Tips for a Getaway Weekend Without Kids

Last weekend Doug and I took a much needed two night getaway trip without the girls. We booked this trip while in Miami over New Year’s when we realized that our family vacation, as lovely as it was, wasn’t much of a break for either of us. Traveling with kids is wonderful but also exhausting. Sometimes I find myself needing just a little bit of time away from the girls to reboot and recharge so I can be the patient, rested, active mom I want to be for them.

For the second year in a row we went to Ocean House in Rhode Island. This hotel is very special to us. We used to visit it often in the summers before we had kids and I was on the board of a nearby theater festival. I love Ocean House’s classic style and to me nothing is more beautiful or cozier than the beach in the winter. They also have a fabulous spa is which all I really need to make my weekend getaway perfect. On these mini getaways I just want to eat, sleep, read, spa and sleep some more!

It always amazes me how little I can pack when I am packing just for myself. For this weekend I packed some sweats for lounging around during the day, a nightgown to sleep in, this (and this) dress for dinners, and of course all of my skincare (including a few of these masks to revitalize my skin with.) Along with the sweater and jeans I wore in the car and of course a few books this was all I needed for a lazy and relaxing two days.

Doug and I started taking kid free mini breaks when Hermione turned two pausing the 18 or so months when Portia was a baby and still nursing. We have never gone away for more than two, maximum three nights and find in that time we can really recharge without it being too hard on our kids. Here are my tops tips for a kid free getaway!

Keep It Short

Without grandparents we can leave the kids with for a week Doug and I rely on our incredible nanny to watch the girls while we are away. She is truly the best and always makes their “sleepover” weekends so fun. However, two or three nights is really all one (non parent) person can handle alone with our kids so we keep our getaways short.

Keep It Close

With the exception of one trip to Nashville and one to Miami, Doug and I always keep our getaways within driving distance of home. I find that I have more peace of mind knowing I can get home quickly if anything happens and the girls need me. Also we save money by not having to buy plane tickets. Living in New York there are so many great spots close by!

If we do fly somewhere I always insist on us traveling on separate planes. It may sound paranoid but in the horrible event that something happens to one of our planes I want to make sure our girls only lose one parent, not both. Morbid I know but being on a separate flight form Doug gives me peace of mind. Also, it is kind of fun and romantic to travel separately and reunite at our hotel!

Keep It Simple

My normal weeks are so busy with the kids that I don’t want to do a ton on an adult getaway. I really just need to rest and relax. Instead of sightseeing around a new city, or skiing I much prefer a quiet weekend with lots of sleep, reading, spa and general sloth like behavior. The point is to come back rejuvenated, not more exhausted.

Our Favorite Getaways

Here a few spots Doug and I have been for mini trips and loved!

Miami

While we go to Miami a lot with the kids it was nice to go just the two of us. We would run in the morning, spend the entire day on a pool chair reading and then go out for dinner.

Nashville

This was probably the “busiest” trip we have taken alone but was still relaxing in it own way. We did a bunch of shopping, saw great love music and ate delicious food.

Watch Hill

Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI is probably my all time favorite spot for a getaway. The hotel is stunning, the food is great and the spa is super luxe. Plus the beach is just gorgeous to walk on all bundled up!

Berkshires

In the summer while we are upstate we sometimes take a one night trip to the Berkshires without the girls. I love being able to go on more challenging hike and see non kid theater or dance in this summer arts mecca.

NYC Staycation

Sometimes Doug and I will stay at a NYC hotel in a different neighborhood for one night. It can be really fun to venture to a restaurant we wouldn’t normally go to and explore a different part of town!