First Child-Free Holiday: Istanbul, Turkey

I recently did something I’d never done before. I went abroad – for a whole weekend – WITHOUT my daughter. Four whole days away from my family! Three nights of not having to worry about the early morning “MUMMY” call. It was bliss to get some ‘me’ time, spend a few days with my best mate, Emma, and explore Istanbul.

As I kissed my two-year-old daughter, Mrs T, goodbye and set off to check in, it struck me how little I was carrying. I had a moderately sized suitcase in which I’d managed to stuff two pairs of trainers, heels and two pairs of flip flops (neither of which got worn) and a TEENY handbag to carry on. It felt amazing. In fact, I kept thinking I had forgotten something or lost a bag along the way.

There was no rucksack packed with toys, clothes, kids magazines, endless snacks and wet wipes. No daughter to carry when she got fed up of walking to the gate. And no husband either. I could shop, get a leisurely breakfast, breeze through security and board the flight without any stress.

Then there was the four-hour flight – all to myself. Any parent knows how precious time on their own is – so I soaked it up and enjoyed it. No two year old to keep amused, no iPads, toys or snacks to dish out. No trips to the toilet or whining that she doesn’t want to wear a seatbelt. And no wifi either. Instead, I had a book, newspaper, magazines, oh, and gin – of course!

Not having my little travel buddy next to me felt a bit weird. After all, she has been on every flight with me since she was nine weeks old. But I relished the opportunity to have some time to myself.

After a hair-raising taxi journey from the airport (I’m so glad the rest of my family weren’t in the cab with me), I met my friend and embarked on a girlie weekend.

It felt incredibly liberating and although I missed Mrs T, I made the most of the holiday and the all important ‘me’ time. Sometimes us Mums don’t do that enough. My hubby has been away far more than I have, from stag dos to work trips and lads nights out.

Being a mum can be all consuming and it is only when you have some distance from your children that you can really relax and rediscover a bit more about the person you were before you become a mum. Sure, you’re essentially the same but being able to free your mind from the worries of a little person can bring out qualities you may have forgotten about. Plus, being with my old school mate, Emma, transported me back to my youth. It helped that I knew Mrs T was in very safe hands up in Yorkshire with her daddy and grandparents.

Istanbul is a fascinating city. When walking up and down the steep, cobbled streets and wandering around the many sights of the ancient city, I was glad I didn’t have a toddler slowing us down. In fact, it would have taken us far longer to see the sights. Our 13km walk would have been impossible with a little one in tow.

There were also no restrictions on getting back for naps and bedtime. We could go for a leisurely lunch in between sight-seeing and I could actually go out in the evening – without a babysitter – AND stay out late (midnight is late, right?). I don’t go dancing very often these days so it was fab to throw a few shapes at a rooftop bar one night.

On our first night we went for a lovely posh meal (complete with wine tasting menu) and on the last night we stayed in with this little number which I picked up at duty free.

The majority of Istanbul’s most famous sights are clustered close together. In one day we managed to tackle The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace. They were a marvel to wander around, so opulent and intricate, with bags of history attached. I doubt we would have been able to explore them in quite as much detail if my daughter had been with us (2 year olds aren’t known for their patience)!

We also had the chance to do a bit of shopping at the Grand Bazaar. It would have bored my daughter, especially with Emma’s rather drawn out haggling. No doubt I’d have spent most of the time chasing her around the alleyways inside this huge, ancient market.

It was fantastic to have some time away with my best mate. I did miss Mrs T a little and when we were seeing the sights I wondered what she would make of Istanbul and what impression her blonde, curly locks would have had on the city’s inhabitants.

But, I confess, I didn’t miss her quite as much as I thought I would. We kept very busy, and to be honest, I didn’t have a lot of time to reflect. It was, of course, amazing to come back and see her. It made me appreciate my family even more. I recommend every mum gets away every now and then for a child-free weekend with friends – or even on their own. ‘Me’ time is very precious and an important part of self-rediscovery (I may have just made that word up)! The first morning back home after three nights away, I was very grateful to hear my name hollered up the stairs. “MUMMY!!!”