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What I've Learned from Traveling as a Single Parent

Group Trips for Single Parents... Why?

10/19/2019

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Traveling with kids comes with its own challenges. Traveling solo with kids brings a whole additional set of difficulties. Loneliness, disapproving looks, zero "break" time; the list goes on. It's as if you're constantly climbing uphill, carrying luggage for two-plus.  For any single parents out there who have journeyed away from home with your kiddos, I know you know what I'm talking about.

The desire to develop trips for single/solo parents came from my own experience traveling alone with my young son. While I cherish the adventures we've shared together, I'm also willing to admit how much I would appreciate some adult conversation; or the opportunity to get a massage, or sit at a bar, or go for a run... you know, the typical things one associates with a "vacation."

Because I believe that exposing my son to travel brings so many benefits, I don't really have the desire to take exciting trips without him (I mean, I'm sure I would, given the chance).

So, after searching for travel opportunities for single parents and finding that most options available are packaged in more of the all-inclusive-resort, oh-my-goodness-thats-my-entire-month-paycheck style, I decided to create the opportunities for myself and invite others to join me.


The Of Course You Can! Travel Adventures for Single Parents provide a chance for other single parents to meet and share the joys and burdens of traveling with our children. With my background in designing experiential curriculum, they also provide enriching activities that explore a variety of topics from science, to art, to history, to yoga - and everything in between. 

Traveling and connecting with other single parents has the potential to create friendships rooted in a deep understanding of the delights and challenges that our unique situations hold.  Plus, being in a group allows you a chance to take some time for yourself - to take that run, or get that massage, or maybe even go out to eat, or dance, or explore - with just adults.

I'd love to connect with you at one of the upcoming single parent retreats. You can read about the upcoming Fripp Island Beach Retreat here. If you join us, you and your kids will be engaging in some ocean-themed art activities, play-laxing on the beach with some kid-friendly yoga, and conducting science experiments that explore what's happening to our oceans because of all the excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  Are you in?

And I'd love to hear from you below!  Why do you love traveling with your kiddos? And are there any special challenges you might face while traveling as a single parent?
Join the next adventure
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Train Travel with Kids: Single Mama Tricks & Tips

9/14/2019

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Aiden at the Denver Union Station showing off the Amtrak train he built himself. Some Amtrak trips offer special activities for kids such as this adorable build-your-own mini Amtrak engine.
My son LOVES the train. And really, what kid doesn't? If you've yet to experience train travel with or without your kiddos, I encourage you to give it a try! And to make your next train adventure as enjoyable as possible, here are a few super-mama hacks.

Money Saving Hack #1: Get comfy in coach

When my son and I first started our train travel adventures, I was convinced sleeper cars (first class) was the only way to go. Given that on our first trip he was only 3, and I was not yet navigating the single-mom financial tightness, a First Class Roomette was totally doable.  However, now that I must look to cut costs and my boy is a bit more travel savvy, I've learned that coach class is definitely the way to go... for us.

With savings ranging from $200 - $800 a ticket, traveling coach is a great way to save money on long-distance travel.

To make the coach experience the best it can be, I've learned to bring a few essentials to get super comfy during our super affordable trip:
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This queen fitted sheet allows for us to get super cozy in coach. It stuffs tightly into our backpack and gives me the peace of mind while we snuggle up for overnight trips on Amtrak and save loads of money by passing on a Sleeper Car.
Bring a Fitted Sheet
Feel relaxed, cozy, and clean by packing a fitted sheet. I brought a queen fitted sheet and it wrapped comfortably around both seats, allowing us to snuggle up in our lounge chairs without worrying about who or what had been in them before us.

Pack a Blanket and Pillow(s) -- if Space Allows
Based on the dozen plus trains we've been on, it's hard to predict what the temperature on the train car will be... I've even noticed that the temperature varies from one car to the next. So pack (and dress) accordingly.

Dress in Layers
See note above.

Sights, Smells, and Sounds
In coach, you'll be sharing the car with 20+ other travelers, with a host of different smells, lights, and sounds. Take charge of your own little section by bringing sleep masks, essential oils (or other non-offensive smell-goods), and headphones/ear plugs. You can thank me later.

Money Saving Hack #2: Pack a Picnic, Train Style

While nearly all Amtrak trains feature dining cars, or at least sell food in some form, we've always brought along our own drinks and snacks to save money and ensure we have what we need.

Here are some of the essential "meals"/snacks I always bring:
  • sandwich rounds (like bread - only it doesn't matter if it gets squished) + nut butter + jelly (of course)
  • healthy-ish trail mix (that little bit of sweet keeps it exciting for Aiden after days of relying on this for our main snack)
  • tangerines
  • beef jerky
  • caramel rice cakes (SUPER tasty with nut butter smeared on top)
  • fruit leathers
  • veggie chips
  • healthy snack bars for breakfast
  • tuna snack kits (even though they're smelly and perhaps not the kindest thing to bring on a train trip, I appreciate the protein punch and break from beef jerky & pbj)
With plenty of luggage space on the trains, I've found that I'm only limited based on what I'm able to carry.  Unlike airline travel these days, train travel does not charge for luggage... yet another reason to give trains a try.

