We recently embarked on a 16 person trip to Jamaica with our friends from growing up and let me tell you – it was amazing. Our group of eight couples left a total of 24 children behind and we were able to forget about our work, our worries, and focus on having fun and being together. Upon returning home I was already looking to going away again and getting that passport stamped. It’s addicting.

These are my reasons why you should always take the friends’ trip:

  1. Everyone is so busy – take a break! Life is ruled by the kids, work, keeping a house in order, etc. Going on vacation lets you leave your responsibilities for just a little while. You need a rejuvenation, trust me.
  2. Strengthening your friendships even more than just going out for dinner at home. When a group of people experience something together it is special, and memorable. You are hopefully going to laugh – a lot. Not polite giggling; I’m talking doubled over, clutching your stomach, trying not to pee your pants, tears running down your face laughter. Just writing that sentence made me laugh at the thought of laughing. There’s no better feeling.
  3. Enjoy the little things. Have a good breakfast, sip your coffee, realize that life is good even though the days at home are chaotic.
  4. Soak in the sun! The long, cold winter is brutal every year. This little break of warmth helped make all the difference for us.
  5. It’s good to leave the kids. Listen, we all love our kids, but a little separation is healthy for everyone. This has taken me a long time to realize, but a little break for myself helps me be a better mother in the long run.
We stayed at the Breathless Resort in Jamaica. It is connected to Secrets by a covered bridge. Fabulous place for a group to have fun and relax. This is the view from our room that overlooks the mountain landscape and main pool area.
Secrets is on the ocean side of the property and is overall quieter during the day making it the perfect place to enjoy the beach. It livens up at night since it’s a bigger resort, has more restaurants, and more activities going on.

 

Here are Mike and I kid-free, with our biggest worry being what to order at the bar!

It might not have been Disney World, but this trip was wonderful on so many levels and I think I might be ready to take more beach vacations. I actually relaxed, which if you’ve met me you might faint upon hearing that I sat still for more than 10 minutes.

So if you’re sitting around reading this and feel inspired – grab your besties and plan your next friends’ getaway!

When my house is imploding with noise levels above what I even thought was physically possible I look at this picture and try to find some peace. Take me back!

by Ellen Volpe – Co-Owner of ET Family Travel