We’ve been planning for months to visit the Florida Space Coast. Originally, we were aiming for February, but due to some family and financial circumstances, we ended up changing our plans several times and settled on a random week in August. I know it sounds wild with the heat and hurricanes, but it’s a much more affordable option!
As our trip approached and the kids eagerly anticipated our adventure, I noticed some concerning changes in my spouse. Despite our ongoing challenges, I sensed something different, and unfortunately, without delving into the specifics, just two weeks before our trip we made the difficult decision to separate. After considering my options for a few days, I decided to go on the trip alone with my kids, as some parts of the trip were non-refundable.
Now I needed to rearrange some plans and manage everything for the trip by myself. It was time to embrace the adventure and make the most of it! After experiencing a brief moment of anxiety and considering canceling the trip, I had a realization. This trip is exactly what we need – it’s not just for me, but for my kids too. We’ve been through a tough time, and we needed a fun distraction from the drama and pain. It’s going to be a while before I can afford another trip like this with my kids, so here we go – let’s make the most of it and create some wonderful memories together.
Of course the night before our departure my youngest got another ear infection. Despite this, I managed to load the car with all our bags in preparation for our trip to the airport. We made a quick stop at urgent care and the pharmacy before grabbing a bite to eat and heading to the airport. Fortunately, we were flying out of Worcester, so navigating through security was relatively easy for our afternoon flight. And with that, our vacation officially began.
The trip had its share of challenges and highlights. For me, dealing with the emotional aftermath of my marriage breakdown and receiving hurtful text messages was tough. Additionally, the strain of travel led to exhaustion and overstimulation, making the kids cranky and unregulated. However, despite it all, we managed to have a wonderful time and create unforgettable memories.
Here are some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from traveling on our first family vacation as a single mom:
Get TSA Pre-Check (or Global Entry if you often travel abroad).
Not having to remove all the liquids and electronics from your bags makes getting through security much more manageable when you’re the only adult with two little ones. Have you ever tried to repack everything while the line is building up behind you? It’s a small thing, but it really helps reduce the chaos and stress at the beginning or end of a trip.
Pack as lightly as you can.
This really applies more to air travel or any situation where you aren’t using your own car. Especially with young children, they may not be able to carry their own bags. I found myself juggling personal items for all three of us along with three carry-ons, not to mention gate-checking two car seats.
It’s okay to get help from strangers.
Of course, it’s important to use your best judgment and intuition when it comes to trusting others, especially with your kids or personal belongings. However, there are times when accepting help can be beneficial. At the airport, a kind man saw me struggling with bags and offered to help take them to my rental car. Then we met a wonderful family with adult children who kindly invited us to join them for breakfast at the hotel. It was a delightful opportunity to connect with other adults and receive some extra support with the kids during mealtime.
Don’t overplan your days.
Make sure to allow plenty of flexibility in your schedule. Include time for breaks throughout the day and be prepared to change plans if necessary. This could be due to inclement weather or a child becoming overstimulated and upset. In those situations, consider taking a break at the pool, returning to your room, or finding a different indoor activity to enjoy.
Get one of those free local guides and ask locals for things to do!
Why not seek recommendations from the locals for unique and enjoyable activities off the usual tourist path? You can ask hotel staff, restaurant servers, or if you’re outgoing, chat with people you meet while exploring. We discovered some interesting museums, and best of all, some of them were free! (Shoutouts to the American Space Museum and Brevard Museum of History & Natural Science)
Remember to be kind to yourself and your children. Vacations and travel are meant to be enjoyable, although sometimes they may not go as planned. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times, and your kids might also become overstimulated or tired. However, the most important thing is that you’re creating lasting memories and having fun together.
