Travel with kids is always a process, but even more as a single parent.
However, with a little planning and forethought, you can successfully pull off traveling solo with the kids and plan the trip of a lifetime for your family. Personally, I have planned trips to Italy, several national parks, Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Diego, Disneyworld in Florida and more. So read on for some tips I have found to make the trip less about stress and more about fun!
Tips for Traveling Solo With Kids
- Gather all necessary documentation. Before you leave home be sure to have all necessary documentation, including passports, visas and travel insurance if applicable. In addition and importantly, if you will be traveling without the other parent it is always a good idea to have a Minor Travel Consent Form certifying that the absent parent has given you permission to take the children out of state or country. They will need to sign this form before you go. Officials at airports have asked for this form more often than not in my experience. With child abductions on the rise, it is a policy we should all be on board with and happily comply. Also, it offers protection if you are involved in a high conflict divorce or difficult co-parenting situation as you have written proof that the other parent consented to the trip.
- Do your research. When traveling with kids, unexpected situations pop up constantly. My advice is to control what you can control to the greatest extent possible. For me, that meant doing research before we left.I always had a list of possible restaurants and attractions in the locations we planned to visit. Personally, I didn’t plan a minute-by-minute itinerary because I like to allow for flexibility, but my list came in handy when I had two tired and hungry kids ready to find a place to eat. The great thing about planning ahead is you can account for any special needs such as allergies, restaurants with family bathrooms, or particular food selections. I also compiled my list of attractions with the most important stop first thing in the morning. That way we hit the place we wanted to go most and could eliminate less important stops if the kids were tired by noon and needed a nap, or the afternoon was better spent by the pool.
- Pack wisely. It’s just you lugging kids and bags so consider that when packing. Pack essentials like diapers, wipes, snacks, hand sanitizer, a change of clothes, first aid kit, medicines and possible entertainment items in your carry-on. My kids carried their own backpacks from the time they could walk with their snacks and light items of entertainment. Checked bags also work best, especially when you are pushing strollers or trying to keep your eyes on multiple kids. The less distraction and more hands free you can be, the better. Of course, if you have older children, or teens you can adjust this advice according to their ability to manage their own luggage.
- Choose child-friendly accommodations. For most families, the pool is key. I always looked at photos of the pool area. I wanted to make sure I could see the entire area from one location in case the kids headed off in opposite directions. There’s nothing scarier than looking around and not being able to spot your child. Make sure the facility has a lifeguard on duty and a fenced pool area is also a plus for safety. Also, check out what else they offer for downtime activities. Is there an arcade, ping pong table, or streaming services that you can use to watch movies in the room? Do they offer room service if you are all too exhausted to go out to dinner? What about breakfast? Grabbing a free breakfast before heading out for the day always feels like a win. You can also buy a few groceries and have a light breakfast in the room before you head out.
- Even on vacation, young kids thrive on routine. Maintaining some kind of a routine while traveling will help the trip move along more smoothly. For example, if you can keep nap time about the same, it will likely make for more enjoyable evenings. It also helps kids feel more comfortable and secure while they are away from home.RELATED TOPIC: 8 Pregnancy Travel Tips – Stay Safe While Traveling this Summer
- Stay safe. Talk to your kids beforehand about staying close to you and explain that as the only adult on the trip you will need their help to keep everyone safe. Teach them what to do if they get lost and make sure they have your contact information on their person at all times.
- Have fun! Traveling alone with kids has unique benefits. It is a bonding experience like no other and it is empowering as a single parent to successfully provide a memorable family trip for your kids on your own.
Plan and Prep
Traveling alone with children can be challenging, but with a little planning and preparation, you need not skip out on special adventures with your kids. Yes, you can travel solo with kids!
