Last summer, at one of my friend’s beach vacations (which were very much more relaxing than we made out to be), she invited me to join her for a weekend and some solo trips. It was the height of summer vacation time, with plenty of nights booked, and we had nothing but our trusty motor bikes. And we both loved it! I always dreamed about that trip. But this year everything happened…and so did it’s all about solo travel. As a couple who have been married long enough, how should you feel in these situations when your partner is willing to do things on their own? This post is meant to help, particularly for women who have recently gotten married and are planning a “ solo road trip ”, how to handle certain aspects of the plan, such as having children and traveling alone among others. The purpose of this article is to answer questions like these, and hopefully provide a few resources that will make your decision regarding taking off on your own much easier!
1. If you don’t plan to leave together and are really happy just spending the whole holiday with them, then yes, please do go ahead. Take advantage of some family holidays or even get some family bonding time out of the way (there’s a huge difference) and enjoy a break. Get away from each other for awhile together and figure out what works best for you. Once that happens, then you can decide if you truly want to take off by yourself or stay together.
2. For those of you who have children, here is some extra advice related to parenting when going on these kinds of solitary vacations…
Be prepared! Prepare mentally and physically, have a supply of money saved up, and a place to live. Bring along any medical necessities and prescriptions that you need during your travels and keep a healthy supply of medications on hand just in case you run into unexpected health issues or things don’t go exactly according to plan.
Bring clothes and toiletries! Make sure that you have some non-perishable food and drinks ready to last you through the entire month of vacation, especially while traveling across town or to different locations. Keep some snacks and water, too, in case the weather isn’t great during the day, so that your body can function on an adequate level without having to get hungry at night or being dehydrated with no fluids available. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Bring medications. You may not be able to work while you travel, and may take medications that limit ability to drive, walk, or perform errands or tasks if you are injured.
Bring a first aid kit…the sooner you get started, the better, just in case, anything goes wrong, and you have to get to a hospital or emergency shelter sooner rather than later. Do remember, though, that you will use medication to treat minor injuries as well as any diseases that are common in people of old age.
Bring a small house. Many older generations tend to feel vulnerable when they aren’t surrounded by other family members, so bringing a smaller home will help minimize the risk by making your home feel safe and comfortable for everyone. A home doesn’t have to cost a lot, either. A space only needs a shower, a microwave and/or table, chairs, and a TV to watch movies!
3. Another tip for those going on the trip with lots of children, is to think ahead and prepare for potential roadblocks and challenges. While there may be many obstacles that could arise, there will also likely be opportunities as well. There may be times where you need to stop and rest in order to avoid traffic jams, or perhaps you will want to find a scenic spot to view nature while you’re outside. Remember, you are also taking care of three little humans who depend on you. It would seem unfair to put up with all of these things if you haven’t planned for them. Also be aware of the times when you might need to get back to base or head back to camp for safety reasons, so that you aren’t stuck behind the wheel, running around doing something else that isn’t good for anyone.
4. Now that you’ve read some tips, and learned some additional information about getting on your own and travelling with kids, you can talk to someone. A relationship counselor may be a helpful resource, especially if you’re in a serious relationship. They can offer some insight and support with some lifestyle changes you can implement to prevent your marriage from becoming a disaster. Be open and honest about possible concerns and decisions and let your spouse know exactly how much freedom you want to give them, and make an effort to be a part of your life and not a pawn in every other person’s game. That’s what a successful marriage is.
