Mom, Mom, MOM!! Yes, they’re calling for you. Again. And if your kids are anything like mine, they may be calling for you while in close proximity to their other parent. Moms are usually what I call the “default” parent — and I mean no offense to our spouses! I like being the one my kids come to for help, for advice, to share little bits of their day.

Every once in a while however, I need a break that lasts longer than a pedicure. I’m craving more self-care than listening to music with my headphones. And more time with friends than we can squeeze in while also working, working out, running errands, and completing our share of the household chores.

So what do I do? I plan a “mom-cation” with some girlfriends and get out!

Mom-cations: Big or Small Getaways

Your trip doesn’t have to be big or far. Get a hotel room in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, or the Poconos and drive to your child-free destination. It could even be just for one night. Pick a place for dinner where you wouldn’t take your kids. Maybe someplace with a spa or other activity you can do with your friends. Maybe you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or good news related to your health.

Celebrating with travel has become increasingly popular. It’s a fun, bonus way to see another part of the world without the larger amount of work, and cost, that a family vacation entails.

A Mom-cation to Sea Island, Georgia

In 2019, my friends and I wanted to celebrate our 10-year anniversary of connecting with each other, which coincided with our first-borns all turning 10. In honor of these milestones, we embarked on a girls trip to Sea Island, Georgia.

During our mom-cation, we enjoyed long, lazy dinners, tennis, bike rides, pool time, a walk on the beach (where we expected to find sand dollars, but did not), and a beautiful spa day. We may have even crashed a wedding (congrats Beau and Julia!!).

Being able to reminisce on the past 10 years and plan for the future was priceless — all without being interrupted by children, cutting anyone’s food, or refereeing any fights.

Must Love Travel: A Mom-cation Travel Planner

Mom-cations are easy to plan when one of your dear friends is Cassandra Doyle, owner of Cassandra Doyle’s Must Love Travel since 2013. Cassandra has planned many trips for my family over the years, for Disney World and other locations.

In 2014 she began running “Girlfriend Getaways” to Disney World, on cruises, to the Caribbean, as well as tours of Europe. When she offered the chance for a moms-only experience of Walt Disney World in 2017, I jumped on board — and went back with her again in 2019!

A Girlfriend Getaway to Disney

Disney was a completely different experience in adult company. We got to enjoy Food & Wine Fest at EPCOT, and experience each ride and attraction for ourselves.

There were no worries about counting heads to make sure all of the kids were with us, deciding who gets to pick the next ride, and which picky eater was only going to eat nuggets again. We tried out the new adult makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and hit up the Very Merry Christmas Party, too! 

What Makes A Mom-cation Worth It?

Cassandra sums up why our mom-cations are so rejuvenating. “Our annual Girlfriend Getaway is filled with laughter, excitement, and childhood wonder,” she said. “Traveling together strengthens our bond, enables us to escape reality for a shot time, and allows us to enjoy a great getaway.”

Cassandra encourages her clients and friends to enjoy group trips as cost-effective opportunities to explore the world on a budget.

Life is short. Life is busy. It’s hard to take five minutes out of a day for ourselves, let alone a few days to check out and go away, but it’s worth it. Friendship is so important. On each of my mom-cation trips I have come home with memories I’ll never forget. I experienced things I would never have otherwise, and anticipate what trip might come next.

Cassandra agrees. “Not only does a weekend getaway give you something to look forward to, on your return home you will have a fresh perspective,” she said. “And your family will have a new respect for you as a busy mom and all that you do for your family every day of the year. Except, of course, on girlfriends getaway weekend!”

Ready to Plan Your Mom-cation?

Taking time away with friends isn’t selfish — it’s essential for your well-being. You’ll return home refreshed, grateful, and ready to tackle parenting challenges. So save up and start planning your mom-cation today and give yourself a rejuvenating reset. You deserve it.

This Community Blog Post was written by Pamela Badolato and sponsored by Cassandra Doyle’s Must Love Travel.