Travelling alone with 4 year old?

[oddbods]

Would you? Or has anyone ever done it?

I've taken my dd abroad a few times in the past but not alone. I really want to take her away and spend some quality time before she starts school next September.

I'm self employed so it's easy for me to take some short little breaks here and there. A part of me is thinking just do it! Another is holding me back in case something goes wrong etc. Someone tell me it would all go fine and I'd manage pleeease

I'm a single parent and I've been taking DS abroad alone since he was 2. We love it. Going on our 5th trip together in December!

Definitely go! I’m jealous, 4 year olds are the best.

I've done it loads. What are you worried about? Maybe we can allay your fears :)

I haven’t I say grab the opportunity before you have to pay school holidays prices.

Yes! Do it! I did it for the first time alone when DC were 4. It was great. We like apartments rather than hotels. You’ll have a lovely time!!

i'm a grandparent and i've taken both a 4 and 18 month old together to canada (alone)
a 2 year old to spain (with grand father).
kids travel well and air line staff are very helpful.
it just takes a bit of planning.
what is your biggest fear?

Thank you! I'm really desperate to just book something. I don't know what I'm worried about really, I think it's more arriving in a different country and finding my way out of the airport and sorting transfer etc, probably sounds really daft and I've been through it before with ex but I think I'm more paranoid with having dd with me. I think I might just have to get it out the way

Just book flights at a good time of day .
Maybe pre book a transfer if it s easier or pay for taxi
Take backpack so you have at least one hand free.

Well, if I can take dds 14mo and not quite 3 from Oz to the Uk on my own, I’m sure you’ll be fine with a 4yo.

a little backpack with a harness so you have your child near you at important times and or a small travel stroller.
cheap toys from the dollar store, that cause you no worry or grief if they roll away or are left behind.
know the language and where you are going.
always spare money (be it on a credit card/debit card/not really tons of cash though) keep your phone charged.
i keep cash in a zip lock baggy, so i'm not fiddling with my wallet.
when in doubt ask staff for directions.

Yes. I first took DS abroad on my own when he was 4.

Went to Lanzarote on a package holiday. All transfers were included and it was a fairly central hotel.

Very easy. We had a great time. Took him away for a few more trips after that. I then met DH so we had family holidays but still managed to get in a few short breaks just with DS.

Perhaps go to a place you've already visited. That way you will have less to worry about - you'll know how to get trains/buses/taxis and where things are located.

Have a fabulous time.

4 is the perfect age for this kind of thing, IMO, as they are curious enough to be interested in everything and are happy to 'adventure' with you. You don't have to pretend you know exactly what you are doing and can chat with them about what you need to do and explain, if you aren't sure, what you can do to find out anything you need to know and I bet she will LOVE being involved in solving problems and being part of your 'team' to get things done.

You could also look at a single.parents organized trip for the first time like singlewithkids.co.uk
Smallfamilies.co.uk
Etc

You'll be fine!