“I really wish I could run away for a week.”
Life is hard when you’re a mom. It’s demanding, it’s hard to juggle everything, and most of the time it’s thankless. Throw in the stress of a pandemic, lack of childcare (or sporadic childcare), and some homeschooling, and it’s been a really tough year for moms.
Life is hard when you’re a mom.
I felt like I was constantly cranky and there just weren’t enough hours in a day to get everything done. I was neglecting myself a lot of the time, even though I know I shouldn’t, but it’s hard when you have work deadlines looming and children who need things and the house is a mess.
I was constantly cranky and there just weren’t enough hours in a day to get everything done.
I kept saying I wished I could just run away for a week and decompress. Jason surprised me by saying “then why don’t you?” I asked him how that would work. Who would watch the kids? Who would drive them to school? Who would make their meals and pick up after them and everything else? He said he was capable of handling it all, so I booked a 3 night vacation at a local glamping spot that was just 90 minutes from our home in Long Beach: The Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway.
I really needed a vacation alone to focus on my mental health
I was excited as soon as I booked it. It was remote, the trailers looked beautiful, and there was an amazing outdoor space, complete with an outdoor bed. All of the decor was carefully curated to match the vibe, and much of it was vintage.
I set my email to “out of office” for the first time in my life
When the day arrived, I set my email to “out of office” for the first time in my life. Freelancing makes it hard to set boundaries. I already work irregular hours so I can spend time with the kids during the day, and I get a lot of after hours emails. I wanted this vacation to be about me so I could focus on my mental health and take the opportunity to recharge.
This was the first vacation I’ve ever taken without the kids
This was the first vacation I’ve ever taken without the kids, it’s the first vacation I’ve ever taken alone, and it’s the first time I’ve even been away from the kids for 3 nights in a row. I was long overdue for this. My mental health needed it.
The desert setting was beautiful, and I was excited to be surrounded by nature
When I arrived, the Tiki Trailer was exactly like the pictures. The desert setting was beautiful, and I was excited to be surrounded by nature. The host, Julia, was beyond hospitable. She walked me around inside the trailers and showed me how to use everything (shower, door locks, etc.) She was wonderful about making me feel welcome but let me know she would respect my space if I preferred. She offered to take me on a hike the following day, and I accepted. We took hikes together 3 days in a row, and she was great company and easy to talk to. She let me know that some people prefer privacy the whole time, and she respects whatever her guests’ wishes are.
It was my first time sleeping outside and I loved being able to look up at the stars
The outdoor bed was my absolute favorite part of the Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway. It was my first time sleeping outside, and I slept in it every night I was there. I loved being able to look up at the stars, and at night I could hear the sounds of nature – crickets, coyotes, owls. The trailer is stocked with a ton of extra blankets so even though the nights got chilly, I was cozy in bed. In the morning, I watched the sunrise from the bed with a cup of coffee.
Every day when I woke up, I meditated for at least an hour
While enjoying my solo vacation, not only did I not open my computer, I made a point to not spend a lot of time on my phone. I wanted this experience to be about recharging and not squandering my time mindlessly scrolling through social media. A lot of people ask if I got bored, but I didn’t feel that way for a single second. Taking a vacation alone for my mental health is definitely something I’m going to do again.
In the afternoons, I sat out on the patio and snacked on charcuterie plates
Every day when I woke up, I meditated for at least an hour, and then I stretched. I went on hikes with Julia and her lovable dogs. In the afternoons, I sat out on the patio and snacked on charcuterie plates I had put together. The Tiki Trailer has a fridge, a freezer, a microwave, a stove, and a coffee maker. Most of the food I brought was snack type foods, but Julia keeps the trailer stocked with a lot of staples too – things like pasta, pancake mix, spices. She even put a bottle of wine and some Pellegrino in the fridge for my arrival.
I can’t wait to return to the Tiki Trailer
In the evening, I sat out on the lounge chairs and read and enjoyed the view. When the sun started to go down, I’d grab a blanket and watch the sunset. And then at night I got snuggled up in my bed again. My trip seemed to fly by and I already can’t wait to return. I would highly recommend visiting the Tiki Trailer. It’s a great place for a solo vacation, for couples, or even for small groups.
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