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Solo Getaway or Solo Hike? How to Know What You Really Need

As moms, we’re constantly pouring into others—meals, rides, emotional support, bedtime routines, and everything in between. It’s beautiful and exhausting. And every now and then, there’s a moment when you just know you need to step away, reset, and reconnect with yourself.

But the question becomes: What kind of solo time do I need right now?
Is it a full-on solo getaway where you unplug and retreat into stillness?
Or is it a soul-filling solo hike, with your boots hitting the earth, lungs expanding in the forest air?

Here’s how I decide between the two—and how you can, too.

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1. Check In With Your Nervous System

Start here. Seriously.

• Do you feel wired, overwhelmed, on the verge of tears (or rage)?
  → You might need a solo getaway—somewhere to just be. A quiet cabin, a cozy Airbnb, maybe even a retreat center where meals are cooked for you and you don’t have to speak unless you want to.
• Are you feeling sluggish, stuck in your head, or craving movement?
  → A solo hike can work wonders. The rhythm of walking, breathing, and being outdoors is a powerful form of moving meditation.

Try this: Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Ask, “What would feel most nourishing right now—rest or movement?”

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2. Consider Your Bandwidth (Time + Budget)

Let’s be real—sometimes a getaway isn’t possible this weekend. And that’s okay.

• Solo hikes are low-cost, low-commitment, and high-reward. If you have just a few hours, they’re perfect. You can fit one in during shared parenting time, a kid’s sleepover, or even a long lunch break.
• Solo getaways need a bit more planning—maybe a weekend, some childcare coordination, and a bit of budgeting. But if you can swing it, the deeper pause can be exactly what your heart needs.

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3. What’s the Season of Life (and Literal Season)?

• In a season of grief, burnout, or big life transitions?
  → A solo getaway allows space to process, journal, cry, sleep, and rebuild.
• In a season where you’re craving strength, clarity, or reconnection with your body?
  → Choose the solo hike. Nature is one of the best therapists I know.

Also: Don’t underestimate how the actual season affects this decision. Cold, rainy days might invite hot tea and books by a fire. Spring and summer? They call you to the trails.

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4. Trust the Whisper

There’s usually a quiet knowing inside you. A little nudge.

Maybe you keep daydreaming about a solo road trip. Or maybe your heart skips a beat when you see someone walking a forest trail alone. That’s your intuition talking. Listen to her.

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5. Remember: You Don’t Have to Earn It

You don’t have to be at your breaking point to take a break. You don’t need to justify your need for space or explain it to anyone. Whether it’s a few hours on a trail or a full weekend alone—you’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to go.

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There’s no wrong choice—just different kinds of right. The solo hike grounds you. The solo getaway expands you. Both help you come home to yourself.

So next time you’re teetering on the edge of burnout or just craving space, ask yourself:
What do I need most right now—movement or stillness? Roots or wings?

Then go. Mama, you deserve it.

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Want a free guide to planning your first solo mom getaway? Grab it here!