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That sounds like a great idea for the two of you and very special! I'd go for it. I don't have suggestions of where to go because I know nothing about that area, but if you know your kid is chill and you only have one then I feel like it will be a fun time. I'd pick a short flight and scope out good kids museums/zoos, etc. She'll get to run the show which is cool.

I think it sounds like a great time as long as you're prepared for a pretty chill vacation where you spend a not-insignificant portion of the time watching a toddler sleep. Get either a suite hotel or (if you go someplace warm enough) a balcony and I think you'll have a blast!

I don't think it's crazy! I have an almost 29 month old; I can totally see myself traveling with just us two, as long as it's not far and the destination makes it easy (like all inclusive or walkable everything).

I personally would not- my DD is 26 mo she's been a challenge lately in general and we recently took a 2 hour flight for Easter and it was a lot even with DH. Just her weird laying on the ground tantrums- plus our stuff and a car seat and getting a rental car. I might drive to a close by beach for one or two nights and fill the rest of the time with day trips like to the Zoo and children's museum.

Not saying you should not go, I just wouldn't with my kid. I would totally do something like this when she is older/more manageable.

Can you drive instead of fly?

@mrskansas: I guess to me it would not be worth the investment until she could enjoy it more and even remember.

Traveling just seems to make her behavior worse. We went to Palm Springs for a day trip and she refused to be carried or walk and would just lie on the sidewalk. We don't use a stroller at home anymore but it may have helped but she may have just screamed. Anyways I'm coming from a place of just having done this and it not as ideal as traveling with her in the past has been.

I would happily go somewhere within driving distance (maybe 3 hour range). My son is at a great age (2.5 yo) in terms of flexibility and we've flushed out a lot of the triggers for tantrums. He's actually great in the car, too, the time limit is related to me being pregnant and not desiring to take a tour of the county's restrooms.

I would not fly on my own with him unless we were going to a destination that had friends / family. Even then, when I think of the logistics in terms of the basic air travel I can't quite figure out how all parties wouldn't end up miserable / grumpy. I'm currently picturing pregnant me trying to convince DS he needs to ride in the stroller with his carseat bag on my back and trying to balance a suitcase and a carry on. No thank you!

I'd do it in a heartbeat - sounds like a blast and an excellent "mom and me" bit of special time

When it's been me and LO traveling more alone (haven't done a full trip alone but gone with my husband on business trips where he is gone day and night for evening events so it's just me and LO day and night) and like @Mrs D: said we embrace room service. It's fun. Order in and chill and watch cartoons together.

I'd limit luggage to one carry-on roller suitcase and whatever you normally carry (purse, etc.). That isn't bad to manage with a kid, especially if you can get away with wearing them still so they can't escape you.

You could always rent a car seat from the rental car place. Yes it's not an amazing seat (but we've rented seats several times and they have always been clean and in good condition) but it's one less major piece of gear to haul around.

Heck yeah! Take a stroller, be flexible, and you'll have a blast! Someplace like San Diego, where you could stay somewhere with a pool, go to the beach and the amazing zoo would be fun, maybe somewhere in Texas on the coast, Phoenix (no beach, but tons of pools and a nice zoo), Denver (no beach, but lots to do for a LO) are all reasonable flights from Kansas. Can't wait to hear what you decide!

@mrskansas: I would totally do this with DD she is so chill and pretty easy!!!! How fun!

I've quasi done this. From the time he was 8 months to about 22 months we had a shore house and I would often go for a week or so at a time just us two and my husband would meet up with us at the end of the week. So about 5 days just me and DS and Friday - Sun DH would join.
It was about 1.5hr drive so the travel aspect isn't the same.
But we'd be there and I'd solo parent - go to beach, pool, groceries, restaurants, playground, etc. So typical vacation stuff.
At home being alone for 5 days I'd probably lose my patience. But being in vacation mode made it way more doable. Especially if you're on a beach that's not super crowded and LO can just play in the sand while you sit and relax
We got a place again this summer for the whole month of June and I can't wait! I'll be there solo parenting a lot but it'll be a lot of fun I think.

Oh and I do fly a lot alone with my son but usually to visit family. So the actual travel aspect with a 2yo isn't bad at all. I would def combine flying alone and going on a vacation alone with him.

Could you go to Great Wolf Lodge or someplace like that for a few days?

DH and I have both done mini trips with 1 LO and it was so fun.

I would. The hardest part about my almost 2.5 year old is having to parent two at the same time. When I have him alone he's much easier (and he is not an easy child!)

Pick a direct flight, get a hotel room that has a suite type thing so you don't have to go robbed at 8, and make sure it's someplace with easy access to food (restaurant on site etc).

Do it! DD was younger (about 1) but I took her alone to South America for a few days (DH met us there later) and we had such a blast. No, she'll never remember it, but I think it was great bonding time for us and I had so much fun showing her things.

Also, I personally think the stress of traveling is nothing compared to how much faster time goes when LO and I are out and about. 4 days home alone with her would drag, but being somewhere else even if it's just to walk around and go to playgrounds makes it speed by. Basically what @SweetiePie said.

I think your Kansas City option sounds perfect.

@mrskansas: my husband is going on a 7 day fishing trip with his dad and brother in Ketchikan in July. I kind of thought about doing something similar to what you're thinking, but with my mom, too. We will most likely just get a condo on the beach (Oregon coast). But, if I could afford it, I would love to fly to a warm beach location! Preferably a Hawaiian resort!

ETA: my daughter is also 2

@mrskansas: awesome! Glad you settled on something comfortable for you.