Traveling By Yourself With One Child

[brooke1]

HELLO-
I might be traveling by myself and my 10yr old from Alabama. My mother might not be able to go because her mother is sick.

but anywho----------has anybody out there traveled by themselfs with no other adult. the 10 hour drive with just a child and no other adult kinda of scary if something happened.

any thoughts or advice would be great
thanks brooke

 

[ducklite]

When my son was about 20 months old I traveled from Albany, NY to Cleveland, OH with just him to visit my aunt and uncle. The hardest part was using the ladies room. This was before they had large companion restrooms.

So I would use the larger handicapped stalls, taking him in with me, and hope I wasn't inconveniencing anyone.

I left at about 3:00am and drove straight through, arriving around noon, so my son slept a good part of the way.

Anne

 

[mobetsy]

I wouldn't hesitate; you might actually have a neat little adventure. We often get books on tape from the local library and have a wonderful time listening to those, plus we have the discussions that there often isn't time for during our busy days. By 10, your child is old enough to do some map reading; we often carry along the AAA guide and read about the towns we are going through. Do you have a cell phone? If not, you could always get one of the prepaid ones, and that way you'd know you have the security of a lifeline in case of emergency.

 

[GAM]

Brooke-Have you traveled this route before? If not I would check with AAA if you are a member or on these boards for tips for your route. Sometimes there are places you are better off avoiding and good ideas for safe places to stop (in 10 hours you will certainly need at least one even if child might not). I have made long trips by myself without children but with a child I would be sure to have the trip will planned ahead of time. At least if you are an AAA member you can be sure of help if something happens to the vehicle and you can get discounts at many places in Orlando (including room rates if you have no other discounts).

 

[bobcat]

I drive to Orlando at least once a year with my kids. I'm a single Mom and have never had a problem. I second getting AAA and you might want to check out hotels before you go. We were lucky on our first trip and found a hotel that we have stopped at every year.

Have a cell phone, AAA card, and a good map. I also don't travel in the dark if I can help it. I don't like driving at night but if I did have car trouble I would rather it be during the day than at night.

 

[Tink03477]

I've been traveling with just myself and my son since he was born and he's 15 now! We've been as far as California, switching planes, not driving. And yes, things do happen. We got stranded in Detriot once on a stop-over. We were with the rest of the people on the plane so we all got bussed to a hotel for the night then back in the am to the airport. I was in tears at first since I had to be at work in the morning. My son was only 7 at the time and he was the one reassuring me! He's such a good kid. But, it all worked out and he's a seasoned traveler now. We have driven to NH many times, just 3-4 hours; but the same principal applies. Lots of stops to rest, leave as early in the day as possible, have a cell phone with a charger in the car, emergency medical kit, extra blankets, non-perishable foods; favorite CD's for Mom and water. With a 10 hour drive you should be able to do it in one day. I'd try to leave about 5am. I'm sure everything will work out great for you two and have great adventures to talk about like my son and I do.
Happy traveling!!!!

 

[mep319]

I do it all the time w/ my DD now 7. I have a rule w/ driving though, over 6 hours and we fly! I've had no problems and usually enjoy our time...I agree with all the posts...make sure you have a credit card too!

 

[klynn]

I just got back a few weeks ago from a very long road trip with my two kids (10 & 6). It was about a 30 hour road trip and took me 3 days. The kids kept busy with books, drawing, and we have a tv/vcr/dvd in the van so that helped! You can do it!!

 

[mylilnikita]

Hello. I think all of you out there who have driven long distances alone with a child are brave. I am not that brave yet. I have an almost 6 year old and took her to DisneyWorld last November and it was her first plane trip, but then I had a towncar service pick us up and take us back to the airport and we stayed on property. Hopefully, one day I will be confident enough to do it.

 

[brooke1]

THANKS EVERYBODY

Yes i do have a cell phone plus AAA, and will also ask about the long 300 mile drive from Georgia's I-75......any exits I should aviod.

Hey if anybodys knows anything about the I-75 exits in georiga please let me know

and thanks again

 

[kilee]

When my son was 3 I took him on a 15 hr (each way) car trip alone. It was great!! I know he doesn't remember really any of it, but I have really great memories of it. I would actually really like to go w/ him alone to WDW for his bday in Jan, but don't want to hurt DH's feelings, so I'm still looking for a way to bring it up.