Taking a big trip as a solo parent isn’t just travel—it’s logistics, strategy, and a mental game you play with yourself to stay calm while managing everything and everyone. This week, I’m getting ready to take my daughter to London. Here’s what the final countdown looks like.
Monday
I’m on it. I made a detailed packing list. I’ve highlighted things. There’s a fresh Google Sheet. I ordered a few travel items I definitely should have ordered weeks ago, but they’ll be here in time. Probably. Everything feels manageable.
Tuesday
I remember we need travel adapters. And snacks. And books. Also, the laundry isn’t done. But it’s fine. I’m still in the zone. I stare at the suitcase like it’s going to start packing itself.
Wednesday
Why is there so much laundry? Why do I own this many random charger cables? I pack a few things, second-guess them, unpack them, and re-pack them again. My house looks like someone searched it. I wonder if I have time to vacuum. I don’t.
Thursday
I have a work conference all day—morning and evening. Zero time to pack. Zero mental space. I keep mentally rehearsing what still needs to get done. I live in fear of forgetting the passports. I also live in fear of forgetting my shampoo. These things feel equally critical.
Friday (Departure Day)
We’re leaving. Are we fully packed? Close enough. Do I know where everything is? No. But I’ve got the essentials, and whatever we forget, we’ll figure it out. I’m choosing to believe that the hard part is over and the fun part is beginning.
Want to know what I actually packed?
Check out this post on how I plan big trips as a solo parent—with links to what actually made it into my suitcase.
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