Dis"knees" Land - Traveling adult solo with my kid

I’m planning my next trip. No, I don’t get to visit the French Quarter, a monastery in Scotland or head out on my motorcycle, like my pre-kid days.. Now it’s Disneyland and the beach, but I am going out on a limb and attempting a meandering road trip…

I was an avid traveler before my son came along. I’d hit the road in my little VW, or on my Harley. I really didn’t care where I was going and still don’t. I’m somewhat of a gypsy soul and I’ve discovered my “gypsy-ness” won’t leave my body just because I gave birth.

A motorcycle rally is coming up in South Dakota soon. I spent many summers riding to and from it on my bike. The one thing I miss the most is the road, the “getting there”, and not the destination. I want to feel a little bit of that again…

So, I’m embarking on a road trip with my 3 year old. Should be interesting if nothing else!

Here are 5 things I’ve learned traveling with my son alone-

1. Never tell anyone you are traveling with your kid sans another adult. They will gasp and ask why in the world you would want to do it alone?!  They seem to forget that I have another human with me and I won’t be alone, but yeah I get their point. What they don’t understand is that if you wait until someone can join you, then you may never leave home. Your sanity is more important.
(well seriously, you should let someone you trust know, so you can contact them in an emergency and someone knows you’re out in the world having a great time.)

2. Bring goodies – games, snacks, a portable DVD player, a special blanket etc. An ice chest works great too for taking bottles, water etc. If you are on a budget the ice chest can help loads in a hotel room without a fridge. Also, if you still have an infant or toddler on a bottle,  bringing a bottle brush and some dish soap in a container is a good idea.  (the portable DVD player is a must have for anyone traveling with a kid, especially when you’re alone).

3. When checking into the hotel, make sure you have parked your car in the lot first, instead of pulling up in the hotel check-in area. It’s a real pain  in the ass to drag your children back out to the car after checking in, especially if their asleep from the trip.  You don’t have the luxury of leaving them in the room, while you repark the car! (this I learned from experience)

4.  Know when you’re tired and take a break. Traveling adult solo with your kid(s) can be alot of work. When you feel mentally drained, go back to the room and veg out, or find a play area and let them have at it, while you stare into the nothingness.

5. Remember, when you travel adult solo with your kid(s), you get to decide how and when things happen. That can be relaxing in itself. Sure, your kid may have their own opinion, but for the most part you get to call the shots.

Enjoy your time together. There is a special bonding experience that goes along with road trips – no matter who it’s with.  Me and my Bear have had many wonderful one-on-one moments and experiences that I’ll never forget, although he might!