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Travelling to Phuket as a single parent was something I looked forward to for a long time. I needed a change of environment, warmth during winter, and moments of connection with my children. What I didn’t fully anticipate was how layered the experience would be when travelling alone with both a baby and a teenager.
This trip wasn’t perfect — but it was honest, grounding, and full of lessons I’ll carry into future travels. If you’re a single parent considering travelling with children, especially long haul, here’s what I learned.
You Won’t Rest in the Way You Imagine
When you travel alone with children, rest looks very different from how you might picture it. Even in a beautiful destination, you’re still the only adult responsible for decisions, routines, safety, and emotional regulation.
There’s no one to switch off with or share the load. That doesn’t mean the trip isn’t worthwhile — it just means expectations need to be realistic.
Children Have Their Own Interests — Especially Teens
Some activities I assumed would be exciting didn’t land the way I expected. Teenagers, in particular, have their own perspectives, moods, and preferences.
What helped was letting go of rigid plans and allowing space for flexibility. Following their energy rather than forcing an itinerary made the days smoother.
Packing for a Baby Is Always More Than You Think
No matter how organised you are, travelling with a baby means there will always be something you realise you need once you arrive.
What mattered most was packing intentionally — not just more, but smarter — especially when travelling far from home.
Food, Allergies, and Medication Need Triple Checking
This was one of the biggest lessons of the trip.
Airline food options were extremely limited, with no allergy-safe alternatives available. This made the flight challenging and led to my daughter experiencing a severe eczema flare-up — itchy and uncomfortable for much of the journey.
If your child has allergies or skin conditions:
- Bring more food than you think you’ll need
- Only pack foods you know your child will definitely eat
- Avoid experimental or “maybe” foods
- Research medication alternatives available in the destination country
- Double and triple check carry-on medication
Planning for worst-case scenarios reduces stress later.
Buggy & Airline Rules Matter More Than You Expect
Buggy logistics are something I underestimated before this trip.
Some buggies, including the Doona, can be placed on the aircraft seat if a seat has been purchased for the child. However, the Doona cannot be used freely in the cabin and is usually treated as a seat-installed item rather than a cabin stroller.
If you have not purchased a seat for your child, most airlines will not allow bulky buggies into the cabin. These are often checked in and stored with wheelchairs, which increases the risk of damage or delay.
From what I observed, YOYO-style buggies proved to be a more practical option for air travel. They were lighter, less bulky, and more readily accepted as cabin-friendly on flights.
Important takeaway: Always triple check your airline’s buggy and cabin policies before flying. Rules vary by airline, and assumptions can lead to stress at the airport.
The Reality of Using a Doona While Travelling
Although the Doona was not suitable for use inside the aircraft cabin unless a seat had been purchased for the child, it proved extremely useful once we were on the ground.
When travelling by taxi, the Doona was particularly practical because it functions as a car seat. In destinations like Phuket, where road conditions, traffic flow, and crossing points can feel unpredictable, having a secure car seat readily available provided peace of mind.
Road layouts are not always pedestrian-friendly, pavements can be uneven, and crossings are not always clearly marked. In these situations, being able to quickly secure a child safely in a car seat rather than transferring between multiple pieces of equipment made travelling less stressful.
That said, this created a trade-off. While the Doona offered safety and convenience for taxis, it was bulkier and less flexible for air travel compared to lighter cabin-friendly buggies.
This experience reinforced the importance of balancing airline practicality with on-the-ground safety when choosing travel equipment.
Pack for Comfort, Not Just Convenience
Basic comfort items made a huge difference during travel and long days:
- Flannels for wiping hands and faces
- Gentle powder or skincare for sensitive skin
- Sufficient nappies for flights and delays
- Comfort items that help babies settle
Some airports prioritise fragrances and souvenirs over baby essentials, so it’s safer to bring what you know you’ll need.
What I Wouldn’t Change
Despite the challenges, there were moments that made everything worth it.
Seeing my children experience a new culture, different food, tropical warmth in winter, and the simple joy of beach walks created memories we’ll always share.
The bonding that happens when you’re navigating something new together is powerful — even without the rest you imagined.
Travel Essentials Referenced in This Guide
Travelling alone with a baby and a teenager requires practical preparation. Below are the exact travel essentials I referenced throughout this post — shared for transparency for parents planning similar trips.
Baby & Feeding Essentials (Travel)
Travel feeding essentials for babies
Carry-On & Travel Must-Haves
Travel must-haves for flying with children
Nappies & On-the-Go Baby Care
Pampers & baby care essentials
Philips Baby Essentials
Philips baby travel essentials
Travel Buggies & Baby Gear
Graco baby travel kits & buggies
Beach & Pool Essentials for Mums
Beach cover-ups & practical mum essentials
Teen Holiday Outfits
Y2K outfit ideas for teen boys
Teen holiday outfit essentials
Carry-On Organisation
Carry-on essentials for long-haul flights
Beach Day Essentials
Beach essentials for family holidays
Eczema & Sensitive Skin Essentials
This content is shared for educational and practical purposes. These links may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Final Thoughts
Travelling to Phuket as a single parent wasn’t easy — but it was meaningful.
With preparation, flexibility, and self-compassion, travelling alone with children can still be enriching and rewarding.
If you’re considering it, plan deeply, lower expectations gently, and trust that you’re more capable than you think.
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