Congratulations, you’re having a baby! Take time for yourself and your partner by planning a babymoon vacation à deux before the little one arrives. There’s a lot going on during this special period of your life, so that means there’s more to think about when you’re making plans and when you’re on the trip itself.
However, you shouldn’t let that put you off—a little extra care and consideration is all you need to make your trip memorable for the right reasons. Here’s how to enjoy a holiday with a baby on the way.
Decide what you want to get out of your holiday
Stylish luxury at Kandima Beach Club in the Maldives (Credit/Kandima)
Talk to your partner about your (and their) expectations for the trip. You might want to do some gentle sightseeing in a new city; spend all your time on a sunny beach; or you might prefer being pampered at a spa. (Check out Holidaysafe’s pregnancy travel guide for more ideas.) If you’re not sure where to start, go for a tailor-made holiday—Blueflower travel specialists can create a trip based on one of their three pillars: Challenge, Discover and Unwind. A perfect, hassle-free holiday.
Travel during the second trimester
The risks and morning sickness of the first trimester will be behind you, but the exhaustion of the third trimester won’t have hit just yet. In fact, during the second trimester you’re more likely to have higher energy levels and experience the classic pregnancy glow.
Stretch regularly
Stretching is incredibly beneficial for the body, particularly when travelling. It boosts circulation, calms swelling, and reduces the risk of blood clots, which is important if you’re travelling by plane. Use Livestrong’s list of circulation exercises if you’re not sure where to start.
Stretch—you’ll feel better (Credit/ChrisCampbell, Unsplash)
Get up and move around every so often if you can. If you’re travelling by car, stop every two hours to stretch, walk, relax, and take toilet breaks, which is important when you’re pregnant and there’s more pressure on your bladder.
Always carry water and snacks with you
Sometimes there are delays when you’re travelling; sometimes you just get hungry and thirsty. Whatever the situation, you’ll be grateful you have food and drink to hand. Healthy, portable snacks like wholemeal crackers and packs of fresh or dried fruit will keep your energy levels up and are easy to carry in your bag.
Meanwhile, staying hydrated prevents fatigue and headaches, boosts your concentration levels, and flushes waste and toxins out of the body. It’s also essential for your baby.
Take time to relax
(Credit/Pixabay)
Isn’t that what a holiday is all about? Make the most of your break from the stresses of everyday life. Get some rest, catch up on sleep, and look after yourself. You don’t have to stay on bed rest, but pay close attention to how you’re feeling and slow things down when you need to. You’ll enjoy the time you do spend out and about even more if you do. Grab a book on mindfulness and get a head start on your parenting skills. We’ve rounded up seven great books for mindfulness and meditation, including ones for parents.
City, beach or culture?
Some cities are made for walking. Some even have elevated urban walkways and cycle lanes above the crowds. Hit up a city with plenty of the great parks and organic cafes at your doorstep. Melbourne was voted “Most liveable city” in 2017, for many good reasons!
Spa and chef included, utter luxury (Credit/Soneva)
If it’s a spa or wellness retreat you’re after, head to the luxurious Amanoi resort in Vietnam or stay aboard the Soneva In Aqua yacht. This “floating villa” is the first of its kind in the Maldives and you’re guaranteed a perfect tropical getaway babymoon.
And nothing says “culture” more than Rome, Italy. Enjoy walking, sightseeing and pampering while staying at the Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina. This beautiful hotel is within walking distance of many of Rome’s most famous sites, and the hotel itself is a veritable museum: valuable archaeological treasures going back 1,500 years were discovered on the hotel’s grounds and can now be seen in the library.
The most stunning views over Rome (Credit/GranMelia, Facebook)
Written By: Michael Morris
Edited By: Adriane Rysz