Top
Jamaica

Solo Traveling as a Mom

Caribbean, Solo Travel, Travel Guides

W

hile I enjoy traveling with my husband, I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of traveling to some foreign country alone. Traveling alone for the first time seems scary but amazing at the same time. I mean, laying on the beach, reading, relaxing, and not having to change the laundry or sweep for a few days sounds pretty damn exciting, right? So, I started casually researching it, wondering if people go on trips solo, and it turns out there’s a slew of people who momcation all the time. I searched and found Facebook groups (specifically solo mom travel groups) of women who are experts. After watching these ladies traveling worldwide for close to a year, I decided it was something I wanted to do.

Convincing my husband

I feel like this should have been the hardest part of the whole adventure. I assumed convincing my husband to let me leave him here while I’m out galavanting around the world would be difficult. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I wanted him to go on a solo beach trip, so I thought this was going to die at the very first mention of it. But instead, he entertained the idea. “Where will you go?” was his very first question. It usually takes me a long time to figure out where I want to go on vacation; it involves planning, budgeting, and more planning, but this time I knew. “Jamaica!”

 

Can I really Do this?

I chose Jamaica because I’ve been there several times over the years, feel comfortable navigating the airport and have contacts I have already worked with for tours, transportation, and hotels. I wouldn’t need to leave the resort and explore too much since I’ve already done most of the major excursions. After all, this was a huge step for me. I suffer from extreme anxiety, and sometimes it’s hard for me to even leave my house by myself. My husband is my clutch. So, traveling solo as a mom was also about convincing myself I could do this, and I was determined to have fun and enjoy my time by myself.

 
“A solo journey is an incredible opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. You discover more about who you are.” – Anonymous

I almost canceled 

I’m not even going to lie to you; I almost canceled about 60 different times. I kept holding out till the next day, just in case I regretted it. But something deep down inside me kept telling me I could do this. Heck! I was going to Jamaica! How could I possibly be thinking about canceling that trip? I tried last minute to find friends to go with me, knowing they were likely not going to be able to, but hey – at least I tried, right?

 
Jamica pier

“The Pavilion at the Hilton Rose Hall"

Jamaica sunset

“Sunset at the Holiday Inn - Montego Bay"

It happened and I loved it

Travel day came, and my husband drove me to the airport. Everything went smoothly; I had no issues getting to the hotel or checking in. I stayed at the Hilton Rose Hall & Spa. This is a great all-inclusive hotel, and they will take great care of you as a rewards member. I was upgraded to a partial oceanview room and given special treatment for celebrating my birthday. Honestly, I was spoiled. My housekeeper, Colette, was the sweetest lady. She checked on me regularly because she knew I was by myself and Hilton managed to only send females to my room for the room service I requested. (Take extra precaution, ladies!) One thing that gave me peace of mind was this lock I found on Amazon. When I was done for the night and ready to go to bed, I used this lock to ensure no one was entering my room at night. This thing works! There is no moving the door when it’s in place. It will travel with me whenever I go somewhere, even if my husband is with me because you never know.

 
 

A fantastic Stay

I had so much fun while I was there! I stayed for four nights and ate at all the recommended restaurants and grabbed the buffet a couple of times. I laid by the beach for the better part of each day, just relaxing and reading books. The only part I found particularly annoying was the looks I received when I went to get a table in the restaurants. Each time I mentioned that I needed a table for one, I got that look that said, “Oh, you’re all alone; that’s so sad.” I’ll admit dining alone is a little lonely, but other than that, I loved every single second of it.

 

Self-care is not selfish

I’ve been called selfish for taking this trip; for taking time for myself in general. But, I am here to tell you, self-care is not selfish. It’s necessary! As moms, we always put ourselves last, but we shouldn’t. We need to refresh our minds and rejuvenate sometimes more than dads do. We’ve got feelings and emotions that we have to sort through regularly or our heads will start spinning and we might legitimately breathe fire. (I’m pretty sure I’ve done it.)

So, moms, get out of your comfort zone and take the trip! It doesn’t have to be an all-inclusive vacation or for an entire week. Just take the weekend at a hotel and get a pedicure…..because you deserve it.

7

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Life, Love & Travel

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading