Vacationing with Children, but Without Husband - Can I Do It?

Aww I just asked about this a while back!! Mine are 7, 6, and 19 months (with his leg in a cast)... YOU CAN DO IT!! :) Enjoy!

Do you have a friend or family member who could go with you? I think that is the only way I would do it, otherwise-for me at least, it wouldn't feel very relaxing :)

I think I agree with the other posters who are saying that vacationing with three young boys will be far from R&R, but I understand your desire to just get away from everyday life... and in that sense, I would go. But I would see if I could find a family member or good friend who would like to go along, to help you out. Even if you have a neice or nephew who is a teenager (even a young teenager), they could still be an extra pair of eyes, ears, and hands, and would most probably keep the kids entertained a good bit of the time!

I'd say go, but I'd expect that it won't exactly be 'relaxing' for you, and I'd definitely try to find someone to go with you to give a helping hand.

Have a blast!

Yikes, 3 boys at ages 3,5 and 6 could be a handful if you're all alone with them in a new place. Depends on where you are going, I would stick to something like renting a house on the beach/lake so there's not to much traveling, they'd have a blast playing in the water. You might not get as much R & R as you'd like being alone with them, what about inviting another family member along to join you...aunt, mom, MIL, or really good friend.

I guess it depends on where you are going and how you are getting there! I just took a three week vacation with my 6 chidren. My husband flew in and out along the way. We drove all over the country. We had a blast, and would do it again. However, I do have some older children who help a ton. I say that if you are up to it, I'd do it. Don't overplan things, and just expect things to be less "adult" centered. Your six year old can really step up to the plate now and do more. Give him expectations and responsibilities. I think you will be surprised at what he can do.

I took my boys, ages 2 and 5,to the beach by myself in May. It was great, but don't expect any true R&R on your part. The R&R I felt I got was just having time away, change of scenery, being at the beach and getting to spend some great time withmy kids. Of course it's tiring! We had fun though, but just realize that like at home, your only real downtime will be at night when they're asleep or if they all take a nap! It's completely doable though, and I would/willdo it again!

I think you can do it--just expect no more than small pockets of R&R for mom! Seriously, keep it very low-key, keep them on schedule as much as possible.
I have O. child but I have taken him for short trips.
Just don't set expectations high and always remember: roll with it.
Have fun!

I have always, always traveled with just my kids. My DH joins us....maybe 1 x year. He simply does not like to travel. Stick a fishing pole in his hands & he's happy. (which is bogus, because he has to travel to hit the lake!!)

I am blessed with a Mom who loves to travel. She's also been known to take her grandkids on trips....they've been all over the USA! In fact, she gives them a "13", "18", & adult trip as gifts. We're very fortunate in this, & are thankful that my sis & I paired up our kids....we have 23yos & 15yos - & she also has a 19yo. So, I've been traveling solo for a long time now!

I truly believe if you start your kids early, then all will be well. We have a blast on the road, my kids love history & nature because of our travels, & they all enjoy the actual act traveling. Have fun & enjoy! Oh, & it's all in the prep....take lots of fun stuff for on the road....I even wrap basic snacks (raisins, etc) in tissue paper to make the moment last longer! They love "getting presents".....

My kids were 4, 6, and 7 in April when I basically took them on my own. We stayed at a resort in the National Harbor. So we parked the car and only walked for the 4 days we were there. Tons to do inside and outside of the resort. We spent a lot of time at the resort though with the activities they had for the kids, in the Wii room, Computer room, pool, movie nights, etc. They had even more events but we didn't get to do them all. We had a really nice suite so there was plenty of room and when we wanted to, we just stayed in the room and watched movies. This would probably be the only way I would vacation with the kids alone - either that or at a beah....but somewhere easy! You can totally do it though!

Like one of the MOMS said beach or lake house we go to a timeshare on the beach for a weekI habe two girls 3 and 5 fun!

It defintely can be done.
We have done it many times.

Go to a hotel or somewhere where they cater to families. THat way there is plenty to do.
There is a Hotel in Raleigh, NC that has paddle boats and an indoor outdoor pool. It's fun for a weekend, then there were the museums in town.
There is a reindeer petting zoo in Sevierville TN, or near there.
Find somewhere in CA that is reasonable and just go for a weekend first to see how the boys like it.
How far do you want to drive?

