Back to school! 5 ways parents can treat themselves after the summer break

Summer break is a wonderful time to bond with your kids, but let’s be honest – it can also be a lot! By the end of six weeks, most parents are ready for a little peace and quiet.

So you’ve packed the lunches and they are looking smart in their new uniforms, now it’s time to think about yourself. Travelodge has found that 32% of parents have set aside money to spend on themselves when the kids go back to school, whilst one in five admit they’ll be booking a child-free break this week after the long six-week school holiday.

In our latest blog, we fill your school backpack with top tips and recommendations for carving out some ‘Me Time’ during the new term.


5 parent-friendly ways to recharge after the summer holidays

Relax

You’ve spent six weeks caring for others – now is the time for some all-important self-care. Take advantage of the long-awaited quiet and grab a little ‘Me Time’ with a soothing pamper experience. A trip to a spa, or just taking a couple of hours out of your day for a rejuvenating massage, will do a world of good. It won’t just relax your muscles – massage is known to relieve stress, improve your sleep and give you a much-needed serotonin and dopamine hit. A happy parent is said to mean a happy child and let’s face it, you’ve earned it!

Top 3 recommendations

Turkish Baths, Harrogate  Search hotels

AIRE Ancient Baths, Covent Garden  Search hotels

Wave Garden Spa, Snowdonia  Search hotels


Reconnect

It’s been all about entertaining the little ones for the past few weeks. Carving out some time in your busy schedule to reconnect with your loved ones is vital for healthy relationships and a happy family. Just one in 20 UK couples have a designated date night even though 70% of those who do say they are happier. A meal out with a friend or partner is the top prize for any parent (no cooking or washing up!), but the fun doesn’t need to end at dessert. Book a concert to see an artist you love, laugh together at a comedy show or get lost in the drama of the theatre.

Top 3 recommendations

The Libertines UK tour  Search hotels

Katherine Ryan, Battleaxe UK tour  Search hotels

An Officer and A Gentleman the Musical UK tour  Search hotels


Recharge

You’ve been running around after kids for six weeks. Now you can slow the pace and simply put one foot in front of the other. A walk in nature is the perfect way to escape the demands of daily life for a few hours. Quiet time alone with your thoughts will help you regroup and return to the routines of life with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. And soaking up the incredible views our countryside has to offer is known to have a positive impact on your wellbeing.

Top 3 recommendations

Brockenhurst, Hampshire  Search hotels

Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls, Brecon Beacons  Search hotels

Catbells, Cumbria  Search hotels


Rediscover

Back to school also means back to the demands of extracurricular activities. Parents are gearing up to taxi kids around to dance classes or stand in soggy fields all winter watching football. When was the last time you spent time on your own passions or hobbies? Whether it’s reading, crafting, writing, gaming, gardening, photography or sports, making time to do something you love will help you feel fulfilled. Hobbies are great for our wellbeing, creativity and physical health – all of which ultimately help you be a better parent.

Top 3 recommendations

Cheltenham Literature Festival, 4th-13th October  Search hotels

The Formula 1 Exhibition, London  Search hotels

BFI London Film Festival, 9th-20th October  Search hotels


Relive

Roxy Ballroom BirminghamWho says kids should have all the fun? Relive your childhood by seeking out thrills and adrenaline-pumping activities in adult-only environments. Venues around the UK are catching up to the idea that our inner children are ready to come out and play – with an adult twist! Ball pits aren’t just for kids and some even have cocktail bars in the middle of them! Zip wires and giant trampoline nets are definitely more fun over 30.

Top 3 recommendations

Ballie Ballerson, London, Edinburgh and Cardiff  Search hotels

Zip World, various locations in Wales, Manchester and Windermere  Search hotels

Junkyard Golf, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Oxford  Search hotels