Travelling alone with kids sounds like a logistical headache, doesn’t it? What if someone gets sick? What if you forget something important? What if it’s just too much to manage on your own and you have your own toddler style meltdown?
These are totally fair questions, and ones I’ve definitely asked myself. But here’s what I’ve found: with a bit of planning, some honest expectations, and the right mindset, travelling solo with your kids can be not only doable, but actually brilliant.
I’ve travelled alone with my kids quite a lot. Sometimes it’s because my husband can’t get the annual leave, whereas I work freelance so can take time off for the school holidays. Sometimes he just doesn’t fancy the trip (skiing’s not really his thing).
But I’d almost always rather go away alone with the kids than stay home and endure a week of rainy afternoons and sibling squabbles. Let’s be honest: would you rather deal with a bit of bickering on top of a mountain, or in your kitchen on day four of the school holidays? I know which I’d choose.
This post is for any parent – solo by circumstance or simply taking the lead on this trip – who’s unsure whether it’s worth the effort. I’m here to say it is. And I’ll show you how to make it work.
Solo parent travel: is it safe?
When you’re the only adult, the safety net does feel a bit thinner. But with a bit of planning and some basic precautions, travelling solo with kids can be just as safe as any other kind of family travel.
I tend to be extra cautious when I’m on my own with the kids: I choose central, well-connected accommodation; straightforward travel days; and am a bit more rigid with my (and the kids’) hygiene habits to avoid any of us falling ill. I also check NHS travel health advice ahead of time for any destination-specific recommendations.
My kids know what to do in an emergency – they know my husband’s number and the emergency number in the country we’re in, they know to look for someone in uniform, and they know what to do if we get separated, even on a busy metro platform (not that that wouldn’t be panic inducing)!
I leave a copy of our itinerary with someone back home, never travel without proper insurance (this guide to travel insurance from MoneySavingExpert is a great place to start), and carry essentials like first aid supplies and a spare bank card. You might feel more alert at first, but you’ll likely also feel more capable.
Travelling alone with kids: what you need to know
Yes. There’s nothing stopping you legally in most places, and logistically, it’s more manageable than you might expect – especially with school-age kids.
Admin-wise, it’s sensible to carry a signed consent letter if you don’t have the same last name as your kids, just in case. (I’ve actually not needed to do this, but some countries have stricter rules so I would always check whether I might need this in advance of travel). I always check the latest UK government foreign travel advice before we go.
And practically, since I have two kids, travelling as a three often works really well: hotel rooms are cheaper, and it’s easier to fit an extra bed into a standard room instead of needing a larger family room. And first-class couchettes on many sleeper trains are made for three – which is a nice treat!
I avoid late-night arrivals and over-complicated routes. And I walk the kids through the plan each morning, probably more than I would if another adult was there. I do find that helps.
If you’re planning your first single parent travel experience, it’s worth starting simple and building up confidence.
Tips for travelling solo with kids (from real experience)
Keep the itinerary realistic, not rigid
Build in slower mornings, shorter travel legs, and backup plans for bad weather or tired legs.
Let the kids step up
From about age 7 or 8, kids can carry their own backpacks, handle loo stops on their own, and get more involved in the day to day of the trip. If you’re looking for practical gear, these hiking backpacks for kids are a great place to start.
I rely on their ability to be independent more when we’re travelling solo, and they rise to it. They also get more say in decisions, which makes them feel more involved and reduces friction.
Accept help – and plan it in
Meet friends en-route if you can, even if it’s just for a few days. Stay in places where there will be other families. Sign them up for structured activities. At Lake Ledro, mine did a five-day sailing course (in full immersion Italian!) while I did some remote work from our AirBnB. You can read more about that trip here. They loved it, and I got the headspace I needed.
Managing the mental load of solo parent travel
Front-load your planning
You carry the mental load, that’s true, but it can be managed. I front-load planning wherever possible, from booking tickets and accommodation to deciding when we’ll need snack breaks or buffer days.
I even look for suitable cafes, restaurants and eating spots in advance on google maps and mark their locations, so I know exactly where to go when everyone’s starving. Way easier than wandering around a town in a hangry rage looking for something the kids will eat (the rage applies to all of us). The more I’ve scouted out in advance, the smoother it goes.
And sometimes I’ll pay for a fun activity that we can all do together – like canyoning or white water rafting; where someone else is guiding and leading. It’s great for the kids, and I love letting another adult take over for a bit. It’s very relaxing to just be told what to do, instead of always being the one thinking about what’s next and giving the instructions!
Simplify your decisions
I simplify choices on the road: one toiletries bag for all of us, limited clothing options, snacks that always work. These little things reduce the decision fatigue that can creep in quickly when you’re solo-parenting 24/7.
Build in buffer time
I build in down days or shorter outings to give everyone time to rest and reset. This matters even more when there’s no one else to tag-team with. And I carve out small breaks for myself; a sit-down coffee, or a Netflix binge watch on the train.
Now that mine are 11 and 13, and we’ve been doing this for years, they’re great company. I don’t have to micromanage. They know what to expect, and we genuinely (mostly) enjoy the time together.
What if you get sick on holiday as a solo parent?
It’s a worry, but not a deal-breaker. Prevention helps: I’m cautious about hygiene, food, and keeping basic meds on hand. I talk to the kids about what to do if I’m unwell. If something really goes wrong, I’d lean on local support – hotel staff, fellow travellers, or emergency services.
Adventure travel for solo mums and dads
Our solo adventures have included:
- Hiking the GR221 in Mallorca.
- Many weeks’ skiing (much easier once they were big enough to carry their own kit)
- Overnight stays in Paris and Venice, and
- Taking overnight trains through Europe.
- We’ve stayed on farms in Austria with alpacas, mountain hikes, and sweeping mountain views, and
- Spent days at Lake Ledro while the kids sailed.
If you’re just starting out, try:
- Lake-based holidays with outdoor activities
- Easy hut to hut hikes
- Ski trips in compact resorts
- Train-based city breaks with outdoor options (like Paris and Venice)
These kinds of family adventure holidays give you a real sense of achievement – without needing to go off-grid or spend a fortune.
Encouragement: Just take the trip
If you’re hesitating, know this: it doesn’t have to be perfect. You just need to have some energy and be willing. Every trip we’ve done as a three has brought us a bit closer (especially the kids, who are usually champion bickerers), stretched us, and made us more confident. If you’re after more inspiration or reassurance, this article from Lonely Planet on travelling solo with kids is a great read.
When the kids are around age seven or eight, travelling with them as a solo parent gets noticeably easier. Kids can carry their own daypack, sort themselves in the loo, and start to understand the flow of a travel day.
I find that when it’s just the three of us, things often run more smoothly: fewer arguments, clearer expectations, and a stronger sense that we’re in it together.
I rely on them to help me out a bit – and they seem to rise to that. They help more willingly with little things, are more patient, and take more ownership of their own stuff. There’s something about facing small challenges together that builds both confidence and connection.
Start small. Choose something that excites you and the kids (choose it together!). Plan for the obvious stuff (because you can never plan for every eventuality), then just take the trip anyway.
You can do this – and it might just be brilliant
Solo parent travel isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely possible – and often much better than expected. With solid prep and a flexible mindset, you and your kids can have real adventures together.
