A single mother shares her incredible solo journey across Europe with her baby, challenging the norms of parenting.
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In an extraordinary blend of parenting and adventure, Kate Ivory, a 38-year-old advertising professional, embarked on a 25-day rail journey across Europe with her seven-month-old daughter, Auden. Starting from their home in east London, this dynamic duo traveled through Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and Italy, embracing all the challenges—and joys—of traveling with an infant.
Setting Off on an Adventure
Kate’s journey began with a simple yet profound decision. “Traveling the world after university changed my entire outlook on life,” she recalls. With her maternity leave offering a rare window of free time, Kate wanted Auden to experience the world early on.
“I wanted Auden to come into the world with her eyes open and experience different things. Plus, we were about to start weaning, so it was a good time to go. Her first food could be pasta in Italy!” What a delicious way to kick off her culinary journey!
Armed with an Interrail pass, Kate loaded up the pram and set off on this exciting adventure.
“Interrailing is a fantastic way to experience so many different things without the hassle of catching multiple flights. Plus, it’s budget-friendly,” she explains. The Global Pass, costing £320, allowed her to travel for seven days within a month, with multiple stops across Europe. Who wouldn’t want that kind of flexibility?
Planning and Execution
Planning the route presented its own set of challenges. Kate turned to an AI tool to help her navigate pram-accessible trains and quieter departure times. “There were a few times where ChatGPT suggested trains that didn’t exist—only buses,” she laughs, reflecting on the unpredictability of travel. But instead of getting stressed, she embraced the spontaneity: “We only had the first two nights and the first train booked. After that, I booked the next leg as we went. It keeps things exciting and allows you to change plans on a whim.” Isn’t that what travel is all about—embracing the unexpected?
When it came to safety, Kate felt confident. “We live in London!” she chuckled. “Most countries are way more baby-friendly than the UK, and the people I encountered were so helpful.” However, she did recount a moment of frustration crossing into Italy, where she found herself navigating stairs alone while locals admired her baby. “To be honest, I didn’t worry at all,” she states, exuding confidence.
Challenges and Triumphs
Of course, traveling with a baby had its hurdles. Budget accommodations meant staying in private rooms in hostels, local hotels, and Airbnbs. Kate needed to be strategic, ensuring they had air conditioning during the sweltering summer days. Their longest train ride stretched to seven hours, after which Kate vowed never to exceed four hours at a time again, given Auden’s discomfort. Can you imagine being stuck on a train for that long with a little one?
Despite the challenges, Kate thrived during their hikes in the Alps, carrying Auden in a baby sling while managing their limited luggage. “It was 80 percent her stuff. I vacuum-packed everything down into our backpack,” she shares, illustrating the reality of traveling light with a baby.
Kate stuck to a strict daily budget, managing around €20 for food and €60 for accommodation. “I was disciplined, but anything that didn’t get spent would roll over to the next day’s budget,” she explains. This meticulous planning allowed her the freedom to explore local markets and sample baby-friendly Italian delicacies. Who wouldn’t love a taste of Italy?
Creating Lasting Memories
Beyond the logistics, Kate’s journey fostered a deep bond with Auden and led to unexpected friendships along the way. An encounter with an 82-year-old woman on a train resulted in an unforgettable day exploring Ljubljana together. “She charged off with Auden to hold our seats, throwing her suitcase out of the window for me to stow away,” Kate recalls with a laugh. “We probably wouldn’t have crossed paths if it weren’t for the baby.” Isn’t it amazing how travel can bring people together?
Throughout their travels, Kate instilled a sense of wonder in Auden, helping her grasp that the world isn’t a scary place, even when it gets loud. “I just don’t want her to be scared of the world,” she emphasizes. “This trip is now part of the fabric of us.” Reflecting on the experience, Kate concludes, “It was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. There’s something so magical about doing it with Auden. I’m seeing it through her eyes.”
Final Thoughts
Kate’s adventure stands as a beacon of inspiration for parents contemplating travel with young children. She proves that with careful planning, a spirit of adventure, and a readiness to embrace the unpredictable, you can create unforgettable memories. “I could have gone for another couple of weeks. I just ran out of money. And pants,” she laughs, highlighting the reality of long-term travel with a baby.
This journey not only enriched Kate’s life but also laid a foundation of resilience and curiosity for Auden, ensuring that their bond grows stronger with every adventure they undertake. So, what’s stopping you from packing your bags and hitting the road? The world awaits!
