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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To go on a holiday without my family?

27 replies

thislittlelife · 27/06/2026 12:22

I am considering going on a once in a lifetime holiday with a relative. Due to the distance and travelling time required, I'd be away for a minimum of 11 days and it would have to take place during school holidays as I work in a school.

I work full time so termtime weeks are busy, we make up for it with lovely weekend and school holiday adventures - I feel this is why I feel so guilty/selfish about the prospect of giving up school holiday family time.

To pre-empt a few questions (and avoid drip feeding):
-Children are both primary age (KS2)
-The holiday destination is not suitable for children (significant amounts of walking)
-I can't wait until they are grown up as the relative is retired and whilst currently fit and healthy enough to do this, may not be in another 10 years.
-Husband is very encouraging - we are very 50/50 in all aspects of family life so no concerns about children being well looked after or him being grumpy/unpleasant about me going.
-Husband has no interest in a similar holiday/experience, but I'd have no issue with him going if he did. He has equal childfree time to me - possibly slightly more as he gets quite a lot of weekdays off due to shift work.
-Finances are one pot, husband and I are middle earners in the public sector (comfortable but not flush) and each take an equal monthly allowance for personal spends - I will finance the holiday by saving part of mine each month.
-Family summer holiday and weekend camping trips will all happen as usual - my going will not impact the experiences my children usually have.

Please let me know your genuine thoughts - is it reasonable for me to do this or am I being too selfish and should sack it off?

YABU - you can't go away for almost 2 weeks during a school holiday when you have primary age children, they will miss you and it isn't fair.
YANBU - go on the holiday and enjoy the once in a lifetime experience.

OP posts:
lottiegarbanzo · 22/07/2026 15:05

Ahhh I’m late to the thread! Hooray

CuteOrangeElephant · 22/07/2026 15:08

I have been on multiple holidays without my family, I thoroughly recommend every mother to do this at least once.

You will have a grand time OP!

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