Half term is almost around the corner, are you going away? Last month, Abiye and I booked a long weekend getaway for the end of May and I’m really looking forward to our time together.
Of course with the unexpected news of my mum’s passing, it’s going to cast a sad hue over what was meant to be a romantic trip — my belated birthday present from February. But it will be wonderful to steal away from it all even for a short break.
This will be our first child-free holiday since we spent a weekend in Cheltenham in 2013. We’re also planning a family trip to Nigeria in a couple of months’ time as my mum’s funeral will take place there.
Despite why we’re going, the kids are already excited as they have such fantastic memories of our visit to Nigeria at Christmas.
Looking back, I’m so glad that we all went as that was our last time together with my mum and we’ll never forget that holiday. However preparing for that trip was an absolute nightmare between trying to sort outdated passports, travel vaccinations, booking tickets and having to pull the kids out of school early.
It’s one of the strange conundrums of travelling with kids that by the time you’re done with all the organising, and then the stresses of managing children when you’re away, you feel like you need a vacation by the time you’re back!
Last week I was gifted a ‘Holiday from your Holiday’ pamper pack from Al Fresco holidays, one of the leading providers of mobile home and camping holidays in Europe.
Al Fresco have done lots of market research around the fact that many mums mention a ‘holiday from their holiday’. In line with this theme, they sent me my very own Babes about Town tote bag filled with treats and goodies so I can have a mini break at home.
Of course I couldn’t help having a browse around the Al Fresco web site and checking out some of their sites in fantastic locations like France, Italy, Croatia… Yup, even as I crave more ‘me time’ I’m already dreaming of another trip with the babes!
5 Ideas for How to have a Holiday from your Holiday
1. Home Spa
I pulled this idea right out of my ‘holiday from your holiday’ gift bag. It’s crammed with yummy shower and body creams, fizzy bath bombs, massaging scalp brush (ooh!), loofah and scrubs, beachy scents and candles. Of course you could book yourself into an actual spa, but if time/money are an issue, simply create that experience at home with products from the likes of The Sanctuary and Soap & Glory. Scrubs especially are great for recreating that ‘just rubbed my skin against sand’ feeling.
2. Playmates
Schedule a playdate right after your holiday, so that someone can take the little blighters lovelies off your hands for a bit while you recharge and regroup. Don’t forget to return the favour for your friends in need too.
3. Date Night
It’s not unusual to come back from a family holiday feeling that bit more crabby towards your other half (especially if you’re feeling like you did the lion’s share of the work while you were away). If you’re not able to book a child-free holiday, at least plan a date night to reconnect with those loving feelings. My soon to be updated section, Dates with Dads, has some ideas to inspire London couples.
4. Daycation
Heading overseas with the family can be life-changing, but having adventures with the kids at home is far less hassle. There are so many wonderful places to explore around London and on day trips from the city, and you can still come back feeling refreshed and with your horizons (and often your waistline) expanded. Some of our favourite local activities include wandering by the Thames at Southbank Centre, walking along Regent’s Canal and splashing in Granary Square fountains.
5. Chocolate
Any time, any place. One of my favourite getaways.
Do you often need a holiday from your holiday? What’s your favourite way to recharge after travelling with the kids?
