Being a mother is one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs I’ve ever had. As a new mom, I have an even greater appreciation for my mother. There are times when a little getaway is much needed.

Here are five special travel ideas that include flexibility to have a mix of alone time and girlfriend getaway time.

Explore Weekend Festivals — Find a weekend festival for a fun day-trip. Several festivals and events offer good choices for a weekend getaway, day trip or special outing. Plan to spend a day at historic Mount Vernon’s old-fashioned Garden Party or enjoy a Camelot experience at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. Other options include visits to the country, the mountains or the beach, where several music, crafts and arts festivals planned.

Escape to the Mountains to See the Fall colors — This is a wonderful outing for anyone who loves nature and the mountains. Every Fall, the mountains of the East coast states produce some of the most vibrant and diverse woodland displays in the world. Plan a memorable mountain getaway with your girlfriends by renting a cabin and enjoy the peak leaf season at one of the national or state parks. Pack a picnic and enjoy spending time with Mother Nature as well!

Be a City Girl for an Uptown Experience — This is the best of the best choice for citified girls. Enjoy an urban getaway in the lap of luxury at one of a top award-winning city and in-town hotels in a metropolitan city. Many hotels offer special packages for gourmet dining and relaxing spa facilities to round out a perfect city trip in the heart of the action and within walking distance to popular attractions. More hotels now offer Girlfriend Getaway packages now as well including wine, dinner and fancy bath robes! Make sure to plan a night at the theater as well.

Take Cooking Classes and Culinary Adventures — This is the sugar and spice for those who love food and wine…and cooking. While most women probably will appreciate a day-off from cooking, cooking classes make wonderful getaways for anyone who enjoys food, wine and culinary travel. The growing popularity of destination cooking demonstrations and classes has prompted many resorts, restaurants and shops to create new and exciting culinary adventures for travelers of all ability levels. A hot spot for a longer vacation is taking culinary classes from Italian chefs in the Umbria region of Italy!

Take to the Sea — Nothing says relaxation like tropical air, sun and sunny beaches! Several cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer short 3 to 4 night cruises to the Bahamas out of ports that are an easy drive time. Take in spa treatments, dance the night away and eat great food.

Plan a “You” Day Out — Sometimes getting away locally just for the day is nice as well. Start the morning with a quite walk, followed by an appointment at a local spa and top it off with dinner with the girlfriends at a local trendy eatery.

However you choose to getaway, make it a special time. Celebrate uniquely this year or celebrate big — simply celebrate!