Top advice for travelling alone with kids
Last summer I experienced travel like never before. Did I venture to some far flung destination? Nope. Did I have a eureka moment while taking in the most epic sunset I’d ever seen. Nah! My new experience was travelling alone with kids.
I’m not going to lie…it was tough and I may have crossed the line into ‘shouty mummy’ territory on more than one occasion during our mobile home holiday in France.
So it was with a little bit of angst that I begun the year knowing if I want to travel I was going to have to make some solo trips. The good news was that Mr Tin Box is still very much on the scene – I can’t get rid of him that easily. But his job in the Royal Navy has been taking him away a lot more.
I could sit at home an pine, but frankly, that would be dull. So instead I went travelling alone with our girls (the aged five and three). In an effort to prepare myself I asked some solo travel experts for tips on how they travel with kids.
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“It’s intense. There will be moments when you feel frazzled, when your patience is shorter than with someone else alongside but there are far more moments when you’re creating these wonderful bonds and having this fabulous time together.” – Cathy, Mummytravels.
Gulp! Thanks Cathy – terror and pressure in two sentences. Here’s some more excellent advice on travelling alone with kids:
Contents - jump to what you'd like to know
Solo travel experts on travelling alone with a child
For more handy advice look at my tips for travelling with kids.
Talk to your kids about your trip
Penny from Parentshaped:
“Talk through each stage of the journey/holiday with them as it unfolds and clarify your expectations. I learnt this as a teacher on school trips but I forget it all the time when travelling as a whole family. It really comes into its own when outnumbered!
“Also masses of praise and giving lots of little responsibilities to keep them busy and involved. When all else fails tablet and earplugs!”.
Read more of Penny’s tips about making family car travel easier.
Wisterian from Wisterian Travels with Kids in Asia:
“It all depends on the age of your kids and how much you can talk to them. If they understand that you will be stressed and they have to behave if they want to go on more vacations, then it is not very difficult.
“The hardest part is when there is a long hiatus that they think they can use to play, like at the rental car agency. It is best if there is someone who comes and meets you.”
Zena from Zena’s Suitcase
“When we are on a trip, we call ourselves ‘Team Mum’, and it helps no end when things aren’t going quite as we expected.
“Take our visit to Hackfall Woods, if I hadn’t of had ‘Team Mum’ up my sleeve for keeping my daughter going on our unexpected hike, I’m pretty sure there would have been a meltdown along the way.”
Read more of Zena’s tips for solo travel with kids.
Make life easy on yourself
Cathy from Mummytravels:
“If you can think of ways to make life easier, do – meet and greet parking at airports, transfers at the other end, checking e.g. assistance on board planes, choosing family carriages on Eurostar etc. There’s often a lot set up if you enquire.
“Alternatively, taking your own car can removes a lot of hassle if it’s practical (though a good sat nav and audio cds are my saviour as my daughter always wants an in-depth chat as I’m navigating dark country roads or merging onto the motorway).
“If possible, go for accommodation with more space – once they sleep, it’s your only real free time so even a balcony is good if you’re in a hotel. AirBNB and villas are even better, as it makes evening meals easier especially when kids are little and you don’t want two tired/sleepy ones to take back after.”
Cathy has also vlogged about travelling solo with kids.
Plan your flights carefully
Carrie from Flying with a Baby:
“Aim for a night flight; preferably just before their bedtime and try to keep to a bedtime routine as much as possible. With older children, make a canopy over their seat to help them sleep.
“Order child meals and see what entertainment is available on board – it will help you plan your packing. Lighter is obviously easier for you. See if there is an airport meet and greet which will help any transit or with arrival. Some airports provide courtesy strollers too.’
Read more of Carrie’s tips for flying solo with children.
Suzy from Our Bucketlist Lives
“I’ve flown and travelled alone with Jamie a few times now. For me I found that travelling in the middle of the day was a great help as he was a lot happier then. I also planned the journey well including where we could stop for refreshments and toilet breaks.
