Washington - The recipe to a successful solo-parent trip with kids: Equal parts planning and positive attitude.
Start small. If the idea of a transcontinental flight and shuttles or public transportation with little ones makes you sweat, pick a destination within a few hours drive of your home town.
Wheeled luggage is essential. I packed three pairs of skis and ski boots, all of our winter outerwear, clothes and a few toys in a Sierra Designs rolling ski bag and a giant wheeled duffel, which made navigating the airport, shuttle and condo complex a breeze.
Rent a condo or a suite. Having separate living and sleeping spaces can make the difference between crowded and cozy. Look for a place with a washer and dryer so you can pack light and do laundry as necessary.
Eat in. Sure, it's fun to treat the kids to a dinner out every now and again, but it's also convenient and comfortable to eat in the comfort of “home.” Eating in doesn't necessarily mean cooking every meal; most restaurants gladly prepare meals to go.
Splurge once or twice. The day both boys were in ski school, I explored Mammoth Mountain and skied the steep black diamond terrain I prefer but can't yet ski with my sons. Yes, ski school is expensive. But that money not only bought the boys important instruction, it earned me a sanity-saving day to myself.
Be flexible. Don't be afraid to change the day's itinerary if you sense the kids' energy is flagging or that you'd all enjoy doing something other than Plan A.
Trust your kids. Even if they are the president and vice president of Sibling Fight Club at home, have faith your kids will behave on vacation. Explain early and often your expectations — that they help, that they listen, that they do their best not to whine, etc. — and communicate your certainty that they are qualified to deliver. You might be surprised at how much they seize the opportunity.
Washington Post