How Travel Helped Me Find Myself as a Mom Again

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How Travel Helped Me Find Myself as a Mom Again

For a long time, I didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror.

Motherhood had slowly chipped away at the parts of me that once felt alive...curious, adventurous, spontaneous. I poured every ounce of myself into caring for my children, showing up for my partner, running the house, and working. Somewhere along the way, I got lost.

I remember thinking, Is this just what motherhood is supposed to feel like? Constant giving with no space to breathe?

Then one day, I booked a trip. Not for the kids. Not for my family.

For me.

My first solo trip in 2023.

I went on a Margaritaville at Sea cruise with two days in an all-inclusive Bahamas resort!

It wasn’t just a vacation, it was a turning point.

Travel gave me the pause I didn’t know I was allowed to have. It reminded me that I’m more than a schedule manager, snack maker, and crisis handler. I’m a woman with dreams, ideas, and a heart that still longs for joy.

Many believe kids come first and most days, we make peace with that truth.

But, I want to remind every mom reading this: 

Your feelings matter too. 

Whether your support system is close by or miles away, you still deserve to feel held, seen, and valued.

On that trip, I laughed, real, belly laughter. I felt sun on my skin. I talked to people who didn’t know my story and didn’t ask me what was for dinner. I remembered that I exist beyond my roles.

Most importantly, I came back not just rested, but reconnected to myself and, surprisingly, to my kids. Because when we feel whole again, we parent from a place of presence, not exhaustion.

Why this isn’t just my story, it’s ours.

So many moms are carrying invisible loads, barely keeping their heads above water. We don’t need more to-do lists. We need space. We need support. We need each other.

I’ve had a really hard time accepting my own motherhood. Some days it feels like I’m getting it all wrong. And this Mother's Day brought it all to the surface, grieving the loss of my mom and holding the weight of my own motherhood at the same time.

Before arriving, I called ahead a few days ahead just like I do for all my clients to see if the hotel offered anything special for Mother’s Day. I was told they didn’t.

To my surprise, at check-in, the front desk staff handed me a rose, a Mother’s Day card, and a food & beverage voucher. And, my room was ready early.

This small gesture meant the world. It caught me completely off guard and brought me to more tears.

Even more meaningful? The staff showed me compassion and kindness in a moment when I felt invisible. 

That simple act reminded me how powerful it is to be met with care not dismissed, not ignored.

They didn’t know how heavy my heart felt, but they were kind anyway. And in that moment, I felt seen. Something many of us mamas long for.

This is exactly why I always call ahead for my clients.

Because these little moments matter. Whether it’s a rose or simply being acknowledged, it can change everything.

That’s why we created two transformational coaching programs tied to an unforgettable travel experience:

• Busy Moms with Overwhelm 

A 12-week coaching journey designed to help moms reconnect with themselves, redefine what thriving looks like, and build a life that feels aligned—not just busy.

• Rebuilding After Divorce

A powerful program for women who are ready to start over, not just with logistics, but with intention, confidence, and clarity.

Both programs end with a 7-night cruise aboard the Celebrity Apex in February 2026, an immersive, restorative travel experience with built-in community, coaching, and celebration.

Ready to start your own journey back to yourself?

Book your cabin now and receive FREE roundtrip flights for two (first 6 cabins, deposit due by May 22, 2025)!

Final payment is due November 2025, and your coaching program begins afterward, giving you the time and space to prepare for your transformation.

Reserve your cabin now!

Your story isn’t over. It’s just waiting for you to take the next step. 

With love and gratitude, 

Cruise Planners - Ana 

702-482-7774 

AMartinez@CruisePlanners.com