How Burnout and My First Momcation Changed My Life and Sparked Momcations.co

Before Motherhood: Who I Was

Before I became a mom, I was outgoing and adventurous. I had different friend groups for everything: weekend club nights, game nights, and travel buddies. I loved traveling and spent so much time dreaming about the places I wanted to see, always adding to my bucket list. I worked in our family business selling construction materials and was really good at it. But I also had the freedom to focus on my career and my own life.

Then, I became a mom.

The Shift into Motherhood

Like every other mom, my life completely changed. Suddenly, I had two little humans who needed me 100% of the time. I was overwhelmed with the pressure to be a "good mom." Social media didn’t help—everywhere I looked, I saw these perfectly curated images of motherhood. Homemade baby food, bento box lunches, immaculate playrooms… I tried it all. I took on the role of room mom for my daughters’ classrooms, planned Pinterest-worthy parties, and kept pushing myself to measure up to a standard I now know was impossible.

But it wasn’t enough. I was exhausted, anxious, and burnt out.

Recognizing Burnout

I remember falling asleep in my car while waiting in line at the bank—I was that tired. Brain fog consumed me; I couldn’t make simple decisions like what to make for dinner. I felt hopeless, like I was failing at everything. I was eithersnapping at my kids or completely tuning them out while I scrolled my phone for more tips on how to be a better mom.

It felt like every other mom had it all together. I was drowning, and no one else seemed to notice.

The Turning Point: My First Momcation

One night, I was scrolling (again) and saw an ad for flights to Iceland—$397 round trip. It stopped me in my tracks. I had just spent the same amount on yet another “mom course” I’d probably never finish.

Half-joking, I sent the flight deal to my best friend. To my surprise, she replied, “When are we going?”

And just like that, we booked the trip. I was both nervous and excited—I hadn’t left my kids for more than one night, and it had been over a decade since I’d planned an adventure just for me. But having that trip to look forward to gave me a spark I hadn’t felt in years.

How Iceland Changed Everything

That trip was life-changing. Yes, the scenery was stunning, but it was more than that. I remembered who I was—beyond the title of “mom.” My best friend and I laughed, cried, tried new foods, and did what we wanted without complaints or schedules. We napped when we were tired, stayed up when we felt like it, and filled the days with memories we still talk about today. We STILL talk about how great the naps were on the tour bus!I came home exhausted but rejuvenated. My family survived without me—yes, my husband let the girls wear tights over their leotards, and dinner consisted of cereal and takeout—but they were fine. More importantly, I realized how much of the burden I carried unnecessarily.

That trip gave me permission to simplify my life. To be happier, not perfect.

The Birth of Momcations.co

The idea for Momcations.co didn’t come all at once—it was a slow, gradual realization that grew out of my love for travel and trip planning. For years, friends and family told me I should be a travel agent because I always planned the best trips, whether for my own vacations or family getaways. It was something I genuinely enjoyed: researching destinations, finding the best tours, and creating itineraries that made every minute count.

In 2022, during a personal development event, everything finally clicked. The speaker asked a simple question: Are you chasing the career goal you think you should have, or the one you actually want? That hit me hard. At the time, I was still prioritizing our family business—it was safe and familiar—but it didn’t light me up.

When I shared my dream with a group of women during a break, the words poured out of me: I wanted to plan trips for moms. I wanted to create getaways where moms could take a break, reconnect with themselves, and return home rejuvenated. To my surprise, these women lit up. They told me I had to do this—that every mom deserved a momcation, but most would never take the time to plan it.

That moment was the spark I needed, but it wasn’t immediate. Life got in the way, and I spent months talking myself out of it. I kept wondering, Who am I to start this? But the idea wouldn’t go away.

I realized moms everywhere were facing the same challenges I had: burnout, exhaustion, and guilt over taking time for themselves. They needed a break, but planning a trip—the research, the logistics, the mental load—was just another overwhelming task. That’s when I knew I had to take action. I could be the person who made it simple for moms to say yes to themselves.

That’s how Momcations.co was born: a business designed to help moms plan and take the guilt-free, stress-free break they deserve. Whether it’s a solo retreat, a girls’ getaway, or one of the group trips I now organize, I wanted to take the overwhelm out of travel so moms could focus on what truly matters: rest, connection, and rediscovery.

Looking Forward: My Vision for Momcations.co

In five years, I want Momcations.co to be the go-to for moms needing a break. I want to offer trips every month—spa weekends, adventure tours, group cruises, and everything in between. Whether you want to hike Machu Picchu, relax at a spa in Mexico, or shop German Christmas markets, there will be something for every mom.

I also want to create a supportive community of moms who take these trips together year after year, forming lifelong friendships. My dream is to grow a team of moms who understand what it means to juggle everything and still need time for themselves.

Why You Need a Momcation

Here’s what I hope every mom understands: you are more than just a mom. Motherhood is one of the greatest, hardest jobs out there, but even the toughest jobs come with breaks. You deserve time away to rest, to dream, and to be you. Your family will survive without you for a few days—and you’ll come back happier and stronger because of it.

If this resonates with you, it’s time to start planning your own Momcation. And I’d love to help you make it happen.

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

~ Jillian

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