No Guilt Trip Here: 12 Kid-Free Moments for Parents to Savor During Business Travel

Business travel means networking, presentations and a breather from parenting-related duties. Give yourself the green light to enjoy your temporary autonomy and the blissful moments that come along with it. Here are 12 “that feeling when” moments every parent should savor when they travel for business.

That Feeling When: you arrive at the airport with time to spare before takeoff

Bye-bye, tired temper tantrums and last-minute potty visits. Hello, airport lounge and duty-free shopping.

Indulge in a little “me time” while waiting for your flight.

That Feeling When: you settle into your airplane seat

Go ahead and order a cocktail. A few hours of movies and magazines is reason to celebrate.

That Feeling When: you zip out of the airport because you only brought a carry-on

Waiting at the baggage carousel for suitcases and heavy car seats? Not on this trip!

Traveling solo means no extra luggage to wait for at baggage claim.

That Feeling When: you get behind the wheel of your rental car

It’s filled with that new car smell instead of old cracker crumbs and forgotten sports equipment. Bonus: You can blast the music and sing as loudly as you want and not worry about embarrassing your family.

That Feeling When: you have an actual adult conversation

Work-related banter can be a welcome departure from the norm. Because, really, when was the last time you spoke to another grown-up without sharing parenting gripes or showing off photos of your kids?

That Feeling When: you unlock your hotel room

A king-size bed! A TV! A bathroom! And it’s all yours, no sharesies! Want to take an extra-long shower, order room service, then hit the sack at 9 p.m.? Now’s your chance.

That Feeling When: you check a few things off your bucket list

Maybe your business trip puts you in close proximity to that Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant you’ve always wanted to try. Or maybe your destination is full of amazing sightseeing opportunities. Your temporary kid-free status offers the perfect chance to enjoy new experiences—particularly those best suited for adults.

That Feeling When: you take full advantage of hotel amenities

The hotel pool is way more appealing when you don’t have to create games for the kids or police belly flops and running on the pool deck.

That Feeling When: when you wake up to your alarm clock, not a child begging for breakfast

The only thing better than eight full hours of sleep? Not having to orchestrate your family’s frenzied morning routine. Go ahead, hit the snooze button a few times.

That Feeling When: you eat a full meal without interruption

Whether you’re savoring your continental breakfast or a fast-food burger between meetings, bask in the simple pleasure that comes from dining solo. Pro tip: A crinkling food wrapper won’t bring a stampede of hungry kids in your direction, so snack to your heart’s content.

That Feeling When: you realize you’re not just someone’s parent

Sometime between leaving for the airport and trading business cards for the 10th time, it’ll hit you: There’s way more to you than diaper changes, school lunches and carpools. Business travel can serve as a reminder that you have an identity independent from your family—and that’s kind of amazing.

That Feeling When: you see your family again

Sure, business travel has its perks, but nothing compares to that special moment when you’re reunited with your family.