talking about holidays and I urged them to explore going on holiday with you. It's strange how things work out - only last night I was showing my new husband on the Sami Museum map, just how far inside the Artic Circle we had been with you at Christmas when staying in Ivalo.

It sounds very sentimental but Small Families provided us with an escape from the sadness of the first few Christmases without my late husband. We will never stop missing him and wishing that things were different but Small Families allowed us to make new memories and to build a new life.

Please send my regards to the rest of your team, and it would be great to meet up. Melanie, Henry, Thomas & Samuel. Dec 2011

Just got back from a fabulous week in Majorca with Small Families. Andi our host was just fantastic. The kids adored him (because he was a big kid himself) and he really made our holiday by just being there and making us feel welcome straight away. Everyone got on really well together and Andi was also great company for a late night vodka! This was my first Small Families holiday and didn’t know what to expect but just didn’t think it would be this good. The mix of adults and children just worked and Kara and I had an amazing time now thinking of going away with you again next year. Evelyn & Kara (7) - Majorca Aug: 2011

Just wanted to say thank you to all at Small Families for a brilliant holiday that we unfortunately had to come home from today! We would gladly have stayed another week or two, the hotel and services were great, the position was beautiful and although a couple of things could have been improved, on the whole, we had a fab holiday and would happily recommend it to others

Kam was the best host I have met, she actually appeared to enjoy the children and nothing was too much trouble for her. Everything she suggested or organized, worked like a dream and we have returned relaxed and energized and looking forward to next year already! Liz & Joseph (8) - Sardinia Aug: 2011

Hi Carole & Allen. Thank you for our tunisia holidays, Levi and me really loved it! Liz, our host, was amazing and we met some lovely people too. I am also now really interested in the Christmas Caribbean cruise and wanted to know when i would need to book by? Jess & Levi (11) - Tunisia Aug: 2011

Hi Carole, Alan, Keith and Kam. Thanks guys for yet another great holiday. Kids loved it as usual all got on well. Good bunch of people and and Andy the host was brilliant. Hoping to get my fifth one booked with you in the New Year but keeping an eye out for China update. Early days but are you likely to be running the Med Cruise again next year? Many thanks again. xxx Gemma, Liam (13) & Caitlin (9) Tunisia Oct 2011

Dear Allen, Thank you very much for organising this good holiday, I enjoyed the tortoises and rafting, the equator was fun as well. See you next holiday, I would like a cruise next time. David Barnett (10) - Galapagos & Ecuador 2010

We just want to express our gratitude for the fantastic holiday Small Families provided for us! I know this is your first summer at the Cala Barca and we were very impressed. Andi (our host), asked for feedback for a meeting he had with the management. so as a group we offered a few suggestions but it was a wonderful experience. Rachel and Charlotte's first experience of flying and a foreign country was terrific!

The whole package Small Families provides is superb, from all the arrangements to the thoughtful way you approach the challenges of single parents on a break away. I will recommend your services to friends in the future. Finally, a special mention for Andi, the perfect host, very caring, dealing with everything and giving great peace of mind. The children loved his ideas and competitions - I think he had a good time too!! Hoping to join you again next year for another adventure. Andy, Rachel (13) and Charlotte (10) - Majorca Aug: 2011

Just a quick email to let you know how much Leo, Sasha & I enjoyed the ski-ing holiday in Levi. It felt like a real adventure - in the best possible sense & we all had a wonderful time. Thank you both for your support - it makes a great difference. Hope to see you on another Small Families holiday again. Regards Fionula, Leo & Sasha - Skiing Lapland 2011

Well we've now been back to the boring life of work and school for a week, so the holiday is becoming a bit of a distant memory - albeit a very enjoyable memory. Martyn is away again this weekend camping in Northampton with the Scouts but the weather is definitely a lot colder!!

