Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being a brand new parent? You’re not alone. No matter how much you love your new little one, all the pressures of parenthood can pile up quickly when you’re inexperienced. Issues that should be no big deal seem 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 a little extra time with your newborn – you may actually 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 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 encompasses just a day or two. Though you may be anxious to get away, your love and concern for your new baby will probably keep you from flying off for a week! That means, however, that you’ll probably need to stay within a reasonable proximity of your home.
Where you choose to go will depend on what sort of trip you might consider to be 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 choices than someone who lives in a fairly remote area. Those parents may have to search a little further to find the right getaway, but there are certainly opportunities available everywhere, even if you need to drive a few hours to get there.
A Spa Weekend
If you’re into being pampered – as many new parents are – then 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 be like new when you return!
Your best bet for finding a “spa hotel” or simply, a hotel with an excellent in-house spa, is probably in a large city, though there are some smaller towns that 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’ll have difficulty selecting your treatments. Definitely schedule a massage. A good masseuse can take away all your aches and pains and leave you feeling renewed. Women might enjoy manicures, pedicures, or facials. Men can do the same or may feel more comfortable with just a swim and some time in the hot tub. It’s up to you.
Some hotels even offer in-room couples’ massages, which means you won’t even need to leave your cozy room to indulge in some extra pampering.
Bed and Breakfast
More and more people are recognizing the charm of a stay at a Bed and Breakfast establishment, guest house, or country inn. Besides, if you’re not located anywhere 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 a 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 sites. The gentle lapping of ocean waves can lull you to sleep and provide you with 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 Wifi internet access. That’s a good thing! You’ve come here to relax and enjoy each other’s company! The lack of those things allows you to concentrate on each other; 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 just get some much-needed extra sleep.
Be sure to book a B&B or similar establishment that has a good restaurant which is open for both dinner and breakfast. That way, you won’t need to leave the premises at all if you prefer not to do so. Some B&Bs have rooms without private bathrooms, so several guests need to share a hall bath. If that’s a problem, be sure to ask for 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 coming, they may even give you a complimentary bottle of wine or a box of chocolates as a special treat.
Painting the Town Red
Perhaps it’s been a long time since you’ve spent some time having fun with others. For some new parents, it sometimes seems as if the only face you see is that of your baby and your spouse. So, 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, eat dinner at a five-star restaurant, and – the next morning – sleep late and enjoy a room service breakfast.
Many new parents miss the camaraderie of others with like interests. If this is you, a night on the town might be perfect to help renew your tired mind and body.
Scheduling the Trip
If you’re like a lot of 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.
There are a number of internet sites that offer last minute hotel deals or weekend packages. Some of these may even take you further away than the local spa or B&B and may be affordable if you’re booking 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.
