Each year, a woman from Singapore takes time away from her family to travel solo or with friends, an experience she describes as essential for recharging amid the demands of marriage and parenthood. While such trips may seem unusual to some, she emphasizes the importance of carving out personal time separate from familial responsibilities.

The woman, who has two children aged 11 and nearly four, explains that she typically takes at least two breaks annually without her husband or kids. These short escapes often involve weekends in nearby cities like Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru, or longer stays in destinations such as Bali, Krabi, or Chennai. The trips provide her with time solely dedicated to herself—a rare commodity amid the continuous caregiving required at home.

Reflecting on family travel, she reveals that she and her husband discovered early in their relationship that their travel preferences differed significantly. While her husband enjoys exploring cities and historical sites on foot, she favors relaxation by pools or beaches with ample opportunities for pampering and leisurely meals. Over time, they adapted their approach, sometimes traveling together and other times separately to accommodate their interests.

After becoming parents, their travel dynamics changed considerably. The arrival of their son 11 years ago introduced new challenges such as packing strollers, diapers, and snacks, along with maintaining routines in unfamiliar environments. Though they initially embraced overseas trips as a way to create shared memories, she recalls feeling more exhausted than refreshed during these family vacations. Her primary responsibilities—caring for her child’s needs—remained constant despite the change of scenery.

With the birth of a daughter seven years later, the demands intensified further. Evenings are filled with family interactions, including dinner, playtime, and extended bedtime routines. The woman notes that personal time at home has become limited; she seldom goes to bed or wakes up on her own schedule, especially on weekends.

In contrast, her individual trips allow her to enjoy simple freedoms often taken for granted before motherhood. She describes waking up without urgency, lingering in bed, savoring long showers, ordering her own meals, and indulging in skincare rituals without interruption. These brief respites reinvigorate her sense of identity beyond the roles of wife and mother.

She acknowledges that prioritizing personal needs can feel foreign after years of placing her family’s well-being first. Yet, these moments alone serve as valuable reminders of her individuality and provide meaningful balance within the ongoing demands of family life.