“Sometimes the hard part is trying to carry everything by yourself. I have found in the past that strangers have seen me struggling and kindly offered to help. If that doesn’t happen then have bags that you know you can carry by yourself. Such as a big back pack and a pull along.”
Sally from Our3KidsVtheWorld:
“Plan your flights well so you aren’t trying to get tired cranky kids off flights early in the morning or late at night. I prefer arriving in the afternoon an settling into a similar routine as home helps.”
Travel light
Leona from Wandermust Family:
“Use carriers and things that fold up. You need those free hands!”
Find out what other essentials Leona carries with her when travelling with a toddler.
Here’s some of our favourite baby and child carriers on Amazon:
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Pack food, and bribes!
Keri from Our Globetrotters:
“Plan and prepare! Carry loads of snacks/easy meals in case you’re in a bind for getting meals sorted especially on arrival to a new destination.
“I try to adjust back to normal routine as quick as possible and keep the days structured. We might let this lapse a little if we were travelling all together on a holiday. This should help with making sure you still get your evening ‘me time’.
“And when all else fails, bribery! Tic-Tacs work wonders for little steps like getting them to carry their own bag, and standing still while you buy tickets.”
Fellow travellers will help
Lisa from Travel Loving Family:
“I have flown solo several times, the first time when my eldest was just four months old. I was amazed at how many fellow flyers offered to help me out, particularly older ladies.
“My advice is don’t be afraid to ask for help. People were quite happy to hold my son whilst I sorted out my baggage and ate my inflight food etc. Also do your research, find out what facilities are available to you. Assistance at the airport for example.”
Have the right paperwork
Jules from Shades of Courage:
“In order to be allowed to leave most EU countries with a minor you should have a written confirmation of your partner that he/she allows you to travel internationally.
“In the Netherlands, where we currently live, they require you to have a written form. They say it is not mandatory, but I know more than one story of how the form was requested and phone calls had to be made before the parent was allowed to get past border control.”
Plan kid-friendly itinerary and accommodation
Marta Learning Escapes:
“I travel often alone with my two kids: they are now 5 and 7 and our favourite type of travel, without ‘daddy’, is city breaks. I have always loved exploring new cities and, with kids, I find they offer the best options in terms of entertainment and you can enjoy them pretty much whatever the weather.
“I usually create a detailed plan about what to do and how to get around and I always make sure we include a stop in a museum, a playground or any enclosed space where they can be safe and I can relax a little bit, sometimes even sit down while they run!
“The one thing I spend time and possibly money on is finding the right accommodation. I find dragging the kids out for dinner alone exceptionally stressful so a hotel with a family friendly restaurant onsite is very important to me and makes the break immediately more relaxing.”
Here’s a solo trip with kids Marta took to Geneva.
Other good places to stay when travelling alone with kids are self-catering holiday accommodation. Here’s some places we can recommend: Self-catering accommodation in Cornwall.
It may not be as difficult as you think
Eileen from Families Go!:
“In some ways traveling on your own can be easier in that you can just do what is convenient/easiest for you and you don’t have to balance the preferences/needs of another adult.
“If your kids are old enough to handle their own luggage get backpacks and roller bags they can handle. If not, do one big suitcase but still give them their own backpacks.”
Check out our review of LittleLife wheelie suitcases which are ideal kids’ luggage.
You’ll be a pro before you know it!
Nisbah from Five Adventurers:
“Practise makes perfect. Do it with smaller trips first. If you can, keep your hands free. I had Zayn in a backpack carrier for years so could carry on without worrying about him running off.
“Plan, so have clothes separated, I tend to pack full day outfits together and the kids know that is their bag of clothes. Have treats to hand, so get you out of tricky tantrum situations.”
Packing cubes are ideal for separating and organising everyone’s clothes.
If you’ve got any tips for travelling alone with kids I’d love to hear your advice. Send me your thoughts on email or comment below.
