I’m a tight mum and happily ditch my kids to go on my own dream holidays – it makes me a better parent too
A MUM has revealed how she’s “ditched” her kids to go on holiday solo – and says she hasn’t got the time to feel any guilt over it.
Catherine Lofthouse is a self-proclaimed “tight mum”.
The 44-year-old often hits the headlines with her savvy – yet controversial – tips and tricks; especially when it comes to travel.
Now, to tighten the budget further, she’s “ditched” her three boys, Alex, 12, William, 10 and Robin, five, and gone away solo – visiting Lille in France and Stratford-upon-Avon in less than a month.
Both trips only cost her £230 all in.
And the writer says she doesn’t feel guilty in the slightest about leaving her kids behind.
“I haven’t got a lot of time for mum guilt over this sort of thing,” Catherine, from Leicestershire, told Luxury Travel Daily.
“As long as my children are happy and safe while I’m away, there’s no need to feel this way.
“I think all parents, especially mums, should all try to take a bit of time for themselves.
“Although it’s often easier said than done when it comes to a busy family life and keeping all the plates spinning.
“But you’ve got to put yourself first sometimes – and if that means going away without the little ones for a few nights to give yourself a break, then so be it.”
Catherine’s take comes as recent research from Trainline revealed that 1 in 2 mums feel too ashamed to travel without their kids.
Even though 57% of them would like to get away without their tots in tow.
The writer, who is already planning her next trip to York, says these two trips are the first time she’s gone away solo.
But she wishes she had done so sooner.
She said: “I’m definitely going to do it more often and for longer periods now that I’ve done it a couple of times and it’s gone well.
“I think going away solo actually makes me a better parent.
“Instead of me dragging them around to do the stuff I’m interested in, they get to stay at home and I don’t have to hear any whining and whinging.
Top Hacks for Holidaying with Kids
IF you've got plans to go on holiday with your little ones this summer, here's some advice to take on board.
Plan Ahead:
- Book accommodations with family-friendly amenities.
- Research kid-friendly attractions and activities.
- Make travel arrangements that accommodate your children’s schedules.
Pack Smart:
- Create a packing checklist to ensure you don’t forget essentials.
- Pack a mix of familiar and new toys to keep kids entertained.
- Bring snacks, extra clothes, and emergency supplies in your carry-on.
Travel Comfort:
- Use neck pillows and blankets for a more comfortable journey.
- Download movies, games, and music on tablets or phones.
- Schedule travel during nap times or overnight to maximise sleep.
Stay Organized:
- Use packing cubes to keep clothes and items sorted.
- Keep important documents, like passports and tickets, in a dedicated folder.
- Utilise apps for itinerary management and navigation.
Engage and Entertain:
- Plan interactive activities like scavenger hunts or travel journals.
- Explore local parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly museums.
- Involve kids in trip planning to get them excited and engaged.
Maintain Routine:
- Stick to regular meal and sleep times as much as possible.
- Bring along comfort items, like favorite blankets or stuffed animals.
- Allow for downtime to avoid overstimulation.
Stay Flexible:
- Be prepared to adjust plans based on your children’s needs and moods.
- Embrace the unexpected and make the most of impromptu moments.
- Keep a positive attitude to set the tone for a fun and memorable trip.
These hacks can help make your holiday with kids smoother, more enjoyable, and will ensure that you return home with wonderful memories!
“The money I’ve saved by going by myself without my family has also meant that I’m able to splash out on them more during the school holidays.
“It’s a win all-round.”
Catherine tries to keep costs as low as possible when it comes to solo travelling.
She says that guilt would start to kick in if she was splashing the cash on herself, rather than her family.
But if she did go away with her kids for the same two trips, they would’ve cost her in excess of £600 for just travel and accommodation.
She added: “When going away with the family, I have to be realistic about how much everything is.
“And trips such as these end up not being much of a holiday as the kids are bored, hungry and tired.
“I would definitely recommend parents going away without their children if it’s doable.
“It’s great to do your own thing without them in tow sometimes.
“You’ll come back feeling refreshed and more able to be the present parent that we’re all aiming to be.
“It’s a no brainer – and you shouldn’t feel ashamed.”