{"id":40072,"date":"2024-09-03T16:48:26","date_gmt":"2024-09-03T15:48:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/?p=40072"},"modified":"2026-02-04T16:05:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T15:05:58","slug":"back-to-school-ways-parents-can-treat-themselves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/things-to-do\/back-to-school-ways-parents-can-treat-themselves\/","title":{"rendered":"Back to school! 5 ways parents can treat themselves after the summer break"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Summer break is a wonderful time to bond with your kids, but let\u2019s be honest &#8211; it can also be a lot! By the end of six weeks, most parents are ready for a little peace and quiet.<\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">So you\u2019ve packed the lunches and they are looking smart in their new uniforms, now it\u2019s 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\u2019ll be booking a child-free break this week after the long six-week school holiday.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">In our latest blog, we fill your school backpack with top tips and recommendations for carving out some &#8216;Me Time&#8217; during the new term.<\/h4>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">5 parent-friendly ways to recharge after the summer holidays<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Relax<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-40075 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Spa-day.jpg\" alt=\"Parents relaxing\" width=\"598\" height=\"422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Spa-day.jpg 598w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Spa-day-250x176.jpg 250w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Spa-day-120x85.jpg 120w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Spa-day-480x339.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 598px) 100vw, 598px\" \/>You\u2019ve spent six weeks caring for others \u2013 now is the time for some all-important self-care. Take advantage of the long-awaited quiet and grab a little &#8216;Me Time&#8217; 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\u2019t just relax your muscles \u2013 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\u2019s face it, you\u2019ve earned it!<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Top 3 recommendations<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkishbathsharrogate.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">Turkish Baths, Harrogate<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a> \u00a0<a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beaire.com\/en\/aire-ancient-baths-london\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">AIRE Ancient Baths, Covent Garden<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a>\u00a0 <a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wavegardenspa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">Wave Garden Spa, Snowdonia<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a> \u00a0<a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Reconnect<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-40078 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Theatre.jpg\" alt=\"Audience\" width=\"598\" height=\"422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Theatre.jpg 598w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Theatre-250x176.jpg 250w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Theatre-120x85.jpg 120w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Theatre-480x339.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 598px) 100vw, 598px\" \/>It\u2019s 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\u2019t 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.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Top 3 recommendations<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thelibertines.com\/live\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">The Libertines UK tour<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a> \u00a0<a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ticketmaster.co.uk\/katherine-ryan-tickets\/artist\/1606563\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">Katherine Ryan, Battleaxe UK tour<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a> \u00a0<a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/officerandagentlemanthemusical.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">An Officer and A Gentleman the Musical UK tour<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a> \u00a0<a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Recharge<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-40076 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Nature-walk.jpg\" alt=\"Exploring in nature\" width=\"598\" height=\"422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Nature-walk.jpg 598w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Nature-walk-250x176.jpg 250w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Nature-walk-120x85.jpg 120w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Nature-walk-480x339.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 598px) 100vw, 598px\" \/>You\u2019ve 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.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Top 3 recommendations<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenewforest.co.uk\/explore\/towns-and-villages\/brockenhurst\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">Brockenhurst, Hampshire<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a> \u00a0<a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/c2cpackhorse.co.uk\/four-waterfalls-walk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">Ystradfellte Four Waterfalls, Brecon Beacons<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a> \u00a0<a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.keswick.org\/what-to-do\/walking-routes\/catbellswalkingroute\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">Catbells, Cumbria<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a> \u00a0<a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Rediscover<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-40077 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Cheltenham-Lit-Festival.jpg\" alt=\"Cheltenham Literature Festival\" width=\"598\" height=\"422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Cheltenham-Lit-Festival.jpg 598w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Cheltenham-Lit-Festival-250x176.jpg 250w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Cheltenham-Lit-Festival-120x85.jpg 120w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Cheltenham-Lit-Festival-480x339.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 598px) 100vw, 598px\" \/>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\u2019s 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 \u2013 all of which ultimately help you be a better parent.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Top 3 recommendations<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheltenhamfestivals.org\/festivals\/literature-festival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">Cheltenham Literature Festival<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a>, 4th-13th October\u00a0\u00a0<a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/f1exhibition.com\/london\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">The Formula 1 Exhibition<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a>, London \u00a0<a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/whatson.bfi.org.uk\/lff\/Online\/default.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">BFI London Film Festival<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a>, 9th-20th October\u00a0 <a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Relive<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-37799 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/roxy-ball-room-birmingham.jpg\" alt=\"Roxy Ballroom Birmingham\" width=\"598\" height=\"422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/roxy-ball-room-birmingham.jpg 598w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/roxy-ball-room-birmingham-250x176.jpg 250w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/roxy-ball-room-birmingham-120x85.jpg 120w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/roxy-ball-room-birmingham-480x339.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 598px) 100vw, 598px\" \/>Who 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 \u2013 with an adult twist! Ball pits aren\u2019t 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.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Top 3 recommendations<\/span><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ballieballerson.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">Ballie Ballerson<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a>, London, Edinburgh and Cardiff \u00a0<a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zipworld.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">Zip World<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a>, various locations in Wales, Manchester and Windermere \u00a0<a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.junkyardgolfclub.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">Junkyard Golf<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a>, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Oxford \u00a0<a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=YO1+7LA&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search hotels<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Summer break is a wonderful time to bond with your kids, but let\u2019s be honest &#8211; it can also be a lot! By the end of six weeks, most parents are ready for a little peace and quiet. So you\u2019ve packed the lunches and they are looking smart in their new uniforms, now it\u2019s time [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":116,"featured_media":40073,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1361],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40072","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40072","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/116"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40072"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40072\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40073"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40072"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40072"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40072"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}