Best Tips I Wish I Knew Before Traveling Solo as a Mom with Two Kids

Let me start with this: Traveling Solo as a Mom with Two Kids is not for the faint of heart…
It’s for the brave, the caffeinated, and the slightly unhinged.

As a mom of two—a curious, never-tired elementary schooler who is already a highly skilled world traveler, and a chaos-loving toddler—I decided to continue to take on the world. Thinking that since I’ve traveled with my eldest daughter for many years now, adding a second little one to the mix would be easier than starting the first time…I will say that I’ve learned a lot along the way. Some lessons were funny. Some involved tears (mine and theirs). But all of it has made me a better traveler, a more confident mom, and a more compassionate human.

So here’s the real talk: What I wish I knew before traveling solo as a mom with two kids.

Top Tips I’ve Learning Traveling Solo as a Mom with Two Kids

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1. Your Carry-On Will Be a Mary Poppins Bag—and That’s Okay

Before my first big traveling solo as a mom with two kids, I tried to be a minimalist packer. I thought, “We’ll just need the basics.” That’s cute.

Now? I pack like a seasoned smuggler. Snacks, coloring books, toys I got off of Amazon, a tablet, backup clothes for everyone (yes, including me—thank you). I wish I had known that overpacking your carry-on isn’t a failure; it’s a strategic survival move.

Pro Tip: Pack a small “surprise bag” with new toys or dollar-store finds to whip out mid-flight. I keep a container for my kids that are specifically “travel toys”; they only get them while we are traveling, so when we bring them out again, it is like a new toy. (Though for how much we are traveling these days, I might need to restock more)

2. People Will Stare—But Most of Them Are Rooting for You

There were moments I felt like the whole terminal was watching me wrestle a squirming toddler while yelling at my older kid to stop touching everything. And they probably were. This also includes every winery, restaurant, shop, train station, and show we’ve ever been to where my toddler was losing his mind…loudly. But over time, I noticed something:

People aren’t (always) judging. They’re impressed.

I’ve had countless strangers offer to help, carry bags, give up their seats, offer to help hold something while I’m trying to balance 18 items, two of which are spillable, or entertain my baby. I wish I’d known earlier that vulnerability opens the door for kindness.

Don’t let other people staring stress you out!

They may be judging, but who cares? It has taken me years to develop a “who cares” mentality toward people who see or hear me with my children. Why? Because I know I’m doing everything I can to help the situation, and I am one person. Yes, I am doing everything I can and yes, sometimes that isn’t enough to keep my son from hitting that pitch that makes even dog say “oh dear God make him stop.”

3. Not Every Destination is Built for Tiny Travelers

Some places look dreamy on Pinterest but are a logistical nightmare in reality. Cobblestone streets with a stroller are cute until you’re crying in a European alley (aka why I opted to carry my kids, I tend to travel where strollers aren’t as convenient). Certain museums, restaurants, or tours aren’t toddler-friendly…and that’s okay! If they aren’t toddler-friendly, it’s because the tour isn’t designed for that age demographic. And that’s okay too! You can either book a private tour for the activity you want, OR choose something more designed for littles.

Now, I am doing research on caffeine like a detective.

• Are there parks nearby?
• Is the hotel baby-friendly or just “tolerant” of kids?
• Can I get room service wine after bedtime?

I wish I’d known to plan more private tours for our current phase of life.

4. You’ll Need Twice the Patience and Half the Schedule

Before traveling solo as a mom with two kids, I could hop from museum to market to a late dinner like a travel ninja. With one kid? I could still hit the museum, the market, and hit an earlier dinner…two kids? Just keep the smallest one fed, and I should be okay to do the activities so long as I schedule in some downtime so he is out of the carrier to have balance.

So, trying to cram in too much is a recipe for disaster. Your toddler will melt down, your big kid will get hangry, and you’ll consider hiding in a bathroom with a croissant.

I wish I’d known before traveling solo as a Mom with Two Kids: not all kids travel the same, so slow travel is better travel with kids.
You’ll enjoy it more if you leave space for playgrounds, naps, and spontaneous joy.

5. Jet Lag is a Villain With No Mercy

Imagine being awake at 4 a.m. in Iceland with one wide-eyed baby who doesn’t understand it’s BEDTIME. Jet lag doesn’t care about your plans, your patience, or your sanity.

What I wish I’d known: Give yourself 2–3 days to acclimate. Book a hotel with two rooms so your little ones can have some silence to start acclimating. Eat carbs. Take walks. Let your body (and your babies) adjust. And don’t plan anything major that first day.

6. You’ll Want to Quit—And Then You’ll Have a Magical Moment

Yes, I’ve cried in an airplane back flight attendant area/bathroom. I’ve doubted myself mid-tantrum on a food walking tour of Portland. But I’ve also…

✨ Watched my daughter for years try foreign dishes for the first time and say, “I love this,” and now tries more “weird” foods than most adults I know.
✨ Seen my toddler squeal with joy when hiking up to a waterfall in Iceland after trying smoked trout and LOVING IT!
✨ Had a moment sipping wine on a balcony while my kids napped inside, feeling like a freaking queen.

Those moments make it all worth it.

7. You’re Not a Bad Mom for Wanting a Break

You’re the logistics coordinator, snack provider, interpreter, comforter, entertainer, and emergency contact. It’s okay to feel burnt out. It’s okay to put on a movie so you can drink hot coffee/glass of wine.

I wish I’d known that asking for help or making space for myself isn’t selfish it is tips for solo moms traveling with children—it’s called sustainable parenting.

8. You’re Showing Your Kids the World—and That’s Everything

Even when it’s hard, messy, and exhausting, you’re planting seeds in your kids that will last forever – even when EVERYONE tells you “they won’t remember it – don’t take them”. They’re learning flexibility, cultures, curiosity, bravery, and resilience just by watching you. Also, these are the formative years that help carve the foundation of you’re children’s personalities.

And one day, they’ll say something like:
“Remember when we watched the sunset in Portugal? That was the best day ever.”

And you’ll melt into a puddle of mom pride and probably cry (again).

Final Thoughts: You Can Do This

If you’re considering Traveling Solo as a Mom with Two Kids – do it scared. Do it tired. Do it messy. But DO IT.

It won’t be perfect, but it will be unforgettable.

I wish I’d known it would be the hardest, most beautiful thing I’d ever do—and that I’d come home not just with souvenirs, but with stories, strength, and a whole new level of confidence as a mom.