Last year, I had the opportunity to attend an incredible business conference alongside fellow travel professionals. One of the most impactful sessions I attended was a time-blocking workshop led by an inspiring woman who, like so many of us, had once been an overworked and exhausted mother and wife. She spoke about the constant balancing act working moms face—am I dedicating enough time to my business? To my marriage? Do each of my children truly feel seen, loved, and valued? Are they getting enough of my time and attention?
Her words resonated deeply, leaving many of us teary-eyed but also armed with valuable insights. One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of setting aside intentional, quality time—not just with our spouses but also with each of our children individually. That idea stuck with me, sparking a thought I had never considered before: What if I traveled one-on-one with each of my daughters? Once the idea took root, I couldn’t let it go. So, I got to work planning separate, special trips—just me and each of my three girls.
TRIP #1 My middle daughter, Finley. I chose to take her first because, out of all my girls, our relationship is the most challenging at times. She is strong-willed, determined, and often expresses big emotions in my direction—which can lead to plenty of head-butting. My husband likes to joke that it’s because she’s so much like me… but I digress.
At the same time, Finley has one of the kindest, most generous hearts I’ve ever known. If you’re one of her people, she’ll do anything for you—cheering you on, standing by your side, and giving without hesitation. As a middle child, she often finds herself caught between the roles of oldest and youngest, constantly seeking attention and affirmation. This trip was my chance to give her undivided time, to strengthen our bond in a way we hadn’t before.
For Finley’s trip, I chose a social cruise through my company, a perfect balance of adventure and connection. It gave her the chance to meet new friends while also carving out special moments for just the two of us. And with that, we set sail on a three-night cruise to the Bahamas aboard the Celebrity Reflection.
We spent our days indulging in new foods (we’re both huge foodies!), lounging by the pool, snorkeling through a shipwreck, playing on the beach, and simply enjoying each other’s company. When Finley needed some time to herself, she met up with her new friends in the kids' club, while I found a quiet spot with a good book and a glass of wine.
Not once did we argue, struggle, or butt heads. Instead, we ended each day snuggled up in bed, watching a movie together—moments I will always cherish. This trip wasn’t just a getaway; it was a turning point. Even after we returned home, our dynamic felt different—better. So much so that even my husband noticed the change.
My takeaway from this trip? Traveling together will strengthen your bond!
One-on-one travel allows for meaningful connections to form between parent and child. You’ll have time to listen, share stories, and understand them on a deeper level. These moments of undivided attention reinforce your relationship and show your child that they are valued and loved just the way they are.
TRIP #2 My oldest daughter, Lila. Lila is a true artist in every sense—dancing, acting, singing, playing musical instruments, and drawing. She does it all! Lila and I have always shared a unique bond, but as she grows into her teenage years and her list of interests expands, our quality time together has become more limited. As she grows older, Lila’s desire to spend time with her friends continues to grow, sometimes limiting the time we get to share together. She values her own space and independence, which is a natural part of growing up. As our oldest, she is the one we’ve learned to be parents with, and we haven’t always gotten it right. This trip was about setting aside intentional time to reconnect—just the two of us—without outside distractions.
When planning something special for Lila, I focused on our shared passions. I wanted to create an experience that combined our love of travel with her artistic passions. Ultimately, I decided on the perfect two-in-one adventure: experiencing Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios for the first time (we both LOVE horror movies!), followed by a three-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas.
Lila and I had an unforgettable time immersing ourselves in every aspect of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Orlando. We raced through haunted houses, marveled at the incredible special effects in gory makeup shows, and, of course, eagerly sought out our favorite slashers and serial killers. Once we boarded the ship, we fully embraced our shared love of relaxation. We soaked up the sun, lounged by the pool, and experienced an unforgettable “train ride.”
My heart burst with love as Lila watched the onboard entertainment in awe, completely immersed in the moment. It reminded me of watching entertainers at her age and dreaming of a time I could "be them". We sang, danced at a silent disco, laughed endlessly, and, most importantly, created memories that will last a lifetime.
My takeaway from this trip? Tailor experiences to shared interests!
Every child is unique, with different interests, personalities, and curiosities. A solo trip with your child gives you the freedom to design an itinerary that speaks to both of your passions, highlighting those small commonalities you both may overlook in the day-to-day. Whether you think you're on the same page, or miles apart, traveling will bring you together!
TRIP #3 My youngest daughter, Eden. Although I received some playful sarcasm from the other two about “saving the best for last,” there was a method to my madness. Of all my children, Eden is the one who clings to me the most. I always thought I needed a son to have a true “mama’s boy,” but I got that in spades with her. She is endlessly affectionate, constantly tells me how much she loves me, and validates my hard work as a mother without even being asked. On the days I feel like I’m falling short, she is the one who lifts me up.
The decision for her trip came together quickly when an opportunity presented itself that I simply couldn’t pass up. A few days before her birthday—which falls just before Christmas—Tim and I were still undecided on her “big gift.” Just as I was about to give up, the perfect opportunity landed in my lap. Without hesitation, I booked our last-minute getaway, and within weeks, we were off on a magical four-night Disney Cruise adventure!
Eden and I embraced every moment of this trip to the fullest! We explored every inch of the ship, raced down water slides, watched enchanting shows, and participated in nearly every activity we could find, except the deck parties, this was too much for the little one! Luckily, we could see the fireworks perfectly from our balcony and didn't miss a thing! One of the most unforgettable experiences was swimming with dolphins and building sandcastles on the beach. We made it our mission to take photos with every character we could—and after much anticipation, we finally met Spider-Man… twice! Eden thrived in the kids’ club, after settling in and getting comfortable, while I took the opportunity to unwind in the incredible adults-only areas of the ship (spoiler alert… they did not disappoint!).
At the end of each adventure-filled day, we cherished quiet evenings together, snuggling up and watching cartoons. Life with Eden is always an adventure, and this trip was no exception!
My takeaway from this trip? Build confidence and independence!
Traveling solo with a parent encourages children to step outside their comfort zone. They get the chance to make decisions, try new things, and navigate unfamiliar environments with your guidance. This helps build their confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills—all while knowing they have your full support.
My biggest takeaway? MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Planning a solo trip with your child doesn’t have to be complicated or over-the-top. It could be a day trip to a nearby city, a weekend getaway, or even something bigger. The key is to be intentional—pick a place, plan experiences they’ll love, and soak in the time together.
Parents all know the tried-and-true phrase: the days are long, but the years are short. Don’t put off making memories because you’re afraid they won’t remember—because guess what? You will. And those memories will be more valuable, treasured, and loved than any “thing” you could ever give them.
Your children will never forget the special time you invested in just them. So go for it—plan that trip. It’ll be an adventure you’ll both never forget!
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