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Hi Cheryl

I love your question. This is something that I have experienced (and still do) and so many parents live. Travelling solo with kids during the holiday times can be very different with young children or teenagers. Here are general reflections and then more specific Switzerland-related ideas.

Make it work for you

This is something that I have started doing over the past few years, and it's really made a huge difference to how I enjoy the holidays and how our boys enjoy the holidays.  I had gotten to a point where I was so involved with what my kids wanted that I had forgotten what I enjoyed doing. One of the things I love is being next to a body of water, so next to a lake, next to a river or next to the sea and actually have a view of it if possible. Recently I've vacationed near Lake Geneva and Lake Lugano. As close as I can get. I'd encourage a solo parent to sit down and have a think about what they enjoy and make sure to include that.

Focus on creating memories

I use it as a motto 'I'm creating memories' and remember to keep a record of those memories. It hit me last summer that we don't have many summers left with our eldest because he's going to be leaving home next year and graduating.

Share those memories with the other parent

Include the other parent in making those memories and sharing those memories with them and maybe making a video or video calling because I think it can be hard for the parent who's not on holiday not be in those memory-making moments. Maybe ask them what it is that they'd like to be involved with or what kind of memories they would like to be created for the children as well. Maybe memorable places that they would want you to take the children to (Chateau de Chillon is my husband's favourite go to)

Don't pack too many activities in and Pace yourself

That is what I've had to learn over the years and I don't always get it right during the holidays when either I am packing too many visits with friends and family or I am trying to do too many activities. Letting go of certain routines or standards in terms of food or mealtimes can be helpful and checking if what has been planned is realistic when physically parenting alone.

For Switzerland, if you have young children,

Use the Family Coaches on trains that connect large cities. The coaches are painted with bright colours and usually animals. These coaches are mini play parks with slides and climbing frame type structures. You can find out more here: This will really help with keeping the children entertained during trips.

Make use of the free water play areas in cities. On the Gurten mountain in Bern for example is a large park with lots of different play areas.

Ask for help. I have found that Swiss people may not volunteer to help you if you are struggling in the street on getting onto a train even if you have a bunch of bags and toddlers in tow. However if you ask someone for help, they will be more than happy to help.

Book a holiday apartment at a resort where activities are organised for children. The Reka Holiday resorts are all over Switzerland.

I hope this helps! And remember to create memories and deepen relationships with your children.

Warmly, Rhoda Bangerter