Traveling with the kids? Four tips for single parents

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Taking a trip with your kids as a single parent may be challenging at first. However, your kids deserve a fun vacation where they can create memories that’ll last a lifetime, and so do you. Suppose you can’t travel abroad just yet. In that case, you can easily travel with your kids by visiting one of the numerous vacation hubs in America. You can pick a destination like Pigeon Forge, which welcomes 10 million tourists every year. It has some of the best attractions, like the world’s 8th-best theme park, Dollywood. Hence, the States has much to offer, and places like Dollywood are every kid’s and adult’s travel eutopia. All you need to do is enjoy your trip using the following tips. 

Plan exciting activities 

This trip is for you and your kids’ enjoyment, so ensure you go to a destination where you and your children can have the time of your lives. Do you remember going to theme parks with your parents as a child and how fun it was? Now, you can create such fond memories with your kids by taking them to an amusement park. If you’re going to Pigeon Forge, Dollywood is the best option to amaze your children. It ranked as the #1 theme park in America, according to a 2022 Traveler’s Choice award. It’s a colossal destination with 50 rides to keep you on your feet and engaged throughout your visit.

The tickets cost around $89 for people aged 10 to 61, but if you have a kid younger than three, they can enter the park for free. However, Dollywood has discounts and coupons for just about anything that can help you save money. A trip isn’t complete without lodging and food. Luckily, discount Dollywood tickets and seasonal passes enable you to save up to 15% on dining and lodging. However, these aren’t easy to get as Dollywood doesn’t offer these tickets and coupons that often. But you can still save money when buying them by bundling them with another show. This strategy lets you enjoy two attractions for an affordable deal. You can visit the Titanic Museum Attraction, with twenty galleries and over 400 artifacts! After that, you can enjoy one of the live shows, such as Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. You can go on exciting adventures in Dollywood’s Titanic, Parton’s Stampede, and many more! Before going, you can ask your kids what attractions they’re most excited about going to and plan your package accordingly.

The theme park has great opening months from March to December, meaning you have ample time to plan a trip when you and your kids have days off. However, its water park, Splash Country, operates from May through September. So when you’re visiting, make sure you check out their operating timings. However, remember that going to these thrilling destinations with your children requires a lot of patience and energy. There will be a lot of waiting in lines and walking around, so keep snacks and schedule breaks so you and your children don’t get overwhelmed.

Stuff your essentials bag 

Trips are unpredictable, and so are your kids. Accidents can happen, and you must prepare yourself for any potential emergencies. Although kids would never refuse the opportunity to go on vacation and away from school, they might get exhausted (which is natural) due to a change in sleep schedule and food. Just make sure you keep any necessary medications should the need arise.  

As a single parent, you don’t have the luxury of sending out your partner to get supplies while you watch the kids. They are completely reliant on you, so pack your essentials bag thoroughly. There’s no such thing as overstuffing your first aid kit, so pack as much as you can. It would be best to keep spares of medicines prescribed to each kid along with the standard supplies like: 

• Band-Aids and bandages 
• First aid cream 
• Motion sickness pills
• Insect repellent 
• Sunblock 
• Wet wipes 

It would be best if you packed enough for the duration of your trip. Having these things on hand can save valuable time and money while ensuring everyone can have a safe and enjoyable trip. Don’t hold your kids back from fun activities; just make sure you’re prepared for emergencies. 

Make your kids practice safety procedures 

As a parent, it’s always best to stay vigilant when traveling with kids. Your children must know how to contact you if you get separated. If your kids are too young, please hold their hands or buy them candy so they won’t give you any trouble while you’re trying to book a ride.

Have them memorize your phone number and agree on a meeting place if the kids are a bit older and want to enjoy a few things on their own. For example, you can ask your kids to meet you at the Ferris wheel if they need to find you again. You can also let them know who the workers in the park are and how they can ask them for help. 

Prepare for the journey 

You must experience the journey before you reach your vacation destination and have a fun time. However, who said this couldn’t be enjoyable as well? Your children have endless energy and might struggle to sit still during long travels. Whether you’re going by road or plane, you’ll need to do something to engage them. Instead of pleading with them to cease their chorus of ‘Are we there yet?’ use this opportunity to try word games and spend this time bonding with your children. 

Though you may not be able to match their energy for the entirety of the trip, you can still make it fun by taking pictures and giving them treats. However, you can take out your iPad and watch a movie together when all else fails. Keeping your kids engaged while traveling will make it seem like you have reached your destination in no time.

Conclusion 

Thinking about handling multiple luggage bags, looking after your kids, and managing the trip may initially seem intimidating. However, you can accomplish anything with planning and determination. The time you spend with your kids on vacations is the most valuable of all, and you shouldn’t let anything get in the way of making fond memories together.