Solo Traveling with a Toddler: 5 Tips for a Smoother Journey
Traveling solo with a toddler can feel like a high-stakes adventure, especially when you’re navigating airport terminals and flight delays on your own. I recently took a short haul flight from Geneva to the south of France with my little one, J, and let me tell you, it was quite the rollercoaster! Between a long flight delay and a late night, we had our fair share of challenges. But through it all, I learned a few tricks that made the journey a bit smoother. Here are my top 5 tips for solo traveling with a toddler:
My 5 tips:
1. Arrive Early—Like, Really Early
When you’re traveling solo with a toddler, the last thing you need is the added stress of rushing through the airport. Arriving early gives you plenty of time to check in, navigate security, and find a good spot to wait. It also means you can let your little one stretch their legs and burn off some energy before the flight. Trust me, an early arrival is worth the peace of mind. Unfortunately the terminal we were flying out from didn't have a play area, or that much space to run around for that matter. So I let him browse in the little shop and then gave him a little job to help me by carrying one of the bags (his little one). He did still get impatient waiting to board the bus, but it did help that he felt like he had a job to do and that he was helping me!
2. Pack snacks, and then more snacks
Toddlers are famous for their unpredictable appetites, so having a variety of snacks on hand is crucial. I packed everything from fruit pouches to crackers to sandwhiches, and it made a huge difference. Snacks can be a lifesaver during those “Are we there yet?” moments or when you need a quick distraction.
Bonus tip: Opt for mess-free options to avoid a cleanup disaster. I even had one of those fun 'revolving' snack boxes, where with a press of a button the compartments move so you can get to a different snack - it was quite the hit with Mr J!
3. Pre-Download Shows and Games
A well-timed distraction can be a game-changer. Before we left, I made sure to download J’s favorite shows and a few new little games onto the iPad (he never usually gets to play games on the iPad so this was quite exciting for him!) .
The pre-downloaded shows were a lifesaver during the flight and especially helpful during the extended delay. Just remember to bring headphones to keep the noise level down for fellow passengers.
The pre-downloaded shows were also super helpful as our accommodation didn't have the best wifi, but 'quiet-time' (because we've dropped naps now!) could still be had in front of his fav shows (Fireman Sam for the win!).
4. Bring New Toys or Games
Introducing something new can work wonders for keeping a toddler entertained. I packed a couple of small, exciting toys that J hadn’t seen before. The novelty kept him engaged and made the time pass more quickly. Look for compact, quiet toys that won’t disturb others around you - note to self, perhaps not the best choice to bring a memory game keychain that beeps every time you lose (which of course was very often)!
5. Prepare for Meltdowns—And Keep Your Cool
No matter how prepared you are, meltdowns can happen. During our return trip, we faced a long delay and didn’t board the plane until 10 PM. J was exhausted, and we had a few meltdowns before we even got on the plane. My advice? Stay calm, reassure your child, and remember that it’s okay to take a deep breath when needed, and perhaps to be a bit more lenient or relaxed on some rules than usual - he had extra snacks and screen time to keep him going! Sometimes, a little patience and a lot of love are the best tools you have.
Extra Tip: Plan for the Unexpected
Traveling with a toddler can be unpredictable, so it’s helpful to be prepared for unexpected hiccups. Whether it’s a flight delay or an extra-long security line, having a flexible mindset can turn a challenging situation into a manageable one.
Solo traveling with a toddler might not always be easy, but with a bit of preparation and a positive attitude, you can make the journey a bit more enjoyable for both you and your little one.
Overall I was very proud of how J managed, especially with the flight delay and very late arrival back home. It was mentally much more exhausting than traveling with others, but it was still a fun experience and I hope to have many more "Mommy & J solo travels" in the future!
Happy travels!
