Planning Your First Solo Holiday as a Mum: Tips, Planning, and Inspiration

ByChloe Rebekah

Before I begin, let me say, my first solo mums holiday was the most empowering, experience ever. Honestly. in my opinion the best self-care activity I could have done and impactful, to rediscovering myself.

As a mum I know having the luxury of going on a solo trip may be a distant dream for most. So if you’ve been given the opportunity to make it a reality, take it – but not before reading my tips, planning and inspiration.

Why Every Mum Deserves a Solo Holiday

Living the life of a mum is not for the faint hearted. From belly laughter to tantrums and spotless house to one that looks like a bombs hit. It’s no easy feat to finding the right time to whisk yourself away from it all, without the kids in tow, lack of childcare, or guilty for not taking them.

And let’s be real, the mind of a mum is just as busy as the body, if not more. We’re always thinking about up and coming events, the safety of our children, and the never ending to do list. Self-care days sometimes are not simply enough and we need a longer amount of time to truly recharge and clear our minds.

My first solo mums holiday happened 18 years after becoming a mum and by then I had three children. I’m not going to lie, I had to create the opportunity for a well deserved mamas time. For far too long, I’d been doing everything for everyone and putting myself last. I needed space, peace, and time with no other influence other than my own thoughts.

Here’s a fact to help ease the guilt: research has shown mums only get an average of 17 minutes a day to themselves. That alone, should be enough to treat yourself to at least one solo holiday,

How to Choose the Perfect Solo Holiday Destination

Well, I don’t know about you, but I have a destination bucket list. I narrowed mine down to Marrakech in Morocco, by taking into consideration:

  • Travel time from the UK
  • Overall cost of the destination
  • The weather in low season (I wasn’t about to go somewhere colder than home)
  • Whether it was family heavy (because I wanted a break from kids, not more of them).

Booking a destination can be both relaxing and exciting. Ask yourself:

  • What do I want to achieve from your trip?
  • Do I want a city break, a beach holiday, or something in between?
Riding a camel in the desert in Morocco

Practical Planning Tips for Your First Mum-Only Trip

  • Timing: Travel outside peak season and school holidays if you can. Places are quieter and prices are lower.
  • Itinerary: Preplan your stay. You don’t want to cram too much in, but plan enough so you’re not stuck in the hotel and can enjoy the facilities too.
  • Distance: Consider how far your accommodation is from the airport, restaurants and local amenities. Can you walk or will you need transport?

Money Tips

  • Take minimal cash. Either:
    • Use the safe in your room and budget daily, or
    • Register for a Wise card (an app-based card you can top up and use abroad without high fees. You can also pay an additional fee if prefer a physical card).

Restaurants

  • If you arrive late and is local and well lit area, stick to a familiar fast-food chains.
  • Research restaurants in advance. Use Google maps and reviews to check menus and costs.

Excursions

  • Booked main excursions in advance, via trusted platforms like Expedia, to experience the country and its culture. For local experiences (like massages or hammans), research Google reviews and book in person once you’re there.
front of YSL museum in Marrakech
YSL Museum in Morocco

Packing Essentials for a Stress-Free Getaway

Safety Tips for Travelling Alone as a Mum

  • Always be aware of your surroundings. What is happening? Who is around you?
  • Pre book airport transfers and confirm return journeys
  • Download maps in advance.
  • Share your accommodation, flight and itinerary details with loved ones
  • Update friends / family when get wifi and share location when needed.
  • For taxis, ask your accommodation for referrals.

Helpful Tips and Reminders

  • Purchase insurance
  • Check where you can print out boarding passes for your return journey, (most hotels offer this service)
  • Allow extra time for traffic, diversions or weather. In the early hours of my first solo mums holiday, I woke up to surprise snow on the car. This meant in addition to removing snow before I left, I had to take caution on the roads that hadn’t been driven on.
  • Plan how you’ll store valuables while away, (suitcase locks, safes, waterproof bags).

Making the Most of Your First Solo Mums Holiday

Bear in mind, your first solo mum’s holiday could also be your last for a while, so make it count.

  • Plan each day to make the most of your time.
  • Be present. Don’t worry about what is happening at home.
  • Step out of your comfort zone and give yourself positive self-talk: “This is a once in a lifetime experience, make the most of it.
  • Try new things and embrace the freedom.

Returning Home Refreshed and Recharged

The best part about a solo mum’s holiday is how you return; calmer, lighter, and re-energised. It’s not just about the holiday itself, but about rediscovering yourself and bringing that refreshed version of you back to your family.

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