I shared on Facebook about my recent skiing getaway with friends. What I didn't mention? It didn't end as smoothly as it started. But first things first—here's why you should prioritize a holiday with friends, whether hitting the slopes or chasing the sun.
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I've reflected on this over the past week: Should I feel guilty? I took a short break, leaving my husband, kids, and dog at home.
This was my first solo friends' trip without family. I've traveled to Marrakech with my partner for five days kid-free, and I've done countless press trips solo. Those were with my partner or for work. This time? Purely with girlfriends.
A twinge of guilt hit occasionally—swooshing down slopes with four other women, basking in the sun, then après-ski bliss. Is that allowed? Absolutely!
As a mom and seasoned traveler, I firmly believe every woman—especially mothers—should seize these chances. Escape with friends for true downtime. No rushed sauna sessions before bedtime routines. No high tea interrupted by dinner plans. Just genuine relaxation, like the good old days.
Destination doesn't matter—snow for skiing, sun for lounging, or culture. A few days away from husband and kids works wonders.
It might sound blunt, but this recharges you profoundly. The energy boost from even a short friends' holiday sustains you long after.
We chose five days skiing in Austria with five girlfriends. Two were travel days by car, leaving three full ski days (I lost half a day—details tomorrow). Even travel counts as vacation: cozy catch-ups and restful naps.
Four moms and one non-mom? Perfect balance. She worried we'd bail on après-ski; instead, we skipped hotel dinners twice! Straight from slopes to pub. Epic.
Both work. Flying seems easier, but factor in airport waits. We planned to fly but drove—no regrets. With infrequent meetups, 8 hours chatting flew by.
Pro tip from experience: Check car insurance for shared driving. One car meant verifying all could drive it—cleared, but essential. For Austria, buy a digital vignette online (delivered in 1-2 hours). Avoid fines; spend on après-ski instead.
These trips reconnect you to your fun-loving self. I danced like old times—haven't in years. Home nights out pale compared to Gerlos's Cin Cin bar, a local favorite for its vibe. Family dinners are lovely, but friends' holidays spark deeper talks and silly laughs.
Longer trips? Expect profound conversations amid the fun. We howled over nothing.
Quick recap: Why go? Teaser—the mishap tomorrow!
PS: Organizing a ski trip? Check services that handle everything for beginners.
