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Traveling as a single parent can feel like an ambitious endeavor, but it’s also an incredible way to bond and build memories with your kids.
When I started Mango Tree, I began a habit of taking my daughter on solo trips, and loved the time together so much that we now do it every year (with Portugal coming up as our next one).
Yes, solo parent travel brings its own set of challenges – from planning to packing to finding time for a break on the trip itself. But with a few key strategies and a positive mindset, it’s completely doable.
And you’re not alone! There are tons of travel resources for single parents designed to make your vacation easier by helping you feel empowered every step of the way. Whether you’re navigating a short single parent vacation with kids or tackling overseas travel with your children, you can find cheerleaders and support systems to have you ready for anything.
But look – if reading these tips has you in the early phases of a panic attack, remember that just because you’re traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to plan it solo. Bringing in a travel advisor to be in your corner, talk you through the logistics, and handle the details that make family travel uniquely complicated – that can make that solo trip feel so much less daunting.
No matter where you are at in your single parent vacation with kids mentality, we’re here to help you travel with ease – even if you’re outnumbered!
1. Find A Hotel That Offers Support for Solo Parent Trips
Let’s start with the golden rule for solo parent travel: don’t do it all on your own! There’s no rule that says traveling as a single mom or dad means doing it alone every step of the way.
Choosing accommodations with built-in support like kids clubs, family activities, or even on-site babysitting can make a world of difference. We specialize in finding family-friendly hotels that know how to cater to parents – including those taking a single parent vacation with kids – and many offer specialized amenities and babysitting help so you can recharge without any guilt.
One of the best parts about solo parent travel is that you might be able to get away with a smaller room than a family with 2 adults and multiple kids. That means your money can stretch farther – and we think investing in a hotel that will make that trip feel easier and more managable is a worthwhile way to appraoch your planning.
But the right family-friendly hotel for solo parent travel doesn’t have to involve extensive kids’ clubs or programming. You just need to know that the staff has your back and will help you feel like you’ve had an actual vacation, and can help you if things go wrong.
2. Pack Smart
When it comes to traveling as a single parent, packing smart can save you so much time, energy, and frustration.
As a solo parent, you’re the one managing everyone’s essentials – which means overpacking isn’t just a hassle; it’s exhausting. Start with the basics: think about what you’ll need most frequently and pack it in a way that’s easy to access, whether it’s a change of clothes, snacks, or important documents.
For example, make sure to bring some favorite comfort items, like a stuffed animal or a blanket, to help ease travel anxiety for little ones. Pack a couple of games, activities, or tech favorites that can keep them entertained in unexpected situations, like a delayed flight or a long wait. And don’t forget a small first-aid kit and medicine essentials like ibuprofen or dramamine. Getting sick overseas is the worst, so it’s best to travel prepared!
A packing hack? Share a suitcase for a solo parent trip since you’ll be the one carrying it, and use clear, reusable bags to organize each family member’s items, so you can easily locate what you need in a hurry.
And remember, less is more! Sticking to the essentials will make single parent traveling overseas with a child much easier. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re breezing through security or hopping into a cab with just a single bag and a backpack – and still feeling ready for whatever the day brings.
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3. Involve Your Kids in Planning
Getting your kids involved in planning can make solo parent trsavel feel like a team adventure!
This isn’t just about making them feel included – it’s also a great way to keep them excited and engaged throughout the trip. When they feel like they have a say, they’re more likely to cooperate and enjoy the journey.
Start with small decisions, like choosing between two activities or picking a restaurant. Not only does this help them feel part o
If you’re taking a single parent vacation with kids and staying in one location for a few days, encourage your kids to help map out the itinerary.
Older kids, especially, might enjoy picking an activity or researching fun things to do. If you’re heading to a national park, let them look up animals you might see, or if you’re visiting a city, encourage them to choose a museum or landmark to explore.
When your kids feel involved, they’ll have more fun, and they’ll also feel a sense of ownership over the trip. Plus, it’s a great way to add some learning into your travels!
Design the ultimate single parent trip with kids
4. Create a Flexible Itinerary
The beauty of single parent vacations with your child is that you’re on your own timeline – you can go where you want, when you want. While it’s helpful to have a basic itinerary, flexibility is essential when traveling as a single parent.
If your kids suddenly take an interest in a new activity, or if you stumble upon a local festival, let the plan go out the window and dive in! On the other hand, there will be times when you’ll just need to hit “pause.”
Keep some downtime in the schedule for rest and relaxation – an afternoon at a nearby park or beach, a low-key movie night, or even just a long lunch with dessert to wind down. Not every moment has to be go-go-go. Taking it easy can help easy any travel anxiety and will help you and your kids enjoy each day to the fullest.
5. Plan a Trip with Time for YOU
This is one of the most important resources for single parents: remember to make space for yourself on the trip. It’s easy to fall into the habit of planning a trip all around the kids, but this vacation should also be a time for you to unwind, recharge, and enjoy.
We’re all about parent-friendly family travel, and that’s all the more important when you’re the only parent traveling. It takes more effort to make those breaks happen without a co-parent to switch off with, but you can make it happen.
Even if your hotel doesn’t have extensive child-care options, getting a babysitter for a few hours so you can actually sit and read a book, or take the food your you want that your kids aren’t interested in, can make a huge difference.
6. Stay Safe
Safety is always a top priority, especially for single parents traveling overseas with a child. Before you go, create a few safety plans to ease your mind and keep your family safe. Make sure to have all emergency numbers saved in your phone, and know the nearest hospitals and emergency centers at your destination. Also, consider using online travel resources for single parents to get advice on safe travel destinations and tips from other single parents.
When you’re on the go, keep essentials like passports, tickets, and emergency contact information in a secure, easy-to-access place. A small, crossbody bag can be a lifesaver.
If you’re visiting crowded places, try a buddy system with older kids or even consider a small, lightweight GPS tracker for younger ones to give you extra peace of mind. Keeping everyone on the same page about meeting spots and what to do in case of separation is another good way to ensure everyone stays safe and feels secure.
7. Embrace the Journey
Remember, the heart of solo parent travel is about enjoying the journey, not stressing over the little things. Every parent has those “why did I do this?” moments, but those challenges are what make the adventure worthwhile.
Embrace the ups and downs – yes, even the meltdowns – because these are the memories you and your kids will carry with you. Whether you’re trekking through a new city, hiking a mountain, or just spending time together at the beach, each day brings its own special moments.
8. Ask For Help
You may need to ask for more help than you’d like when traveling as a solo parent. Little logistic items can make you feel stuck with kids – from having someone watch your bags while you run to the bathroom or fill up a water bottle – or asking someone to open a package for your kids while your hands are full. If you’re unashamed about asking for help, someone will be there to have your back.
With these solo parent travel tips, we want you in the right mindset for planning a journey with your child. Embrace the spontaneity, and show your kids the world – one incredible adventure at a time!