We would like to thank you, Kam and Liz who made us feel very at ease with Small Families and the Tunisian people who despite the previous problems in their country, made us all feel extremely welcome, I wouldn't hesitate to recomment it to anyone. Martyn is keeping in touch with some of the others, I know he's been on Facebook to Chris and Lizzie and with his new Tunisian friend. Thanks again x Teresa & Martyn (13) Tunisia - May 2011

Thank you for a lovely holiday and ensuring we had such a great time - Bev
To Kam & Carole, that was the best holiday I've ever had - Lucy xx
Thank you for our lovely holiday, I miss you, love Becky xx Bev, Lucy & Becky - Tunisia - May 2011

Carole I want to tell you what a good holiday I had with my daughters. I would particularly like to thank our host Andi for all his efforts in looking after us all during the holiday. He did a great job making and all the families soon became firm friends. Andi also retrieved my daughters cuddly toy that she left in the hotel when we flew home - Andi brought it back to England and posted it to her for which she is most grateful. We have many good memories and are looking forward to meeting up again soon at a re-union Andi is organising. Neil, Pheobe (11) & Erin (5) - Majorca July 2011

Hi Allen, Happy New Year! Was pleased to hear that you and Carole got home safely despite your delay. Just wanted to say once again 'Thank you' to you both for a wonderful holiday, the best Small Families adventure for The McWhinnie clan yet!

The children are still talking about it to everyone, particularly about the huskies, skating and of course, Father Christmas and they are now showing off their new found sledging skills to our neighbours ( who are so grateful to us for bringing some of the snow back for them to enjoy too!!?!). My highlights were definitely the Husky sledge rides and the snowmobiling (I think I've found myself a new sport!). We were with a wonderful group who, despite many of their circumstances, were so positive and fun to be with. It really helped make the holiday and I look forward to the next one!! Please let me know if you decide to do a safari holiday. I would be very interested. Sarah, Hannah & Rory - Christmas Lapland 2010

Allen & Carole - Sorry that it has taken me so long to get in touch, but it's been a manic week. Thank you both so much for a great week, both Robyn and I had some memorable moments. Robyn loved the snowmobile trip, she tells everyone about her heated pod!

I would especially like to thank you both for your care and attention, your patience is impressive! Carole thank you for the quiet, 'no children' moments. I will no doubt be looking at more small families holidays. Cheers Vivienne & Robyn xx (Lapland Skiing)

Hi Carole, well it's our last night in Majorca, just like to say both Kate & me had a wonderful time, a great hotel with lovely food. Kate met friends again from last year plus many new ones. Your host Andi, was perfect, and so involved with the whole group, both adults and children. I will be checking were Andi will be hosting next year. Sent via BlackBerry® wireless device Pete & Kate (9) - Majorca Aug: 2011

Hi Carole, I just wanted to send you an email to say that we had a fantastic holiday in Majorca. The group were lovely and Andi our host was just great. He was a natural playing with the children and really good company. Thanks Kirsten, Benjamin (7) Matthew(5) - Majorca July 2011

Hi Stuart, just wanted to say thank you again to YOU personally for making our trip such a good one. You were a fabulous host as always! And I also wanted to say have a wonderful time on your real holiday now, you are off surfing tomorrow I seem to remember! xx Giga & Izabela (11) Majorca Aug: 2011

Dear Carole & Allen.- Forgive me for taking so long to write to you, no excuse, apart from I still can’t find the right words to write this letter, one of those situations there will never be the right time. Hence here goes.

I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart what a wonderful experience I and both my children had in Lapland. Everyone helped create this wonderful experience. Anyhow I think the biggest complement came from my 8 year old who maintains “this is the best holiday ever”, and she has had many dispite her young years.

I think the best words I can say are “I appreciate the contribution from Small Families because of their dedication/vocation to their job. I know warmth when I see it, and that was definitely demonstrated to us in Lapland. I thoroughly enjoyed the hospitably from the local people and what a wonderful location.

