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October 10, 2025
Written by Marjorie McMillian
Whether you are a new mom or have a gaggle of teens, every once in a while, you need a real break with your partner to rekindle your romance and reconnect as a couple. According to the US Travel Association, couples who travel together without their kids, even occasionally, enjoy more happiness. So, if you are dreaming of a kid-free getaway, it’s time to stop dreaming.
Prep Your Kids and Work
Sometimes, you feel like you need to get away with your partner – and you should. Remember, self-employed people need vacations, as well! Tell your children well in advance of the trip so they can have time to emotionally prepare. Their caregivers, while you are gone, should be people they are familiar and comfortable with, such as grandparents or close friends, to reduce any anxiety. When you shut the door to leave, release any feelings of guilt; they’ll miss you and you’ll miss them, but you’ll all have a great time.
You’ll also want to wrap up any unfinished business at the workplace. After all, the goal is to avoid bringing work and stress with you! That’s especially difficult for those in leadership positions to leave work, even for a short time, so alleviate the stress of wondering what you left behind by having a vacation strategy for work. Communicate your plans to your employees, as well as important clients, and delay any new-product rollouts until after you return. You may even want to tell clients you won’t be available until a day or two after you get back, so you’re not bombarded right away.
Stay Local
No one says you have to hop on a plane and jet halfway around the world to have a good time. Stay in town for a staycation rather than a vacation. Rent a hotel room or an Airbnb across town for a couple of nights. You don’t need to spend a bundle on activities; you can hike, bike, whale watch or attend a local cultural or sporting event. Just remember to pack the things you’ll need (the appropriate gear and comfortable nighttime clothes, for example), and try to keep the suitcases as light as possible. These types of simple date-night activities are affordable and offer plenty of time to talk and enjoy each other’s company.
Keep It Short
Sure, we’d all like to take a month-long trip to Europe, but usually, that’s a budget-buster for most of us. Instead, plan a short but sweet weekend trip to somewhere you’ve never been before. If you’re in Los Angeles, for example, there’s so much to see and do, from the Santa Monica Pier to Sunset Boulevard. Make sure you stop at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Paramount Pictures Studios, too!
No matter where you end up, even a couple of days away alone with your spouse can do a world of good for your relationship. You’ll come back to your kids refreshed and relaxed, and can even use that newfound rejuvenation to optimize your own home for wellness and positivity.
Go Camping
Camping is one of the cheapest vacation ideas, especially if you own or can borrow equipment. Head to the mountains or lake with your partner to enjoy the great outdoors for the weekend. Camping, boating, and other outdoor activities offer an inexpensive way to experience nature and enjoy time as a couple. You’ll love being kid-free and internet-free for a few days.
Hit The Beach
You don’t need a large beach house just for the two of you. Drive to the nearest beach and rent a cheap bungalow or consider pitching a tent on the sand. Wide Open Eats notes that the sights, sounds, and smells of the sea can be very calming and rejuvenating. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you might take surf lessons together or try parasailing.
Bring Some Nighttime Entertainment
After a long day of fun and sightseeing, look for some budget-friendly ways you both can relax in the evenings. You can wind down with your favorite book or listen to some music you both enjoy. Your best bet may be using a portable streaming device that can plug into a laptop, smartphone, or hotel television. These devices often have tons of content, allowing you to re-watch your favorite movies or catch up on TV shows.
Do Your Research
It’s typically cheaper to vacation somewhere near home so that you can just drive to your destination. However, if you really want a week-long vacation to an exotic locale, then you’ll need to plan ahead. Use Google Flights to track the best airfare deals and keep your vacation dates as flexible as possible. Hotel stays are typically cheaper during the week than on the weekend. Use credit card points or bundle airfare and hotel fares to get the deepest discounts.
Looking for a stress-free, kid-free vacation that won’t break the bank? We just discussed plenty of options to choose from, such as local staycations, camping trips, or renting a bungalow near the beach. Even a short weekend getaway can do wonders for your relationship with your partner. And if you’re looking for something truly unforgettable, consider going on a whale watching tour with Prince of Whales. No matter what you choose, with a little planning and flexibility, you can enjoy a much-needed break and return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Prince of Whales Adventures wants you to experience the majesty of marine life. If you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you!
About the Author:
Marjorie McMillian has been studying, practicing, and sharing the concept of whole health and wellness since “before it was cool.” She could not be happier with the strides the health and wellness community has made, including the increased popularity and broadening definition of self-care, the de-emphasis on weight loss and its relationship to overall physical health, and the long-awaited welcoming of spirituality in the world of wellness. While she doesn’t share medical advice on her website, comeongetwell.net, visitors will find reliable resources intended to help guide them on their journey to whole health.
