While the term "solo" typically refers to a single person, in the context of family travel, it simply means that the family is traveling independently, without joining a group tour or relying on a travel agent.
*The same applies for group solo travel, or couples solo travelling.
This offers everyone greater flexibility, independence, and the ability to create personalized experiences tailored to your family's unique preferences and needs.
Starting by Choosing the Right Destination
When selecting a destination for your solo family trip, consider the interests and ages of your children, or any of the members of the family going along. In this case it is best choosing family-friendly destinations often offering a mix of activities to cater to different preferences.
Some popular examples include:
- Disney destinations: Exploring and entertaining yourselves in ‘The Magical worlds of Disney’ offer endless entertainment and activities for families.
- Beach destinations: Places to soak up the sun, sand, and water sports, or simply relaxing as you please at family-friendly beaches.
- Adventure destinations: Where you can love exploring nature and participating in outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, camping, and going on wildlife safaris.
- Cultural destinations: The chance for everyone to immerse themselves in different cultures through visits to museums, historical sites, out of the way villages and towns, and visiting local markets.
When planning your family solo trips and itinerary, consider your family's interests and pace.
A balance of structured activities and free time can ensure ensures everyone has a memorable experience. Cater for everyone’s interest and preferences too.
- Create a flexible itinerary: Plan that everyone will love the spontaneous adventures, and as above, make adjustments based on your family's preferences.
- Involve your children in the planning: Let them choose some activities they really want to experience, or specific destinations to foster a sense of ownership.
- Consider transportation: Together you can decide whether to rent a car to go on exploration road trips together, or use public transportation, or book guided tours.
Safety is a top priority especially when traveling with children.
- Research your destination: let everyone learn together about local customs, laws, and safety guidelines, to respect the destination you are travelling to.
- Stay informed: While on the go remain up-to-date on travel advisories, weather conditions and safety alerts.
- Prepare for emergencies: As a family together, you must always have a plan in case of illness, lost luggage, or other unforeseen situations. If someone gets lost while travelling agree on a meeting place.
Choose accommodations that are suitable for families, and offer amenities like a kitchen, laundry facilities, and child-friendly amenities. Villa rentals, cottages and bed and breakfasts are some popular options.
- Consider vacation rentals or apartments: These are also often suitable as they have more space and flexibility.
- Look for family-friendly hotels: Many hotels and resorts offer amenities like children's pools, play areas, and babysitting services.
- Explore local attractions: Together you can go on hikes, visit museums, zoos, and have fun at theme parks.
- Enjoy outdoor activities: Go sightseeing, biking, kayaking, or swimming.
- Try local cuisine: Allow everyone to experience new flavours and cultures together at new destinations.
- Participate in cultural activities: Where possible attend local festivals, learn traditional crafts, or take cooking classes.
- Pack wisely: For small children you should bring essentials like snacks, toys, and entertainment.
- Be patient: Traveling with young children can be challenging, but patience is key, and you want everyone to have fun and make new memories together.
- Communicate openly: Talk to your children, or young adults about expectations, rules, and boundaries.
- Embrace the unexpected: While on the go you should be flexible and go with the flow, leaving open days where everyone can choose what they want to do on the day.
Solo family travel offers a unique opportunity to bond, explore, and create lasting memories together. Families should take time to plan everything carefully and embrace the adventure of independent travel, and you can have a truly unforgettable experience.