Money Saving Hack #3: Amtrak Guest Rewards

We've already had numerous FREE train travel tickets, thanks to the Amtrak Guest Rewards program. Aiden has his own account so he accumulates points as well. When you're taking as many long distance trips as we do, the points add up fast and can be redeemed for upgrades, free tickets, and so much more. Check it out at ​https://www.amtrak.com/guestrewards/home

Hack #4: Make new friends while enjoying the view

One of the many reasons I love train travel, is the opportunity it provides to meet new people. 

Many trains, especially all the double-decker trains traveling long distances west of Chicago, feature observation cars. Aiden and I have made some great friends in these observation cars.  In fact, our train buddies have become our regular pen pals!  Aiden has benefitted from the writing and communication experience, plus we now have new friends all over the country :)
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Even though we pack most of our own food (see above), we always dine in the dining car for at least one meal. Any party less than 4 people will be sharing the breakfast/lunch/dinner table with strangers, making a great opportunity to meet new folks.
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Making new friends of all ages in the lounge car. Now we have a new friend who lives in Philadelphia!

Main takeaway... try the train!

If I haven't convinced you, try it for yourself. With the right attitude, train travel may become your new favorite way to travel!
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One of the most scenic trips by Amtrak is through the Colorado Rockies, between Denver and Grand Junction. The observation car is a great way to take in the breathtaking sights.
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Five reasons to visit the library when you're visiting a new town

6/10/2019

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I. Love. Libraries. Whatever town we travel to, I seek out their library at first chance. When a friend asked why I find out-of-town libraries so compelling, I had to think for a minute. So here are my reasons I enjoy these magical spaces in which I can't even earn a library card.

1) Libraries are free

Enough said, right? Of all the touristy spots where you can drop way more than you'd budgeting for, a library's goal is not to get your money.  Speaking of tourists, that's another great thing libraries are pretty free from.

2) A library can reveal so much about a community

If one of your goals while traveling is to really get to know the people and culture of your destination, a library is like its heart. I love taking a peek at the programming, community boards, kid's section, and the people in libraries. If a community values the arts, entrepreneurship, theatre, gardening, knitting, etc, much of that will be revealed within the walls of a library. If you're in town for a few days, you may even learn of some cool kid-friendly events that are often free of charge.

3) Books are cool, and so is air conditioning

Instilling a love of reading has always been near the top of my parenting list. I loved to read as a kid, love to read as an adult, and love sharing books with my child.  What better place to celebrate our book obsession then at a library!? Plus, it's a great [ahem, free, as stated above] way to spend an exceptionally hot, or rainy, or icy or whatever kind of day.
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4) Off-load and refresh your travel stash

If you're like me, a book or two or three or more are part of your travel gear (yes, I tried all the different digital gadgets for book reading, and, nope. A real book is what I'll be holding, thank you).   I've found that most libraries have some sort of book swap, or free library, or discounted book sale, or similar, which can be a great way to refresh your book stash so that you don't have to begin your trip with a chunk of your personal book shelf. This of course works for kid friendly books for your mini travel companion as well.

5) Collect creative learning space ideas

I still get excited seeing the kids' section of different libraries. It's like my inner teacher always get a hit of caffeine whenever I see the creative displays and activities that librarians come up with across the country. Whether or not you have your own classroom or playroom or library to decorate back home, it's still super fun to see and experience the colorful magic.

Check out some of the cool aspects of the Downtown Lexington Public Library, by far one of my favorite libraries we've visited.
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More than just another travel blog

4/1/2019

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"Travel blogs are a dime a dozen", I said. "What do I have to offer?"

Reading the voice of other travelers can provide inspiration to help get us out the door and boost confidence in our abilities to travel wisely. But now that I find myself as a single parent, much of that advice and inspiration doesn’t always apply to me.  So I decided to make it up as I go, writing down my own experience in hopes of inspiring other parents -- single or not -- to travel with their children.

Because, yes. Us [single] parents are a unique bunch. While our stories may be completely different, I'm willing to bet we share many commonalities. We're resilient and innovative, accomplishing more in a day than we thought possible. We’re also great at not finishing -- or even beginning -- so many of those projects that we imagine will make [the appearance of] our lives a little more polished, shiny, and put together. While I occasionally dabble with -- and even attempt -- some cutesy Pinterest whatnot, I've also found contentment in knowing that my child's less-than-perfect childhood is preparing him to be a helpful, grateful, resilient human in a not-so-perfect world. And the world is what I'll show him.

Of all the things I know I'll never be able to provide for him as a single parent on a shoestring budget, adventure is something he will know. To our little family of two, travel is a top priority. Well above organized activities and sports and recitals, perfect attendance or report cards, our table talk and goal setting is more often than not, “where to next?” To my six year old, transportation options (read: train, bus, plane, trolly...) are as exciting as roller coasters and as familiar as our couch. 

This is our story.
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I hope that our adventures and lessons learned can provide your family, whatever it looks like, to step a little out of the routine and comfort zone and, well, just... go.

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    Adventurous mama exploring the world one single-parent trip at a time. Join me!

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Of Course You Can, LLC
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