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Traveling With My Mom

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(As relayed by Lauren R.D. Fox based on a culmination of experiences)

Traveling with my mother has always been a catastrophic event due to our different personalities.

Truthfully, the trouble begins before we even step foot on a plane. In fact, it starts with the packing process; I tend to wait til the last minute to pack my suitcase whereas she likes to have her own luggage suited up and ready to go three days prior to departing for her trip. It never fails that we end up arguing about packing, and if it’s not that when we’re debating what and how much is being packed.

I like to be prepared, so that means I may throw in a few extra outfits, shoes or accessories because who wants to be invited to a place or event and not look the part? My mother, on the other hand, has a looming fear of overweight luggage (even if it’s not her own).

Aside from these minor (sometimes major) issues, my mother is not as adventurous as I am and likes to pick low-key activities to do while we’re on vacation. When I suggested we go on a Swamp Tour in New Orleans, she said no because of her fear of crocodiles and being in a small boat. On other trips, she’s wanted to know my every move, even if I was with family members, or she monitors how many drinks I’ve had while when we eat.

In August, my cousin will be getting married in Napa Valley and we will be attending — together. My mother would like us to travel together and share the same hotel room; I, however, have other plans. I plan to leave for Napa Valley four days before the wedding to spend time with my boyfriend and I will be booking a hotel room with him. I don’t want to leave my mother stranded so I plan to book her a room, as well, but I know she will be upset that I won’t be spending much time with her during our trip.

How do I break the news to her?

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