I am looking forward to hearing about your Caribbean cruise this year, should it be a success I hope to join you again for Christmas. Kind regards - The Mad Irish women and 2 beautiful kids - Deirdre, Tara & Karl (Lapland Christmas)

Hi, I wanted to say a big thank you to your company for the great idea of these holidays. My daughter Ella and I had a great time in Tunisia (21st August 2011 trip). We met some lovely people and Ella made lots of friends. Our host Liz was amazing, nothing was too much for her and her cheerful attitude was so lovely. We hope to visit again next year. Ella is saving hard!
Beany & Ella (6) - Tunisia Aug: 2011

Dear Small Families - A short note, since I have now also joined the Chat Room. WHAT A FABULOUS HOLIDAY .. Kam was a superb host, well supported by Fernando. The group quickly became close through the children, and through some cultured evening entertainment around the bar. I will definitely be looking at more Small Families holidays .. Nathan & Francesca will probably not give me much alternative. Thanks & Regards - Dave, Nathan & Francesca - Portugal 2010

Dear Kam and Colleagues - A big thank you for organising such great holidays for single adults with children, as the one we had last week in Tunisia. It’s the first time I’ve felt in years like I’ve truly had a relaxing holiday break and my 9 year old son loved it too; as not only were there loads of other children to play with but plenty of activities to amuse them too and of course our wonderful host, Kam who was available & great.

All the parents helped look after each others children, so we all had rest and time for treatments in the Spa and also at mealtimes, especially with the children enjoying having their own mealtimes & dinning table which gave us adults a chance to eat and drink in peace as well and enjoy some much needed adult time. I have already highly recommended your company to friends and we look forward to our next holiday with Small Families, so hopefully it won’t be too far away and we’re already dreaming of our next destination in the brochure. - Sarah and Daniel (Tunisia)

Hi Stuart, I want to thank you for being such a lovely host and really making it a great week for everyone. Also, thank you very much for checking our room for Joseph's retainers. He really worried at the airport as he couldn't remember packing them and knew I would have to pay for new ones to be made if they were lost. Thanks again, and we hope to meet you again on another Sall Families holiday soon. Best wishes Susan & Joseph (15) - Majorca Aug: 2011

Hi Keith - Grace and I got a bit held up so took 2 hours to get home instead of 1, but not as bad as 5 hours - what a nightmare. Back at work now and it's cold and pouring with rain. Beam me back to Croatia. We had such a great time, and was so lovely to meet such a great group of people. Keep up the good work small families and hopefully we'll catch up in January at the Cambridge party weekend, (especially if the balloon man is going to be there as grace was entranced by him). Speak to you soon - Louise and Grace - Croatia 2010

Hi - my daughter (6yrs) and I have just returned from Morocco and I just wanted to say what a fantastic time we had.

The resort was lovely - excellent facilities, good food, friendly staff and clean rooms. Rick did an excellent job as host and the people in our party were lovely. My daughter really enjoyed having children of different ages to hang around with and it was great for me to have adults to talk to and have meals with. We will definitely be going with you again. So, many thanks.
Sue & Safia, (Morocco)

Dear Carole and Allen, - Just thought I'd drop you a quick line to say thank you very much for a wonderful time in Tunisia. Amy-Louise had a great time with the other children and enjoyed the beach and indoor pool especially. The older children were brilliant with her, letting her hang out with them in the evening. She is already asking if we can go back to Tunisia next year.

I enjoyed having the company and support of the other parents especially during the delay at the airport, and particularly the initial few days when we were in the smaller group left behind at the hotel, I think we all bonded really well and had a great laugh. Thanks again! Love to you both. Sarah & Amy-Louise - Tunisia 2009

I would just like to say a big thank you for arranging such brilliant holidays. We have just returned from Tunisia after a great time. Liz was absolutely fantastic and puts her heart and soul into making sure everyone is well looked after and enjoying their holiday. It was great that she was around throughout the day to answer any questions and chat to us and to help with taxis and trips, etc if needed.

We met some lovely people on our holiday from all sorts of backgrounds and we are hoping to stay in touch with them. We made friends at the airport before we left which meant the holiday got off to a great start. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend this holiday to others thinking of going but who are not sure. We had a lovely time! Carey and Samuel (Tunisia)

Now that the sand has finally been emptied from my suitcases, I wanted to drop you a line to tell you about my week in Tunisia from 26 August. What a fantastic experience, made even better by your wonderful rep, Liz Zarrouk. A genuinely, caring and loving person. Liz made every effort to keep us smiling and to make our holiday special.

