Prior to becoming a mom, I traveled and road-tripped to many places, mostly solo. And so did Brava, he started traveling solo at a much younger age, and to many more foreign places. And I had this idea that a child wouldn’t change my passion for travel. I don’t want my children to be the reason I can’t travel or admire foreign skies or miss deals on cheap flights tickets. But … as soon as I got into motherhood, I began to wonder if I would ever go anywhere alone again. The options for me were 1). Bring the kids 2). Don’t go anywhere. I have done both options, but in the end, option 1 always wins.
I do a lot of family travels. As a mom that travels frequently with 1 daughter and 2 sons in tow, I am a huge advocate for travelling with children, it’s easier than leaving the children home. However, I’ve also learned that to be the best version of myself also requires me to think just for myself (sometimes).
On the other hand, though, it’s also a frequent occurrence for mothers who choose to travel solo to come across an individual or two who would raise an eyebrow, thinking thattheir parenting is wrong or selfish.
The word momcation is often thrown around to describe this kind of getaway, I call it mom solo travel, but regardless of what you call it, I think it’s important for every mom to take it. I will admit, on my first mom solo travel there were so many thoughts running through my head as I said goodbye to my children. Should I be doing this? How can I just leave my children alone? But there I was, sitting on my flight heading to West Papua, thinking about diving here and there for the next 14 days while staring out the window. I never really get to stare out the window because my youngest son loves the window seat. While I gladly give it up, it was nice having it for myself.
When traveling with children I always have Brava or my other two children to talk to or to help make family decisions on where to eat, what to eat, what to do, where to go etc. So, the first mom solo travel was a little nerve-wracking. I got to do it alone again after so many years. I went to a hotel and restaurant alone, ate alone, and watched sunsets at a shared table with strangers, just like the old times. It took me out of my comfort zone and it felt amazing.
One of my favorite parts of my solo travel was being able to relax. Not just sneaking in an hour or two of Netflix after cooking and cleaning the kitchen, but really relaxing. After my first mom solo travel, I became addicted, I’d done it again and again. Of course, I love traveling with my children but these solo travels are liberating. I rediscover the things I love to do and push my comfort zone. My advice, don’t ever feel guilty for needing some mom alone time. If we don’t take care of ourselves, there’s no way we can take care of our children.
I know it’s hard to travel solo as a mom and at times it can feel impossible. But you can do it. Other moms have done it. Other moms will do it. So can you!l
tequila shots for the soul 