More tips on travel with kids
If you’re looking for more tried and tested tips then I’ve got plenty in my guide to travel with kids. You might also like to check out my family holiday checklist and packing lists.
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase I may receive some commission. This does not affect the price you pay.
This post brought back so many memories of the early days of travel with my son. As a single parent, I did find it stressful at first, but now it’s just how we roll. For me, the biggest measure of success is whether the teen boy has enjoyed himself – if he did, then how we got there pales into insignificance. They grow so fast, I’m determined to have no regrets and not to stress about travel – just to show him that it’s fun!
Coralie recently posted…A Weekend in York. What to Do + Where to Eat & Stay
Great tips, thanks! I started small with a few weekend breaks in London with my 3yo daughter when I was first a single parent then built up from there. She’s now 7 and even though we holiday as a family with my partner, we still do Team EF (our initials!) trips when he can’t get time off work. Disneyland Paris last year and next week we’re heading to Portugal for a week of fun, exploration and adventure. I always end up trying new things that I’d not have done without her being there! She’s an awesome sidekick… or maybe I’m actually the sidekick!?
LOL! This was so great to read. I reckon I could soon be the side kick too!!!
This is a great post. I’ve always been a single mother and I took my daughter on the first short road trip when she was 4 months old, first time flying when she was 9 months and the first time on safari when she was 2. As much as I think it is sometimes stressful, I love our live and good on you for not being bored while your husband is away. I see SO many mothers look at me almost envious for ‘doing all these things’. because they are stuck with a husband that just wants to watch rugby.. So yes pack light, take your time and don’t stress. You can always return home if things just don’t turn out the way you had envisioned them. I’m looking forward to our next adventure next week: road trip to the Garden Route, 3 safari lodges, visiting friends and many more adventures!
I’ve been lucky that during all our family trips I’ve had my husband with me (can’t shake him off! ) but I see you’ve had some wise words from other experienced travellers to keep you right. Looking forward to hearing about your trips
Such great advice here Claire. I’m sitting here wondering if I would dare to travel alone with my three. I have braved a day drip before, I think if you are prepared, plan the trip, have lots of munchies it can be done. I worry about the meltdowns ha ha #mondayescapes xx
MrsS recently posted…5 Family travel blogs to follow in 2018
Munchies are the key to success with all travels with kids 😉
There is so much to consider isn’t there, I haven’t travelled solo much and now the boys are older its so much easier x
What an amazing post. I love the idea of travelling with George, we would as a family rather than say as a solo parent. Some great tips here
Glad you found it handy Kerri-Ann!
Traveling solo with young kids is quite demanding and requires lots of patience and pre-planning and forgiving of yourself if things (or littles) still fall apart! I can tell you from experience that once they get a bit older, it is amazing to travel with your tween or teen one on one. They are a little savvier (from all that travel you took them on when younger) and can afford a perspective on a place that you might have missed. Now taking all three along at once definitely sways the scales and accommodating the vocal opinions of all the different wants and wishes becomes almost as challenging as the physical days when they were wee. Ha! Great tips here! #MondayEscapes
I can’t imagine juggling three at home let alone on the road! More power to you!
This is a brilliant round up of essential tips Claire! I know by the end of the year you are going to have solo holiday parenting down to a fine art. Your hubby will be just getting in your way for your next family holiday;)
I hope so! Not the bit where he’s getting in the way though 😉
Im planning a solo trip with our eldest son in August. He is coming along on a business trip. We are really excited but im hoping my anxiety doesnt play up with time. Some great tips above so will make sure to save this post to look back on #MondayEscapes
I love the idea of going with one. I’m sure you’ll have a blast!