Thank you so much to her and to you as a group for running these holidays. My girls had a great time and mixed with children who know what it feels like to come from single parent families. My memories of Tunisia will be treasured in my heart forever and I will never forget the special kindness of Liz, a truly light filled soul! Samantha, Alannah & Phoebe (Tunisia)

Hello everyone, (or should that be hello love) - I wanted to firstly thank Carole and Allen for making our holiday in Lapland really special; nothing ever seemed to be too much trouble for either of you. Zac and I had an amazing time and loved every minute, far too short a stay if you ask me – another couple of days!

There is so much I loved about this holiday, each one of the activities and elements of our free time were excellent but if I had to choose I would say that I loved the Christmas eve festivities and watching the kids get really involved in making biscuits and decorating the tree. Zac was so excited about finding the lost Santa and carries his ‘Husky puppy’ around a lot! He tells everyone that asks, that he found the lost Santa (he forgets all us mums and another 11 kids that were also there). The husky puppies were adorable. Ellie & Zac x - Christmas Lapland 2009

Just wanted to say we had the most BRILLIANT time last week, it was such fun and we all got on so well, Kolocep was so beautiful and Stu was amazing...hope to do it again nest year. Lots of love Claire and Holly xx (Croatia)

Hi Everyone - So nice to have received the emails, the kids and I were beginning to think it had all been a dream!! And what a dream it was, lovely people, super kids and wonderful hosts. I know its been said before, but can't thank Carole and Allen enough for making our Christmas so special but that was also down to all the folks that we shared it with .Happy New Year, may it be peaceful and happy Angela, Emily and George (Christmas Lapland)

Dear Carole and Allen - Just want to say a huge thank you for giving us such a wonderful time over Christmas. It was so great for me to get away from all the trappings of Christmas which I have not enjoyed the past few years and do something completely different. Your kindness and time with the children was greatly appreciated. Sophie is still talking about the games you all played in the evenings and her DS lesson on the way home!

The boys are still talking about everything we did especially the snow mobile ride and arguing about who went the fastest ! I still can't believe that I swam in that cold swimming pool and nor can any of my friends! The husky puppies have taken up pride of place in their bedrooms and photos of the real puppies are on Sophie's bedroom wall. A lot of really happy memories of Christmas 2008 and you helped to make it really special - Caroline, Tom, Sam and Sophie (Christmas Lapland)

Hi Allen & Carole - Hope you had a lovely New Year!...We must have brought the arctic temps here too, snow yesterday in Kent but not like Lapland of course. Just wanted to say thank you so much from the kids and me for being wonderful hosts, nothing was too much for you. Ayesha and Elliot liked you lot's and miss everyone already! Will no doubt be booking another holiday soon, next time a nice warmer place would be ideal to relax on the beach!
Much love from - Seema, Ayesha & Elliot xx (Christmas Lapland)

Hi Carole, Just wanted to say a big thank you from me and the boys. We all had a wonderful trip. Many, many highlights!
I did not collect any emails. Hoping you will be sending out a list of those that want to share theirs, cheers - Bimal, Rohan & Arya (Tunisia Adventure)

Good morning - I have just returned from Mallorca with Kate, my 6 year old daughter. Kate has had such a wonderful time and made lots of new friends. The hotel was perfect for young children and your host Esther is a star. Kate cannot wait till our next holiday with small families. Best regards, Peter and Kate - (Majorca)

Dear Carol and Allen - I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful holiday we had in Majorca this summer (17-23 Aug). Julia and I really enjoyed it and Cheryl was a great host. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she was up against it at times with a certain member of our group. I would definitely choose your company to travel with in the future and I am going to recommend you to all my friends who are single parents. Best wishes Cath & Julie (Majorca)

We had a great time in Portugal and Kam was a really excellent host and couldn't do more to help with organisation of trips; help with the children and general care of us all. It's horrible to be back in the UK - it's raining here in Colchester already and along with the thought of work tomorrow it is all quite depressing - I wish we were back sitting on the hotel balcony, complaining about the heat!
Best regards Sue & Lissy - (Portugal)