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I Confidently Embrace Vacations Without My Partner
by Jessica Taylor
Updated: Dec. 1, 2016
Originally Published: November 8, 2010
This past summer, I embarked on a two-week adventure to Europe with my teenage daughter. Just the two of us—my husband opted out. Although this isn’t our first solo trip together, it certainly marked the longest journey without his presence.
Whenever I share this experience with friends and family, I often encounter puzzled expressions. Some are not hesitant to express their belief that a family vacation should include both parents, suggesting that our trip somehow falls short of the ideal.
However, I firmly believe that these excursions strengthen our family bond. Here’s why:
- Three’s a Crowd: In our family, having just one child means that traveling as a trio can sometimes feel crowded. We intentionally chose to have one child, and while we don’t want her to feel lonely, a three-person trip can create that dynamic. We do take family vacations, but having just two of us allows for a more harmonious experience without the need to meet everyone’s desires, which can be more challenging in larger families.
- Deep Conversations: Traveling alone with my daughter opens the door to meaningful dialogue. It’s during these trips that I gain insight into her thoughts and feelings, reminiscent of my own teenage years when genuine conversations were invaluable. At home, it’s often a struggle to engage a 15-year-old in conversation, but on vacation, we find ourselves talking openly and honestly.
- Creating Lasting Memories: Beyond our conversations, these trips allow us to learn about each other and forge memories that I hope will stay with her forever. Like any vacation, not every moment is perfect, but the positives far outweigh any negatives we encounter.
- No Compromises: Venturing out as a solo parent and teen eliminates the need for compromise regarding our destination or activities. For instance, my husband had no interest in visiting Europe, but my daughter and I were eager to explore. This arrangement allowed us to choose where to go without any conflict, and it also saved us money—funds that can be allocated for future trips, like a winter adventure to see a local sports game, which I have no desire to attend.
- Cherished Alone Time: The importance of time for the parent who remains at home cannot be overstated. Many parents will resonate with the value of having a quiet house, even for a few hours. When that alone time extends to a weekend or longer, it becomes a chance to unwind without guilt and tackle household chores that often feel neglected. Upon our return, both my daughter and I are excited to reconnect and share our experiences.
It’s worth noting that our solo trips began only after my daughter reached her teenage years; traveling with a child in their early years often requires the support of another adult. Now, as we race against time before she heads off to college, these adventures have become essential.
These experiences are a way for me to honor a family tradition from my youth. My father had a special ritual of taking one of his three children out for lunch each Saturday. Those one-on-one moments were invaluable to me, and I view my solo trips with my daughter as an extension of that meaningful practice.
While many may not understand my enthusiasm for these trips, what matters is that they are beneficial for us. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear the call of vacation planning websites beckoning me. Time to plan our next great adventure!
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Summary
Solo trips with children can foster deeper connections, enhance communication, and create lasting memories, all while allowing for personal time for the parent at home. Embracing these unique experiences can strengthen family bonds and provide invaluable opportunities for growth.