What amazing tips thank you so much for writing this post! I’d love to do more travelling with the kids over their ridiculously long summer holidays (over 10 weeks!!!) but not sure how much hubby would be up for me doing it lol. #mondayescapes
It’s difficult isn’t it? But well worth a go if you pluck up the courage 🙂
I took my first solo flights and trips with my little one last year, and to say I was terrified wasn’t the half of it. But y’know…she totally surprised me, and was amazing. I made it as easy for myself as possible – the first time I traveled with a friend and her similarly aged daughter (and would totally recommend this – it was amazing), and on the second to Bangkok, we had friends come and pick us up at the airport. I was alone with the wee one in BKK for quite a few days, while we waited for daddy to arrive, but having the support of friends made all the difference! Now, I’m just trying to convince daddy to take her on a solo trip (for the experience). Hardy har har. He’s not biting. 😉 #mondayescapes
Shelley recently posted…11 MORE Things to do in Korea This Winter
Ah, he doesn’t know what he’s missing 😉 Having friends or relatives at one end or the other is such a help.
Great advice from so many brave parents who travel with their kids! I don’t have children, and I already find parents brave when they take their kids out and about within the city (like to the mall). I can only imagine how much preparation is required when you travel with kids (and above that, alone with kids)!
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels recently posted…Temples of Angkor: Banteay Srei
I found stepping outside my house for the first time after having a baby the hardest. It’s a completely new mindset. Once you can do that the rest is a breeze 😉
I’ve been lucky that during all our family trips I’ve had my husband with me (can’t shake him off! 😉 ) but I see you’ve had some wise words from other experienced travellers to keep you right. Looking forward to hearing about your trips x #mondayescapes
Trish @ Mum’s Gone To recently posted…The week we fell in love with Hotel Ylläshumina, Lapland
They are quite difficult to get rid of, aren’t they?! 😉 Hopefully, it will be fun!
I’ve not travelled alone with my girls yet, but planning to at the end of the year. Some really good tips I’ll be taking note of. #Mondayescapes
Glad it’s helped and good luck!
What a great post! I always try to recruit others to travel with me, but when it’s just been me and my baby girl, we’ve had a good time. I echo what Lisa from Travel Loving Family mentioned, and fellow travelers have also been very helpful whenever I’ve been solo with kid. Once a very generous man in a Green Bay Packers jersey returned my daughter to me when I was paying for her toy at Disneyland and she wandered off the second my head turned. I have always been grateful to that man. And the off-duty flight attendant who sat next to me and my fifteen-month-old on a 6-hour flight and volunteered to be the “in-flight grandma.”
Aww, great stories! There are some lovely people in this world!
This was such a helpful read! My favorites were: let the kids have their own backpacks, look for museums and parks before you even leave home, accept help from others, and snacks! I’ve never tried tick-tacks, but that sounds genius!!
Such great tips, right?! I’ve learnt a lot!
I might be doing more solo travel with the kids this year, too. D can’t always get away, and previously I’d have said no to opportunities – but I need to be brave. I like Marta’s tip about city breaks with the kids. #MondayEscapes
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) recently posted…ZFrame Super Lightweight Suitcase Set: ideal for a family trip where you need lots of luggage
I don’t have kids and find traveling challenging enough as it is, so I’m always super impressed when parents travel with their little ones! It must be so great for the family, though…I imagine the memories made are pretty priceless!
Caity recently posted…Getting From Tulum, Mexico to Caye Caulker, Belize: A Step-by-Step Guide
I absolutely agree. The more stressful moments pale in comparison to the great ones!
Great tips for solo travel. I’ve travelled with my boys solo a number of times. Still remember offers of help when flying with two kids under 3 – someone offering to open up the buggy for me as i got off the flight, help to carry bags down the plane steps. They’re bigger now and carry all their own stuff and mine! #MondayEscapes
Nicky @GoLiveYoung recently posted…A 10 Day Jordan Itinerary with Kids
Ah, that’s the dream! 😉 I think in general people are lovely and very willing to help parents in need of a hand!
