The blog has experienced an uncharacteristic length of silence because I’ve been in constant adjustment to managing a travel lifestyle as a single parent. Since my husband‘s work has taken him overseas a few months ago, I’ve had to get accustomed to traveling solo with kids. It’s not the first time that I’ve had to taken on single parent travel but the circumstances have changed – the kids are older, mommy is older, and life is more hectic in our home.
Managing a household, a business, two young boys, fitness, and travel has been inexplicably difficult. I’ve been faced with some challenges throughout my life but this is one that I can’t pick up a book and read about. Single-entrepreneurial-travel-traithlete-special needs-cancer management-motherhood hasn’t been published yet. I’m living out the chapters on a daily basis.
So why don’t I give up the travel thing? Two reasons, it’s my livelihood and it keeps me sane.
However, that sanity doesn’t come without a headache. It takes a bucket of coordination with other people outside my household (along with an inherent dependency), whether it’s family to watch the boys when I need to travel solo, or a nanny to accompany me when I need the extra set of hands for a family trip.
This past week, I took my 15 year old nephew with us for the first time and we road tripped to the Laurel Highlands and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The 4.5 hour drive with a 5, 9, and 15 year old was more pleasant than I’d expected. I love when my boys surprise me. I even surprised myself! I followed all the tips that I leave for families on my blog, tips like:
- Use a packing list.
- Dole out responsibilities to any able-bodied person.
- Leave at a strategic hour.
- Take your time and don’t rush to get to the destination if you can help it.
- Pack plenty of snacks, toys, and devices.
- Factor in those very important driving breaks every two to three hours.
- Get a good night’s sleep the evening before.
- Focus on the journey as much as you do the destination.
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from the trip that I’d say is consistent with the obstacles I face in my life, it’s that there’s always a beginning, middle, and end. My goals should always be to live in the moment and focus on where I’m at.
Planning is KEY, girl. I might be taking a trip to the Caribbean in the next few months and I feel the anxiety already peeking around the corner as I think of our first airplane ride and all that must be packed/remembered.
You are doing beautifully. And since the book has not yet been written, I see another task in your future! 😉
Yes Sili, I totally agree with you. Planning is uber important and if I don’t do that, I’m ish out of luck! Your Caribbean trip should be awesome. I did it with my oldest when he was 2 and we got through it. Remember, I have packing lists available to help you with the process.
Another task? Woosah! LOL!
Oh,yes. Traveled with my kids for the first time and brought my mom. Having her there made a difference and even though there were a few steal moments, it was a good experience.