Ever catch yourself scrolling through vacation pics on Instagram—crystal-clear beaches, cute cabins in the woods, magical theme parks—and think, “Whew, must be nice”?
Because same.
As a solo mom, planning a vacation can feel like a luxury wrapped in a dream, sealed with a ”maybe next year” sticker. But here’s the truth: traveling with your little one doesn’t have to drain your bank account. It just takes some smart money moves and a sprinkle of creativity.
If you’ve been following me on social media, you know me and my little are always traveling here and there—multiple times throughout the year. But make no mistake, I’m an in no way rich. I’ve just learned a few tricks of the trade.
So I want to share with you how traveling as a solo mom—even on a budget—is not only possible but affordable.
Travel Goals and Budget
First things first—where are we going, boo? Are you dreaming of a beach vacay, a city escape, or a camping trip with the kiddos?
Pick a destination that fits your budget. Don’t sleep on affordable gems like national parks, nearby cities, or even my personal favorite—cruises (hello, all-inclusive fun).
Decide your budget before you start booking. Consider flights, hotels, food, activities, and those little “just in case” expenses.
Pro tip: I always add an extra 10% to my budget for surprise costs. Because something always pops up.
Save Without the Stress
Saving doesn’t have to mean living off ramen noodles for months. Try these:
Travel fund jar: Old-school but effective. Toss in spare change or those few extra bucks you didn’t spend at Starbucks. Sometimes not having money readily accessible in an account is the best way to save.
Automatic transfers: Set up a small amount to slide into a travel savings account each paycheck.
Side hustle shuffle: Remember that side hustle we talked about? Let those coins go straight into your vacation fund.
Payment plan: Sites like Affirm, Klarna, and Uplift allow you to make payments towards your booked trips over time—often interest free if paid within a certain timeframe. Also most cruise lines offer payment options as well.
Hunt for Deals Like a Pro
Sis, the deals are out there—you just gotta know where to look:
Flight apps: Hopper, Google Flights, and Skyscanner help you track prices and get the best deals.
Bundle up: Consider travel packages (flight + hotel) for extra savings.
Kid-friendly discounts: Many attractions offer free or discounted admission for children—ask everywhere you go!
And don’t forget about off-season travel. A beach trip in May can be way cheaper (and less crowded) than in July.
Plan Activities Without Breaking the Bank
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun:
Free activities: Parks, beaches, and community events are usually free or super cheap.
Local eats: Skip the tourist traps and ask locals where they eat—better food, better prices. Just be sure to go in safe areas.
Day passes: Some cities offer passes that bundle popular attractions at a discount.
And if you’re road-tripping, don’t forget to pack a cooler with snacks and drinks—it’ll save you from those overpriced gas station runs.
Involve Your Kids in the Planning
Make it a family affair! Let your kids help pick activities or choose between two affordable options. This not only builds excitement but also teaches them how to budget and plan—a life skill they’ll thank you for later.
Travel Smart, Travel Happy
Solo mom life means wearing all the hats—but it doesn’t mean you can’t have adventures with your babies. A little planning, some smart saving, and a whole lot of creativity can make your dream trip a reality.
So, where are we going next, boo? Let me know in the comments—let’s speak these vacations in to existence!🙌🏽
Love, light, and wanderlust,
Tiera Nicole
My goal at the moment is to improve my home first. I want at home to feel like a vacation, then we do vacation❤️