Controversial 'Dadcations' holidays travel expert swears by: 'Need brownie points'

This is a travel column on a travel site so, shock horror, I believe in travel and holidays for everyone - singles, couples, families, bucks, hens, honeymoons, babymoons, staycations and calmcations. 

Perhaps more shockingly, I also believe that parents need their own solo vacation from time to time.

In my opinion, giving yourself, and each other, permission to have separate breaks is a totally legit concept, even a game-changer. I have done it. My wife has done it. We are both better off for it and so is the family.

Watch the video above.

Mumcation is an easy sell, of course. If anyone needs a holiday it's a mum with growing kids.

But you try selling the idea of a Dadcation to an editor with a toddler? That went something like this....

READ MORE: 'How this hotel's bizarre room feature gave me the best sleep I've had in months'

EDITOR (Mum of a two-year-old): So let me get this straight? You want to write a column about how Dads need a holiday on their own. Just Dad. No partner? No kids?

ME (not a mum of a two-year-old): That's right

EDITOR (again.. mum of a two-year-old): Good luck with that.

So, here goes.

At this time of the year televisions across the country are being monopolised by Dads pigging out on the feast of football provided by the AFL and NRL finals.

READ MORE: The best Aussie road trip that is the perfect length for kids

But why stop there? Dream big.

Maybe you've always wanted to go to the US Masters in Augusta, or the NRL season opener in Las Vegas. But then again, Springsteen is playing a huge concert at Wembley in 2027. How good would that be?

Dads, I've probably lost half the readers already so I really need you to stick with me on this.

Before I started, I Googled to see if Dadcations was a thing. And whaddya know, even the Google algorithm is on my side.

"Dadcation. Did you mean: dedication." Google's words not mine, but I'll take the win.

You seek no reward for being a dad ever since being reminded it's "parenting" not "babysitting" when you offer to look after your own children.

Family holidays are great, except that one time you got a tick on the camping trip and ended up on a drip in Wagga Wagga Base Hospital. Good times.

So how do you transition from soccer practice to the Super Bowl? It's not easy. 

It's not a crime to want a holiday on your own, but like a felony you need to start with means, motive, and opportunity. 

1. Means: Whether it's Vegas, Augusta, or Wembley it's going to take cash so you might want to start packing lunch from home and skipping Friday night drinks for a while to build up the bank.  
   
2. Motive: This is the key to the whole operation. Saying you want to hang out with the boys in Vegas for a week won't cut it. And don't say you deserve it. You probably don't, unless you're a first responder or run a non-profit.
   You need to say you're feeling a bit run down and some time away will re-energise you, refresh you, realign your chakras, and make you a better husband and father. It's like you are doing the family a favour by going away.
   
3. Opportunity: "Fares to Vegas have never been this cheap"…."March is a quiet time in the office." Fill in the blanks yourself.

But even if you get all these ducks in a row it may not be enough.

You could offer to do the lawns once a fortnight and fix the broken guttering on the side of the house, but it turns out this is already in your job description, so that probably won't get you over the line. 

The only real way to land the deal is some old fashioned horse-trading. You're going to have to go quid pro quo and suggest a Mumcation or, depending on your family situation, a separate Dadcation.

Telling your partner they deserve a break away from kids, work, and the daily stresses of being a parent for a few days should be graciously received. 

If you need some more Dadcation thought starters here are three of mine:

• As a certified nerd I'd name Comic-Con in San Diego
• Ringo Starr's residency in Las Vegas. (I know it's only Ringo but he's still a Beatle)
• Real Madrid vs Barcelona at Bernabeu Stadium in Spain

There's an initial stage of guilt attached to a solo parent vacation but once you get over that in the Uber to the airport there'll be no turning back.

Good luck!

View gallery

European city labelled best in the world for solo travellers