The United States alone has roughly 12 million single parent homes. Yet, travel advertisements and promos are clearly for the “All American Family.” Interesting, right?
It can be challenging traveling with kids as a single parent. You are responsible for absolutely everything, pretty much every minute of each day. Planning the logistics of getting from point A to point B can be inherently stressful. And, if you have multiple kids, you have the challenge of identifying activities that will appeal to kids in different age groups or who have different temperaments.
Plus, you have to pay for it all. Expenses for hotels, flights, meals, and activities add up very quickly. Don’t worry, you have options. Soon you will be relaxing by the pool, the kids will be having a blast, making new friends and you will come home a new women.
Single-parenting, while traveling, will present some unique challenges regardless of the age of your children, the location of your vacation, or how prepared you think you are. But regardless, they are so important and worth it! Make those memories.
All-inclusive options
Strongly consider all-inclusive resort options. There are endless reasons for this. Most activities are included, most offer Kids Clubs (which equals parent downtime), the kids will love the all-you-can-eat ice cream, you don’t have to worry about driving/scheduling/safety, and on and on.
Our favorite option is cruises. This is a great way to see a lot without the long, boring drive. Cruise lines like Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival are explicitly family-friendly (to varying degrees). They have as many (and sometimes more) onboard events and activities for their younger guests as they do for the adults, which means single parents and their kids will have more to do on days at sea.
Involve your children in the planning
Not only can this be educational for them (maps, research, etc.), they will feel as if their opinion matters and they have a part in this trip. Just don’t offer something you aren’t willing to do.
Pair up with another single family
Regardless of how much there is to do, kids somehow find a way to say those dreaded words, “I’m bored.” Having another family there can help kids stay busier and gives you an adult to hang and socialize with. We love offering “Solo Parent Theme Cruises”. You get to meet up with like minded families and make life long friends. Be sure to check out our offers.
Look for activities you can do together
Cooking classes, sports on the beach, a half day fishing trip, or take a golf lesson. Some of your best memories will come from these added activities.
Make friends!
This is one of my favorite parts about traveling. This is especially easy to do if you are at an all inclusive resort or on a cruise. The kids play, the parents play, everybody wins!
Find a single parent travel planner
Lucky for you I can recommend a top notch lady (wink wink)! Seriously though, personal experience is the best experience. Booking with an agent that has never traveled with children will never truly know all that goes into it.
Try new things
While traveling with my children I have realized just how many things I still had not tried in my life; Greyhound and Amtrak being a couple of them. What an adventure those were! My kids also enjoy trying local treats. Yes, sugar!
Child protection laws
If you are a single parent traveling with your children, make sure you have a notarized permission from their other parent stating where, when, how long, etc., before leaving the country. I offer this document to all my single parent clients.
Downtime
Find it, schedule it, enjoy it! Everyone! I always forget this because I love to do and see as much as possible, but it helps us extend the day a little longer for things that may be taking place way past their bedtime.
Please note that things will go wrong, it will be stressful at times, but in the end it is so worth it! Make the memories while you can and enjoy every moment.
Here are some great resources for more ideas and suggestions:
https://www.parentswithoutpartners.org
My business website is www.vinetravel.org Feel free to reach out to me at anytime.