Hi J.,
I just took my three children on a mini vacation by myself. They are now older than yours, 9, 11 and 13; but I used to take them away without my husband when they were younger too. We just came back from The Great Wolf Lodge in PA. It was great! a little pricy if you ask me but it was very nice. They have an indoor water park for kids all ages and they have a mini arcade too. They also have activities for children as little as yours. Just check it out on their website and see if it is something you guys can afford. I used every penny I had saved for it, but I am pleased with them. If not, just break your days to do an activity each day not far away from home, like bowling, a water park, the movies, the park, etc. I know you can do it :)
Blessings

when my kids were 4, 5 and half and 10 I took them to florida by myself. I actually did it 3 years in a row. We rented a little condo sort of thing a couple blocks off the beach. went to the beach swam in the pool and pretty much just vegged. There was a little zoo close by that we bought a season pass for and a place sort of like chuckie cheese without chuckie or the pizza (big climbing spaces and lots of those little balls) we went to the zoo each afternoon and that other place a couple times a week. We actually stayed a month each time as I got a great deal on the condo. We went in july the first year and june the second year that way the season passes were good for both years. The 3rd year we only stayed a week as I had 4 by then and the baby was only a year old. too hard to chase on the beach lol. hubby flew out for a couple weekends the first couple years but didn't stay the whole time he couldn't get away from work. you can do it if you plan right. I wouldn't try to do anything like a big disney trip but a trip away that is low key would be fun.

I second the bringing of a grandparent along! We will be traveling in a week or two w/ my MIL. First time doing it, we'll see how it goes. Will be nice to go out to dinner one-on-one w/ my husband :)

I agree with Mom of 2 (second response below) - my experience just last week is the reason for my response. My son is 4.5 and my daughter 1.5. My son has high anxiety and my daughter being her age is in the anxiety phase. it was hard even though my husband was there as were my parents and my sister. It was a handful. I guess it depends on how high needs your children are. If they are more mature and self-sufficient maybe you'll be ok. Best of luck!

Can you bring your mom along or maybe a baby sitter you use? When I was younger and baby sat I went on a few weekend getaways with the mom and I was able to watch the kids while she relaxed and I also helped her with them during the day when we were all together as well as got some time to myself too.. I didn't get paid much.. just a free getaway.. That's probably the only way I'd consider even attempting that.. I'd feel too overwhelmed with the one 2 year old I have with no help (but I'm pregnant and restricted in what I can do). Go for it you CAN make it work you just gotta have to want it :)

my mom took the 5 of us every year to the beach. the first time we were 12, 10, 7, and 4 (no #5 yet). the next year my mom was preggo and so on. We would "camp" at motel 6. we had some who were a little older so I definately reccommend bringing some help along. It is very doable. Have fun!

If you set your mind to do it you can do it. I only have one child, daughter age 5, but she is super active. Hubby is not huge into camping, he goes with us once a year on a weekend, all the other times 3-6 other times I go by myself with my daughter. At first it was a bit much but I got use to it because I wanted my daughter to have that fun time I had when I was a child.

Is there a close friend or other relative you can ask to come along to help out. You may not get the R & R you are looking for but you will get away from home for awhile as well as giving your kids the vacation fun time.

I just wanted to mention that I grew up in a household where my father was a workaholic, and in many respects it is an addictive behavior that needs to be addressed. Unfortunately in this society, we reward workaholics and don't treat them as needing the help that other addicts need, since it is so socially accepted. The worst thing about workaholism is that they make you feel crazy for thinking it is a problem. It is a real problem. If your husband never can make time, that is. The other thing that I've found helpful is to let the workaholic know about the 80/20 rule. Corporations have found that you get 80% of your work done in 20% of your time. Also there is a great book called The Now Habit which talks about working productively vs. working more. I just wanted to mention that aspect of your question. Good luck.

In my experience, travelling with small children is NOT R&R. They get especially disoriented when away from home and need snacks and bathrooms at all the wrong times. Send the kids off to grandmas (or some other willing soul!) and just take a weekend BY YOURSELF!! It may not take longer than a weekend, and that is probably the most you will be able to convince anyone else to stay with the kids!! I travel with my kids 12 hours on a plane every year to visit our family (Maui to the East Coast). We don't call it a vacation. We call it our summer visit. It is not relaxing, but it is important for our family, so we do it. It gets easier every year, but my kids are now pros and know what to expect. Good luck.