Spoiler: I almost did, but it was still worth it.

International travel with a child as a solo parent is not for the faint of heart. It takes planning, patience, flexibility, and a decent sense of humor. But after our recent trip to England, I can say it’s 100% doable—and yes, even enjoyable. Here’s how I pulled it off without completely losing my mind (just slightly unraveling a few times, which I think is normal).

Planning Like a Pro (Or Close Enough)

I knew I’d need things to run smoothly once we got there, so I front-loaded a lot of the logistics. The absolute MVP of our trip? The BritRail pass. It made getting around the country incredibly easy. We zipped between cities without having to worry about buying tickets last-minute or standing in long queues.

Pair that with England’s excellent mass transit, especially the Underground in London, and you’ve got a travel setup that’s practically designed for solo parents. Easy-to-read maps, reliable trains, and people who don’t seem to mind giving directions? Yes, please.

I also let my daughter help plan a few activities. Nothing big—but when a 9-year-old gets to choose something (like visiting a Harry Potter spot or grabbing pastries), they buy into the trip a little more. Plus, fewer complaints when it’s your turn to pick the next stop.

The Flight Is the Boss Level

Let’s be honest: the flight is always the hardest part. I went into it armed with snacks, headphones, and a fully charged tablet.

Which brings me to one of the most important tools in my solo parent travel arsenal…

Yes, I Used the Tablet—And I Have No Regrets

People don’t love to talk about using screens as a parenting strategy, but I’m just going to say it: the tablet is essential for solo parent travel. It’s the electronic babysitter, the peacekeeper, and the personal entertainment center all in one.

It kept my daughter happy on long train rides and helped her unwind in the hotel after a full day of exploring. We’d get back to the room, both a little worn out, and she’d curl up with her games while I read or caught up on messages. It gave us each space to recharge—which made a huge difference. Honestly, I don’t think I could have done the trip without it.

Once You’re There: Don’t Overdo It

I had big ideas about how much we’d see and do, but reality reminded me that kids get tired. Fast. I built in plenty of downtime and didn’t panic when we skipped something. We had a loose itinerary and gave ourselves permission to veer off course. That flexibility kept both of us sane.

Also: meals don’t have to be perfect. Some nights, dinner was a grocery store picnic in the hotel room. It worked.

The Unexpected Perks

One of the best parts of traveling solo with my daughter? The bonding. When you’re in a new place without your usual routines and distractions, you connect differently. I got to watch her experience things for the first time—British pastries, royal palaces, graffiti tunnels—and those moments were worth every ounce of effort.

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. Was it tiring? Yes. Did I question my life choices while dragging a suitcase through Paddington Station? Also yes. But the memories we made are ours forever, and I’m proud we did it together.

To the other solo parents out there: you can do this. Lean into the hacks, embrace the tablet, and give yourself (and your kid) grace. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.