Refreshing Travel Routines for the Solo Parent: How to Stay Prepared, Comfortable, and Refreshed on Your Journey
Traveling can be both exciting and exhausting, especially if you have children! Whether you’re embarking on a long-awaited vacation, a quick weekend getaway or a new nomadic lifestyle, having a refreshing travel routine can make all the difference.
Here are some tips to help you stay prepared, comfortable, and refreshed throughout your journey.
Packing Up and Being Prepared
Getting Organized
One of the first steps to a smooth travel experience is getting organized.
Make a packing list well in advance to ensure you don't forget any essentials. See mine here.
Consider the weather, activities, and duration of your trip so you can pack accordingly. Being prepared for rainy days, beach days, etc will make ALL the difference.
Use packing cubes or organizers to keep your luggage tidy and make finding items easier.
Comfort Snacks
Long flights or road trips can be tiring on EVERYBODY. Having your favorite comfort snacks can make the journey more enjoyable and are essential for the kiddos!
Pack a mix of healthy options like nuts, dried fruits, and granola bars, along with a few indulgent treats like cookies, your favorite chips and a muffin to satisfy your cravings and make it an enjoyable experience for the kids too.
I save special snacks for our longer travels so she knows to expect the more “fun” items on experiences that are not as fun.
Comfy Clothes
Wearing comfortable clothes is crucial for travel. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics and consider layering to adapt to changing temperatures especially for children. I love a good cozy sweater, a pair of leggings, compression socks and easy to take off shoes for me and mine so that our comfort is maximized whether on a plane, train or bus!
I always make sure my little one has an extra pair of clothes in her pack and am prepared for any type of whether even if its not in the forecast!
Sometimes we are in scorching hot places but the AC indoors feels like Antartica! For this reason even at 101 degrees, she carries a sweater with her.
Pro tip: Get a travel blanket!
A Good Book, Journal, Sketch Pad
There’s nothing like getting lost in a good book, writing down your thoughts or coloring something new to pass the time. The kids aren't the only ones who get to get in on all the fun!
If you are on the go a lot, I recommend downloading the kindle app onto your phone or ipad for a more efficient and minimal way of traveling.
For the kids, check my travel essentials amazon list to see what easy portable options you have for coloring and sketching!
A Good Playlist or Podcast
Music and podcasts can be great companions during travel. Create a playlist of your favorite songs or podcasts and remember to download them to your device so they are available on airplane mode! This always helps to pass the time when I'm in the middle of traveling, can’t fall asleep or am getting bored of my means of entertainment.
I also do the same for my daughter! She has her own playlist of all her favorite songs and loves to have a dance party or sing to her hearts content when we are in a place to do so!
A Good Movie
If you prefer watching something, download a couple of movies or episodes of your favorite TV series onto your device. I will always have 2 or 3 movies downloaded from the Disney App for my little one as well so she can watch while we are on the go!
Pro tip: Sometimes the downloads need to be updated so check before you leave to ensure you have them still! I have run into this problem way too late way too many times and it was NOT fun.
Keeping Your Same Morning and Night Routine
Yoga in the Morning and/or Night
Maintaining your usual morning and night routines can help you feel grounded and less stressed especially when your child is involved.
Incorporating yoga into your routine can be particularly beneficial. A few stretches in the morning can energize you for the day ahead, while a calming session at night can help you unwind. You can even stretch before/after your flight, train or bus ride to relieve your body of the traveling tension!
Practice it with your baby at home and they’ll slip right into routine while you’re traveling!
A Face Mask
Travel can take a toll on your skin, so treating yourself to a hydrating face mask can be a great way to pamper yourself. Pack a few sheet masks or a small jar of your favorite mask to keep your skin glowing and refreshed - I've even seen people whip these out on a long flight!
My daughter loves to do them with me and its a fun way to bond and keep her attention while we travel!
Good Comfort Food
Traveling often means eating out more than usual. While trying new cuisines is part of the fun, having some comfort food from home can feel like heaven. Pack a few easy-to-make meals or snacks that you love for a taste of home on the go.
Staying Refreshed
Doing My Hair Beforehand
Taking some time to style your hair before you travel can help you feel more put-together. Whether it's a simple braid, a cute bun, or just ensuring your hair is clean and neat, having your hair done can boost your confidence and make you feel more refreshed..
Same goes for the kiddos! If you usually do their hair every day, right before you travel is a good time for a longer lasting style (braids, beads, etc).
The less you have to do while you’re on the move, THE BETTER!
Wearing Something Cute
Comfort doesn't have to mean sacrificing style. Wearing something cute and comfortable can enhance your mood and make your travel experience more enjoyable. Choose outfits that are both stylish and practical, so you can feel good and look great throughout your journey.
I love opting for sets for my daughter and I! I don’t have to think about what goes with what, it’s easy to throw on and choosing a neutral color ensures that you can swap pieces, add layers where needed, etc!
By incorporating these tips into your travel routine, you can ensure that you stay prepared, comfortable, and refreshed, no matter where your travels take you.
Happy travels!
