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Summer Travel Tips for Single Parents

“Are We There Yet?”

by Brenda Elwell

Americans are ready with suntan lotion in hand to enjoy their summer holidays. While time on a beach should bring relaxation, for those with children — especially single parents — vacations can be as hectic as an emergency room on a Saturday night.

Brenda Elwell, author of The Single Parent Travel Handbook, has the following tips to make the summer vacation a much more pleasant experience:

Planning Tips

Make an Itinerary: Having an itinerary as a trip "cheat sheet" can free up brain space to focus on other things. Also, a good itinerary helps keeps things organized- but can still allow for flexibility. Itineraries are especially good for single parents because they have to be twice as organized, twice as patient and twice as creative as their dual parent counterparts.

Make a Packing List: It makes younger kids feel independent, even though they will need some packing help from you. It also smoothes the way with teen-agers who prefer minimal verbal communication with parents, especially regarding instructions.

Research: Look for specials during off-peak times. Travel in early June or late August, may offer substantial savings over the peak travel weeks in July and early August. Have your kids look for specials and discount coupons on the Internet.

Keeping your Patience

When Do We Get There?: In addition to the toys, games and videos, small children also need some time guidance. Several days before the trip, and again the night before, explain how long the trip is and what you will be doing along the way. For example, if it is a six-hour drive, explain that there will be three planned stops, and the lunch stop is the halfway stop. If your children are ten years old or older, they can begin learning to read maps and map out the trip.

Can I Have Some Money?: Single parents are always on a budget, so this is a good opportunity to teach your kids budgeting skills

I am Tired/Bored: A well-planned itinerary should eliminate most of the "I'm tired/I'm bored" issues, especially if you have obtained previous "buy-in" from your kids regarding daily activities. Remember to reinforce your kids' good behavior by complimenting them when they have behaved well, be it during a car ride, museum visit, or a restaurant meal. Tell the big kids too!

Brenda Elwell: Author, Entrepreneur, Travel Advisor. A veteran of over thirty years experience in the travel industry and a worldwide adventurer, Brenda Elwell has lived abroad and traveled to over 65 countries and 45 states, half of them as a single parent with her two kids in tow. Her book, The Single Parent Travel Handbook; and her Web site and newsletter, SingleParentTravel.net; have been praised by readers and the New York Times, CNN, Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine, and MSNBC, as well as other media.