2020 is the year that will go down in history as absolutely heart-breaking, and for so many reasons. A global pandemic that would kill millions of people around the world is something that most of us didn’t see coming. Not to mention the sudden upheaval of our way of life, our plans, and the foreseeable future has put us into a tailspin that I don’t know when we’ll see the end of. Since March, I have become a full-time mother to a 2.5 year old and 10 month old and full-time entrepreneur (Flyy Family Luxury Resorts and Vacations). I feel like I am finally coming out of the fog of wishing the world was different and have accepted the reality: we won’t be traveling for a while. But that’s never stopped me from dreaming. Here are 10 Destinations for Your Post-COVID Momcation.

Please notice that I am not prefacing this list with a reminder of how much I love my children. I am also not thanking my husband for allowing me to travel without my family. There are a few things that I hope we don’t bring back after the pandemic: mom-shaming or mommy guilt.

Venice, Florence, and Tuscany Italy

Ever since my guest post with bookingsforyou.com and Jo’s post on my site, I’ve been dreaming of Italy. This European country has had my heart since 2017 when I visited for the first time. I even made my husband agree that we would come back every year. Well, life happens and we haven’t made it back but I still long for more. I have three cities as my number one momcation idea because I simply can’t decide. It’s always been a bucket list trip to rent a car and drive through Northern Italy. Venice might be my favorite place in the world and I absolutely have to return so I would start there. From Venice, I would do a mix of car and train travel and eat and drink my way through Florence and Tuscany with a good book and a backpack. Do you think I could ever do that?

New York, New York

I would say that New York needs no explanation but that would be doing this list a disservice. Besides the fact that one of my favorite humans in the world lives here (my big brother), NYC has been a favorite of mine since I first visited when I was 17 years old. I love nothing more than being in a city where nobody notices I’m there.

Is that odd? Does that even make sense?

There is so much to see and so much to do in New York. From the endless museums, getting lost on the subway, enjoying an amazing meal almost anywhere… the list goes on and on. I live in a suburb in the Bay Area and I’ve never been impressed with San Francisco. But New York City? Something about it has always felt a little like home.

Cabo San Lucas or Cancún, Mexico

I can’t decide. I have never been to Cabo and it’s only about a 4 hour plane ride from where I live. However, Cancún has some of the best water I’ve ever seen and I have wanted to go back since 2011 (wow that’s a long time ago!).  I beach vacation would be the epitome of relaxation when considering a momcation and time for myself. A few days with the ocean as my bedtime lullaby and rendezvous with the sunshine after breakfast would be just what I need to reset.

Palm Springs, California

A local-sh gem that I’ve been wanting to visit the last year or so. I’ve been told that there is absolutely nothing to do which to mean just sounds like an excuse for a fabulous hotel stay, spa treatments, and amazing meals. A momcation to me is an opportunity to take care of you and no one else. Trust whomever you’ve left your children with and enjoy yourself. Don’t feel bad that your partner is missing out on this amazing meal (convince them to come back with you another time). And it is certainly not a time to waste losing sleep over what your kids are doing. Read that again. Sleep. This is your opportunity for actual, uninterrupted s.l.e.e.p.

Sedona, Arizona

My family and I visited Arizona in spring 2019 and I was amazed at how beautiful it is. I had no expectations and I admittedly sensationalize international travel but I was pleasantly surprised at how incredible Arizona is. So much so that I wanted to take my mom to Sedona for her birthday this year. But, you know, COVID and all.

Instead, I dream about Sedona as a momcation because of the seclusion that I could have. I would have to take a plane and then rent a car for a drive to Sedona. Known for it’s spas and amazing hotels, I would enjoy every single second of my time there. Plus, I could do see more of Arizona’s dessert beauty. It would be one for the books.

Paris, France

I was telling my husband just this morning that, while I have always fantasized about living in Spain, the thought of spending time in France gives me goosebumps. Like Italy, it is a place that I could return to over and over again. Famous Black Americans like James Baldwin and Josephine Baker loved France for their acceptance of their Blackness and that alone excites me about France. I have been to Paris twice but still not for 5 days in total. It’s simply not enough. I would go by myself for a week, rent an apartment, eat all the cheese and baguettes, drink all the wine, and explore the city from dawn to dusk. Oh, Paris.

Chicago, Illinois (in spring or fall)

In an effort to explore more of the US, and finally take some friends up on their offer to show me around, I think Chicago would be a really fun few days away. My dad is actually from Chicago but I’ve never been. I have always been curious about his home town and what it would be like to visit. I want to know what the big deal is about this midwestern city that so many people love. This is a city that I don’t actually know that much about so I would research the best and most central neighborhood and go from there. With enough time, I could find my way to amazing experiences without too much planning and that sounds like a really refreshing way to travel.

Belize

Another beach destination and one that I haven’t visited before. Belize ranks so high on the list of anyone who has traveled there and I want to experience the hype. This is also another place where I know someone who could point me in the right direction of where to stay, what to do, and where to eat. But if I’m being honest, just point me to the warmest water and most beautiful view. Beach vacations are meant to be relaxing, right?

One of my lifelong dreams (that I don’t talk about often enough) is to learn to scuba dive. While it’s true that I love the ocean, I am actually quite terrified of it as well. I have been snorkeling two times in my life and both times either the instructor or my husband has had to remind me to breathe. So why would I want to scuba dive of all things?! Because the ocean is mesmerizing and it’s a fear that I want to get over. Maybe I could learn to scuba dive while in Belize on my momcation.

Mexico City, Mexico

When thinking about cities for this list, my heart jumped at the thought of finally visiting Mexico City. A few years ago I had a long layover scheduled in Mexico City on my way to San José, Costa Rica but my flight itinerary was changed and I never made it. Obviously, I’ve wanted to visit ever since. I love Mexico and always have. But I haven’t really done much traveling like I like in the form of museums, walking tours, and immersion because I usually go to the beach and stay there (except for in Puerto Vallarta). As the capital city, Mexico City is a treasure and I really want to explore it.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Food. That’s all.

Just kidding. Sort of. New Orleans might be my favorite city ever. When I think of Nola, I immediately think of how well I’ve eaten while visiting the two previous times. But if I went to New Orleans on a momcation, I would visit the Whitney Plantation, do a voodoo tour, and eat all the food. I would eat beignets twice a day (at least) and not regret a single pound I gained. New Orleans is also a Black city and there’s nothing like being surrounded by your people. Nothing.

What’s missing from this list? Where would you go on your momcation?