3 Essential Travel Hacks for Single Parents

At some point throughout the year, you’ll need a holiday. A time for you and your little people to get away from it all and recharge the batteries. The so-called warmer UK months can often be a bit of a damp squib (this summer was an exception – don’t get used to it!) so an injection of vitamin D is ideal for some all-important rejuvenation.

Now, the idea of a holiday is great – the idea of planning for one, less so! Making sure you have everything you need is nerve-shredding and making sure you get there with all your faculties intact is a mission unto itself. Fortunately, there are a few things that can help ease the pressures of planning for a holiday. Keeping your offspring as happy as they can be on the journey is key to starting things right. If you can beat the travel blues, you’re onto a winner.

Here are three Travel Hacks every single parent should think about…

1. Book a meet and greet airport parking service

If you’ve made your own way to the airport before, you’ll know that parking onsite can cost almost as much as the holiday itself. The other apparent option is off-site secure parking. This often involves finding an industrial estate ‘near’ the airport, shoehorning you, your kids and your luggage onto a cramped minibus and enduring an uncomfortable trip to the terminal. This isn’t ideal, especially as it can lead to the onset of child boredom and discomfort.

There is another way. Looking4.com offer you the opportunity to find a meet and greet service which is both time and energy-saving. Drive right to the terminal where a driver will meet you and take your car to a secure car park. When arrive back in the country, your driver will again meet you at the terminal, hand over the keys and let you get back on the road home without any drama. A godsend, particularly if you have tired, grumpy little ones.

2. Let the cabin crew help you

Cabin crew have done it all before – many, many times. They know what makes life easier for kids on a flight and will do what they can to ensure your group are as comfortable as possible. Don’t be afraid to let them know if you have any specific requirements. For example, if you need milk heated, tell them in advance. That way, if it arrives too hot, there is time to let it cool to an acceptable temperature.

3. Have a good variety of attention-grabbing activities

It’s all too easy, in this day and age, to plonk some kind of digital device in front of your little ones. It keeps them occupied (and quiet!!) but many parents feel it should be a short-term ‘treat’. Indeed, a recent study has shown that limiting children’s screen time could be linked to improved cognition.  

So, the more non-digital options you have to keep them engaged and entertained, the better. I Spy, 20 questions, and a good old sing song require little prep. Colouring and join the dots books are good fun and get them thinking, too.

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