How to Travel Without the Kids Guilt-Free (and Why You Should!)

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Parenting is a full-time job with no days off. We love our kids and would do anything for them, but between school drop-offs, endless activities, and the daily chaos, it’s easy to forget that before we were “Mom” and “Dad”, we were a couple first. My husband and I have been married for nearly 18 years and we intentionally take a minimum of two kid-free vacations a year. I know couples who have junior high age kids or older and have never prioritized time to get away as a couple. Whether you’re a new parent or have kids in high school, there are so many benefits to traveling kid-free. I’m going to show you how to travel without the kids guilt-free (and why you should!).

Marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God, not just for you to have a companion, but to reflect God’s love. This unity is a gift, and nurturing it honors God’s design for marriage. Taking a kid-free trip isn’t selfish – it’s a way to prioritize the relationship God has given you. Couples who spend quality time together strengthen their bond, communicate better, and even improve their parenting skills. Despite these benefits, many parents struggle with guilt about leaving their children behind or they get caught up in the whirlwind of life with kids that they don’t make couple time a priority.

If you’ve ever hesitated to book a romantic getaway because of parent guilt, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through how to travel without the kids guilt-free, why it’s good for your marriage (and your kids), and how to make it happen smoothly.

Why Kid-Free Travel Strengthens Your Marriage

When my husband and I were in the throes of new parenthood, our marriage wasn’t in a good spot. My husband threw himself into his work, and I felt I was doing everything at home for our first two kids, who were born 16 months apart. A carried a lot of resentment and envy towards my husband. He felt he was giving so much of himself to his work to provide for us, and he felt I was never satisfied with his provision. It took my mother-in-law suggesting we plan a getaway – just my husband and me – to get back to a good space. At the time I didn’t really want to spend any time with my husband, and I’m sure he felt the same.

The trip was just what we needed to get back to us. We laughed, we dated, and we grew closer to each other over that long weekend. We loved that weekend so much we made a promise to always have another kid-free trip on the books. It gave us something to look forward to after a long hard day back at home.

I think any marriage can benefit from a kid-free vacay. From those struggling to those winning in marriage, here are some ways a kid-free trip could benefit your lives and relationship.

Reconnect as a Couple

Life with kids revolves around routines and responsibilities. Taking a trip together allows you to rediscover what made you fall in love in the first place without interruptions, spills, tantrums, or snack requests every five minutes.

Scripture calls us to love our spouse sacrificially. Husbands are to love their wife “as Christ loved the church” (Eph 5:25). A strong marriage requires intentional time, just as our relationship with God does.

Reduce Stress & Burnout

Parenting is rewarding, but let’s be honest – it’s exhausting. A kid-free vacation gives you the chance to relax, recharge, and return home as a better, more patient parent. One of my favorite things to do on our kid-free trips, when our kids were younger, was take a nap together. My husband and I aren’t big nappers, but there’s something about taking 15 minutes (or more depending on how late we stayed out the previous night) out of the day to rest. I also love the mornings without setting an alarm! For so many years we were used to babies and toddlers being our alarm clock, so it was a huge treat to sleep until our bodies woke up naturally.

Set a Healthy Example for Your Kids

Children thrive when they see happy, connected parents. It gives them a sense of safety to see mom and dad working together in marriage. Investing in your marriage demonstrates Biblical love that strengthens the family as a whole. Your kids watch how you interact with your spouse, how you love each other, and what happens when you disagree with each other. Are you modeling a healthy example of a loving marriage, centered on God?

Reignite Romance

Between diaper changes and sports weekends, intimacy often takes a backseat. A trip without kids allows you to focus on each other in a way that’s nearly impossible at home.

A marriage rooted in Christ is unshakable. When God is at the center, every aspect of marriage – including reconnection, rest, and romance – is guided by His wisdom. Taking the time to travel together and enjoy each other’s company deepens the bond God designed and blesses your entire family.

How to Travel Without the Guilt

While some parents happily jump at the opportunity to take a kid-free trip, for others it is more difficult. You may be one of those parents who feel guilt for leaving your littles (or bigs behind). Here are a few steps you can take to hopefully make your trip easier.

Choose Trustworthy Caregivers

Leaving your children with someone you trust makes all the difference. Whether it’s grandparents, close friends, or a trusted babysitter, having reliable caregivers will ease your worries. Consider using a highly-rated babysitter service to find vetted, experienced sitters. If you have a special needs child that requires extra care, hire a nurse who can stay with them.

When we first started taking these kid-free trips we lived on the other side of the world, thousands of miles away from grandparents and ALL of our family. We lived in Australia for seven years and for five of those years we raised babies. That meant no dropping kids off at grandparent’s house for a date night or to run a quick errand. No relief from family when I was having a bad day or was sick.

But God.

He gave us the most beautiful thing while we were in Australia. He gave us a village. We were surrounded with the most loving and caring people, who became our built-in family. We left our kids with our friends on several occasions. You might live far away from yours or your husband’s family. Your parents might have passed. You might have underlying issues where you’d never trust your kids with family. I highly suggest seeking out a village – friends who become like family!

Prepare Your Kids (and Yourself!)

Talk to your kids about your trip in a positive way. Let them know who will take care of them and how you’ll check in.
Leave a fun “trip countdown” so they can look forward to your return.
Use a kid-friendly GPS tracker for peace of mind while you’re away.

Start Small if Needed

If a week-long trip seems overwhelming, start with a short weekend getaway, or test the waters with an overnight stay at a romantic boutique hotel nearby. Remind yourself that this trip isn’t just for you – it’s for your family’s overall well-being.

Stay Connected, But Not Too Much

A quick video call or daily text update is fine, but resist the urge to check in constantly. Give your kids space to enjoy their time, and give yourself permission to fully enjoy yours.

I’m a gift-giver. I enjoy giving thoughtful gifts to people. Whenever we travel, my kids know that I will bring them home a small token from our trip. It’s something I remind them about when we check in with the kids during our trip. They are older and the bigs are in their teen/preteen years now, and they still love seeing what little gifts we found for them on our trips.

Best Kid-Free Travel Destinations for Couples

A Romantic Beach Getaway

Nothing says relaxation like a beachfront resort with tropical cocktails in hand. Try this luxury adults-only resort for the ultimate kid-free escape. Our favorites have been in the Caribbean.

A Cozy Cabin Retreat

Unplug from the world and reconnect in a secluded cabin. Book a stay at a charming retreat with a hot tub and scenic views. When we lived in Texas, we took weekend trips to the Texas Hill Country.

A City Escape

Enjoy fine dining, nightlife, and luxury hotels in a bustling city. Find a romantic hotel deal here for your next urban getaway. We love Nashville or New York City for a city escape.

An International Adventure

If you’re craving culture, history, and amazing food, an international trip is perfect. We’ve traveled to 15 countries together kid-free!

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Final Thoughts: You Deserve This!

Taking a kid-free trip isn’t selfish – it’s an investment in your marriage and your family’s happiness. When you return home refreshed, reconnected, and recharged, your kids will benefit too.

So go ahead – book that trip, pack your bags, and enjoy some well-earned time together. Your marriage (and your kids) will thank you!