Single parent? Will travel

When Adelaide based mum Rachel Toyer took her first trip away with her son Arlo, he was just three months old.

“It was Christmas 2020. People told me I was mad. We didn’t get covid. But it did ignite my travel bug. We’ve been back to the east coast every three months since.”

Since then, Rachel and Arlo have taken at least eight interstate flights, two interstate road trips and five camping/cabin trips. As a result, Arlo’s world has opened up significantly.

Jordon having a fantastic time in Bali before her accident

​​​​​“He is seeing the world from angles I couldn’t possibly expose him to at home,” says Rachel. “His life experience - and development - grows exponentially every time we travel. Whenever we travel, he picks up new skills and seems to ‘age’ overnight.”

Rachel says that the highs and lows of holidaying with a toddler are just part of the thrill of travel.

“Challenges are what make travel extra exciting. Our most wild adventure was our very first camping trip at the tail end of a hurricane. By 10pm, the other tents around us had all broken or been uprooted. But my son was sleeping soundly. And when we woke up the next morning, I had a buzz that hasn’t left me. “

Jordon's injuries after her accident.

Jordon was taken to hospital where she would undergo emergency surgery and begin her extensive rehabilitation program. 1Cover ensured all her medical expenses were covered, her flights back home, along with her boyfriend’s and ongoing income protection whilst she was out of work.

Jordon's injuries and stiches post surgery

Single parent holiday hacks

Travelling with children can be difficult but it doesn’t have to be, says Natalie Smith, spokesperson for 1Cover Travel Insurance. 

"While solo parent holidays can be tricky, getting organised and reaching out to your travel providers in advance can help lighten the load,” says Smith.

"Start planning several months ahead and be sure to get all your documents ready. Ensure that all your passports and relevant visas are current as out-of-date documents can put a dent in your plans. there are also plenty of free services available to solo parents so speak to your airline and travel providers before your trip.”

Rachel notes that while she has yet to travel abroad with Arlo, she wouldn’t do so without travel insurance.

“When we travel internationally, I want the very busy hospital care available - so whatever insurance offers that - that’s the one I’m taking. The fear of being stranded overseas in strife is very daunting. Travel insurance needs to be the very best quality, whatever the price.”

Smith says parents should secure travel insurance ahead of time whenever possible.

“Buying travel insurance well before your trip means you would be covered should an emergency force you to cancel or change your trip plans. You should ideally buy cover as soon as you’ve booked your trip to minimise your risk.”

Top tips for solo parent holidays

-Keep a copy of your child’s birth certificates: Children under two generally travel for free on domestic flights so airlines may request some proof of age. Keep a copy of your child’s birth certificate on hand for such circumstances.

- Check your travel insurance: If you are travelling with a child who is not your biological dependent, they may require their own travel insurance policy. Insurers will also have differing definitions of ‘dependants’ so speak to them first to clarify.

-Allow plenty of time: If you’re intending on overseas travel make sure you allow enough time to process any passports or visas. Start planning well before your trip to prevent unexpected issues.

-Consent letter: Some destinations may require a consent letter from your child’s other custodial parent if they are not present. Contact your embassy if in doubt.

-Bring a vaccination list: Take a copy of your child’s listed vaccinations along with any allergies or medications they require.