Travel has tapered off over the years. Pandemic. Baby. Life. Finances. It all got in the way and the trips I started taking morphed into quick getaways to family-friendly destinations, a different speed from the European vacations and all inclusive trips of my youth. Gosh, those were fun.I love my little family with all my heart but let’s be real here—a vacation with a toddler is an oxymoron. There’s nothing relaxing about remembering all the things you think you’ll need to make your stay as pleasant as possible and overthinking the packing list, doing diaper math before reaching your destination and making sure (at all times) to pack enough snacks to feed a small army. Of one. Your toddler who will need them once you are away from the comforts of home (trust me on that one).It’s just a giant schlep.This Friday I’m going to spend the night with two friends in a hotel in Wayne, NJ, and I can’t express in words how fired up I am about this evening. I need this. We all do, actually. Three friends with five kids and a heap of responsibilities. A night without endless piles of laundry and all the things that can wait another day sounds fucking glorious.I have this massive appreciation for things like this that I don’t think I ever experienced when I was younger and untethered. I took it for granted and expected it would all be out there waiting for me and sure, it is, but getting back there—that may take a while.In the meantime I’m going to enjoy the piss out of this night and my friends and an evening of belly laughs and sushi. We always, always manage to have the best time together.There is no greater joy in life than the gift of true friendship.
Photo by Nicole Herrero on Unsplash
Aw, this sounds great. I’m not a parent, but most of my friends are, and being able to see them sans-kids (and even just SEE THEM in general) does not happen often. This sounds like such a fun little getaway. I hope you have a blast.
So thrilled for you, Charlotte. Enjoy every minute.