I take solo trips as a single parent. Here’s why I do it and what I’ve learned.

My priorities changed the moment I became a mami. 

Yet, my personality has stayed constant throughout this whole journey of motherhood. Being a parent is wonderful, fulfilling, challenging, and above all–time-consuming. However, I still make a conscious effort to make time for things that spark joy in me. 

I am the sole caregiver of my child and handle all the details of her day-to-day life. So when an opportunity comes up to travel—one of my favorite things—I don’t necessarily think twice about it. 

I’ve taken over a handful of short weekend trips to places like Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. However, the most recent solo trip I took was to Madrid, Spain. I spent 10 days away from home. It was the longest I had ever been away from my daughter. 

I put down the mental weight of parenting

One of the biggest things that solo travel allows me to do is to put down the mental weight of parenting. 

Having the ability to travel alone, especially as a single mom, is huge! It does take time, effort, and a team to organize the details and care for my child while I am away, but I promise you it’s worth it. I come back happier and more patient for my family. 

On my recent solo trip to Madrid, I didn’t have to take care of any logistics, accommodations, meals, or transportation for anyone but myself. It was refreshing not having to think about anything other than what I wanted to do that day. 

Each day was an opportunity to indulge in the things that brought me joy. 

I milked my slow mornings versus rushing out the door to make it to school on time. I did not have to go back and forth with my zombie of a child in the morning to get her out of bed. Nor did I have to multi-task in preparing her breakfast, lunch, and snack for the day. I did not miss barking reminders to get dressed before rushing out of the door.

Instead, I rolled around in bed for an extra twenty minutes and savored the silence. I treated myself to yoga stretches once I got out of bed. Then, I sipped on hot tea by the window that overlooked the secluded street.

I filled my itinerary with places I wanted to experience. For example, I had the opportunity to take in the Palacio de Cristal and its architecture versus watching my daughter do drills in her swim classes. 

I enjoyed the quiet and enchanting walk through Madrid’s Buen Retiro Parque to get to the palace. Occasionally, I smiled at myself, thinking about how if my daughter were with me, she’d probably complain about how tired she’d be from walking. 

I indulged in churros for breakfast at Chocolateria San Gines versus worrying about a menu that caters to her preferences. This famous yet busy cafe treated me to the crispiest sticks of fried dough served with thick dark hot chocolate—chef’s kiss. 

This centuries-old spot was everything I dreamed of with some of the best churros I’ve ever had. 

My solo trips inspire my daughter to travel

Traveling always gives me a fresh perspective. The experience enriches me and in turn, enriches my daughter. 

My pictures of Madrid ignited a fire of excitement within her to visit Europe the next time we plan a trip abroad. She even proposed her own “solo” trip down south to spend time with our family on her own. 

Cultivating this wanderlust spirit in her is important to me. I ended up booking a flight for her and my mother to spend a week with loved ones. 

I admire my daughter’s sense of security to travel without me and make her own travel memories. It assures me of encouraging her to live a full life outside me. Traveling gives her a boost in self-confidence and helps her form connections between ideas and experiences. 

It’s ok and necessary to do things for myself

I don’t feel guilty for traveling alone, especially if it makes me happy. I do experience some separation anxiety—but I know I’ve earned it. 

I work hard, I devote lots of time to my daughter, and I still make it a point to do things that spark joy in me. Traveling, among other things like yoga, indulging in yummy restaurants, and art museums, lights me up. I got to do each of these things during my solo trip. 

Practicing yoga in my AirBnB was essential when I was in Madrid. Being able to do some yoga while traveling helped reduce the fatigue I was feeling due to the time change. Deep stretches also helped with blood circulation as I did a lot of walking around the city. 

I have always loved visiting art museums since I was a child. Visiting an art museum is a gateway to learn about culture and history in different parts of the world and it’s an excellent way to stimulate my mind and creativity. 

I spent an entire afternoon and evening at Museo Nacional del Prado. It is Spain’s main national art museum located in the heart of Madrid. 

I was able to take in the vast collection of masterpieces from artists such as Goya and Velazquez. I roamed from room to room among the crowds and was transported into a space where time did not exist. The museum was the break I needed from the busyness of life back home. 

After my time at the museum, I stumbled across Zen Noodle Bar. This lovely Asian restaurant served fresh food along with incredible hospitality. 

I enjoyed their noodle combo that came in a rather large portion with tasty broth. The ambiance was a perfect setting. I sat by the window under the neon light and sipped on my tea before calling an Uber ride home. 

Dedicating time to things like this helps me parent in a positive way. It also gives my daughter a peek into what being an adult looks and feels like. Adulthood and parenthood should be about making life wonderful, not simply about making a living.  

Planning in advance helps me stay connected

All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the right planning ahead of time. 

Before my trip, I frequently checked Google Flights for the best weeks to fly to Madrid. I researched the best areas to stay in Madrid. I also had to assemble a team that would accommodate my daughter’s needs while I was away.

After all, she had her weekly school schedule, after-school activities, meal plans, routines, and her best friend’s birthday party to attend. My mother covered her overall childcare. My sister hopped in to help while I was away. And my daughter’s best friend’s mother made sure she got to her party. 

These arrangements did not mean I wasn’t a parent for ten days. Technology came in handy. Knowing her schedule and the time difference helped me coordinate daily FaceTime dates with her.  

I spoke to my daughter every night via FaceTime. I called her as soon as she left her after-school program, right before I went to bed. She would fill me in on her school day and I caught her up on the places I visited. 

She thought it was so cool that I traveled abroad on my own. She sat with my mother each night to go over all the pictures I shared of my adventures.

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For me, traveling alone recharges my batteries. 

My advice to other parents, single or not, is to never feel guilty about planning a solo trip. You dedicate so much to your children, it’s ok to give yourself the gift of time away—you’ve earned it!

Next, read Laura’s take on the benefits of traveling when you’re older.