Traveling with a kid as a solo parent isn’t relaxing. It’s not spontaneous. It’s not effortless. But it is doable—and honestly, it can be a lot of fun once the logistics are handled and you’re both on the plane with snacks in hand.
I’m heading to London soon with my daughter, and like most things in solo parenting, the key is planning ahead and owning every moving part. There’s no one to split the prep with, no backup if I forget something critical. So I plan accordingly.
Here’s how I make big trips work—without losing my mind (hopefully).
🧭 1. Choose the Destination Intentionally
I don’t just pick a place that sounds fun. I pick a place that’s realistic. London checks the boxes: walkable, English-speaking, public transportation that doesn’t require a car seat, and a mix of things to do for both adults and kids. Plus, it’s structured enough that I don’t feel like I have to build every experience from scratch.
If I have to wrangle luggage, decode subway maps, and entertain a bored 9-year-old without backup, I at least want to know I can do it all in a city that’s got solid infrastructure.
🗓️ 2. Plan Early, but Not to the Hour
I usually start mapping things out a few months in advance. I book flights and accommodations, sketch a loose itinerary, and make sure any high-demand activities (like the Harry Potter Studio Tour) are locked in. Beyond that? I leave space. One big thing a day, max. Anything else is extra.
Over-planning makes everyone cranky. Trust me.
💼 3. Book a Place That Makes Life Easier
I don’t chase the cheapest hotel. I book what’s logistically smart:
- Apartment-style space with a kitchen = snacks + coffee
- In-unit laundry = fewer suitcases
- Near a Tube station = fewer steps with tired feet
I’ve learned that saving $20/night isn’t worth it if it adds 30 minutes of chaos to every outing.
🧳 4. Pack Like a Pro (Because There’s No Backup)
Everything we bring has to earn its place. I use:
- Travel Plug Adapters (affiliate link) to stay organized
- A portable charger (affiliate link) because my phone is my map, my tickets, and my entertainment
- A folding travel hair dryer (affiliate link) with dual voltage
- A Google Pixel tablet (affiliate link) because entertainment is your friend on long flights
My daughter gets a backpack with her own snacks and entertainment, plus a couple of comfort items.
📱 5. Use Tech Like a Second Brain
I rely on tech to keep everything organized and accessible—because if I had to remember it all in my head, we’d never make it out the door. Here’s what I use:
- Google Maps – I star all the key places in advance: hotel, restaurants, parks, museums. No scrambling.
- WhatsApp – Easy for international messaging and calls if needed.
- ChatGPT – I use it to brainstorm itinerary options, solve little travel hiccups, and even draft emails. It’s basically replaced Google for me.
- OneDrive – I upload copies of our passports, tickets, insurance, and hotel confirmations so I can pull them up from any device if needed.
- Reminders + Calendar Blocks – I block out time for packing, airport transfers, and anything time-sensitive so nothing slips through the cracks.
It’s not fancy—it’s just how I function.
🧠 6. Lower the Bar, Just a Little
Before we leave, I talk through the plan with my daughter—what to expect, what we’re excited about, what we’ll do if something goes wrong (which it will). This isn’t a luxury vacation with a co-parent to share the load. It’s a two-person mission. We both have roles to play.
I want it to be meaningful, but I don’t expect it to be perfect. That helps me stay patient when things inevitably go wrong.
Traveling solo with a kid is a lot—but it’s not impossible. With the right prep and mindset, it can actually be… pretty great. And when we’re in it together, exploring something new, I remember why it’s worth all the work.
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