Single parent travel
As some of you know I’m a single mum. She’s an amazing young lady and she definitely has a sense of wanderlust. Last year she asked for a break away as her birthday present and I suspect it will be the same this year – not that I’m complaining!
I first took her to Spain when she was 1 and I quickly realised that, with a little bit of planning, she was going to be a great travel buddy. Since then she’s visited 22 countries and lived in London, Qatar, Oman and Cambodia – she’s even talking about going to the Netherlands to study – I’ve told her that if she does a gap year I’ll stalk her!
Of course, it’s hasn’t all been plain sailing but overall I am so happy that we are able to share travel experiences. Honestly, when we left to live in Cambodia I had a few raised eyebrows but it was easier – there was so much help available and the Cambodians love kids.
Naturally, we took advantage of living in another country and tried to explore the regions at weekends and holidays – just last summer we also went back to Asia and spent 6 weeks visiting our old haunts. With years of travel as a single mum under my belt, I thought I’d share my top tips for travelling as a single parent.
1. Plan Ahead Thoroughly
Accommodation: Choose kid-friendly places with amenities such as pools, playgrounds, or family activities – but don’t be surprised that your child decides to just hang out with you – mine did and I’m not sure she ever stayed in a kids club. When she got a bit older I didn’t have to worry too much about the big pools and kids clubs as it was mostly about the experiences but it’s important that you enjoy it too so don't make it all about the kids.
Transport: When booking flights or trains, consider travel times that work for you and any schedule you might have – I was quite easy-going and when my daughter was young she would just curl up and sleep – now she can power through it – it’s maybe more me that needs the sleep! You might also want to consider stopovers or long transfers – we did this last time and it helped – a few hours to grab something to eat and maybe even change of clothes helped set us up for the next leg.
2. Pack Smart
Bring essentials such as snacks, a change of clothes, a first aid kit, entertainment items (books, toys, tablets), and any favourite items. When she was younger I got her one of the those rolling sit on cases – I’m glad when she grew out of it and then she loved having her own little suitcase to pull along just like mum. Remember to bring documents like passports, your child’s birth certificate, and insurance information. Carrying a consent letter from the other parent if applicable can also be a good idea. I always had one but I was only asked when I came back to the UK.
3. Keep Your Itinerary Flexible
Plan a realistic schedule that allows for downtime. Also, be prepared for changes – one year may not be the same as the last – this year my daughter struggled with the heat so we had a bit more pool time than we had planned.
4. Engage and Involve Your Child
Discuss the trip with your child. Let them help plan some activities, which can be exciting and make them feel involved. On our last trip, I made the mistake of asking my teenager too many questions – to the extent she said I was the adult and she didn’t know – she was right – I thought I was trying to involve her but I risked getting her stressed. Choose activities that you both can enjoy, and try to incorporate educational aspects into the trip like visiting museums, historical sites, or parks. My other piece of advice is don’t assume they won’t like things – my daughter, aged 6 absolutely loved Angkor Wat – on the first day I was tired and she wanted to stay longer.
5. Stay Safe
Always have a plan for emergencies. Know where the local hospital and embassy are in case of any problems. Use technology to stay safe. Apps can help you navigate new cities, translate languages quickly, or locate nearby amenities.
6. Connect with Other Parents
If staying at a resort or on a cruise, take advantage of kids' clubs and parent meet-ups. Online communities and forums can be great for getting tips and support from other traveling parents.
7. Self-Care
As much as travelling as a single parent can be rewarding it can also be exhausting. Remember to take some time for yourself when you can. Consider services like hotel babysitting to give you a brief respite.
8. Document Your Memories
Take lots of photos and maybe keep a travel diary together. It’s a lovely way for both of you to look back on these experiences. Most of all be in the pictures – when I look back I have lots of photos of my daughter but not that many of the two of us.
9. Legal and Health Precautions
Always carry relevant legal documentation that pertains to your child and any legal rights as a parent. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance.
10. Just do it
My last top tip is to just do it – don’t be put off – it’s all doable and you’ll both look back on the experiences and be so thankful you went for it.
I hope these have been helpful. If you’re looking for specific destination recommendations or further advice, feel free to ask! Let’s talk if you’d like to discuss your next journey – I’ll be able to help you plan and book an itinerary that works for you and I would always be on the other end of the line should you need help or advice.
Photos are from some of our trips.
