The Momcation That Changed Everything: How a Trip to Iceland Helped Us Reconnect with Ourselves

I was beyond burnt out. There wasn’t a bubble bath or a self-care Sunday that could fix it. I needed something drastic, something big. Not to run away from my life, but to reset—to truly breathe again. That’s how I ended up planning my first real Momcation: a trip to Iceland with my best friend, Lauren. And let me tell you, it changed everything.

But this isn’t just my story.

I wanted to share the experience from both sides, so I asked my best friend and travel buddy Lauren—who was right there with me on this adventure—to share her perspective too. Because what we both took away from this trip shaped not only our friendship but also how we saw ourselves as moms, as women, and as individuals.

The Moment We Knew We Had to Go

Jillian: When I brought up the idea of this trip to Lauren, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I was so past the point of exhaustion that I knew I had to do something for myself. Life had been overwhelming—my daughter had another surgery, my father was diagnosed with cancer, work was intense, and the weight of being a mom, wife, and everything in between was crushing me. I needed something that was just for me.

Lauren: I’m always immediately on board in theory. I love to travel and check items off my bucket list. If I haven’t been there, I’m down for going. But then, when you start looking at the calendar and the bank statements, the hesitation sets in.

Can I afford this? Should I spend this money on a trip that doesn’t include my family? Will work be okay with it? Who will manage everything at home? There are always a million reasons to say no—but I’m so glad I said yes.

The Emotional Tug-of-War Before Leaving

Jillian: I won’t pretend it was easy to leave. I felt guilty, of course. I over-prepared—stocking the house, making sure everything was set up, even worrying about whether Paul could handle doing the girls’ hair. At the same time, I couldn’t get to the airport fast enough. The thought of a new adventure, of exploring a place I had dreamed of visiting, was exhilarating. And for the first time in a long time, I was excited for myself—not for my family, not for my kids, but for me.

Lauren: This wasn’t my first time leaving for a Momcation—I had taken a trip to New Orleans when my daughter was one—but that didn’t make it any easier. There’s always guilt in leaving. But the second my husband dropped me off at the airport, I felt free. I had a solo lunch with a book and a glass of wine before we even took off, and I already felt recharged.

Landing in Iceland: A Deep Breath We Hadn’t Taken in Years

Jillian: When we stepped off the plane in Iceland, it was 5 AM and still dark outside. I was exhausted but so excited. There was this overwhelming feeling of stepping into another world, like my real life had been put on pause, just for a little while. And for the first time in months, I took a deep breath that actually felt deep.

Lauren: I was beyond excited. I had dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights for years, and now we were here. But more than that, I was just happy to see Jillian again after waiting at baggage claim for ten minutes between our flights. The adventure was starting, but so was something else—reconnecting with each other.

The Unforgettable Moments

Jillian:

This trip was everything I needed and more. Some of my favorite moments? Dressing up as Vikings at the museum and laughing uncontrollably, meeting the friendliest people, being shocked at how clean Reykjavík was (seriously, someone was vacuuming the street!). Taking silly pictures with our selfie stick, indulging in fancy dinners, and experiencing the best naps of our lives on long bus rides. Slathering ourselves in mud at the Blue Lagoon. It was a mix of adventure, relaxation, and pure, unfiltered joy.

Lauren:

The sleep on that bus was legendary. I think about those naps all the time—they were the best sleep of my life! And of course, the little moments stick with me—our ridiculous pictures at the Viking museum, running into our “bus friends” at a random roadside chip shop, the glass-like glacier ice, the never-ending darkness, the ice caves. Just everything.

The Moment It Hit Us

Jillian:

The real turning point for me wasn’t in front of a waterfall or soaking in the Blue Lagoon. It was at the end of day two. After a long tour exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle, we were exhausted but still craving something more. We found a little café, ordered dessert and beer, and just talked. We FaceTimed our families, laughing as I somehow got a filter stuck on my screen that wouldn’t go away. Even after the call, it was still stuck, and we took a ridiculous amount of pictures trying to fix it. That moment—sitting there, laughing with my best friend, feeling light and free—I realized this was what I had been missing.

Lauren:

After feeling recharged from my solo lunch at the airport, I knew I needed this trip. But when I think back to Iceland, the moment I truly knew how much I needed it was when I realized my best memory was sleeping on that bus. That alone told me everything—I was exhausted, and I hadn’t even recognized it until I gave myself permission to step away.

Coming Home & The Shift That Changed Everything

Jillian: When I got back home, I was different. I felt reset, refreshed. I wasn’t snapping at my kids, I was happy to see them, and I knew that I needed to do something like this for myself every year.

Lauren: I love my family, but absence truly makes the heart grow fonder. And coming home made me realize something big—my husband could handle things without me. Sure, my daughter went to daycare in pajama pants and a Patriots jersey, but life didn’t fall apart. And that gave me the confidence to continue prioritizing myself, knowing that my well-being mattered just as much as theirs.

Jillian: Yes, it is shocking what they can handle, even if not done right. None of the meals I prepared were used; instead, a lot of takeout and cereal for dinner. And I got to hear all about how when getting Catherine dressed for ballet class, he put her tights over top of her leotard, and she said, "Mommy, I just couldn't with Daddy anymore." I had a great time laughing at the picture the dance teacher took and showed me the next week at drop-off.

What We’d Tell Any Mom Who’s Hesitant to Take a Momcation

Jillian: I 100% believe that every mom needs this—not just because it’s my business, but because I’ve lived it. Even if you never book a trip with me, I want you to hear this: Please do this for yourself. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant 10-day vacation to a high-end resort. It can be 48 hours at a hotel two hours away. It can be a weekend glamping in the mountains. It can be a solo retreat with yoga and room service. Every time I’ve taken a Momcation—whether it was Iceland, Peru, Newport, or a simple weekend away—I’ve found myself again.

Lauren: Do it! What are you waiting for? You’re not getting younger, and life is short. Even if you start small—just one night away—you will feel the difference physically, emotionally, and in your relationship with your family.

This is why Momcations matter. This is why we take them. And it all started with two childhood friends and posting for cheap flights on Facebook to Iceland.

Until next time, here’s to making time for yourself - you deserve it!

~ Jillian

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