The debate about people intentionally choosing not to have children has received more than its fair share of attention recently, especially with the birth rate collapse and fertility trends constantly being in the news. The argument for not having kids often centers around having more lifestyle flexibility and the staggering cost of raising kids, in today’s economy and quickly changing society, even if you don’t agree, it’s easy to understand why that movement keeps growing.
What about those who do have children, and occasionally want to act like they don’t? Everyone deserves a break and some time to themselves, especially busy parents, but some are taking that idea a step further by booking adults-only trips and leaving their kids behind while they go on vacation. The internet has been quick to weigh in, and this topic has set off a heated debate. Here are some of the stories at the center of this controversy.
Mom Goes Solo
One of many of these types of stories recently is about Catherine Lofthouse, a British mom of three young boys who has gone viral for her guilt-free approach to taking parenting breaks. Catherine regularly takes short solo trips abroad, and argues that everyone benefits when she comes back recharged.
She keeps her travel extremely tight on the budget, pointing out that taking the whole family on a weekend in France could never be done for the cheap all-in price she’s paying, and instead, she puts what she’s saving towards school necessities and splurging more on the kids during the holidays.
By getting away for a few nights, Catherine is able to relax and do the things she most wants to do, without having to spend the weekend trying to squeeze in tons of activities that make everyone happy. Her boys are old enough to have some independence, and she argues that if they are well-cared for and safe at home, what difference does it make if she’s gone for a night or two?
However, while Catherine views this as clear-cut self-care, the internet was more divided. Some praised her for setting a healthy example of boundaries, while others accused her of selfishness and neglect. Still, Catherine has held her ground, even going so far as to recommend that other parents give solo travel a try.
Post-Divorce Drama
There have also been several cases of child-free vacations that involve custody disputes, one situation in particular went viral on Reddit last month: After a long and arduous court process, the pre-teen children of divorced parents eventually chose to live with their mom. A few months later, the father planned a two-week vacation to Europe with his new wife and didn’t invite his kids.
The jury of commenters was unsurprisingly fired up. Many of the replies argued that the father was being vindictive and that he would cause a permanent scar on the relationship with his kids. On the other hand, some commenters were more understanding, mentioning that family drama can get messy, and life must go on post-divorce with their new living arrangement.
Whatever side of the argument you fall on, just scrolling through the quantity and level of fervor in the comments is proof that this topic is highly polarizing and shows how quickly the idea of parents intentionally traveling without their kids can strike a nerve.
Disney Adults
Another related theme that has popped up in recent years is the concept of “Disney Adults” meaning, adult couples and groups of friends that take vacations to Disney World without any children in tow. Many are trying to relive the nostalgia of their childhood, while others simply see themselves as fans of the brand, much like any adult who might travel for a sporting event or concert.
But Disney Adults have become an easy target online, with countless viral posts and Reddit threads mocking them as bizarre or downright cringey for spending their vacations wearing mouse ears and posing with Tinker Bell, all without a child in sight. The intensity of the backlash perhaps reveals a larger societal construct that playfulness and joy have an expiration date, which has only continued this highly subjective, ongoing debate about where and how adults should enjoy themselves.
Adult-Only Resorts Are in the Hot Seat
Once marketed mainly toward honeymooners, adult-only resorts are growing in popularity among couples who already have children, but are looking for a few quiet, kid-free days to themselves. Bookings at these types of resorts have spiked over the past few years, and the travel industry is responding by providing a wider range of child-free options, more and more adult-only cruises, wellness resorts, and beach clubs seem to be popping up each month.
While this could easily be chalked up to a “to each their own” situation, we know from experience that’s rarely how the internet handles things, and this time, even governments are getting involved. In France, lawmakers have started questioning whether resorts should even be allowed to market themselves as child-free, arguing that the label discriminates against families. The controversy has since spread beyond France and has turned into a wider cultural debate about parenting, inclusivity, and where the line should be drawn when it comes to people’s right to peace and quiet.
Bottom Line:
Whether you are a parent or are adamantly child-free, taking a vacation while the kids stay at home is a topic that sparks opinions from all sides, and the internet in particular seems determined to keep arguing about it. So the next time you come across a story that falls into this category, whether you’re team solo getaway or team family road trip, while it’s sure to be an entertaining read, just know you’ve been warned before you dive into the comments section.