Tips For Planning Ahead And Staying Safe
Single parents tend to be so busy taking care of their children, home, and work responsibilities that self care ends up at the bottom of the to-do list. Taking a vacation on your own is a great way to recharge, but there are some planning and safety tips that come in handy to ensure the trip goes well.
Traveling on your own takes planning, but can provide a much-needed reset
Parenting is stressful and doing the job alone can be especially difficult. For those working through addiction recovery, the stress at home can be overwhelming and may trigger a relapse if things build up too much. A solo vacation provides a great chance to reset; you will return feeling more capable of handling the chaos of everyday life.
Traveling as a single parent does take planning. You have to ensure that the kids will be taken care of while you are away, but you also have to take steps to ensure your own personal safety. Leave a detailed copy of your itinerary at home so that your kids know where you are and a caretaker has something to reference if things go wrong.
Back up documentation and let loved ones know your progress
Buzzfeed suggests uploading pictures or scans of all of your important documentation to a site like DropBox so you can access them on the go. Do this with items like your hotel and car reservations, ticket numbers, identification, and passport, and keep hard copies of key phone numbers and your itinerary with you at all times.
Plan regular check-ins with family or someone close to you. You may want to text, Skype, email, or call someone around the same time every day during your trip so they know you are doing well. Invest time in researching your destination thoroughly ahead of your trip so that you can focus on fun, safe places to be and won’t get stuck in a sketchy situation.
Exude confidence and trust your gut
Travel expert Rick Steve recommends that solo travelers be street smart when they are alone in an unfamiliar city. Walk with confidence and be prepared with maps, guidebooks, and cash wherever you go. If you end up confused or lost, head into a restaurant or store to ask for directions, or look for a family or woman who might help.
Be confident in saying no and trust your instincts, as you do not have to be polite to others if it risks your personal safety. Also, avoid identifying yourself as a solo traveler. For example, if you order room service, talk as if someone else is there with you. If you are in a cab or walking by yourself, make a fake phone call to make it sound as if someone is expecting you.
Don’t shy away from taking precautions
Smarter Travel notes that you should always carry identification, preferably more than one ID stashed in more than one place, and cushion your budget for unexpected needs. If you are out at night and the walk back to your room in the dark feels unsafe, spring for a taxi. Spend more for a secure hotel in a lively area rather than save a few bucks somewhere more remote that leaves you feeling isolated or unsafe.
Traveling solo as a single parent can reduce stress levels and help you recharge. For those in addiction recovery, solo travel is a chance for self-discovery and healing; a chance to get a break from triggers at home like contentious ex-partners or financial stress. Stay safe by being prepared and aware, and always exude confidence and trust your instincts. You don’t want to travel in a state of fear, but do prepare so you make it home safely feeling energized and refreshed.
[Image via Pixabay]
