Before having kids I had no idea what taking a Momcation meant. I love everything about travel, but I never realized how having children would transform my idea of vacation.
Traveling with kids is, as every mom knows, not easy living. It can be a ton of fun, and I love introducing my kids to places I love or discovering new places together.
However, you carry all the responsibilities of home along with some extra ones, like packing up and keeping track of everything. It’s great, but it’s exhausting.
My husband has been sent on a ten-week work trip, and in a few days, I will fly out to join him for about two weeks.
Now, we tried to take the kids on this trip.
Back in October, we drove halfway across the country so that we could all go.
Wow what a challenge the road trip was and keeping the Kids entertained in our Hotel rooms.
Not to mention living with your kids in a Hotel room for several days.
We spent most of our travel dollars then.
However, 20+ hours of driving into it, my husband was called back home.
Now, three months later, they’ve changed their minds again.
This indecision isn’t something we wanted to subject our children to again.
However, it’s a long time to be apart.
Initially, I thought I would go out for about five days, but I realized that I could catch him over a long weekend if I went for two weeks.
Because of ticket prices and other factors, I had to chose between long or short.
A wise friend advised me to go for the two weeks.
At first I felt a little guilty.
Was this…allowed?
Surely not.
But as anticipation built, I began to feel the weight of responsibility lift, and I realized how worn down I had become.
I don’t think this decision would be right for every family.
In fact, the friend who advised me thought it would not be right for hers at all. But, as she pointed out, my kids are used to staying at Grandma’s and are pretty independent.
They will enjoy their “long sleepover” and, hopefully, enjoy their rejuvenated Mumma. I’ll check back in after the trip to say if I still think it was the right choice. 😀
I never thought I’d have a chance like this, and you may not either.
Try to get a good break for yourself, though.
You are probably exhausted just reading this article and thinking through the process of preparing your family for your absence.
Maybe you can put aside all but essential chores for a few days and read a book from start to finish.
You might enjoy this article 5 Things Mom Should do Alone.
What other ideas do you have for a “momcation”, even if you don’t go anywhere?
Even a trip to the library for the day is a momcation for me.
I agree–I actually did that very thing yesterday!
A trip to the store by yourself or even just to Starbucks by yourself…
You deserve it! I can remember going camping with the family and being so exhausted by the time we got there. You have to bring everything..right down to toilet paper!
I can so identify with your feelings of guilt, I think a lot of mothers can. And I’m sure you know that you’ll enjoy your time and have to put aside lots of feelings of guilt while you’re away as well. You’ll come back refreshed and filled up and ready for the next season in your family’s life! Have fun!
it is not easy leaving your children behind. i know the first time i went on vacation without them , i really don’t even think i enjoyed it much.. My mind was more on them.. but i do know you need to do it once and awhile and it gives both time apart and stronger the bond… thanks for share @tisonlyme143
A Momcation to me would be to have one twenty-four hour period where I didn’t have to take care of anyone or anything. The dog included. No phones, no errands, no bill-paying, housework or cooking. It sounds so good to me, I’d go for a two-day escape the next time. And on from there.