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One Solo Mum's Guide to Solo Trips for Empowerment

How I Swapped My Backlog for a Boarding Pass.


As a single mum, my life is often a high-wire act ,balancing school runs, endless snacks, work deadlines, and that ever-present mental to-do list. When my co-parent’s weekend finally rolled around after a long, chaotic summer of childcare, I found myself at a crossroads:


Should I spend my precious two kid-free days holed up at home, desperately trying to catch up on the mountain of writing I’d fallen behind on?


Or… should I catch a £45 flight to Paris, take my laptop, and tackle that backlog in a café overlooking the Eifel Tower?


Paris won. And it was one of the most empowering decisions I’ve ever made.




The Science of Doing Something New


Here’s the thing(leaving mom guilt for spending some time alone aside...) there’s actual science behind why a solo adventure like this feels so restorative. Novel experiences, even small ones: light up the brain, triggering dopamine (the “motivation” neurotransmitter) and improving cognitive flexibility. In simple terms, doing something new can boost creativity, improve problem-solving, and even help us feel more resilient.

I don't have to explain how many times I think in a week "I need a break", and I'm not alone. A recent survey found that 81% of parents in the UK have experienced burnout since the pandemic, citing common factors such as:


I'm not special, and my brain(and backlog)needed a reset. Two days in a different city, even while working, gave me exactly that.





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Finding the Perfect Deal


I’d heard that the sweet spot for cheaper flights is mid-week, 6 weeks before on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings(perks of working in the media, travel journalist co-workers)and sure enough, a quick search turned up a return ticket to Paris for just £45.


For accommodation, I opted for a small, clean hotel in a central but safe area. My tip for solo travellers:

  • Look for neighbourhoods near transport but not in overly touristy areas.

  • Read reviews from other women travelling alone — they often highlight safety details others miss.

  • Stick with reputable booking platforms to avoid last-minute surprises.



Safety First. Because Confidence Comes from Preparation


I won’t sugarcoat it, travelling alone as a woman can feel daunting, especially in a place where you don’t speak the language. But a few precautions made all the difference:


  1. Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member.

  2. Research emergency numbers for areas, such as police and emergency services.

  3. Keep your location on on your phone.

  4. Wear a GPS smartwatch if you have it.

  5. Keep evenings simple, I made dinner reservations close to my hotel so I wasn’t walking around late in unfamiliar streets.

  6. Stay connected, Google Translate and Maps became my best friends.

  7. Travel light and smart. I used a cross-body bag, carried minimal valuables, and backed up important documents to the cloud.

  8. Avoid long conversations with people that approach you in touristy areas.



And here’s what I realised after the trip: with a bit of planning, you really can feel safe and confident on your own, anywhere.



It Doesn’t Have to Be Paris


I know what some of you are thinking, “That sounds lovely, but my co-parenting situation is… well, non-existent”(I totally get it, and have been there too, so apologies if I'm highlighting an already difficult situation).


Here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be Paris. It doesn’t even have to be a flight. And it doesn't have to be alone.


Could you hire a reliable babysitter for a day or two?

Swap childcare with a friend?

Or take yourself on a solo day trip once the kids are back at school?


Similarly, do you want to go somewhere and don't have anyone in your immediate circle to go with? The amount of messages I got from women when I posted about this trip on Instagram was weirdly satisfying. From "I need this" to "you've given me the motivation to do this", it made me think about all those people waiting to take the leap and how they could even be alone, together, in this type of adventure.


Even a few hours somewhere new, an unfamiliar coastal walk, a museum you’ve always wanted to visit, or a quiet café an hour away, can give you the same mental refresh and benefits!




Working… But Better

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I still had to catch up on work, but it felt different. I spent my mornings tucked in a corner of a Parisian café, laptop open, sipping coffee. The words flowed more easily, maybe it was the novelty, maybe the people-watching, maybe just the feeling of choosing me for a change.


By the afternoons, I’d closed the laptop and wandered. Walked along the Seine. Got lost in the Marais. Sat on the steps with a croissant, feeling, for the first time in months, like myself again.



Why You Should Try It


I’m not a “backpacker” type. I've had children tugging at my feet since I was 18 years old, so travel has always been a whole family affair or the occasional girls trip. Aside from that, I like clean sheets, a safe base, and knowing where my next coffee is coming from. But this trip taught me that solo travel doesn’t have to be extreme to be empowering.


It’s about reclaiming a piece of yourself, proving to yourself that you’re capable of more than you give yourself credit for.


So whether it’s 48 hours in Paris, a solo lunch in your favourite city restaurant, or a morning hike while the kids are in school, try it. Do something just for you.


Because the work will always be there, your mom identity will always be there, but those little sparks of joy and confidence? They’re priceless.

 
 
 

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