#19: Why Couples Should Take Kid-Free Trips (And Why It’s Good for Your Kids Too)
OUR STORY | Why This Has Always Been a Priority for Us
My husband and I have made it a priority to take an annual couples trip around our anniversary, just the two of us.
This wasn’t something we stumbled into by accident. It was a conscious decision early in our marriage and early in parenthood. Story about Mediterranean cruise when our oldest wasn’t even 1 years old yet.
We’ve been incredibly fortunate:
We’ve had amazing parents willing to step in
Grandmas and a grandpa who love one-on-one time
Nannies who have been able to work extra hours and help out
And because of that support, we’ve been able to travel together — just us — to places like:
Europe
An Alaska cruise
New York City
The Maldives
Los Angeles
Hawaii
And we’re getting ready to visit Japan next
But the destination is honestly not the most important part.
The most important part is what those trips represent.
WHY COUPLES NEED KID-FREE TIME
Let me say this clearly:
👉 You are not just parents.
👉 You are partners.
👉 And your relationship deserves intentional care.
When kids enter the picture, it’s easy for everything to revolve around logistics:
Who’s driving who
Who’s packing lunches
Who’s cleaning up
Who’s exhausted
And suddenly, conversations become about schedules instead of dreams. About responsibilities instead of connection.
Kid-free trips allow couples to:
Reconnect without interruption
Have uninterrupted conversations
Remember who they were before parenting
Laugh, explore, and move through the world together again
These trips refill a cup that parenting constantly pours from.
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THE SURPRISING BENEFIT FOR KIDS
Here’s the part many people don’t talk about enough:
This is good for your kids too.
Our kids have grown up seeing that:
Mom and Dad prioritize each other
Relationships take effort and intention
Love isn’t just about showing up for them — it’s about modeling healthy connection
They also see:
The village that supports our family
The love and effort grandparents put in
The way family steps in for each other
And during our trips, our kids get something special too:
One-on-one time with grandparents
Different routines
Different voices, stories, and attention
They come back more confident, more independent, and proud of how capable they were.
ADDRESSING THE GUILT (BECAUSE IT’S REAL)
If you’ve ever thought:
“I could never leave my kids”
“It feels selfish”
“Other parents would judge me”
You’re not alone.
But here’s the reframe I want you to sit with:
👉 Taking care of your relationship is taking care of your family.
A strong partnership creates:
Emotional stability
A healthier home environment
Better communication
Happier parents
And happier parents raise happier kids.
HOW TO MAKE KID-FREE TRIPS HAPPEN
Let’s talk practical strategy — because empowerment requires action.
1. Start Small
Your first trip doesn’t need to be international.
One night away
A weekend drive
A nearby city
Confidence grows with experience.
2. Build and Use Your Village
This might include:
Grandparents
Trusted family members
Long-term caregivers or nannies
Ask early. Communicate clearly. Express gratitude often.
3. Plan It Intentionally
Put it on the calendar.
Tie it to something meaningful:
Anniversary
Birthday
Milestone
When it’s planned, it becomes non-negotiable.
4. Prepare Your Kids
Talk about:
Where you’re going
Who they’ll be with
What fun things they’ll do
Frame it as something exciting for everyone.
YOU CAN DO BOTH
This is not an either-or conversation.
You can:
Take magical family trips
Build incredible memories with your kids
AND still choose time for yourselves as a couple
Both can coexist.
And when they do, the entire family benefits.
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
If no one has ever said this to you, let me be the one to say it:
👉 You are allowed to prioritize your relationship.
👉 You are allowed to travel without your kids.
👉 You are allowed to enjoy adulthood, partnership, and connection.
And doing so doesn’t make you a less loving parent — it makes you a more grounded one.
