3 insights I wish I had before planning my first 'momcation'

As a mother of two toddlers just 19 months apart, the pandemic posed unique challenges for me. I shifted from enjoying my freedom and independence to suddenly juggling work-from-home responsibilities alongside full-time motherhood. It’s clear that I’ve needed personal time for myself multiple times over the past year.

Known affectionately as a "momcation", a solo trip for a mom means much more than just a getaway. It offers tranquility and the liberty to engage in whatever she desires. These are luxuries that most mothers can't claim in their daily lives.

I’ve been fortunate to embark on several trips without my family — from a week-long adventure in Aruba to a weekend getaway nearby to enjoy watching planes at SFO — and I learn something new each time. However, I didn't always know how to optimize my time away.

From the initial planning to the activities and even the little details you might overlook, here are three insights I wish I had known while organizing my first solo mom trip.

Explore all destination possibilities

Choosing a destination for any trip is thrilling. However, selecting a location for your solo mom trip is particularly special and significant. Depending on your comfort level with being away from your family and how many days you wish to be gone, it’s a chance to check off a place from your bucket list or revisit somewhere you didn’t fully experience when you traveled with your family. The possibilities are limitless, but I like to keep a few considerations in mind when determining where to go on my solo mom journey.

Cities and beaches offer completely different vacation experiences. In a bustling city, I find myself eager to explore museums, walk for miles admiring the architecture, and compile a list of must-try restaurants. Conversely, at the beach, my only concern is how many hours I can spend soaking up the sun — all I want is to unwind and listen to the waves.

On the other hand, there's something uniquely refreshing about escaping all the noise, especially from your kids, and fully immersing yourself in nature. Picture yourself sipping a hot cup of coffee on a deck with a view of the woods before embarking on a forest hike. If you seek tranquility, a retro airstream could be the perfect retreat for you.

You don't always need to venture far to carve out some "me time." Sometimes, it's less about earning a new passport stamp and more about the mental health rejuvenation a solo mom trip provides.

We often get swept up in the allure of international travel and overlook the wonders in our own backyard. It’s vital to remember why you're embarking on this trip to ensure you gain everything you desire from the experience.

Emphasize hobbies and personal interests

The great advantage of a solo trip is the freedom to pursue whatever you wish without needing to accommodate the preferences of fellow travelers. When traveling with family, it’s common for the itinerary to center around what will please the kids, often neglecting your own desires.

I wish I had considered one specific activity that I truly wanted to pursue during my first solo mom trip. It gives you something to anticipate during your valuable time alone.

There are likely countless activities you could envision wanting to try if only you had the time.

Self-care options include indulging in a massage or facial, treating yourself to a manicure and pedicure, or refreshing your hairstyle. Engaging in activities that require more time than you typically have is rare. Personally, I love to immerse myself in a good book for hours on end — the fewer distractions, the better. That’s something I can relish during a solo mom trip.

Depending on your children's ages, it might be a challenge to persuade them to join you for a museum tour or a cooking class. Perhaps your partner isn't keen on leisurely strolling through a new city or participating in walking tours, while you find them delightful.

A solo mom trip is the ideal chance to engage in activities you love but may struggle to persuade others to join when traveling with family.

Certain tour companies cater to affinity groups for travelers with shared interests. You could become part of a group centered around wellness, gastronomy, adventure, and more. While these activities can be enjoyable with your partner, joining a tour or activity that connects you with like-minded travelers is also an appealing option.

Leverage points & miles for a treat

It’s easy to convince ourselves that we can’t justify spending money on ourselves, especially for something like a vacation. That’s why it’s crucial not only to set a budget for your solo mom trip but also to maximize points and miles whenever possible.

Some hotel loyalty programs, such as World of Hyatt, offer excellent redemption rates for truly remarkable properties. For instance, Hyatt's Ventana Big Sur has rooms available starting at only 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night. This all-inclusive property boasts views of the Pacific Ocean (when the fog permits) and provides options for both camping and glamping.

If you're traveling domestically or heading to specific locations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, Southwest offers a straightforward, no-frills airfare option. You can easily earn Southwest miles through one of their co-branded credit cards to accumulate miles for your solo mom trip. Additionally, Southwest's companion pass is a popular feature among family travelers.

In summary

You deserve a getaway — we all do. Planning a trip is relatively simple, but a solo mom trip requires extra thought and care. Figuring out what type of experience you want for yourself may take more consideration than family vacations.

City getaways, beach retreats, and adventures in nature are all excellent choices for any vacation. You can even opt to stay closer to home and discover the treasures of your own backyard for your solo mom trip. Once you've pinpointed your destination, think about activities to look forward to. Finally, establish your budget and strategize on how to make your trip a reality. Strong loyalty programs can help you reach your desired destination and ensure a fantastic hotel experience upon arrival.

Photo by Thomas Barwick / Getty Images