Tips for Single Parents Travelling with Kids

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Packing light can help when juggling kids and luggage on your trip

No need to dread travel as a single parent. Travelling alone with kids can be easier than you think

Those travelling without a co-parent might feel overwhelmed at the thought of heading out on a family vacation, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here are some tips to survive travelling solo with your kids.

Adjust Your Expectations

First, you may want to change your expectations. Without another parent to help navigate and help with the childcare, you may want to carefully consider how much you plan to accomplish in one day. And it’s always a good idea to build in extra time for rest and play.

Pack Light

With just one adult trying to juggle luggage, it’s best to keep the packing list short. It’s also a good idea to get your kids child-sized suitcases or backpacks so they can tote their own stuff.

Take a Friend or Make a Friend

Just because you are travelling as a single parent doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Invite another adult to join you – it could be a grandparent, friend or fellow single parent. This option is great because you can split the travel costs.

And while away, reach out and make new friends. Travelling without a co-parent can get lonely at times and your child also needs a playmate to socialize with. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other families. This is really easy at resorts where you are usually with the same group for a week or more at a time.

Take a Break

Finally, go ahead and give your self a break if you need one. You can hire a local babysitter or make use of your resort’s kid’s club if they have one. This gives you a chance to get that often needed peace and quiet.

Founder and president of Travel Best Bets, Claire Newell has appeared on The Today Show, Fox & Friends, Good Day New York, ABC Morning News – Chicago, Martha Stewart Living Radio, and CNN Radio, and is the official travel consultant for Global TV. She has been a spokesperson for Disney’s www.family.com, and featured in promotions for the Vancouver International Airport and the Canadian Tourism Commission. Newell has authored or been featured in articles for Success, Professional Woman, Today’s Parent, Readers Digest and for various newspapers. She is the best selling author of Travel Best Bests – An Insider’s Guide to Taking Your Best Trips, Ever and has just finished her second book.
 
This wife and mother of two has also launched two lines of luggage & travel accessories. Visit www.clairenewell.com for more information.