How I Actually Survive Travelling Solo With Kids (Without Losing My Mind)

Travelling solo with kids is one of those things that sounds either incredibly empowering… or an unhinged decision. And depending on the day, it’s both.

As a single mum travelling with my 7-year-old daughter, I’ve learned that solo travel with a child isn’t about being perfectly organised or aesthetic… it’s about being mentally prepared enough to handle the chaos… and relaxed enough to enjoy the good bits.

Because there are really good bits. Here’s how I make it work.

Choosing the Right Accommodation (Your Trip Depends on This)

If there’s one thing that will make or break travelling alone with a child – it’s where you stay. I don’t book accommodation based on how it looks on Instagram. I book it based on how easy it makes my life.

Before I go anywhere, I:

• List our must-do activities
• Check where they are on Google Maps
• Then choose somewhere that’s either walking distance or super easy to get to via nearby transport links

Because when you’re travelling solo with kids, you are:

• The suitcase carrier
• The navigator
• The snack provider
• The emotional support system

…all at the same time. And after a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated journey “home.”

Amenities are not a luxury – they’re a strategy.

Things I always prioritise:

• A pool → this has saved so many evenings. It’s built-in entertainment when energy is low or plans fall through
• Breakfast included → removes morning stress completely. Also, kids love the independence of choosing their own food (and somehow eat more??)
• A fridge → essential for snacks, milk, drinks — especially if you’re trying to avoid spending a fortune
• A kitchenette (for longer stays) → because eating out with kids for every meal is… financially and emotionally draining

Top tip: Always check:

• Pool depth
• Kids’ swim times
• Whether you need to book slots

Nothing worse than promising a swim and being told “adults only” when you arrive.

Safety First (Without Being Dramatic About It)

This is the part people don’t always talk about — but it matters.

When you’re travelling solo with kids, safety isn’t optional, it’s something you actively think about.

Before booking anywhere, I:

• Look at the area on Google Maps (and Street View)
• Check what’s nearby (shops, transport, busy streets) as to avoid any taxis
• Avoid anywhere that feels isolated or poorly lit

If we’re out in the evening:

• I stick to well-lit, busier areas
• Plan routes in advance
• Avoid “figuring it out as I go” in unfamiliar places

And I always carry a few “just in case” items in my bag (a small hairspray or a sharp keyring) – not because I expect anything to happen, but because feeling prepared makes a huge difference.

Packing Light (…or At Least Smarter)

Packing light with kids is a myth. But packing better? That’s achievable.

Because the reality is:

• Kids spill things
• Kids get dirty
• Kids suddenly “hate” the outfit they loved yesterday

So instead of underpacking, I focus on being strategic.

What works for me:

• A small ziplock bag of washing powder → quick sink washes = fewer clothes needed
• Rolling outfits tightly (and stuffing smaller items like socks/underwear inside)
• Air-suction bags for bulkier clothes (especially if your child loves dramatic outfits like mine)

For myself:

• I pack outfits that mix and match
• One pair of shoes (or two max, if I’m being honest)
• Layers instead of bulky items

Because again – you are carrying it.

Entertainment for Long Journeys (Without Losing Your Sanity)

Long journeys can go one of two ways:

1. Peaceful
2. Character-building

And it usually depends on how prepared you are.

I don’t overpack toys – I just pack space saving ones.

• Compact games
• Mess-free activities
• Things that don’t involve 100 tiny pieces

Because nothing humbles you faster than crawling under a plane seat looking for a missing toy part.

Be Over-Prepared (Future You Will Be Grateful)

This is probably my biggest tip for travelling solo with kids:

Over-prepare now, relax later.

Things I always have:

• Compact first aid kit – the LittleLife family kit has been a god-send on more than one occasion.
• Portable charger
• Spare bank card (kept separate)
• A bit of cash
• AirTag or tracker in my daughter’s bag
• An eSim UK with an unlimited data plan so I know I can always use Google Maps no matter where I am

Extra safety steps that take 2 minutes but make a big difference:

• Write your phone number on your child’s arm (or inside a bracelet)
• Take a photo of them each morning (so you have a current outfit reference)
• Agree on a simple plan if you get separated

It’s not about expecting the worst – it’s about removing panic if something small goes wrong.

The Reality of Travelling Solo With Kids

Here’s the honest part.

There will be moments where:

• You’re carrying bags, snacks, and emotional responsibility
• Your child is asking questions non-stop
• You’re trying to navigate while pretending you know where you’re going

And you’ll think: “Why did I do this to myself?”

But then there are the other moments.

Where:

• Your child feels confident and independent
• You realise you’ve handled everything alone
• You’re making memories that you’ll never forget

And that’s the part that makes it worth it. Travelling solo with kids isn’t about being fearless.

It’s about being:

• Prepared
• Practical
• And just a little bit brave

Because once you do it once… you realise you can do it again.