You have done the hard part. You have overcome the “mom guilt”. You have decided when you are going, where you are going, and who you are going with. You have the trip booked. Now you are facing the week before you leave and it’s time to cross the finish line. The old feelings of overwhelm are creeping back in. Well, friend, I’m here to help you squash those feelings and overcome the overwhelm. Here are 5 ways to reduce stress the week before a mom getaway.
1. Complete the Itinerary
If you have this all taken care of. Give yourself a pat on the back you are ahead of the game and you get to move on to the next task, wha-hoo!
However, if you are like me, you will have the necessary things booked, but you probably haven’t done a ton of research into what activities you will do or where you will eat while on your trip. This is the time to complete this task.
You might think to yourself, “I will skip this step and just wing it.” If that is your personality and you know you will not feel overwhelmed making the decisions in real time then go for it my friend, you rock!
I personally like to have a loose itinerary. I will spend a specific amount of time researching what there is to do. I will plan out what I think my travel party will enjoy doing the most, making sure to incorporate at least one special event for each person. Then rinse and repeat for food.
We then have complete freedom to deviate from the plan in the moment, but at least we have a plan to follow in the beginning. No real time decisions needed.
2. Pack Bags
I recommend starting the packing process at the beginning of the week. I know that seems like something we can do on the fly, and you absolutely can, however, the name of the game is to eliminate stress. If you find out the night before you leave that you don’t have the toiletries that you need or your suitcase isn’t the right dimensions to be a carry on you will start you trip of with anxiety. That is what we want to avoid sweet friend.
Start the week by checking to make sure you have the size bags needed for your specific trip. Make sure all needed toiletries are in your bag.
Next plan a night during the week to have a little self-care time in your closet. Plan out your fun outfits. Get excited about having somewhere to wear them too again. Pour a glass of wine, put on some good tunes, and have a little fashion show with yourself. You deserve to pamper yourself and get things done at the same time! This also adds excitement to the remaining days of the week because you know you get to put those adorable outfits back on in a few days.
Lastly, save the basic packing for a night or two before you leave. My favorite packing essential is compression packing cubes, like these here! They keep everything organized while I’m traveling and they allow for me to pack more into smaller spaces, hello carry on!
Run through a check list of all items needed and check it twice. Don’t forget that phone and watch charger!
3. Layout Kids Schedules
Setting yourself and your family up for success in your absence will eliminate stress for you and for the caretaker you are leaving your kid(s) with. This might be a spouse, this might be a grandparent, or a family friend. You want to create an environment in your absence that is pleasant so that mom getaways will become an easy staple in your life. If things don’t go smoothly, it might feel harder to leave next time.
This may look different based on your family dynamic and your kids age. In our household I’m the keeper of the schedule, is this you too? When I leave I need to alert my husband to all school events and ball schedules because this is not his normal responsibility.
Check out this easy to fill in the blank family planner. This will allow you to communicate quickly and efficiently to your caretaker.
4. Alert Teachers and Coaches
You may be the lead contact for school teachers and sport coaches. Let them know in advance that you will be out of town and who they can get in contact with in your absence. You may feel as though you can manage from afar, but you could have an offline time in air or could have poor service at your destination and a quick contact is always necessary especially in school situations. Plus added bonus you will get to completely unplug.
5. Extra Credit: Work Ahead
I see you overachiever, and know that I’m with you! To help reduce stress upon your return back home, try to accomplish 1 or 2 tasks on your to do list for that following week. When you get back home you will be refreshed and you will want to protect your peace as long as possible. Try to schedule a light week upon return and give yourself grace and time to catch back up. A vacation does you no good if you work twice as hard upon your return. The to-do list will get done in time and no one will think less of you that you don’t have it done right away. This is a mantra I have to repeat to myself after every trip, so I’m in the trenches with you Momma.
Takeaway
The name of the game is find ways to reduce the stress. Reduce the stress the week before, the week during, and the week after. Planning ahead, though hard in the moment, will be your best friend when it comes to being a stress-less traveling mom.
Now celebrate because you are almost at that finish line and next week you will be out exploring the world and finding your inner-peace again! Hal-le-lu-jah!
I invite you to check out some of my personal mom getaways by clicking the pictures below.
Also let me know where you are off to. I love to day dream about future travel’s myself!
** Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, If you purchase I may earn a small commission.
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