As an only child, I’ve been on many trips with my parents. Traveling one-on-one with each changed how I see them.

As an only child, I really lucked out. My parents have always been there for me, not just as role models, but as friends, too.

Growing up, our family trips were always just the three of us, so I always saw my mom and dad as a unit. But in my early 30s, I started traveling with each of them separately, and realized how different those experiences could be.

When you strip someone away from their roles, they have the chance to just relax and be who they want to be. No responsibilities, no work, no need to take care of anyone or anything. I’m so glad I’ve had the chance to learn more about them as people and their interests beyond our comfort zones.

I got to see a different side of my father

This year, I surprised my dad with his dream trip to Islay, Scotland. He’d been talking about visiting for years, so we booked a tour for his 60th birthday. We spent our days touring whisky distilleries and traversing lesser-known coastal towns with our Glaswegian guide and the several other strangers we were with.

Usually, at home, my dad finds solace on his weekends away from the office. Instead of exploring Boston, he enjoys spending time just being up on his favorite shows. On our trip, this wasn’t the case. Each morning was filled with new adventures, from skipping along the beach and distillery tastings on Islay, to scouring Edinburgh for his favorite spots he wanted to take me. Instead of having to listen to my ideas and passions, I got to explore his.

In Scotland, the travel version of my dad was unlocked. He was calm, spontaneous, lived in the moment, and just made the most of each day. My dad’s sometimes a man of few words, but since it was just us, we chatted about all sorts and just laughed about our Scottish escapades.

My mom and I got to act like friends

A few months before, I had taken my mother on a much-needed retreat to Curaçao for Mother’s Day weekend. We enjoyed a weekend of private lagoons, beaches, day trips, and relaxing time to do absolutely nothing — something we both needed.

Maybe it’s a mom thing, but in our regular day-to-day life, mine seems to have it all figured out. She’s the voice of reason, the one suggesting plans, and overall just someone you can always go to. She’s usually pretty relaxed in general, no matter the situation, but I saw a version of her just so content and happy with really taking it slow. No time of day to wake up, nowhere to be, no priorities. We both found laughter and happiness in the simple things- a spontaneous trip to a brewery, people watching, and silly jokes with our tour guide driving around the island.

In Curaçao, my mom and I were just friends on a girly holiday. Most of our days were spent by the beach with drinks or floating around on pool noodles, but my favorite times were when we’d just hang out in our villa, chatting in our towels over a glass of wine.

I will continue to travel solo with my parents

From seeing the northern lights in Iceland to mingling with the locals in the Bahamas, some of my most memorable trips over the years have been with my parents, but getting the chance to travel with them separately was so special.

My mom and dad will always be my parents, but on these trips, I had the chance to see them as individuals. Away from the daily hustle of life, away from responsibilities, and just as friends. I can’t wait to plan our next one-on-one trips!