Who said just because you are a single mom or dad can’t enjoy a memorable holiday vacation with your little munchkins? While it may come with some challenges, they are not enough to block you from this part of the fun. Single parenting can be overwhelming even under normal circumstances but if you have pulled through to this day, it shows you are a great parent and a vacation won’t be any different. In fact, the experience can be a whole lot of fun worth your money, time and energy.
Travelling with your children can create a strong bond and lasting memories for both of you. That opportunity you give your children to explore the world can open their minds to different ideas which can help them to develop themselves in their adult years. Therefore, don’t concentrate on the hustle of getting to your destination and coming back home in one piece. Rather, look at the impact the vacation experience will have on you and your children.
If travelling with your children is something you really want to do but you are hesitant because you are a single parent. Here are amazing tips and resources to help you plan for the vacation, make the whole experience fun and less stressful.
Have a flexible plan
When planning your trip, do so with an open mind. Being too strict can make you more stressed and worried. This can be terrible news especially with kids alone and without another adult to consult. At times, you may be forced to change the day’s itinerary due to many obstacles such as weather changes, means of transport not convenient enough for your kids or even your child falling sick. You have to be prepared for such unforeseen circumstances so that in case they ever happen, you won’t feel like your whole trip was ruined. The fact that you found it difficult to visit all the attraction sites you had put in your to-do-list shouldn’t necessarily mean you didn’t go on a vacation. You actually did. The only difference is that the experience was different from what you had anticipated. Besides, the whole scenario won’t only create memorable moments but it will also assist you when planning for your next vacation. As they say, the experience is the best teacher.
Consult the kids
Not unless you are dealing with toddlers, you need to consult your kids when making the plans. After all, they are your travel buddies and you need to be on the same page for the trip to be a success. Ask them to suggest the places they would love to visit. Compare with what you have and come up with a decision.
If the places and activities they are suggesting are way beyond your budget, don’t feel annoyed or think of abandoning the plan altogether. Instead, share with them the far you can go in terms of finances and time. Kids can be very understanding if only you are willing to reason with them. You can also look for ways to accommodate their desires such as booking for a cheaper hotel room so that the money you save can go to the fee of that animal orphanage they so much want to visit. The key point here is to ensure everybody is happy before, during and after the vacation.
Pack right and smart
When it comes to packing, you need to be very smart. You must ensure you pack all the necessary items while at the same time avoiding bulky luggage. You don’t want to be a frustrated parent at the bus terminals wondering how to carry the big bags and at the same time running after the kids all over the place. If your kids are 5 years or older, consider getting them kid-sized rolling suitcases so that everyone can pull their luggage. Pack medications, a change of clothes for each child and wet wipes in your carry-on. These items can be a lifesaver to any parent travelling with their kids.
Be organized
Travelling with kids is not a walk in the park. You must be organized to avoid being overwhelmed even before the journey begins. Ensure you complete your packing at least two days before the D-day, book everything you need to and put all your travel documents in order. You should also have an organized itinerary to avoid making unnecessary decisions the last minute. Such things can turn out to be very messy and expensive too. When you are well-organized, you will have all the time you need in the world to enjoy each other’s company and the trip itself. Being organized during a vacation means you won’t be filled with unnecessary worries and that is good news to everyone going for that vacation.
Avoid being over-ambitious
Travelling away from home with your kids as a single parent is not actually a problem as long as you are well organized and up to the task. However, if this is your first time and you are dealing with toddlers, you may want to try a nearby getaway just to see how things turn out. That short break you take can be an eye-opener for many other long memorable trips with your kids. It will also save you the trouble of packing big bags, worrying about long travel hours and in case you need to return home unexpectedly, it won’t be a problem.
Travel in warm weather
Travelling during warmer months is an amazing idea for every single parent considering to take a vacation with the kids. This means your luggage will be lighter because apart from packing fewer clothes, you won’t need to pack heavy coats and boots. Plus, your garments will dry pretty faster in hot weather. Hence, leave the colder months for you alone or with your friends. It is better that way.
Single parenting and vacations
Travelling with kids alone is not always easy but it is possible and can be a lot of fun. You just have to believe in yourself, be realistic, plan in advance, do your research and remember you are out there to have fun. At the end of the vacation, you will realize you were shying away from the experience for nothing. You and your loved ones deserve to be happy. Don’t take away your joy because of your marital status.
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