When it comes to traveling without the kids, nearly half of parents would take off for as long as possible, according to a new Kayak.com survey conducted by Kelton Research. Of 400 nationally representative American parents, 47 percent admitted they’d vacation kid-free for a week or more.

Not all parents are so carefree, though. More than one in five (21 percent) would feel very guilty the entire time away, about the same number that would limit their trip to two days or less (23 percent).

“Kayak.com’s survey found that almost a third (32 percent) of moms and dads have never taken a trip without the kids,” said Kellie Pelletier, vice president of communications who struggled returning to her hobby of travel after the birth of her first child. “All new parents need a break to reconnect and gain much needed rest, yet so many of us don’t know where to begin.

Pelletier said the travel experts at Kayak.com, a travel Web site, have teamed up with family travel writer Eileen Ogintz to create tips for planning a guilt-free getaway from the kids, especially that first trip, which they call the “Post-Partum Pardon.”

Key Survey Findings:

- Starting Out Young: Many parents have skipped town during the terrible twos—50 percent who have taken a tot-free trip first did so during their kids’ first three years.

- Between the Sheets: Sex is secondary for parents taking a break from the kids. A stressed-out two-thirds (67 percent) of parents would most look forward to relaxing or spending quality time with their significant other, while only one in 10 say they’d be most excited about bedroom activities.

- Adults Only, Please: When deciding on a destination, men are twice as concerned as women about whether the place has an adults-only policy (12 percent vs. 6 percent).

- A Land Far, Far Away: While almost half (47 percent) of parents would prefer traveling without kids to a relaxing place like a beach resort, one in four (25 percent) say they would most want to vacation in an exotic place they’ve never visited. Women are more likely to choose an exotic destination (30 percent) than their male counterparts (19 percent).

- Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus: Men find it easier than women to leave the kids behind, with more than a third (34 percent) saying they wouldn’t experience any guilt at all, compared to only 16 percent of moms. They’re also less likely to call home when away from the offspring—almost four in 10 women (35 percent) would check in more than twice a day, compared to 26 percent of men.

The Post-Partum Pardon

Tips for parents for that first trip away from the kids, by syndicated columnist Eileen Ogintz:

- GET OVER THE GUILT. Making time for yourselves helps you to be more effective parents and happier spouses. You come back rested and revitalized and that’s as good for the kids as for you.

- START WITH A LONG WEEKEND GETAWAY. Don’t plan a two-week trek across Africa for your first trip away. It will be better for baby and parents to start with a three- or four-night getaway and work your way up to a week or more away.

- DON’T VENTURE TOO FAR. In case you want or have to get back in a hurry, choose a destination within an easy drive or direct flight away from your child.
For more tips, visit http://wp.kayak.com/us/category/tips/