Great advice…I have only just got used to travelling with baby in tow with help of my hubby, not prepared for a solo adventure just yet! But this gives me some confidence that it is do able so will be pinning for later until I pick the courage! #mondayescapes
If you can travel with a baby then everything afterwards is easy 😉
There are some great tips here – I never used to worry about flight times, but definitely agree with being kind to yourself when travelling solo with little ones! I’ve also been known to book budget accommodation and then have to move because it just didn’t work on my own with a toddler… And I’m often super disorganised and forget essentials like snacks (doh!) But I do have packing light nailed – small wins! #MondayEscapes
I could definitely do with some tips on packing light!!
Hope the travels go well! I look forward to hearing about it.
Thank you!
I actually contributed to this great summary. Many useful tips! A good read. safe travels everyone. #mondayescapes
jules @shadesofcourage.com recently posted…Witches Weighhouse in Oudewater
Thanks for helping with it!
Some great tips, travelling alone can seem a bit daunting but it can be a lot of fun. I’ve taken a few trips with my kids now but I’m about to take my first with just one of them. My 6 year old is now in first grade and has a week of holiday that my preschooler does not, we are going to go to Barcelona together, he’s a great eater and I’m looking forward to eating our way around Barcelona with him without worrying about what miss 4 and fussy will eat.
That sounds like it’s going to be a great experience! Enjoy!
These are great tips. I haven’t entered the world of solo parent travel yet at frankly, I’m terrified- especially now that I’ll have three kids instead of two soon. I know it’ll happen eventually so I’m pinning this for later. #MondayEscapes
Allison recently posted…Sometimes Life Changes Your Travel Plans
I think travelling with two kids alone is my limit! I know there can be done though. Good luck for baby number three arriving!
What a great compilation of tips you’ve got there! I’ve not been in a position where I’ve had to travel alone for kids, but I can imagine it must be quite stressful at times! #MondayEscapes
Yep! Bed time, air ports, waiting for hire cars! But all worth it! Oh, and wine helps 🙂
Oh you’re braver than I! 😉 I’m yet to take the challenge. Perhaps when the boys are a little bit older. I’ll look back on this post for tips! #MondayEscapes
TraveLynn Family – Jenny recently posted…Best beaches in Thailand for kids
Leave it as long as you can would be my advice…and preferably until they can cary their own bags 😉
That’s a really great post. Need to remember all that once I have kids 🙂 #MondayEscapes
Thanks! Yes, pin for later 😉
Such good advice! I’ve always been a little anxious about travelling alone with three kids in the past and must admit, it’s been rare that I have! But now they’re older (and easier to manage), I feel ready and 2018 is going to be the year of lots more adventures for us instead of staying in the house when Steve’s at work.
Sam | North East Family Fun Travel Blog recently posted…Acorn Leisure Holidays Review | Luxury Pet-Friendly Lodges with Hot Tubs | Felmoor Park, Northumberland
Excellent advice here! I enjoy travelling with just one of my kids occasionally. When there are just two of us there’s a very different dynamic to when I travel with both kids or with kids and husband, and it’s a really positive experience.
I like the idea of the different dynamics. There were some really close moments during our trip to France last year. I’m sure I’ll forget about the more strained ones soon 🙂
Oops, sorry didn’t mean to scare you! There really is some great advice here, and the reassurance that we’ve all done it, survived and had fun. I love the feeling of being a little team when we head off and travel, and there is nothing like that time together to build our relationship, to make memories – we have our own little travel groove now. I hope the tips persuade anyone who’s nervous of trying it to go ahead, and the more you do it, the easier it does get. Can’t wait to see your adventures as a trio.
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…City Tripping #101
Lol sitting on pine cones is certainly not the way to go. There’s some fabulous tips for you here. I’m looking forward to seeing your adventures with or without Mr Tinbox. Thanks for including me x
Suzy Mccullough recently posted…Christmas at Sundown Adventureland – Meeting Santa – What can you do on a Cold Day?
Great advice Claire- I agree it definitely takes a little more planning of on a trip minus the other half. Also bookmarking as I think we will be doing more whilst he is stuck in the office! P.s stunning photo on your pin!