Tips To Make Taking Children Away On Your Own Easier

Use every different zip and pocket so they have plenty to find on the journey and even at different points in the trip. Of course you should stash some extras in your bag too in case they’re too quick! Think stickers, colouring, small games like Dobble. A notebook and pens are always handy to keep them amused eg for making lists of things they want to do when you get there or by playing classic paper based games. You might also find these ideas for games to play with children on journeys helpful.

Take gifts

Another good way to keep children amused especially on long journeys is to take small wrapped gifts so they get something new every hour. They can be things you were going to take anyway so they don’t weigh you down too much.

The answer to queues, tiredness when they can’t sleep, they don’t like the lunch is always: snacks! Again there is no sending the other adult to get them so take as many as you can carry with you, or plan a trip to the local supermarket on arrival. Just make sure you don’t fall foul of any of the rules particularly entering places in the EU which have newer rules when coming from the UK, for example you can no longer take fresh dairy products or fruit but it’s fine if these are baked into a prepackaged item. Try one of these multi compartment snack boxes if you’re going on a long journey.

Be prepared with first aid

Good advice for anyone but it’s much harder to go and find medicine for a sick child, or yourself, when you’re the only adult and have to take them with you. Make sure you have essentials including painkillers and antihistamines.
If you are going abroad it is worth checking how you can access both emergency and non-emergency healthcare at your destination. There can often be differences in processes we take for granted in the UK, for example parents travelling to France are often surprised they can’t buy children’s paracetamol in a supermarket like we buy Calpol here, you have to go to a pharmacy which can be more difficult to find (Doliprane syrup is the French equivalent to Calpol).

Give your child/ren responsibility 

Of course it depends on their age and capabilities but try and find a job for them, if their responsibility is to carry their bag or find the sign of the place you’re staying, they’ll be more likely to focus so they can do their ‘job’ well. Just don’t ask them to look after the passports!

Pack light and then take half of it out

It’s hard to pack light, as we all know kids mess up their clothes at the worst possible times. But chances are you will end up carrying their stuff too and they will want souvenirs and you’re going to have to take it all home at the end of the holiday when you don’t have quite the same enthusiasm as at the start. You could also try packing cubes like these to make it easier to keep outfits together.

Take proof

If travelling abroad, it’s important to remember you could get questioned where the other parent is if they share parental responsibility with you. It’s best to take a signed letter from them giving permission to take the children out of the country. If this isn’t possible because they have passed away a copy of the death certificate should be carried instead. It’s also a good idea to take proof, such as a birth certificate, if you and your child have different surnames.

Make life easier

If you can afford it, book any extras to make life easier, whether that’s an early check-in at a holiday park or hotel or meet and greet airport parking. It really can be worth taking the hit financially just to simplify your trip.

Spend extra time booking

Some hotel providers don’t cater to less traditional family set ups to the point that if you search for a room for one adult and one or more children it will automatically charge for two adults plus the children or change to a family room when a twin would suffice. This can also be true for hotels that include theme park tickets in the booking so shop around and check it against the providers official website to see if you are paying for more people than necessary.


Wherever you decide to go, remember being able to travel solo with your children is a great privilege and will bring you closer. It may be difficult at the time and things may not always go to plan but it will be worth it for the memories you’ll share.