So you want to take a vacation with just you and your kid(s)? The first question you need to ask yourself is where you will go. Do you want to visit the beach? A major historical attraction? A city? Are in interested in going on a trip that is just for single parents? Will you be traveling near or far?
If you’re like me, a major factor in deciding where you will vacation is dependent upon your budget. As single parents, we often do not have a lot of “extra” money for things like vacations to exotic locations. We are sometimes lucky just to take a weekend-long trip to a nearby destination.
Other factors you may need to consider when traveling as a single parent are the children’s likes or dislikes, mode of transportation, type of accommodations, and safety. When I am planning a trip with my children, I try to find a destination that has a little bit for everyone. I am a history buff, so finding places where I can visit a historical attraction or two is usually high on my list. Lucky for me, my nine-year-old daughter is quite the history buff herself. For my three-year-old son, I try to find places that also offer something fun for him: a children’s museum, fun restaurant, ect.
Many of my trips are close to home. Actually, all of them are. I simply cannot afford to take a plane trip with two children and myself. Luckily, there are many fun places to visit close to my Vermont home. Last month we visited Plymouth, Massachusetts, where we were able to immerse ourselves in Pilgrim days. Next month we will travel along the Vermont & New York shores of Lake Champlain to visit Revolutionary war sites, including Fort Ticonderoga, Mount Independence, and the home of Green Mountain Boy leader, Ethan Allen.
My point to all of this is that, despite financial limitations, it is not impossible for single-parent families to travel. If you look close enough, I am sure you can find fun things to do close to your home as well. Vacations do not have to cost a lot of money!
Note: Photo is of the structure that houses Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts.