Traveling as a Single Mother
Single motherhood is not easy; if you’re a single parent, you know just how chaotic life can get and how often we think about if we could only get a break. Life can feel stressful between working full time, caring for your children, and maintaining a reasonably clean and organized home.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to travel, it’s essential to take that time to relax and enjoy yourself, but also to give your child(ren) some fun experiences as well. The thought of traveling alone with your child may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s take a look at some ways to minimize the stress of traveling with little ones (or teenagers) and ensure you have the most relaxing time possible.
Luck Favors The Prepared
Contents
Let’s face it, as a single parent, and you don’t need to be told twice how vital planning is. Whether you’re entirely solo or you have a co-parenting situation, planning is essential to maintain any kind of flow and routine to your lifestyle. So, it shouldn’t surprise you that the same applies when it comes to planning your trip.
If you drive an electric car, you need to be aware of any charging stations along the route or specific types like a Tesla charger. You need to have plenty of prescribed medications for you and your child; bring extras. Bring extras of everything! Especially if your children are young. First aid kit, extra chargers for phones and iPads, you name it.
Preparedness also includes your home – who’s watching it? Do you have pets you need to board? Plan these things well in advance, especially if your trip is longer than a day or two. That way, you’re not feeling frazzled in the days leading up to the trip and can fully embrace the relaxation that relies ahead of you.
Safety First
If you’re traveling as a single mother, safety is paramount. You want to make sure you have your phones wholly charged in case there is an emergency. It’s also a good idea to have some sort of self-defense item that you feel comfortable using. Whether that’s a whistle, a taser, whatever you feel comfortable with, you never know what can happen, and you want to be prepared to keep you and your child safe.
Also, if you’re traveling by car, make sure that you get your vehicle checked out by a mechanic, oil change, and air pressure in tires checked so you can be confident your car can make the trip safely with you and your most precious cargo – your children.
It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit in the car, snacks, and some bottled water in case you have a flat tire or some kind of breakdown, and you can be fed and hydrated while you wait for emergency services to arrive.
Additionally, make sure you have a list of emergency phone numbers written down and in your wallet; just in case your phone does die, you’re able to get to a telephone and call anyone you may need to.
Expect The Unexpected
In single parenthood, the unexpected is nothing new. But, make sure you’re expecting the unexpected while traveling as a single mother too.
Sure, you can have your reservations, your tickets, and itineraries all scheduled out, but sometimes things change – and that’s okay. You’re probably already a pro at rolling with the punches, so continue to utilize that skillset in your travels.
The point of the trip is to relax, enjoy your children and make memories. So, try your best to go with the flow and wherever it leads you.
Take Some Quality Time For Yourself
Sure, you’re enjoying and savoring every moment with your children because time flies by, and they grow fast. But, you worked hard to provide this getaway for you and your littles, so, if you’re traveling with another trusted adult or there is some form of childcare where you’re staying that you feel comfortable with – go ahead and treat yourself to some alone time!
Book a massage, a manicure/pedicure, or even just take a walk along the oceanfront alone if you’re staying beachside. It’s essential (as you already know) to get this self-love time in when we can, so make the most of it if it’s a possibility on your travels.
Now get out there, explore, love hard and make some memories. Happy trails!
