[Blog]Ep 6. How to Travel Without Your Kids (No Guilt and Stress)

Ft. Rinie Gupta and Sanchita Daswani

Introduction

This blog is a recap of the sixth installment of The Modern Indian Parent podcast, hosted by Rinie Gupta, a pediatric sleep consultant, and Sanchita Daswani, a pediatric nutritionist. In this blog, the hosts delve into a subject that stirs up a mix of excitement, guilt, and social judgment for modern Indian parents: traveling without your kids.

They unpack their personal experiences, share practical strategies, and reflect on how to make such trips not only doable but also enjoyable and meaningful. For parents considering time away from their children, this blog offers encouragement, tools, and the reassurance that it's okay to put yourself first once in a while.

The Desire to Travel Without Kids

Rinie and Sanchita begin by reflecting on their own desires to travel without children. Both happened to plan solo girlfriend trips on the same weekend, and realized how rarely this topic is discussed openly among parents.

They highlight the cultural expectations and internalized guilt that many mothers especially face. When parents express the desire to travel without kids, the reaction is often judgmental. Comments like “Why have children if you don’t want to be with them?” are not uncommon.

Rinie suggests that society tends to glorify the self-sacrificial “always-there” parent, particularly mothers. But she notes the true intention of child-free travel isn't selfishness but it’s to return as a more present, balanced parent. Sanchita adds that even a simple dinner outside initially triggered guilt, and so traveling abroad felt like a major leap. Yet these experiences helped both of them understand the benefits such time away can bring.

The Importance of a Support System

One of the most critical factors that made travel without kids possible for both Rinie and Sanchita was having a strong, reliable support system. Both hosts share that knowing their children would be cared for by familiar and dependable people gave them the reassurance they needed. Whether it was in-laws, a full-time nanny, or visiting family members, having this support allowed them to step away, knowing their children were in capable hands.

They reflect that this kind of backing, both emotional and logistical, is what turns the idea of travel into an actual possibility. Without that foundation, the guilt and anxiety can quickly take over. But when parents feel secure in the care setup at home, the trip becomes something to look forward to, rather than stress about.

The Right Age to Start Traveling Without Kids

Determining the “right” age to travel without your child varies based on the family’s situation. Sanchita shares that her first child-free trip happened when her twins were six months old. She felt confident because they were formula-fed, sleeping well, and had consistent routines.

Rinie, whose child was born during the pandemic, waited until 18 months. The key factors that helped her make the decision were sleep training and the availability of reliable care. She emphasizes that there’s no single right age- what matters is whether the essentials mentioned below are in place:

• A caregiver the child is comfortable with

• A predictable daily routine

• Consistent and sufficient sleep

• Emotional readiness of the parent

Once these pieces are aligned, taking a trip becomes a much smoother and less stressful process.

The Role of Routine and Sleep

Routine and sleep form the bedrock of a smooth child-free trip.

Firstly, Rinie suggests:

• Introducing the caregiver into the bedtime routine well in advance

• Having them observe and participate in the entire evening process—bathing, soothing, stories, and sleep

• Leaving detailed instructions behind, especially if the child is not sleep-trained

Secondly, she recommends putting a written routine on the fridge so caregivers don’t feel lost. Sanchita adds that this structure allows caregivers to navigate the day more confidently and helps children stay emotionally regulated even in their parents' absence.

Essential routine prep:

• Set wake-up and sleep times

• Fixed meal and snack times

• Predictable nap schedule

• Simple play routines

This clarity benefits both the child and the caregiver, providing a sense of rhythm that helps manage transitions better.

Setting Boundaries: Screen Time and Meals

Sanchita emphasizes the importance of meal planning before leaving. She advises against introducing new foods during the parent’s absence. Instead, stick to familiar, easy-to-eat meals that children enjoy and can consume without fuss.

She also recommends preparing a snack list, at least 10 go-to options that caregivers can refer to. This reduces the chance of junk food overload and supports consistent nutrition. However, she acknowledges that flexibility is key, and occasional indulgences like a biscuit or lollipop from the grandparents are okay.

On screen time, Sanchita recommends:

• Pre-defining how much screen time is acceptable (e.g., one hour per day)

• Using sand timers or digital timers to create a visual boundary for kids

• Allowing caregivers to choose the time, as long as the limit is respected

Rinie adds that visual timers not only empower children but also help caregivers manage tantrums related to turning off the TV or tablet.

Preparing for Potty Training

Rinie shares a valuable lesson learned during a previous trip. If the child is in the middle of potty training, the caregiver must be well-versed in the child’s cues and routine. Without that, there's a risk of regression, as happened in her case when her daughter stopped communicating about needing the toilet.

To avoid this, she advises:

• Involving caregivers in potty time before the trip

• Letting them take the child to the toilet regularly

• Encouraging positive reinforcement and interaction

• Teaching them to recognize the child’s cues and signals

This preparation supports consistency and helps avoid both accidents and setbacks in potty training progress.

Preparing Yourself Emotionally

The emotional preparation is often more challenging than the logistical one. Rinie admits she spent the first trip away glued to her baby monitor feed on her phone. It was like watching a reality show, and it took time (and a little nudging from her husband) to realize she needed to let go and be present in her vacation.

Sanchita adds that every couple usually has one parent who is more anxious and another who is more relaxed. For her, letting go came more easily because of her upbringing. She had to trust the system and remind herself that her kids were safe, loved, and being well taken care of.

Tips to prepare emotionally:

• Start with a short, nearby staycation

• Resist the urge to video-call constantly

• Trust your caregivers fully

• Remind yourself why the trip is important

• Reframe the narrative: this is for your well-being too

Conclusion

If you're a parent standing on the edge of the decision to travel without your kids, this blog, based on Rinie and Sanchita’s discussion, offers practical encouragement and reassurance. The decision to take a trip without your children doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you human.