{"id":16051,"date":"2019-10-02T07:30:46","date_gmt":"2019-10-02T11:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/?p=16051"},"modified":"2022-09-16T09:50:45","modified_gmt":"2022-09-16T13:50:45","slug":"single-mom-hacks-for-traveling-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/single-mom-hacks-for-traveling-with-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"You Can Do It: 7 Single Mom Hacks for Traveling With Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1531983412531-1f49a365ffed?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=3300&q=80\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img fetchpriority=\"low\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/FIpyCnt.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traveling has always been a fantastic bonding activity for families. The shared time far away from all the distractions of everyday life provides you with an abundance of opportunities to talk, play, and experience new things together. The experiences teach kids to become more flexible, curious, and adventurous. It also turns the whole world into a classroom where they can learn about history, geography, and different cultures.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it is not free of its challenges. Especially if you\u2019re a single mom trying to hold everything together. It\u2019s OK to be nervous about your trip with your children \u2013 you have a lot to think about. Here are some tips that will make it easier for you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Getting there (without too much stress)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being on the road or in the air with kids can be difficult regardless of their age. They either need constant attention, or they\u2019re constantly bored. So, depending on your choice of transport, here are some tips that can help.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prevent the need for waiting in lines at the airport. Organize the luggage in the most convenient way to avoid shuffling around trying to find things, and prepare the documents on time. Explain your kids the procedures to prevent them from being anxious. Check in online and print out the boarding passes.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose a family lane when going through airport security.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re going on a long-haul flight and changing time zones, follow these <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/sleep-and-jet-lag\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tips to minimize jet lag<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Single parents might need additional paperwork when traveling to another country, so be sure to check that out.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your destination is within reasonable driving distance, get organized in advance so that you can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/how-to-have-the-best-road-trip-ever\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">make it a fun road trip<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Consider hiring a van or a car with a driver. If you\u2019re going to drive, prepare entertainment for the kids and make sure to take a break whenever they get too distracting.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>(Everyone) be comfortable on the flight\/in the car and at your destination<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/jhCiY5T.jpg\"\/>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1505164294036-5fad98506d20?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=3300&q=80\">unsplash.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kids get nervous when sitting for too long. They also get nervous when walking too long. This situation becomes even worse when they\u2019re wearing tight clothes and uncomfortable shoes. Make sure you pack a change of soft cotton clothes and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/redtri.com\/best-shoes-for-the-playground\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">durable shoes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the kids.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t forget about yourself either though, because you\u2019re definitely going to need a lot of energy to cope with the little ones and enjoy the trip at the same time. Get a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelfashiongirl.com\/20-comfortable-and-cute-walking-shoes-for-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pair of comfortable (but cute) walking shoes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that will help you chase around your kids while zipping through the attractions. Also, feel free to wear yoga pants and a basic t-shirt. Nothing says stylish like a cute yet simple outfit you feel comfortable in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Keep their hands full and your hands free<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the trip, the kids will become bored, and while it\u2019s great to play with them during that time, they\u2019ll need to have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellfamily.com\/airplane-activities-kids-during-a-flight-3129589\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">other ways to have fun<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you're driving or if you don\u2019t have the energy. Pack their favorite toys (don\u2019t overpack, just a couple of them), some books, and save the electronic distractions for emergency situations.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re traveling by car, you should have pre-packed food and snacks and plan places to stop for stretching your legs and eating.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Choose kid-friendly accommodations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/7TMehmh.jpg\"\/><em>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1537655780520-1e392ead81f2?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=3300&q=80\">unsplash.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While most hotels, motels, and other accommodation options claim to be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rd.com\/advice\/travel\/coolest-kid-friendly-hotels-around-the-world\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kid-friendly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they\u2019re often not quite that in reality. When choosing accommodations, look for things such as:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complimentary travel cot or crib that can be set up in the room.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mini fridge in the room.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A separate pool for kids.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free breakfast.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children\u2019s entertainment programs.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discounts for children.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Get organized beforehand<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/g8LC9C7.jpg\"\/><em>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1456324504439-367cee3b3c32?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=2400&q=80\">unsplash.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do your research on the destination while you\u2019re still in the comfort of your home and have stable access to the internet. First, figure out how to get from the airport to the hotel (you can rent a car or hire a driver to wait for you before you arrive). Then research the places you want to visit. See which ones are accessible by foot from your hotel and which ones require the use of public transport or taxi. If you\u2019re taking a baby on the trip, bring a carrier with you or an umbrella stroller for a toddler. This will make getting around the place much easier.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Be safe and healthy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there\u2019s one thing you should overpack, it\u2019s the first aid kit. When you\u2019re the only adult, you don\u2019t have the luxury of sending the other parent to the pharmacy while you\u2019re watching over the kids. So, pack everything from injury treatment to motion-sickness pills <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wwwnc.cdc.gov\/travel\/page\/pack-smart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"false noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and other medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Also, be sure to check and get travel insurance so that you and the kids have access to medical care at your destination.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make a plan for when things are not running as smoothly as you\u2019ve expected<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traveling is full of risks and surprises. When traveling with kids, those risks and surprises multiply many times over. That\u2019s why it\u2019s best to make an emergency plan and rehearse it at home. Your children need to know exactly what to do if you get lost or separated,&nbsp; and if they\u2019re too little to use a cellphone, they should have your phone number in their pocket. They should also have an \u201cemergency kit\u201d with snacks and some cash. You can also get a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/roundup\/362044\/the-best-tracking-devices-for-kids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GPS tracking device designed specifically for kids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you want to be very safe and track their movements.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/CXhct1y.jpg\"\/><em>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1546107174-aafb685235a9?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&auto=format&fit=crop&w=3300&q=80\">unsplash.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, be sure to appreciate every moment on this incredible adventure. Spend quality time with your children. Use this opportunity to bond and create fantastic memories together. Don\u2019t forget to take a lot of photos to have some tangible reminiscences as well.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Traveling has always been a fantastic bonding activity for families. The shared time far away from all the distractions of everyday life provides you with an abundance of opportunities to talk, play, and experience new things together. The experiences teach kids to become more flexible, curious, and adventurous. It also turns the whole world into &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":211,"featured_media":16148,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"mai_trending":6,"mai_views":87,"mai_views_updated":1769713443,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[440,325,9351],"class_list":{"2":"type-post","7":"category-kids-and-parenting","8":"tag-healthy-kids","9":"tag-how-to","10":"tag-relationships","11":"entry"},"modified_by":"Rebecca Huff","acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16051","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/211"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16051"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16051\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28793,"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16051\/revisions\/28793"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16148"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16051"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16051"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16051"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}