Travelling as a single parent?

Question

I have always wanted to go travelling but I got pregnant when I had not planned.

I now have a beautiful child (stating school soon) but I dont like to think that all my dreams are now lost.

Is there anyone you know of who has gone travelling to different countries as a single parent? It is probably more expensive and involves more planning than just going alone.

One Idea I thought of was to team up with another single parent and that way you could share babysitting so that for at least a few evenings you can enjoy the nightlife of the place you are visiting.

Any other ideas or resources.

Answer 1

I can tell you from being a new parent myself that you are out of luck.  It is hard to go to the store yet alone out of the state/country.  You can do it, you just need to bring your house with you.  You will find once you have your little joy that your priorities might change.  You might also not want others watching your child.  Our little one is 7 months old now and it is still a pain to travel and she barely cries.  Your priorities as a new parent will be to take care of that baby.  They are not babies forever and you should enjoy this time as a new mom.  Your wants don't compare to what the baby NEEDS!  GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

I have done some travelling alone with my son. We have stayed in back packer hostels - we get a private room with shared facilities. It is still cheaper than a hotel - and cheaper again because you have cooking facilities.

The back packers mostly will accept kids over 5yrs of age. I usually try to choose active holidays that we can both enjoy like bush walking, skiing, beach/swimming. Kids have a low tolerance for sight-seeing.

I think your idea to share with another single parent is a really good one - certainly cheaper and it would be nice to have someone to share the 24hr responsibility of the children with.

Answer 3

Yes, it does require a little more planning but not that much.

One thing to watch is that a few countries have restrictions on children entering the country without both parents present. Mexico is one example. You can go, but specific authorization is required from the parent who is not traveling. Luckily, these situations are the exception and not the rule.

You can check for special restrictions at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw...

Click on the country that you wish to visit. There is a lot of other good travel information as well although the State Department's opinions of some countries are based more on politics than reality.