Girls' Trips: How Far Is Too Far?

The Typical Girls’ Trip

If you’re a mom, wife, or professional (or all three, like me), you probably know the typical definition of a “girls’ trip.” Usually, it means piling into a car, driving an hour or two away, and spending a weekend sipping wine, laughing too loud, and reveling in the luxury of not having to make anyone a peanut butter sandwich.  Not bad.  Not bad at all and we should all be so lucky, right? 

A Bold Idea

A few years ago, I went out on a limb and suggested something a little different to my friends. Ok, a lot different.  Ditching the idea of a short weekend getaway, I proposed a girls’ trip to Spain. Yes, Spain. From California. With kids at home. With jobs. With all the daily responsibilities tugging at us.

Honestly, I was pretty sure my friends would think I had lost my mind.

But here’s the surprise: everyone said yes. Six of us went. And it became one of the most memorable and valuable trips of my life.

Why Spain?

It could’ve been anywhere. But Spain has long been my passion—the way of life, the customs, the food, and the “live-in-the-street” culture that make every corner feel alive. Having lived there for years, I had insider knowledge to plan something special, and my friends wanted to experience it through my eyes. Some had never been before, which made it even more meaningful.  

They had all committed.  They had miraculously all cleared their calendars. They were all seemingly moving mountains to secure flights and make arrangements for the kids, the household, and for their jobs.  The pressure was on… but I knew I could create an experience that everyone was hoping for.  The “just right” hotels. The perfect, charming corner tapas bars and top-notch culinary experiences.  A careful balance of sight-seeing without sacrificing a healthy dose of sleep (!!!), time to shop, and most importantly - the opportunity to chat, laugh, and bond over Spanish olives, Rioja, and the perfect paella.  

The Trip That Changed Us

We didn’t just “make it work”—we thrived. The trip was everything a girls’ getaway should be: laughter, discovery, connection, and just the right amount of late-night churros. It wasn’t just a vacation—it was a recharge button for my life as a mom, wife, and professional. (Because let’s be honest: what mom doesn’t need a break from constantly being asked where everyone’s shoes are?).  

And it wasn’t all food, drink, and shopping—though there was plenty of that (to the point that we sometimes had to roll ourselves back to the hotel). We also had hours-long dinners filled with conversations only other moms and women truly get. The kind where you laugh, cry, vent, and give each other the support you can’t always find or fit into your crazy schedule. Those moments reminded me just how vital female friendships are, especially for women juggling careers, kids, aging parents, and everything in between.  

The 'Mom Guilt' Factor

Many moms hesitate to even spend one night away, let alone fly across the Atlantic. And for good reason. The mom guilt is real. Life is busy. Kids rely on us for so much. Partners do, too. And let’s face it, the logistics of making sure everyone has clean underwear while you’re gone could are enough to scare anyone off.

When Mom’s Away, Kids Thrive, Too

Here’s the secret no one tells you: your absence can actually help your kids grow. They figure things out. They learn independence. They might even put their own socks away. And when you walk back through the door? They suddenly appreciate you on a whole new level (nobody else tickles their backs the way you do).

So yes—it’s possible. It’s freeing. It’s invigorating. And dare I say, it can make you a stronger parent when you return… partly because your kids are so grateful to have you back that they forget to whine for at least a whole hour. And let’s be real:  You will likely make you the envy of the entire PTA (You went “WHERE?”  Can I get in on that next time??”).

Beyond Spain: The Adventures Continue

Since that first girls’ trip to Spain in 2023, my friends and I haven’t stopped. We’ve explored Portugal. We’ve discovered Mexico City. And every time, I’m reminded that these journeys are not just vacations—they’re food for the soul. They’re only possible because I have a strong support system (husband, neighbors, family, babysitter—you’re the real MVPs), and I never take that for granted.

So… How Far Is Too Far?

if you’re still wondering how far is “too far” for a girls’ trip, my answer is: farther than you think. Maybe it’s Spain. Maybe it’s somewhere you’ve always dreamed of going. Maybe you already have miles or credit card points just waiting to be used (my key to making it happen!). The point is—don’t be afraid to dream bigger.

And if you need encouragement—or even a little planning help—I’m here. I live for discovering boutique hotels in Spain you won’t necessarily find in your Google search, the local cafés and wine bars that don’t make every “Top 10” list but can end up defining a trip. Planning meaningful girls trips in Europe is my passion, almost as much as Spain itself (and yes, of course, kids and hubby—you’ll always be my number one, even if café con leche is a close second).

So here’s my motto, and maybe yours too:

LIFE IS SHORT. TAKE THE TRIP.