Hardworking Single Mom Takes Break, Travels with Kids during Pandemic

Think of traveling with kids during a pandemic? The rules are different in every state, city, and country. Some ban entry while others simply suggest kids do not travel while awaiting the novel coronavirus vaccine.

However, Sasha Smolova, a single mom of 8 and 6-year-old boys, decided it was worth traveling with kids during the pandemic. From travel tickets to accommodations, the single mom found the cheapest deals for traveling during the pandemic.

Malta is the Place to Be

Smolova searched for destinations that did not require self-isolation upon entry. She found Malta, an island nation south of Sicily (Italy), with agreeable conditions. She and her sons had traveled to Malta before the pandemic. The family has friends in Malta who shared about the health situation and weather there.

Now, it was worth comparing the cost of traveling to Malta before and during the pandemic. Smolova noted that the cost she paid for the entire month-long vacation was less than a fortnight's stay at a hotel in the previous year.

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How to school your kids while you travel during the pandemic?

What about children's schooling, you may ask? The Smolova kids were out of school for a total of 6 weeks. The last two weeks were spent in self-isolation when they got home in Scotland. Thankfully, none of them were infected with coronavirus, Dailymail UK reported.

The first two weeks of their holiday coincided with the October holidays in school. Smolova also made sure the kids continued their online classes and worked on their printable worksheets during the vacation.

As for herself, Smolova juggles three jobs as a sports instructor, photographer, and translator. But, she advised moms to be completely present and give your family quality time while on vacation. For this reason, she did not work and handled no clients during the vacation.

She Spent Only a Little Over $1,200

Smolova scored bargain return flights from RyanAir for $180. For accommodations, she initially booked two nights at a local '35Euro' hotel. As they encountered no problems upon arriving in Malta, she continued to book her family for 28 nights at different 4-star hotels at half the price pre-pandemic, The Scottish Sun reported.

The family often takes three holidays a year, but this is their longest holiday so far. Smolova encourages single moms to take advantage of the bargain deals on flights and accommodations.

Advantages of Traveling for Kids

The Scottish mom says she neither regrets nor is concerned about criticisms. For her, her kids learned things during their travels that were not taught in class.

"Holidays make you filled with happiness and positivity, which boost your mental health," Smolova said. She noted how she is always busy year-round with her three jobs. Further, she admits she does not have much time with the kids when the entire family is home.

So on holiday, the family enjoys quality time with each other, traveling and doing sports. Would you travel with kids during the pandemic? Check out airfare deals and hotel rates of places you want to consider.

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