Stop the press!  All mothers should travel solo?

How, why, when do you expect this to be able to happen when one has a family to look after?  I’m not going to lie, it could definitely be a very tall order for many of you to pull off such a mean feat.  But I highly recommend calling in all your favors and making it happen – I promise you wont regret it!  Recently I took my first solo trip with BRB Travel since I have become a mother and it was a breath of fresh air.  It was only 2 nights but it was just what I needed to recharge my batteries.  And I can’t quite believe the speed at which I could make it through the airport on my own! Do you still need more convincing that this is a good idea? Then grab a cuppa and read my thoughts below on why I think all mother’s should travel solo at least once.

WE ALL NEED A BREAK

First and foremost, motherhood is EXHAUSTING and we all need a break.  Therefore, why not take a solo trip and enjoy some true R&R.  We have all seen those memes joking that mothers never actually go on holidays, they just parent in a different location.  And it is a relatively true sentiment, especially when the children are young and need your constant attention.  A few days away with literally no one or nothing to worry about is my definition of mummy heaven.

REFOCUS ON WHATS IMPORTANT TO YOU

Pre-kids I always used to find holidays a great time to unwind and set some new goals for myself.  Escaping the daily grind would allow me to refocus, remember what was important and decide what was going to be next on the agenda.  Whether its looking for a new job, starting an exercise regime, learning something new or prioritizing more quality family time.  A solo trip will allow you the time to enjoy a clear mind free of any distractions.  And as such, it the perfect time to refocus and allow you to work towards being the best version of you – for yourself and your family.

TIME TO RECONNECT TO YOURSELF

A solo trip will allow you some time to reflect on who you were before you were a mother.  You will no longer be exactly that person as a lot has changed.  But I’m guessing there are still things that you would like to maintain that might have fallen by the wayside.  Perhaps you were really enjoyed adventure activities or absolutely loved fashion.  Go out and rediscover those things and remember why you were passionate about them to begin with.

REBUILD CONFIDENCE AND INDEPENDENCE

It is very difficult to be independent and carefree when you have a young family relying on you to take care of them. And once you enter the realm of motherhood, it is easy to lose self confidence as you try to rediscover the new you.  Solo travel requires you to be confident and resilient, regardless of who you are.  So take a leap of faith and enjoy a trip on your own.  Join a tour, talk to fellow travellers and start remembering who you are when you aren’t in mum mode.

REMEMBER THE THINGS YOU ENJOY

What did you do on holidays before the kids arrived?  I doubt you spent all your time at zoos and aquariums!  So go and enjoy some of things you love without feeling guilty.  Personally, the ideal day for me would be a spa treatment, followed by a delicious Champagne lunch and a spot of shopping in the afternoon.  I also like to hunt down the hippest coffee shops in town, which is exactly what I did on my recent trip to Krakow, Poland.

MISS YOUR FAMILY

It really is true what they say …

‘distance makes the heart grow fonder’

Some of us have wished for our families for as long as we can remember.  However, its easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day monotony of life and suddenly take everything for granted.  A few days away from your family will allow you to miss them and appreciate what you have.  Sometimes a little time apart is all we need to remember just how lucky we are to be someone’s mum.

Have I sold the idea to you of taking a trip on your own?  Katie Mac argues in her blog post ‘7 Myths About Solo Travel that need to be Busted ASAP‘, that solo travel is not selfish but rather it is self care.  And that its not just for those whom are single!  I couldn’t agree more with this sentiment, and it is exactly why I think all mothers should take the opportunity to travel solo.  So, if you had the choice to travel solo anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?  Let me know in the comments below and safe travels mamas – Shell x

Written by Shelley Whittaker for her blog, Wander & Luxe.

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