Kristen Keller lives in New Jersey with her two young boys, husband and two dogs. In an effort to obtain the perfect work-life balance, Kristen works part-time out of her home office as an independent public relations consultant and spends the rest of her time striving to give her children the same wonderful childhood experience she had. Click here to check out Kristen’s other posts on This Mommy Gig.

Today I am on a plane – headed out of the country and getting temporary relief from my duties as mother, wife and businesswoman. That’s right. I’m on my way to Rome with my dad and brother, where we will spend a lovely day before departing on our Eastern Mediterranean Cruise. For 10 days, my roles as daughter and big sister will be at the forefront, and I cannot wait!

This trip was my brainchild and began with a call to my dad in the midst of a long commute into work about a year ago (worked in an office then). I said, “Dad – I have a brilliant idea. You and I are going to take a trip – just you and me – next year.” I had no idea where or when, but I knew I wanted to have some quality time with my dad – create memories neither of us would ever forget. He said, “Okay,” but I don’t think he really believed it would come to fruition.

Well, here we are a year later, and we’re on our way to Rome! And Sicily and Crete and Greece and Turkey! The fact that my brother was able to join us is a huge bonus! And I’m sure my mom will be joining us in spirit; she wouldn’t miss this for the world!

Sure, it means I had to work 10 times as hard to make sure all was in order (professionally and at home) before I left, and will have to work just as hard when I return to play catch-up, but it will be so worth it! I have four books that I’ve been wanting to read – books with actual paper pages and heavier on text than on pictures – that I have brought with me. Will I get through them all? That remains to be seen.

And there are two formal dinner nights, so I get to dress up! I love dressing up – just never really have an occasion to do so. As someone who works from a home office, I’m not one to dress in sweats every day, but I certainly don’t find myself in many situations where I need to wear things that are “dry clean only.”

The point is, on this trip, I get to focus on ME and do things with my dad and brother that we enjoy doing – things you can’t do when accompanied by children – like hit the Blackjack tables and go on wine tours. I’m sure many of you understand. Ever since having kids, time with my dad and brother just isn’t the same with them around. We always have fun, but the focus is always on the children. Sure, we may sneak in a Scrabble game here and there, but only if we’re lucky enough to have both kids sleep at the same time.

Of course I will miss my boys and husband; I actually got teary-eyed in the car the other day thinking of saying good-bye to my boys at the airport (I’ll get to see them off at their gate as they head off to Indiana with my aunt). And my husband – I’m so thankful to have a man who understands the relationship that I have with my dad and brother and how important this once-in-a-lifetime trip is to me.

As for my work, I think I’ll get by just fine without it.

So here’s to leaving my mommy, wife and work life behind, and for 10 days, remembering what it’s like to be the kid again.

Diane Cordell is the mother of two adult, married children. In her position as a K-12 teacher/librarian, she interacts with students of all ages on a daily basis - good practice for future grandchildren! You can read more about Diane here. Diane also blogs at Journeys and can be found on Twitter as dmcordell. Click here to read more of Diane’s posts.

Saturday morning, my husband and I will leave for San Antonio. I’ll be participating in NECC 2008 (the National Educational Computing Conference); Tim will be visiting art museums and checking out the “Cold Margaritas and Hot Senoritas” (Hmmm).

I’ve already mentioned in Twitter that we’ll only be taking carry-on luggage: a duffel bag for hubby, and a backpack, with laptop compartment, and a small handbag for me. After a few less than successful incidents with airline baggage handling, we’re convinced that traveling light is the only way to reach your destination with wardrobe intact.

If you would like to follow our example, you might want to visit One Bag for tips on how to avoid overpacking.

A challenge faced by vacationers hoping to travel light is the restriction on the type and size of liquids and gels that are permitted in carry-ons. The Department of Homeland Security’s TSA gives updates on the current regulations on its site. Remember 3-1-1…no more than 3 ounces per container packed in a 1 quart ziploc bag with 1 bag permitted per traveler.

The size of the carry-on is also important. Rules vary by airline, but a general rule of thumb given by the FAA is “the maximum size carry-on bag for most airlines is 45 linear inches (the total of the height, width, and depth of the bag). Anything larger should be checked.”

A final tip to make your trip less stressful: go to Expedia and read the guide to whichever airports you connect through. There you will find information about food, shops, activities, even smoking areas. Rather than settle for the limited (or non-existent) food choices on an airplane, purchase a sandwich or regional specialty to munch on. Oh, and be sure to include some extra ziploc bags to contain leftovers - you don’t want any drips or leaks to stain your pared-down wardrobe! [I usually tuck in a Tide pen, just in case]

I love to travel and am very excited about exploring San Antonio for the first time. I’m bringing along a small tote bag to contain any tiny treasures we find there. Anything larger can be shipped home.

No checked luggage for this couple - we want to get there and go, not wait at a carousel for cases that have taken an unexpected left at Albuquerque !

“Suitcases” by masochismtango