The following is a guest post from momAgendaCOMM blogger Elena Sonnino.
We hear it all the time. “Moms need to take better care of themselves.” But too often, we are the worst when it comes to creating time for ourselves. Travel provides an ideal vehicle for renewal, and although getting away with girlfriends offers fun and laughter, a solo mom vacation reinvigorates the mind, body, and soul.
Just like with any vacation, the key to planning a successful solo mom getaway is to consider your purpose. Are you looking for relaxation? Adventure? A quiet retreat where you can read all those books on your e-reader?
Here are six tips to plan the ultimate solo mom getaway:
- Consider your purpose.
While we focus on making everyone happy during family or couples vacations, a trip just for mom means that the only one whose interests and passions matter – is you. Let the things that make your heart go pitter-patter drive the planning for a solo escape. Once you know your goals, the rest of the trip will plan itself.
- Manage your time.
A huge consideration for any getaway is time. The length of travel directly impacts how much time there will be to fully embrace the quiet of being away, so it is good to weigh the pros and cons of distance. Not a fan of roadtrips? Well, my preferences include trains and planes but I know that if I am only spending one night away, hopping a plane will not be a good use of my time so a weeklong trip affords more leeway.
- Pick your accommodations.
Depending on where you are headed, there will be a plethora of choices for accommodations. For me, luxury trumps many other factors – especially during a getaway geared towards relaxation and rejuvenation. My ideal location for a blissful solo escape includes jaw dropping views from a balcony overlooking water or the mountains (or both!), delectable room service options, activities like kayaking or hiking and a spa. Others might prefer an apartment style arrangement that includes a kitchen to avoid going out for all meals. The choices are endless within a range of price levels.
- Arrange the logistics.
In addition to planning an itinerary for your own travel, another key to a successful getaway is to plan the logistics for your family. The more you can prepare in advance with notes, calendar reminders, and even prepared meals will help everyone transition to life without mom. As a bonus, planning ahead helps you have peace of mind instead of guilt for leaving. My tip? Use a shared electronic calendar or make a list in your favorite momAgenda planner of everything that that needs to be done (like remembering to sign assignment notebooks or doctors appointments).
- Pamper yourself.
One of the best parts of taking time for yourself is the quiet – and the ability to focus just on you. Allow yourself to sleep in or wake up early to take a walk on the beach, or get to an early session of yoga. But often times,we find ourselves thinking about our family and using our precious “me” time on wondering what to do with all the silence. My favorite acts of pampering include waking up early to watch the sunrise, spending extra time at the gym, taking a walk with my camera and of course, a trip to the spa for a decadent massage.
- Don’t forget your own city.
Last but not least, when planning a solo mom’s getaway – is a reminder to think local. Getting away does not have to mean going far. Often times, a staycation in your own area can induce the same level of wellness and relaxation, without the hassle of driving in traffic or TSA lines at the airport. Maybe there is a museum that you have been wanting to explore but never had the time? Or a restaurant? Or a trail for an extra long hike that you would never be able to trek with the kids? A local getaway offers the best of many worlds.
Elena Sonnino spent twelve years teaching elementary students to chase their dreams. She took her own advice to become a freelance travel and wellness writer and the Chief Dream Chaser at Live.Do.Grow where she writes about finding everyday wellness in life.