How To Plan A Mommy Getaway, And Enjoy It Guilt Free

A mommy getaway is SO important. It can be difficult for a variety of reasons. If you are anything like myself, I have a hard time getting over the mom guilt.

So many thoughts will go through my head, and often, they can be self-sabotaging. The reality is- it’s not necessary!

The benefits of taking a mommy getaway

A mommy getaway, for even just the morning, is so healthy! It’s a large component of self-care. I have found myself being a more patient mother and wife after a little time away.

Now that I am staying at home, just a few hours away is a gift! Getting away can be a great way to reset, especially if you’re feeling any symptoms of burnout. You may just rediscover a little bit of you!

• In fact, not taking the time to take care of yourself can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. If you are struggling with this, check out Why Mom’s Mental Health Matters

This is also a great opportunity for your spouse as well! This allows them to have uninterrupted bonding time with the kids. So really, it’s a win-win for everyone!

I also suggest that your spouse plan something special for the kids so they can have their own outings.

An additional benefit- you may find that your spouse and friends may be extra supportive, and may even encourage you to have more outings in the future. Remember, what’s healthy for you, will be great for the family!

How to determine the right time for your mommy getaway

Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself:

When was the last time you had a momcation?

Have you been feeling burnt out?

Do you feel like you need a little escape to get away and clear your head and recharge?

Have you been practicing self care?

Have you been feeling more stressed than usual?

Are you in need of some quality time with your girlfriends?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then now would be a great time for a mommy getaway!

How to plan a mommy getaway

As a busy mom, who also suffers from mom guilt, it took some time for me to figure out HOW I can do this! Here is what has helped me!

Accept the challenge and let go of micromanaging

It’s hard stepping away from the kids. Especially, if you want to be in control. The first step is accepting that you are going to be taking some time away- and that is okay!

Your littles will be okay with your significant other or family member. For myself, I had to overcome the ME. 

Manage expectations

What are the expectations for this time away? I often will continuously be thinking about my little one, I can’t even help it. I think this is pretty normal. Letting go of expectations truly helped me.

Accepting that my toddler would be fine with my husband without keeping up with the normal routine. 

The burning questions of:

Will he be properly fed?

The naps- will they be managed properly?

Will he have too much screen time?

How will the change of routine effect him?

The truth is, my husband is more than capable of watching our son. He is an excellent father. I have never doubted him, not even for a second. Being the primary caretaker, it was just hard of letting go and surrendering my control.

Releasing the fear that a day or two outside of routine would undo any hard work I’ve done. And guess what? Everything was always fine! They always have a great time.

Once I let go of my expectations and desire to micromanage, I was able to have a more enjoyable time out while letting go of the guilt. 

Inviting friends to your mothers day out

Will you be going out with a group of moms? There is something to be said about solidarity. Mothers understand what you’re going through. Especially if they have kiddos the same age. This can be very therapeutic. However, it can take a little more effort to plan. 

Will you be going out with a best friend who doesn’t have kids? This is still an excellent opportunity! These friends may not understand what struggles you may be going through as a mother, but it’s a possibility that they have been deprived of quality time with you!

Although there is no escaping motherhood (as I stated earlier, I am constantly thinking about my little one), it is refreshing to get away for a bit, both physically and mentally.

Choose your dates 

What better way of securing your time away? Put it on the calendar! First, discuss the dates with your significant other or family member. Second, reach out to your friends. Understand, that flexibility is key, and cancellations are highly likely, especially if you’re talking with other mamma friends.

Sometimes, becoming creative with the activities will help ensure you are successful in planning an outing.

Maybe you can only get out for a few hours with one of your girlfriends- that’s okay! Instead of pushing for an entire day or weekend getaway, plan for brunch or manicures! 

As a military spouse, this can be even more challenging. It is so difficult to nail down dates. Events get canceled all of the time. Have grace on yourself. It is so easy to get discouraged, especially during deployments. During these times, keep smaller outings on the schedule.

This will hopefully decrease the chances of having to cancel. During deployments and TDYs, it is even more necessary to have that time away.

Plan your getaway and activities

Now for the exciting part! Once you have figured out the dates, and discussed it with friends, you can figure out what it is that you would like to do for your mothers day out!

Is this your first time away from your little one? Maybe a small day trip or morning out will be a great baby step. Either way, there are so many options whether it’s a morning out, or a weekend getaway!

Living in Germany, it’s been tough to have any time away. We are hours from post, so unable to utilize any of those resources. I haven’t had many smaller outings, but I was beyond blessed to take a trip out to Reims for a weekend of Champagne, and a 24 hr Chocolate Zurich trip.

Both were amazing short getaways! If you’re living overseas and stationed in Germany, I would also recommend a spa day at a sauna– and embrace the nude experience!

Some ideas for your mommy getaway

There are so many ideas for your mothers day out! Here are a few of my favorites things to do right close to home:

• Eating out
• Coffee date
• Spa day
• Shopping
• Spending quality time outside
• Stay-Cation
• A night out in your nearest city
• A weekend getaway to a winery

How to plan your getaway on a budget

For weekend getaways, be conscious of the price. Work within the budget of friends. This is so important during the planning phase. This may likely be the deciding factor for flying out to Napa Valley, or a staycation in a nice hotel.

Either can be an excellent mom getaway. Planning ahead of time will allow you and your girlfriends to look up deals and do extensive research on your getaway.

Have open communication

If there is a particular activity or trip you’re dying to go on with some girlfriends, this may need to be planned out a bit in the future. Put it on the calendar! Get it in the works. 

Treat even the littlest outing as special- because it IS special. Take this time to pamper yourself, you deserve it! You don’t always need to do something big. Sometimes an afternoon away can be absolutely perfect for recharging.

Bring the goodies!

Bring all sorts of goodies! Give yourself permission to splurge a little bit. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Magazines
• Snacks
• Chocolate
• Water
• Wine

Finally, leave the guilt and enjoy your mommy getaway!

This is your time away! And as busy mommas know, your time is precious. Make the most of it. It truly is self-care. It’s hard to realize when you are pouring from an empty cup, and a little getaway (even if it’s just a morning out) can be enough to fill some of that momma cup.

Like I mentioned earlier, having a little time away, makes me a more patient momma and wife. Your kiddos will be okay. Let go of that guilt, and breathe! Take care of yourself!

What helps you plan that mom getaway? Do you have some favorite ideas? I would love to hear them!

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