Going solo
May 9th 2008 01:45
Any single parents out there- you have my utmost admiration. I had a five week stint of solo parenting recently and it was full on. Then I added in some solo parent travelling. I admit, I was terrified.
Just surviving it made me feel like a hero. I learned a few things along the way about travelling with children on your own.
1. Be a team
I worked hard at creating a special environment of trust and responsibility between me and my two sons, aged seven and four. They both responded to extra levels of responsibility, such as carrying their own bags.
2. Make it fun
Any fears I had about the solo trip, I kept to myself and focussed on the positive. We looked at maps before we went, so they both knew where we going.
3. Bring activities
Airlines provide activities sets for children, but it's always good to have your own things. Textas, paper and a few books to read are some of the things I took.
4. Bring special items from home
Both my boys love their 'ruggies', little blankets they sleep with, but it could be a teddy or other toy that makes them feel safe.
5. Have an endless supply of distractions
You stand in line a lot when travelling overseas and this can be the worst bit. You've survived the plane trip, then you have to queue for immigration or the bus. Help your kids to look out at the world around them. Play eye spy or, for us, spot the most ridiculously large American car.
6. Book a hotel close to the airport
It was great to stay close to the airport. A short shuttle ride and we were there. It was free to call the hotel bus to pick us up. We just asked at the information desk for the phone number.
7. Book a hotel with a pool
Swimming is a great way to get over jetlag and it's something you can do at the hotel. If it's cold, choose a hotel with an indoor pool.
8. Take a pram
I nearly decided not to take the pram, but it was the most essential item of the trip. On nearly every day trip, both the children would sit in the pram, often one on top of the other. Children tire easily and a tired and cranky child is the worst enemy of any happy holiday.
9. Get accommodation with a kitchen
Our hotel in Hollywood, the Orchid Suites ( www.orchidsuites.com) had a full kitchen and it was a lifesaver. Yes, children should experience local food and culture, but you have to be realistic. Your holiday can be ruined if they get sick and also, they are much happier eating familiar food. It's also much healthier, cheaper and easier to go to the supermarket than to eat our at restaurants. Everyone in the family enjoyed our trips to 'Fresh and Easy' where you get to scan your own food.
10. The fun is in the little things
You can spend a lot of money on 'attractions' but kids like the small things. Sure we all loved Disneyland but scanning your own food at the supermarket was just as fun, in many ways, to a four year old.
So I survived an overseas holiday on my own with kids. And do you know what? I feel pretty proud of myself. I might even do it again...
Just surviving it made me feel like a hero. I learned a few things along the way about travelling with children on your own.
1. Be a team
I worked hard at creating a special environment of trust and responsibility between me and my two sons, aged seven and four. They both responded to extra levels of responsibility, such as carrying their own bags.
2. Make it fun
Any fears I had about the solo trip, I kept to myself and focussed on the positive. We looked at maps before we went, so they both knew where we going.
3. Bring activities
Airlines provide activities sets for children, but it's always good to have your own things. Textas, paper and a few books to read are some of the things I took.
4. Bring special items from home
Both my boys love their 'ruggies', little blankets they sleep with, but it could be a teddy or other toy that makes them feel safe.
5. Have an endless supply of distractions
You stand in line a lot when travelling overseas and this can be the worst bit. You've survived the plane trip, then you have to queue for immigration or the bus. Help your kids to look out at the world around them. Play eye spy or, for us, spot the most ridiculously large American car.
6. Book a hotel close to the airport
It was great to stay close to the airport. A short shuttle ride and we were there. It was free to call the hotel bus to pick us up. We just asked at the information desk for the phone number.
7. Book a hotel with a pool
Swimming is a great way to get over jetlag and it's something you can do at the hotel. If it's cold, choose a hotel with an indoor pool.
8. Take a pram
I nearly decided not to take the pram, but it was the most essential item of the trip. On nearly every day trip, both the children would sit in the pram, often one on top of the other. Children tire easily and a tired and cranky child is the worst enemy of any happy holiday.
9. Get accommodation with a kitchen
Our hotel in Hollywood, the Orchid Suites ( www.orchidsuites.com) had a full kitchen and it was a lifesaver. Yes, children should experience local food and culture, but you have to be realistic. Your holiday can be ruined if they get sick and also, they are much happier eating familiar food. It's also much healthier, cheaper and easier to go to the supermarket than to eat our at restaurants. Everyone in the family enjoyed our trips to 'Fresh and Easy' where you get to scan your own food.
10. The fun is in the little things
You can spend a lot of money on 'attractions' but kids like the small things. Sure we all loved Disneyland but scanning your own food at the supermarket was just as fun, in many ways, to a four year old.
So I survived an overseas holiday on my own with kids. And do you know what? I feel pretty proud of myself. I might even do it again...
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