Women Need to Travel for Our Sanity

When was the last time you went away on a girls trip or by yourself? Have you found yourself wondering when you’re going to be able to take the time to get away? This is definitely something that not only I but my girlfriends have thought about consistently. In between doing the laundry, cleaning up vomit, walking the dogs, sending emails, ironing their partner’s shirts, scheduling appointments, and running to the grocery store, we dream about sleeping in and no one calling out mom, a phone ringing, or emails coming in, and even going to the bathroom without a child interrupting.

​We do so much for everyone else and always put ourselves last. We know why we do it. I know why I do it. I love my children! I love my parents, and I really love my career but am I showing that same amount of love to myself? Are you? Not really! All of this giving, giving, and giving some more leads to us being completely depleted. It’s how you become stressed, sick, and rundown. You’re no good to anyone in that status.

There are plenty of times when I say you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. But we never stick to that model for ourselves. I know I need to recharge more, and I know I need to commit to doing it. The best way I’ve found so far is to travel. Just get away. So that’s what I started doing.

I remember my first trip solo. I was pregnant with my second child and I escaped to Jamaica for a long weekend by myself. It was pure bliss. I had a king size bed, oceanfront views, a butler, room service, a TV, a book, and several magazines. I went from sleeping in, to ordering in, to the pool, to taking a nap, to swimming in the ocean and reading a book on the beach. I pretty much did whatever I wanted to do.

​Things changed after my second baby for a long time. I shortly thereafter became a single mom and was either working or spending time with my children. I never had a night or day off. The lack of self-care caught up with me real quick. I found myself yelling, stressing, and just not enjoying my children grow up.

At the time I couldn’t get away for longer than maybe 24 hours. So I booked a water view room at the Grand Hyatt Tampa and told no one. Everyone knew I was off the grid for 24 hours but no one knew where it was except for one person. I committed to no cell phone or social media so I could just focus on myself and doing what made me happy whatever that may have been. Since then been advising my girlfriends, and clients to do the same. Take that weekend trip to the Caribbean! Escape for 24 hours in your own city! Get away from everything and everyone, all the noise and enjoy yourself.

It is unbelievable how little it takes to return to the person you once were. We have to stop making excuses for ourselves. You can’t just get away and not take care of yourself the same way you take care of your children, partner, career, or your mom. You have to do it and do it well. Travel somewhere you have been before or travel somewhere new. Even better, go on a girls trip.

Bottom line, have the vacation you want to have and come back rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world. I believe the ideal time to take a time out would be once every three months but we know that’s not truly possible most of the time or for many of us. But definitely, do it once a year if not twice and don’t feel guilty about it. That’s the great thing about travel, it takes you away from your everyday life, feeds your soul, heals your heart, strengthens your core, and allows you to be you.

​If you don’t know how or where to start and you don’t want to do it alone, I have created a women’s retreat that allows you to be the best version of yourself. Most retreats are typically packed with things to do and you really don’t get a chance to rest or choose what you want to do. This three day weekend provides plenty of time to pamper yourself, rest, enjoy other women, and commit to taking care of you. Check all the details here.

Share the knowledge