As a busy parent, traveling without a partner or your kid(s) may seem like a luxury. However, escaping can cost nothing while paying back.
According to a 2024 global study by Booking.Com, more than half of 27,000 respondents planned to travel solo, with 58% planning child-free vacations. If you aren’t one of the millions of expected American lone travelers, there are compelling reasons.
I spoke with married and divorced parents and a psychologist who described self-growth, fresh perspectives and role modeling as some of the advantages of sojourning alone and offered suggestions for ensuring life sails while you are away.
Reconnecting with You
Parenting can be a juggling act and finding your identity after becoming “Mom” or “Dad” can be as challenging as locating missing socks. It’s crucial not to lose your sense of self when playing multiple roles.
Tomika Anderson, 48, was an independent traveler long before becoming a parent and stepmom of five between 11 and 22. She and other parents agreed the best reason for stepping out of everyday life is to have the chance to be yourself. “I can take as long as I want to buy a dress, dance on a beach or walk through a museum without a ‘Can we leave yet’ from my son,” Anderson says.
Instead of scheduling around meals, snacks and naps, you decide what’s best for you at any given moment while traveling solo.
Reestablishing Confidence
When traveling with others, you have someone to rely on for support if anything goes awry. But if you are alone, as in Kate Webster’s case, driving along an unfamiliar road when the cell phone loses its charge, “You have to become your own hero,” Webster says. “Having the opportunity to problem-solve reminds me I am still capable and competent.”
Webster, 47, married and mom to an 8-year-old, is an elementary school music teacher who often travels during the summer for work. She finds ways to extend her business trips by a day or two to rejuvenate and even appreciates the hassles accompanying travel. “Traveling by myself and experiencing hiccups, such as canceled flights, helps restore my self-confidence and makes me stronger.”
Relating with Others
Research shows socializing is critical to our health. Natalie Rosado, LMHC, CIMHP, licensed mental health professional, explained, “We now know the interconnectedness between mind and body. Engaging with others may reduce stress that can manifest itself as physical ailments.”
Being without friends or family encourages interacting with people you wouldn’t normally talk to. Sharing an enjoyable experience, conversing with a seatmate on public transportation or asking directions from a stranger can offer fresh perspectives and new friends from across the world.
Serving as a Role Model
Bruce Rivera, 43, travels as frequently as he can with and without his 13-year-old. “My son gets to see my sense of adventure and hopefully I’m imparting these qualities in him as well.”
Rivera stressed the importance of returning from travels refreshed and what being a well-rounded father looks like for his son, balancing between parent and personal time. He says, “It doesn’t make me less of a dad, especially being single when saying, ‘It’s time to reset the Wi-Fi.’”
Above is an example of “healthy separation,” and Rosado believes establishing it early on with your children is key. “When parents recognize the many facets to their identity, they are role modeling which in turn, helps a child develop independently from their parent as well.”
Practicing Self-Care
“I teach my son every day by showing him how I care for myself,” Anderson says, adding, “Travel is a necessity for me.”
Taking the time to travel unaccompanied, focusing on your needs and leaving your comfort zone opens up a world of possibilities. The sheer act of heading off fuels creativity, allowing space for self-reflecting, assessing and analyzing life in a new light.
Preparing Kids, Caregivers and You
Besides the obvious – securing a trusted resource to care for your child while you are away – other planning factors include trip season, distance and duration, and your child’s unique needs. Maintaining a routine is essential.
If overnight care is unavailable, there is still value in exploring neighboring cities, visiting museums or walking through any of our parks by taking advantage of daycare, before-and-after-school options or camp.
Next, depending on your child’s age, share your itinerary and how you’ll stay connected while away. “Once I hear my son’s voice or see a daily text, I rest easier,” Rivera says.
Lastly, be prepared for a wave of emotions before, during and after your vacation, including misplaced guilt around leaving, missing a milestone or burdening a partner or caregiver. “Just do it,” Webster recommended. “Getting away by yourself makes you a better parent, spouse and friend.”
