Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being a brand-new parent? You’re not alone. No matter how much you love your new little one, the pressures of parenthood can quickly pile up, especially when you’re inexperienced. Issues that should be no big deal can feel like enormous mountains when you’re suffering from a lack of sleep.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a solid support system—like doting grandparents who would love to spend some extra time with your newborn—you may find the opportunity to get away for a few days. Sometimes, just 24-48 hours spent outside the house and away from your baby can make a huge difference in your attitude. When you return, you’ll be refreshed and better able to face life as a new parent.
Where Should You Go?
A quick trip for new parents usually lasts just a day or two. Though you may be eager to escape, your love and concern for your new baby will likely keep you from flying off for a week! This means you’ll probably need to stay within a reasonable distance from home.
Where you choose to go will depend on what sort of trip you find renewing or refreshing. Different people enjoy different ways of relaxing. For some, it may be a night on the town, while others prefer to simply do nothing. The choice is yours.
If you’re near a relatively large city, you may have more options than someone living in a more remote area. Those parents may need to search a bit further to find the right getaway, but opportunities are available everywhere, even if it requires a few hours of driving.
A Spa Weekend
If you enjoy being pampered—as many new parents do—a weekend at a spa or spa hotel may be just the right thing for you. A day at the spa can make you feel as if you’ve been away for weeks. Combine that with an overnight stay at a nice hotel, a meal at a fine restaurant, and plenty of snuggle time, and you’ll feel rejuvenated upon your return!
Your best bet for finding a “spa hotel” or a hotel with an excellent in-house spa is probably in a large city, though some smaller towns boast day spas. If you must choose a day spa, try to find nearby accommodations at a country inn or something similar. If that’s not possible, make the most of your day at the spa.
Some spa menus are so extensive that you may have difficulty selecting your treatments. Definitely schedule a massage—a skilled masseuse can relieve all your aches and pains and leave you feeling renewed. Women might enjoy manicures, pedicures, or facials, while men may feel more comfortable with just a swim and some time in the hot tub. The choice is yours.
Some hotels even offer in-room couples’ massages, allowing you to indulge in extra pampering without leaving your cozy room.
Bed and Breakfast
More and more people are recognizing the charm of staying at a bed and breakfast, guest house, or country inn. If you’re not located near a large city or spa, you may be able to find a nearby bed and breakfast. Lately, it seems as if they’re everywhere.
If you’re near the coast, choose one with a view of the ocean, or if you’re inland, try to find one on a lake. A view of the water is one of the world’s most relaxing sights. The gentle lapping of ocean waves can lull you to sleep and provide the best night’s slumber you’ve had in months. An added attraction to a seaside B&B is the opportunity to take a romantic late-night stroll on the beach or an early morning walk through the surf.
B&Bs often lack the trappings of home, such as televisions and Wi-Fi. That’s a good thing! You’ve come here to relax and enjoy each other’s company. The absence of these distractions allows you to focus on one another, renewing your relationship without disturbances from your newborn or others. You can also take time to read that book you’ve been hoping to enjoy or simply catch up on some much-needed sleep.
Be sure to book a B&B or similar establishment that has a good restaurant open for both dinner and breakfast. That way, you won’t need to leave the premises at all if you prefer not to. Some B&Bs have rooms without private bathrooms, requiring guests to share a hall bath. If that’s a concern, be sure to request an en suite room with its own bath.
Check for other amenities as well, such as four-poster beds, down comforters, a fireplace, and anything else that would make your stay ideal. If you tell the proprietor why you’re visiting, they may even treat you to a complimentary bottle of wine or a box of chocolates.
Painting the Town Red
Perhaps it’s been a long time since you’ve enjoyed some fun with others. For some new parents, it sometimes feels as if the only faces you see are those of your baby and your spouse. If you’re looking for a more social quick getaway, spend the night in the city. You can book a stay in a top-notch hotel, purchase tickets to a concert or theater production, enjoy dinner at a five-star restaurant, and— the next morning—sleep late and savor a room service breakfast.
Many new parents miss the camaraderie of others with similar interests. If this resonates with you, a night on the town might be just the thing to help renew your tired mind and body.
Scheduling the Trip
If you’re like many new parents, you may not have the luxury of planning your trip far in advance. If you suddenly find yourself with a free weekend sans the baby, you’ll need to make plans quickly.
Numerous internet sites offer last-minute hotel deals or weekend packages. Some may even take you further away than the local spa or B&B and could be affordable if you book at the last minute. Check out sites like www.hotels.com or www.lastminute.com for potential great deals on quick trips for new parents. Some even offer packages under $250, so you won’t need to empty your wallet to have a good time.
