Emily Gibbs, a 29-year-old mother from Norwich, Norfolk, has discovered an unconventional yet highly effective form of self-care: embarking on solo day trips abroad, which she affectionately calls her "therapy trips." Leaving her three-year-old son and partner at home, Emily jets off to European destinations for under £100, seeking freedom, adventure, and a brief respite from the demands of parenting.
Embracing Freedom and Adventure on a Budget
Emily, who runs a housekeeping agency, adores the thrill of extreme day trips, viewing them as essential for her mental well-being. She explains, "I love the freedom of walking through an airport by myself without any bags and knowing I'll be back in my own bed at night time." While she enjoys family holidays with her son and his dad, these solo excursions provide her with independent time that feels like a therapeutic escape.
A Winter Wonderland in Chamonix
In January, Emily embarked on one of her most memorable trips to Chamonix in the French Alps. She described it as a "winter wonderland" and "picture perfect, like a scene from a movie," with snow hanging off trees and charming chalets dotting the landscape. The highlight was a train ride up the mountain on the Montenvers Mer de Glace, costing £27, where she marvelled at the breathtaking views.
Emily reflected, "I was just looking out of the window thinking, 'how on earth am I doing this right now? I was in my own bed this morning and I'll be back there in a few hours' time'." Despite spending only about four hours in Chamonix, she felt it was ample time to soak in the atmosphere without rushing.
Logistics and Expenses of a £100 Day Trip
Emily meticulously plans her trips to stay within a £100 budget, covering transport, food, and activities. For her Chamonix adventure, she secured return flights from Luton to Geneva for just £42. Her day began at 4am with a two-hour drive to Luton airport, followed by an 8.30am flight. After landing in Geneva at 11am, she took a one-hour bus to Chamonix, arriving by 1.05pm.
After exploring the town and enjoying the train ride, she caught a bus back to Geneva at 5.15pm, boarded a 6.30pm flight, and landed in Luton by 7.50pm. A two-hour drive later, she was back in bed in Norwich by 11pm. Total expenses for the trip included:
- Airport Parking: £10
- Return Flights (Luton to Geneva): £42
- Return Bus (Geneva airport to Chamonix): £21
- Montenvers Mer de Glace train: £27
Emily noted, "It's no more than I'd spent on a day out in the UK, the train from Norwich to London is £60 alone." She finds pushing boundaries and seeing how far she can get in a day to be both fun and rewarding.
Previous Adventures and Future Plans
Emily's passion for extreme day trips isn't new; in 2025, she visited Monaco and Gothenburg on similar excursions. She cherishes the sense of adventure these trips provide, balancing them with her responsibilities as a mum. Despite the tiring schedule, she says it pales in comparison to the sleepless nights of parenting, allowing her to recover the next day.
Looking ahead, Emily is eagerly anticipating her next adventure: a girls' trip to a spa in Bucharest, Romania. She shares her travel stories on social media under @littlemomentswithemily, inspiring others to seek out affordable escapes. With no downsides to her Chamonix trip aside from minor queues at passport control, Emily proves that therapeutic getaways don't have to break the bank or take days away from family life.
