You deserve a mom getaway

You need a mom getaway if…

…You can’t remember the last time you finished a conversation with a girlfriend.

…You have any of these items in your purse: a binky, a diaper or broken crayons.

…Your dance parties feature Bluey & Cocomelon.

I always say that a happy mom is a good mom. So what makes a mom happy? A getaway with her closest girlfriends to do all the things she loves and never gets to do in real life! This could include sightseeing, shopping, sleeping late, relaxing, eating (at non-kid-friendly restaurants), getting dressed up, drinking cocktails, dancing, having a massage or sunbathing. The most important ingredient is spending hours of uninterrupted time with friends.

Mom getaways can be athletic adventure, spa trips or a focus on one activity such as crafting or playing Bunco. It’s all up to you and your friends. The key is to make it an escape from the daily grind so you come home feeling recharged.

Most of us can only escape for a few days, and we may have girlfriends living all over the country so location is very important. A destination you can reach via a nonstop flight from our local airport will make your trip much easier. Sunshine is a key ingredient for many getaways although a ski-trip can be a fun option in the winter. There are numerous destinations that satisfy all the requirements.

Las Vegas: Flights are quick and can be cheap from all over the U.S. Gathering your friends to see a favorite entertainer is easy in 2025 or 2026 when performers include the Backstreet Boys, New Kids on the Block, Dolly Parton, Alanis Morissette, Janet Jackson and Pitbull. Fly from Eugene nonstop on Allegiant Airlines and Southwest.

Los Angeles: In Southern California you can have any type of vacation you like: beach, culture, big city, spa or adventure. Hollywood is a fun place to spend a few days as you take a tour of movie star homes, visit hot spots you see on social media, shop on Rodeo Drive, go to a taping of your favorite TV show and keep an eye out for celebrities. Nonstop flights are available via Avelo to Burbank. United and Alaska have nonstop flights to LAX. Allegiant takes you nonstop to Orange County.

San Francisco/Bay Area: You can have many different types of vacations in and around San Francisco. Napa Valley is ideal for spending quality time with friends visiting wineries and exploring quaint towns. Southwest has a nonstop flight to Oakland, and United flies nonstop to SFO.

Phoenix/Mesa: Sunshine is a big draw in Arizona and there are plenty of resorts with beautiful pools and drink service to your lounge chair. Hiking and visiting spas in Sedona are popular for girls’ trips. Nonstop flights are available via Allegiant to the Mesa/Phoenix airport, and American Airlines to Phoenix Sky Harbor airport.

Denver: Versatile Colorado offers winter escapes to ski resorts or summer visits to the mountains. United and Southwest take you nonstop to Denver.

Create a private messaging group to communicate with your friends as you plan your adventure and share your photos afterwards. Having an escape to look forward to makes it easier to be the best mom you can be!

10 rules for moms’ getaways

1. This is about being with your friends and not taking care of other people.

2. Limit phone calls and texts home to once per day (unless there is a real emergency). Be in the moment.

3. Reading material of literary merit will be thrown into the pool.

4. Shopping for children or spouses is not allowed.

5. Shopping for yourself is highly encouraged.

6. Use a group fund where everyone contributes a set dollar amount to pay for rides, tips, etc.

7. Don’t over-schedule yourselves.

8. No doing laundry, cleaning or cooking.

9. Carefully choose the friends you travel with (avoid drama).

10. Know that you deserve this time and you will be a better mom when you return.

Airlines serving the Eugene Airport

Alaska Airlines: AlaskaAir.com

Allegiant: Allegiantair.com

American Airlines: AA.com

Avelo Airlines: Aveloair.com

Delta: Delta.com

Southwest: Southwest.com

United: United.com

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Meet Vacation MOM

Vacation MOM is brought to you in partnership with Eugene Airport

Donnita Bassinger is a mom to three sons, and she lives in Eugene with her husband. She has been a travel agent for four decades and is the owner of VIP Vacations, Inc. She would love to help you plan a great vacation.

Contact Donnita at 541-913-5272 or on facebook@VacationMOM