Prepping for solo travel with a kiddo
- anneot
- Dec 6, 2023
- 6 min read
When you're stepping into the unknown and trying something new, it can be scary, add a kid to the mix and it can be down right overwhelming. There are things you can do to make trips easier with a kiddo, let's dive in.
Step 1: Pack the kid, with food and water, and mail him to your parents / partner / friends / siblings / etc.
Just kidding, do not do that, they put people in jail for things like that.
So, you are ready for a solo adventure with your kiddo because you want them to have the experience of a lifetime (or is it because you can't mail them off to someone?).... If you're a little nervous thinking about being on a trip, far from home, alone, with your child, welcome to the club. Here at The Kid Goes, I get it, traveling as a solo parent can seem like a daunting task, but fear not! With a bit of preparation and a dash of confidence, you can turn your journey into a memorable adventure for you and your little sidekick. Let's dive into some practical steps to make traveling as a solo parent easier and less intimidating.
1. Embrace the Chaos
Let's face it – travel, especially with kids, is rarely smooth sailing. Accept that there will be moments of chaos, unexpected detours, and the occasional meltdown. Embrace the unpredictability, get through it, and remember that these are the stories you'll be sharing for years to come (years, and years, and years). Oh, that sounds so easy, doesn't it? Sometimes it's harder than that though, and that's ok too. I have found that some practical ways for me to embrace the chaos are:
When I decide on the trip, when I make the reservations, and again before I walk out the door to begin the adventure (and probably a million times more), I say, out loud, to me, and to my kid "we will be flexible on this trip, we will take things as they come, we will make lemonade". You can choose your own affirmative mantra, but it helps set the tone for the whole adventure.
Everyone has a snack and a drink of water before making any choices that will impact the core of the trip. This means that if something has happened that may derail a flight time, or change the purpose of the trip, or cost extra money, it's a good practice to make sure everyone is hydrated and fed before making that choice. You know, because hanger is a bad decision maker.
If my kid is the reason that I am now stressed to the gills about whatever is happening (I think this may only work for little-ish kids) I say to myself "Dang it! What are you, 3 (insert appropriate age here)!?!". Sometimes this is enough to pull me out of whatever tail spin I was in, because I remember that, oh my gosh, they are literally only 3 .What can I realistically expect of a 3 year old in this situation? It's not a silver bullet, but it can help change my mindset.
Last but not least, remember to find alone-ish time during your trip. Having a little bit of quiet time, even in the hustle and bustle of a trip, is really helpful. If you are already in the habit of doing quiet time in the afternoon, or naps, try to keep those habits during vacation. It allows you and your tiny human to recharge a little and find the spark of adventure again.
2. Pack & Prepare Like a Pro
Planning is the secret weapon. That and snacks. Actually maybe just the snacks. But, there are other things you can pack that will make life easier (psssssst, it's more snacks).
Some of my favorite snack containers for travel are these expandable ones because the lids actually stay on pretty well (not recommended for liquids - ask me how I know). I usually load up on a lot of cut veggies and fruits and then a much larger 'lot' of prepackaged stuff that's easy to throw in a backpack. They key here is not necessarily what you bring, but the sheer volume of it. It is surprising how much a bored kid can put down, and how much happier it keeps them.
Depending on what kind of trip you're taking the actual contents of your bag will change, but a few staples I recommend include:
an extra, extra pair of pants for you and for kiddo (somehow you always need them),
if you're doing long distances in the car, this travel potty is worth its weight in gold,
if you are enjoying a long flight with a young kiddo, this fancy pee bottle can be helpful in an emergency, and bonus, you are far less likely to mistake this bottle for something drinkable,
If your kid is tablet ready, one of those can be a life saver,
This drawing tablet has been the source of hours of travel fun.
Sometime soon I will put a more comprehensive list of things I love for each type of travel,
In the planning department, research your destination, create a flexible (see #1, flexibility is a recurring theme of mine) itinerary, and scout out family-friendly activities. Make a checklist for essentials like diapers, snacks, and entertainment. In order to really drive the point home for my slightly addled brain, the day before the departure I put sticky notes up on the front door that remind me of things like tablets / headphones that are charging, Ooly the Owl, etc. Side note, these headphones are the best I've ever had, and Ooly the Owl is amazing for keeping schedules while traveling, especially when changing time zones.
The more prepared you are, the smoother your journey will be. And remember the snacks.
3. Choose Family-Friendly Accommodations
Select accommodations that cater to families. Look for places with kid-friendly amenities, such as play areas, cribs, or family suites. Family friendly means lots of different things depending on the core of your trip (i.e. campsites are going to look different than all inclusive resorts).
When I am casing a new campground I look for proximity to playgrounds, recreation centers, and kid focused activities. One of my favorite campgrounds is at Great Sand Dunes National Park, it is THE BEST. I'll do a post on that at some point!
If I am looking at hotels, I generally spend a good amount of time looking at the pool situation and the menu at the restaurant, those two things can make or break a trip. I look for some of the same things as I do for campgrounds, like proximity to playgrounds and nature trails.
Planning for a family friendly adventure not only makes your stay more comfortable but also provides a built-in support system for fellow parents who understand the joys and challenges of solo travel.
4. Involve the Mini Explorer
Empower your little one by involving them in the travel process. Let them choose a few activities or snacks, allowing them to feel a sense of control. Engage them in the journey, turning the experience into a collaborative adventure that you both can feel proud of. Once they are old enough to read a Google map on the phone I like to let them be in charge of navigating short distances, like from the hotel to the park. It's a fun experience for them to be in charge and it can also burn some time if that's what you're looking for. The more you can involve your kid, the more ownership they feel for the outcome of the trip.
5. Travel With Friends When Possible
Don't be afraid to reach out to other parents solo or otherwise. There are more parents out there that have no idea what they're doing than the ones that have it all figured out, and that extends to travel. It's way more fun to figure it out together (and with other kiddos to provide distractions!). If you don't find anyone to join you on a trip, that's ok too! If you go somewhere with kid friendly amenities as mentioned above, it's likely you'll bump into other parents with kids the same age as yours. If it's comfortable for you, engage those folks and see if their kiddos want to play with yours. A little break from one-on-one interaction between you and your little bundle of joy can turn the tides from frustrating to fun.
6. Take Advantage of Tech
Technology can be a game-changer for solo parents. Use travel apps to find kid-friendly restaurants, locate nearby parks, or even entertain your child during transit. Pack a tablet loaded with their favorite shows or games to keep them occupied and make your life a bit easier. As solo parents we sometimes wish to have a break from our heart-walking around-outside-our-body progeny and there's no other adult to share the load with, so use that technology!
7. Be Kind to Yourself
Last but certainly not least, be kind to yourself. Traveling solo with kids is no small feat, and you're doing an amazing job. Give yourself credit for the courage it takes to do this adventure stuff, and remember that making memories with your little one is what truly matters.
The Kid Goes is here to cheer you on every step of the way. Embrace the chaos, plan like a pro, and most importantly, savor the special moments with your mini explorer. Because, in the end, it's not about the destination but the journey you share together.
And don't forget, no mailing children, it really is frowned upon. (:
Happy travels! 🌍✈️
Anne Walsh
Just Makin' It, The Kid Goes
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