Traveling Solo with Kids
FAMILY TRAVEL
Embracing the Challenge of Solo Travel with Kids
Traveling as a single parent with kids can feel like a monumental task, especially when it involves juggling schedules, managing budgets, and keeping the little ones entertained. It’s hard enough when there are two parents on board, right? But I’m here to share that it is totally possible to embark on these memorable adventures and have a blast while doing it!
My most memorable solo trip with my three kids—then aged 14, 7, and 3—turned out to be one of our greatest bonding experiences. It’s been nearly two years, and we still laugh about inside jokes that came about during the trip and reminisce about the fun we had during those two weeks together.
Making the Most of Budget-Friendly Travel
Let’s face it: traveling can get pricey, especially when you add up costs for accommodations, food, and activities. However, I’ve learned that some of the best adventures don’t come with a hefty price tag. On our last long-weekend outing, we opted for a road trip with camping (hammocking, actually) instead of a plane journey with a hotel. This not only saved us money, but it created a unique experience that my kids were thrilled about.
We set out on a weekend adventure to a state park. It was a 5 hour drive, but I have family nearby and thought it would be nice to see them too.
I packed groceries that would be convenient and filling—nothing fancy, but it was nice to sit and make sandwiches together in the great outdoors.
We spent our days kayaking on the lake, riding around in my uncle’s boat, and fishing. Our only extra expenses on that trip was the gas to get there and back, some paper plates, utensils, and bottled water, and a few nights at a state park (typically discounted if you stay more than a couple nights at the same location). An entire long weekend of fun - for barely over $100.
If we hadn’t been able to borrow kayaks and fishing poles from my family, it would’ve cost a little extra to rent them from the park. The idea is to get creative and make use of what is already available to you.
Creating Lasting Memories with Your Kids
Now, let’s talk about those sacrifices we make while budgeting. Sometimes it can mean skipping the expensive hotel in favor of a campsite, or opting for a packed lunch instead of a fancy restaurant. But do you know what? The kids probably won’t even notice! In fact, they often find joy in the simpler things, like roasting marshmallows over a campfire or sharing ghost stories at night.
Traveling with my oldest, who has a disability, meant we had to plan carefully, but it also pushed us to find creative solutions. Dietary needs have been the most challenging. Try feeding a child who is a gluten-free vegan that can’t have sugar. And did I mention that we deal with texture issues for nearly everything else? Thank goodness for canned beans and overnight oats.
You also might have been thinking that since I travel with a teenager that I would have help with the little ones. That’s not the case. The point here is that no matter what your circumstances are, you are capable of so much more than you know. Just give it a few tries and figure out what works for you.
If having unique experiences is important to you as a parent, just know it is absolutely doable. You hold the power to craft amazing memories for your kids, despite the hurdles. Traveling with your little ones may seem daunting, but with some clever planning and a pinch of spontaneity, you might just find that the adventure of a lifetime awaits you!