Our Summer Adventure: Traveling Solo with My Three Boys

This summer, my three boys and I traveled to Cleveland, Ohio for a month of much needed quality family time. I was a bit apprehensive about the trip as it was my first time traveling with my boys solo.

But I found that a little planning and some tried-and-true strategies can make all the difference. So, here are my top tips for traveling smoothly with kids, along with a peek into what worked for us:

1. Set Clear Expectations Early On

Before we even packed our bags, we had a family meeting to discuss the trip. I believe in the power of setting clear expectations, especially when traveling. We talked about what behavior I expected from them—like being patient during security checks, staying close in busy areas, and being kind and helpful toward each other. By involving them in this discussion, they felt more responsible and knew what was expected. This not only kept things calm and organized but also empowered them to contribute positively to the trip.

Actionable Tip: Create a "Travel Pact" with your kids before your trip. Write down the agreed-upon behaviors and have everyone sign it. This can serve as a fun and meaningful reminder of the expectations during your travels.

2. Pack Nutritious, Kid-Friendly Snacks

Keeping everyone well-fed is crucial, not just for avoiding meltdowns but for maintaining energy levels and good moods. I packed a variety of nutritious snacks that I knew the boys would enjoy. Our go-to sandwich consisted of gluten-free bread, Applegate turkey, Primal Kitchen mayo, and lettuce, all packed in a small lunch bag with an ice pack. It’s worth noting that this setup has always passed through security without issues.

For snacks, I opted for a mix of fresh and fun options: grapes, apples, carrot sticks, cucumbers, homemade energy balls, Simple Mills graham crackers, Simple Mills Garlic and Herb crackers, Lesser Evil Popcorn, Chomps sticks, Aloha bars, and a few lollipops for smoother take-off and landing. These snacks kept the boys satisfied and provided a good balance of nutrition and enjoyment.

Actionable Tip: Plan your snacks based on your children's preferences and pack them in easy-to-access containers. Include a mix of fresh produce and healthy packaged snacks to keep things interesting and nutritious.

3. Prioritize Hydration

Hydration is key, especially during flights. I made sure each of us had a reusable water bottle,, which we kept filled throughout the trip. To encourage the boys to drink more water, I brought along some electrolyte powder. The added flavor made drinking water more enjoyable for them, helping us all stay refreshed and energized.

Actionable Tip: Make hydration fun by letting your kids choose their favorite electrolyte flavors or reusable water bottles with fun designs. This encourages them to drink more water, especially when it’s needed most.

4. Balance Treats with Nourishing Foods

I’m all for enjoying a few treats on a trip, but it’s key to balance them with wholesome snacks to maintain steady energy levels. For example, I made energy balls before the trip and brought them along as a treat after lunch. I always make sure that treats are given after a macro-balanced meal or snack—this way, the protein, fat, and fiber help prevent any blood sugar crashes.

Actionable Tip: Consider making homemade treats with your kids before the trip. This not only ensures they’re healthier but also creates excitement for eating them during the journey.

5. Pack Essential Supplements and Remedies

Traveling with kids means being prepared for the unexpected. I made sure to pack our favorite supplements and homeopathic remedies. When my eldest developed a fever shortly after arriving in Cleveland, two doses of Belladonna helped him feel better, and no other symptoms developed. When my middle son caught a stomach bug, a homeopathic remedy from our travel kit came to the rescue. These small but powerful tools made a big difference in our travel experience.

You can find my full list of must-have supplements and homeopathic travel kit on Fullscript. After signing up, you’ll have access to all of my curated supplement lists, including my Travel Must-Haves. These essentials helped us handle minor health issues quickly, ensuring we could focus on enjoying our time together.

Actionable Tip: Create a travel-sized supplement and remedy kit based on your family’s needs. Having these essentials on hand can help you manage any minor health issues that arise during your travels.

Reflecting on Our Journey

Traveling solo with my kiddos was certainly a challenge, but with the right preparation and a focus on healthy habits, it turned out to be a wonderful experience. Setting clear expectations, packing nutritious snacks, staying hydrated, and bringing along the right supplements allowed us to focus on what truly mattered—making special memories with family.

This trip reminded me of the importance of staying organized and maintaining our healthy lifestyle, even when away from home. It was a beautiful blend of adventure and bonding, and I’m already looking forward to our next journey.

Here’s to more smooth travels and exciting adventures ahead!

Safe travels,

Chrystal