My dad has always traveled a fair amount for work (which is great for us, since it means we see him in Texas several times a year) and my mom has taken a lot of trips without him, both by herself and with us kids.
One summer we took a five week trip through Utah and Idaho and Oregon, four of which were without my dad. We came home one night early, driving all through the late afternoon and into the dark, and then opening the front door, laughing as my dad came running to the top of the stairs and soaking in the feeling of being home, in our own home, after five weeks away.
We’ve certainly taken dozens of trips with our entire family, but my parents obviously have no problem traveling or taking a vacation without each other.
I’m glad that Bart and I are the same way. Obviously, the two months in London, eight months after we were married, is probably the longest solo vacation I’ll ever take, but we’ve done a number since then too and this summer holds the most solo trips for me yet.
In two weeks, I’m going to Houston for a few days for the Texas Library Association conference (I am super super excited about that – check out the list of authors coming).
And then in April, I’m going to Arizona to see Kayla for four days.
In July, I’ll spend nearly in week in Vegas with my parents and little brother.
It goes without saying that I love traveling with Bart, obviously, but sometimes it is fun to go somewhere by yourself. I’m very much looking forward to these three summer solo trips.
And when Bart is in the midst of busy season as an accountant, I intend to take my children and go visit my parents for two or three weeks. If we live in Boston, it will be even more appealing, since we’ll be escaping the barren winter of Massachusetts for the barren, but warm, desert of Nevada.
Packrat says
I’m glad you are independent enough to travel alone. I’m glad you will take your children to see your folks. I’m glad you are interested in doing things without your husband. I’m mostly glad that you do enjoy travelling with Bart. You are so, so lucky. I used to do most trips alone or with other family members, because I thoroughly dislike travelling (even for a weekend) with my husband. (Pollyanna I “ain’t”.)
Alison Kloft says
I took the kids by my self for a long vacation to see my parents this summer when tim was working long hours. It was fantastic. we escaped the texas heat for the mild pacific northwest and had lots of built in babysitters for 8 weeks. we missed daddy of course, but it was worth it!!
megan says
Great for you! I haven’t gone anywhere without Roger…wonder why..guess b/c of the kids and all. He goes all the time without me! Like he’s off to Sun Valley (kind of for work though) this weekend. He better bring me an awesome birthday gift back! I should plan a trip to visit you by myself, eh?
Heather says
Looks like an awesome list of authors – I’m so jealous!
Mad Hadder says
I’d go hang out with Gloria Steinem and Paula Poundstone. Are you coming to BYU’s deal in July? I totally understand your traveling philosphies, but I often find myself having to defend why I go and when and with whom. I LOVE trips with women! I also love traveling with my husband, but it seems you can’t do both at the same time. Oil and water.
emily kate says
Jealous of your Library Conference! Sounds like heaven. I was really wary of traveling without Jacob at first because it just seemed wrong. But now that I’ve done it a few times, it really can be fun! Of course, I much prefer to be the traveler rather than the spouse left at home. In fact, I hate that one.
Bart says
You go and have fun, Janssen. Enjoy. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Not a second thought, Honey. None at all. I want you to have fun. Guilt-free fun. GUILT-free fun, Pookie.
emandtrev says
Enjoy it! I had to learn how to get used to being a solo traveler too. I started traveling a bit more after we moved back to Utah and I had to go back to Houston a somewhat regular basis. At first I hated it, and I still miss my family when I go, but I tend to relish that quiet time by myself when I can read, eat what I want, etc.
I also find that I’m a little more sympathetic to traveling families when I do go it alone. 🙂
Natasha @ Maw Books says
My brother who lives here in UT is flying down for the Houston Conference. If you see a booth for “Country Reports” stop by and say hi to both him and my dad who will be helping out!
Rachel says
Bryan and I travel solo all the time. Sometimes I hate it (correction- I hate being the one left home) but it does feel good that we can be independent and have our different kinds of fun. Plus, when I go home by myself I can be a kid again instead of a married adult!
TheMoncurs says
Bart – hahahaha. Pookie.
I’m totally down with traveling alone. As evidenced by the fact that I went on like 7 trips last year with just me and Wes. I think Aaron secretly resented me for it, but what can ya do?
Ashley and Danny G says
I so agree with you – people laugh because Danny & I rarely return to LV together. Which, is OK with me because then I get to do what I want to do!! Isn't it nice to be in a comfortable relationship where you don't have to worry about what, when or where? LOVE the book reviews. I'm ordering a few of your picks on Amazon right now!!