There is a lot to keep up with when you travel as a single parent. Even a road trip turns into an undertaking! International travel can be even more nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. As with all things, preparation is key. And because I know you’re as limited on time and energy as I am, I’ve got it narrowed down to a checklist of the top three things to know about international travel as a single parent. Take a look!
You May Need to Travel with Proof
This one’s a shocker, right? What do you mean I need proof my kid is my kid? I’m their only parent! But don’t be offended. This is not personal, it’s to prevent human trafficking. The proof is only a “just in case” item, but it’s one you’ll definitely prefer to have and not need. Human trafficking is a horrifying problem, and I’m grateful that border patrol agents around the world are on the lookout.
As an extreme example, when my daughter turns 13 and yells in the middle of customs, “You’re not my real mom!” in highly dramatic fashion, I will have proof that I’m not a kidnapper, just a teenager’s parent. In all seriousness, this is not meant to be offensive or discriminatory in any way. Having proof ensures it’s easier for you to travel with your child and prevent human trafficking. Having your paperwork in order frees up time and resources that could be searching for real human traffickers.
Proof for Widows
For me, a widow, this is my husband’s death certificate and my daughter’s birth certificate. I bring a certified copy of each with me on every single international trip we take. I haven’t had to use them yet, but if I ever need either of them, I have them available. You’ve probably already had to show it to a million different people and institutions, so you know the drill.
Proof for Divorcees
You have probably already worked this out in your divorce settlement, but in case you didn’t, talk to your attorney about the right paperwork to have on-hand. A birth certificate is good, but you may also need written consent from the non-accompanying parent, or official custody papers. Having these on-hand ensures you don’t encounter delays or other inconveniences (i.e. detainment) while you figure out what is acceptable proof. You may need to show these in a foreign country, or even at customs in the States.
Proof for Adoptive Single Parents
This is perhaps most important for single parents who have chosen to adopt. Since you and your child likely won’t look alike, you’re most likely to need proof. Bring your adoption decree with you, and talk to your adoption attorney about what other paperwork you may need. Again, this is all just in case. Don’t worry about it too much!
More here: The Ultimate WORST Time Wasters on Travel
It’s a Good Idea to Share Your Itinerary and/or Location
This is a good idea even if you’re traveling with a spouse. But, since you’re not, it’s even more important for people to know where you’re going to be. This doesn’t have to be your minute-by-minute itinerary, just your planned flights and hotels. Personally, I like to have a general plan, with flexibility to stumble upon something I wasn’t expecting. As long as someone knows where I plan to be staying and how I plan to get there, that’s good enough.
Ways to Check in Internationally
WhatsApp: This is a FREE messaging app. It’s also 100 % encrypted, so you can share your location in real time to let your loved ones know where you are, without worrying someone else is reading along.
T-Mobile: If you have T-Mobile, you’re in luck! Every T-Mobile plan comes with complimentary international data and messaging. Calls are 25 cents per minute for nearly every country in the world. (One exception? Palau, which I didn’t know until I arrived!)
Life360: This is another handy app. It will share your location in real time, but only with those in your “circle,” which you approve. This will give your loved ones true peace of mind. They’ll always know whether or not you made it back to the hotel safely. There are plenty of other tracker options out there, so choose the one you like best.
Join the STEP Program: STEP stands for Safe Traveler Enrollment Program. This isn’t so much you checking in as it is letting the State Department know where you’ll be. When you enroll, you’ll put in your destination information, and then receive updates from the State Department about that country’s health, weather, safety, and security concerns. It’s just a way for you to stay informed, and for the State Department to be in touch in case of an emergency.
Keep reading: The Best Apps for Travelers
Have a Plan If You Get Separated
Hopefully, this won’t ever happen, but the fact is that it happens a lot. Because there’s only one of you, let’s just face reality for a second: It’s harder to keep track of your child or children without a second set of eyes. This is scary for any parent, but especially a single parent. As soon as your child understands instructions, make sure they know what to do if they get separated from you. A friend’s policy for her children is “find a mom.” They know to find a mom and ask for help if one of her kids gets separated from everyone else. Moms always know what to do, right? Or if not, they’ll figure out how to figure it out.
Read on: 5 Reasons to Travel with Others
What’s the most surprising thing about traveling as a single parent? Comment below!
Want more? Check out my dedicated Single Parent Travel Page!
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