Top tips for traveling SoLo (with kids)
Traveling SoLo is one of the most enlightening and freeing experiences that I’ve had in my lifetime.
In the hazy past I was a backpacker… moving from hostel to hostel in Australia, Europe and NZ. There were no cell phones and internet cafes were our only means of staying in touch.
Much as I hate AI and the influence Social Media has on the world - I’m so grateful that when my kids take off, we will be able to stay in close contact… my MaMa heart will feel a lot easier than my own poor Mum’s must have!
So with that said I’m going to give you my top tips for traveling SoLo with kids (although these tips will work well for any SoLo traveler too!)
Laos: watching the hot air balloons take off
Safety Tips:
Take a picture of your passport and all important documents and save them in a hidden file on your phone or a folder in your email. That way if anything gets lost you’ll have a copy which will help you out a great deal.
Share your location with someone you trust - they can act as a contact person
Check in with a friend or family member at the same time every day. Preferably the person with whom you’re sharing your location
Save your cards to your phone payment system. One of my cards was compromised on our trip and they couldn’t send out a new card to our location. Thankfully the card automatically updated on my phone and I was still able to use it to tap and pay (even in Vietnam!)
Always travel with a Carbon Monoxide detector. You can get battery operated ones. I take the battery out on travel days as the button is easy to set off in my bag… trust me… I beeped my way through a Boston Train station once and didnt realise it was me that was beeping for 10 minutes!
Bring a Power Bank. I’ve become very reliant on maps and ride sharing apps when we travel. There’s nothing worse than running out of battery in a rain storm or remote location… don’t forget to keep it well charged!
Travel light! When you’re struggling with heavy cases (and kids) you are a much bigger target for an opportunistic crime (theft.) The lighter you travel the more capable you look and people leave you alone.
Teach your children your phone number or make a bracelet/temp tattoo with your phone number on it so that they can ask for help and call you if they do get separated from you.
Teach your children how to make an emergency call and what the emergency number is in each country you’re traveling in.
Also teach your children the best person to ask for help if they’re separated from you. I tell my kids to look for a Mum or a Woman to help them.
No matter where you are or how safe it is - if you’re out after dark please take a taxi.
Bring a little first aid kit with band aids and an antibacterial cream, kids pain relief/allergy meds, anti nausea for travel etc. I like to put a tiny sewing kit in there too!
Trust your intuition. If a person/place/situation feels off then leave. Don’t worry about hurt feelings or being polite… your gut won’t steer you wrong.
These few tips are all I use along with Common Sense to keep me and the kids safe on our trips. Next I’ll tell you my food safety tips to ensure a healthy belly on your adventures!