Single Parents and the single family:  Non-custody single parent traveling alone, sometimes with family or with multiple children, sometimes with a single child. Small suggestions make for large trips in the memory bank of your child.  

Non-Custody Single Parent Traveling with Kids 

By Jan Wilson.

Single parents: If possible, choose a destination that does not require hours of travel.

More information about being a single parent: 

When you are a non-custody parent, the prospects of a trip with your child or children is full of wonderful expectations mixed with a little apprehension.

Here are a few hints to make that travel less stressful and more of a quality time for all parties concerned.

1. If you are traveling with a single child, life will be easier if you can find another child or two for your youngster to play with. You may get tired of being the sole entertainment and, your child may tire of you, too.

2. Don't plan every second. Leave some time for lounging around the pool, unhurried picnics in the park, an early morning or late evening walk, or whatever gives you time to deepen the bond between you.

3. Allow extra time for travel. When you are doing it all, the driving and the parenting, alone, you will need extra time to get there.

4. If possible, choose a destination that does not require hours of travel.

For example: You want to take your child camping. 

What is the goal of the camping trip?

If that goal is to rock climb together, then you need to go to some "rocks." Hopefully there are some near your origination point.

However, if the goal is to have the camping experience and hike together,  you can stop at the nearest campground with good hiking trails. 

Being a single parent and raising a single family:

5. If  a short travel time is not possible, assemble some auto or airplane entertainment in advance.

More hints.

More about singles and single parents.

More Information about Single Parents and Parenting SOLO

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Before the trip, plan some entertainment and travel projects. After the trip, mail small "do you remember" items to your child until the next trip. .

Non-Custody Parent
Traveling SOLO
By Jan Wilson

Don't plan every second. Leave time for bonding.

6. When possible, travel by plane so you can give attention to your children.

7. If you are traveling with a school-age child or teen-ager, have some topics of conversation in mind. Have something to say after:

• "How's school?"
  "It's great; it's out for holidays,  Dad."
• "What did you learn this year?"
  "I can't remember anything."
• "Does Erin still live next door."
  "Erin moved. I can't remember where."
• "How's the dog?"
  "Fine."

8. If you are taking along your significant other, make certain he/she understands you plan to spend some time alone with your child. Then do it!

9. Collect souvenirs and small items that can make this trip memorable until the next one. Small items are nice to mail to your child during the year with a "Do you remember..."

10. Relax. After all, this is your child!