Safe One-Parent Road Trips

If you are a single parent or you have a schedule that doesn’t allow your spouse or partner to travel with you, you may be considering venturing out alone with your kids. It can be a great adventure if you’re willing to go for it!

If you’re thinking about traveling alone with your kids, you’re likely concerned about safety. And while it’s wise to consider how to travel safely, worry shouldn’t hold you back!

I’ve traveled extensively throughout the United States with my children (and we even ventured into Canada before COVID hit). We do long road trips at least a couple times a year. Safety is always a primary concern as I’m making trip preparations. Knowing I’ll be the only adult on the trip means I have to ensure that I’m prepared, rested, and ready for the unexpected.

My SEVEN best tips for safe travels with your kids:

• Let someone know where you are at all times. I personally let my parents and my husband have tracking access on my phone while I’m gone. My husband lives in another state so letting him see where I am when I’m traveling gives us both some added peace of mind.
• If you have an itinerary, pass it to someone you trust. If you change the itinerary, let your trusted person know about the changes.
• Ensure you have roadside assistance for your vehicle. It’ll remove any fears about your vehicle breaking down during your trip. While you’re at it, go ahead and get your oil changed and tires aired up and rotated if needed.
• Check the forecast along your planned route. To be perfect honest, I usually forget this step but my protective dad usually takes care of it for me and warns me if there are weather threats I need to consider.
• Prepare an emergency kit – portable cell phone charger and charging cord, flashlight, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, blankets, water bottles, and maybe even some road flares.
• Stay at a hotel with doors facing the inside of the hotel. I personally avoid motels when traveling with my kids because I feel the inside entry adds an additional layer of safety and gives me peace of mind.
• If you feel unsafe in any situation, get out fast. You don’t have to rationalize, justify, or talk yourself out of it. You may never know if the threat was real but you don’t want to live with “I wish I would’ve listened to my gut” if something bad happens. Our instincts are there for a reason.

It’s okay – and totally normal – to feel nervous before you head out on a long road trip with your kids, especially if you’re doing it alone. All in all, keep your wits about you, be aware of your surroundings, and enjoy your trip! Traveling with children is an incredible experience if you allow yourself to relax, be flexible, and have realistic expectations. HAVE FUN!