“A vacation frequently means that the family goes away for a rest, accompanied by a mother, who sees that the others get it”. ~
After serving 12 years in mommy confinement, I was paroled on “good behavior” to take off on a 1 week furlough to sunny Playa del Carmen 
Mexico with one of my best buddies!
Having spent only a few nights away from my kids EVER, this was a long-awaited escapade! Electronic tracking kept people informed of my whereabouts (thanks to email, Travel Blog & Facebook). It was one of THE best things I’ve ever done for myself.
It was exciting to pack my OWN bag. No counting out numerous bathing suits and 20 pairs of underwear for the kids. No coloring books, Nintendo or snacks for the plane. Just what would fit into one suitcase (MINE) which included a little black dress, a new pair of rockin’ heels along with a pile of Canadian Living magazines that had been collecting dust for some time. This was my run at fun in the sun!
So off I went leaving behind my three envious girls and one resigned but supportive hubby. (I tried really hard not to click my heels as I walked out the door!)
Our condo at Luna Encantada was jaw-dropping amazing and had every amenity one could wish for (there is a god!) Oceanfront, spacious, infinity pool and a luxury king-size bed & master bath all to myself. Pinch me, I must be dreaming (actually don’t pinch me, leave me the alone in peace to enjoy this dream!)
Moms all over the world wear many hats; we are the chauffeur, counselor, nurse, party planner, referee and secretary just to name a “few” of the roles we play. We are used to being the head-cook and chief bottle washer, solver of all problems and astute enough to solve problems that haven’t even arisen yet.
As savvy moms, we know the “dirty little secrets” of family vacations. No, not the piles of laundry we drag home with us hanging out of our suitcases, I’m talking about the whispers among the moms around the pool that “family vacations” are sometimes no vacation at all. I often come home from a vacation needing a vacation. The idea of a vacation with no one to take care of, nothing to do and all day to do it? IMPOSSIBLE right? Wrong, POSSIBLE!
I believe a smart government should protect one of its valuable resources: MOMS. It should mandate an annual PAID getaway for all moms called “Mom On the Run With No Buns” or “For the Sake of Sanity”!
Top Ten List of “Why Moms Need a Vacation Without Kids”.
10. Going to the bathroom in peace (no one waving a snack through the door asking “is this OK to eat?”)
9. Taking a peaceful bubble bath (without a knock from someone looking for their new shirt)
8. Reading an entire magazine (from cover to cover – in one sitting – while sipping wine)
7. Sleeping (with both eyes closed & not one eye open in case…)
6. You don’t have to yell, scold or give “time-outs” to anyone (assuming your travel companion is well-behaved!)
5. Eating an entire meal without interruption (& while it’s still hot, imagine?)
4. No worrying about finding missing Tupperware lids (cause you’re not cooking!! or making healthy meals!)
3. Turning off the steady stream of “MOM, MOM, MOM!” (and turning it into “DAD, DAD, DAD!”)
2. You can be yourself (for better or worse without worrying about setting a good example(“I’ll have another margarita bartender” – hiccup!)
1. NO homework (or projects, lunches or bake sales to worry about…YAY)
My hat is off to every dedicated mother out there, especially single moms (and dads). It’s worth moving mountains to take a holiday once without kids and trust me, as hard as it is to believe, the world will keep turning while you’re gone. Your kids will miss you, your hubby will appreciate all you do, and you will be welcomed home with open arms, and even a lick from the dog! It’s a shot in the arm & a boost like no other.
Signing off from a warm beach, a very rejuvenated mom!
“Playa-Gal”, (a satisfied client now working to promote Playa Beach Getaways / Your Best Getaway)
Contact Sally Foran: salgal@playabeachcondo.com
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Sally Foran is a happily married mom of 3, residing in Canada and is a frequent traveler to the Riviera Maya MX. She is an aficionado on ‘everything Playa del Carmen’ and writes with joy and passion about the area. She is also a witty blog contributor to Work & Family Foundation Canada, and NAVUT (offering professionals new to Ottawa, the inside scoop!) Sally has also been awarded Blogger of the Week on TravelBlog.Org
Photos: Gallery Hip, Rentals Your Way, PlusGoogle