Solo Parenting on the Road: Road Trip from the South to the North Pole

Traveling solo with a toddler is no small feat, but after a few road trips under our belt, Olive and I have developed a bit of a system. This past trip from Tennessee to Michigan was no exception — eight hours turned into twelve (naturally), but we came out the other side with memories, laughs, and a little collection of rocks.

Road Trip Prep: Snacks, Suction Curtains, and a Disney Playlist

When you’re traveling with a toddler, preparation is everything. Knowing we’d be gone for two weeks, I rented a car through Hertz (loyal customer here — their loyalty program is unbeatable!), packed up the essentials (and then some), and hit the road.

• Pro Tip #1: If you're renting a car, check for tinted windows. Ours didn’t have any, and I found myself rolling up Olive's blanket in the window as a makeshift sunblock. A window curtain would’ve saved the day (and my sanity).

Our first major stop was Lexington, KY, to visit one of my college best friends, Auntie Ariel. We grabbed lunch at The Local Taco (still one of my all-time faves) and caught up. Ariel, being the queen she is, came bearing car toys and books for Olive — gifts that kept her entertained for hours on the road. Bonus: Lexington is where her obsession with rocks began. By the end of the trip, she’d picked a rock from every stop. We now have a “rock kitchen” at home.

• Pro Tip #2: Plan your route around meaningful stops. A break to see a friend not only stretches little legs but also fills the heart.

Road Trip Magic: Snacks, Snoozes, and Sing-Alongs

The key to road tripping with a toddler? Snacks, toys, and strategic naps. Olive snoozed through most of the drive (bless her), waking up just long enough to stretch her legs, snack, and dance along to my Disney playlist.

On our return trip, we switched up the route and stopped in Indianapolis to visit another college bestie, Auntie Chelsea. Timing worked out perfectly; she’d just landed, and we got to have breakfast, hang out, and introduce her parents to my daughter. It was a lovely detour and a sweet reunion.

• Pro Tip #3: Overpack snacks and keep them within arm’s reach. Toddlers get hangry fast, and no one wants to pull over every hour for crackers.

A Journey Worth Taking

This trip wasn’t just about the destination — it was about the moments in between. The time on the road singing Disney songs, the pit stops to hug old friends, and the little reminders that healing often comes in unexpected ways.

Traveling during the holidays is bittersweet for me, as it brings up memories of my grandmother, who made this season special. But this trip, with its little adventures and big laughs, was exactly the kind of reset I needed.

Much love,

LB