Let me just start by saying this, mama. Are you considering taking a trip with your husband and leaving the kids at home? DO. IT.

When I mentioned to a group of mothers that I was planning my first kid-less trip, their eyes immediately lit up. They smiled as they reminisced on their previous trips when they had left the kids at home, and was pretty much every one of them nervous beforehand? Yes. But not one of them regretted their decision to invest in their marriage.

You’ve heard it before, but I’ll say it again just in case you missed it: your marriage is so important. Your kids will grow up and leave home, (so yes, of course, enjoy what time you have with them) but you vowed to be by your spouses’ side for the rest of your lives. Getting away, just the two of you, is a perfect way to remember why you fell in love, spend your time how YOU want to spend it (think of how many minutes you spend every day wiping bottoms, prepping snacks, or resolving squabbles!), and just talk.

When was the last time you were able to plan your day however you wanted?

As in, our dinner reservation is past bedtime? Great. Want to go on a walk in the middle of the afternoon (gasp, during naptime?!)? Yes.

So, last month, my husband and I had the incredible chance to go on our first trip together since becoming parents.

It. Was. Wonderful.

I compiled some tips that I learned from our experience, hoping they will help another mama who is nervously excited for her first getaway.

1. Don’t be afraid of Airbnb! It’s cheap (or it doesn’t have to be), and it’s a great way to meet a local who will be willing to give you recommendations on things to do/eat/see in their city. Waco moms, with all the tourists pouring into town for Chip & Jo, you know how valuable a local’s recommendations are. 
2. Know that your kids are going to be okay. Remember when you were little and your parents would take you for a week at grandma’s, or an aunt & uncle’s house, or summer camp?? I thought those were a real treat for me as a kid…now I realize it was just as much a treat for my parents 🙂
3. Don’t expect it to be perfect. I have to admit I had a few expectations for this trip that were shattered: for example, sleeping in. My body didn’t know I was on vacation, so I still woke up early as my dear husband dozed the midmorning away. Another one: getting along perfectly with my husband all day, every day. We are still humans, even when we’re on a vacation, and I really let small disagreements (over silly things!) get to me. It won’t ruin your trip, unless you let it. You have power over your attitude!

Do you have any great stories from a kid-free getaway, or any tips to add? Leave a comment, I’d love to chat.

Now, hop on Airbnb & pick a dreamy destination!