a babymoon
Everything you need to know about your last vacation without kids
As expectant parents, you probably have enough on your plate. You’re busy preparing the nursery, buying things for your little one, and arranging postpartum care. But have you thought about a babymoon?
A babymoon can range from a weekend getaway to a longer trip to an exotic destination. In this blog, I explain what a babymoon is and share everything you need to know for a successful vacation. Whether you’re looking for relaxation and peace or an adventurous journey, there’s a suitable babymoon for every couple. So keep reading!
(All the information is, of course, also suitable for women who are going on vacation while pregnant and already have a child.)
Share & pin this blog!
Babymoon - what and why?
A babymoon is a vacation that a couple takes together before their baby is born. The idea behind a babymoon is to enjoy some quality time and relaxation together before your life changes forever. During a babymoon, you can leave all the stress and worries behind and focus completely on each other and the arrival of your little one.
A babymoon has several advantages. First of all, it’s the perfect opportunity to relax. Pregnancy can be tough, and it’s important to take some time for yourself and unwind every now and then. A babymoon allows you to get away from the daily hustle and bustle and find some peace. Additionally, a babymoon is also good for your relationship. With all the hustle and stress of preparing for the baby and planning the delivery, your relationship might feel strained. A babymoon gives you the chance to take some time for each other and enjoy each other’s company.
Finally, a babymoon is simply a lot of fun! Creating new memories together and discovering new places is always a great idea. Moreover, it’s likely the last time you’ll go on vacation as a couple before your family expands.
Babymoon - the best time
The best time for a babymoon is during the second trimester of pregnancy, between the 14th and 28th week. During this period, most pregnancy complaints, such as morning sickness and fatigue, have usually subsided, while the belly is not yet too large to travel comfortably. Moreover, the second trimester is often when you feel your best and have more energy than in the first or third trimester.
In the first trimester, traveling can be quite exhausting, as many women experience morning sickness and fatigue. In the third trimester, the belly size may have significantly increased, making travel less comfortable.
It is always advisable to discuss your babymoon plans with your midwife or gynecologist to determine if it is safe to travel and if there are any other considerations to take into account.
Babymoon - What should I consider?
When choosing a destination for your babymoon, there are several factors to consider. I’ve listed them for you below.
♥ The journey: choose a destination that isn’t too far away so you don’t have to endure a long and exhausting trip, and consider whether you want to fly or prefer to drive.
-
By plane
It is important to know that flying is generally safe during pregnancy, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to note that most airlines allow pregnant women to fly until 36 weeks of pregnancy. However, this can vary, so always check the airline’s rules before booking a ticket. If you are pregnant, there is also a slightly increased risk of thrombosis. Therefore, it’s important to get up and walk around regularly during the flight and to drink plenty of water.
What you definitely don’t want to forget when you’re pregnant and planning to fly is a ‘fit to fly’ certificate, which the airline may request. This is a medical statement from your doctor confirming that you are healthy enough to travel. The requirements for a fit to fly certificate vary by airline and destination. Therefore, it’s important to check the rules of your airline before flying, but usually, a fit to fly certificate is required if you are more than 28 weeks pregnant.
You can obtain a fit to fly certificate from your general practitioner or gynecologist. It’s important to arrange this certificate in advance so that you’re not caught off guard on the day of your flight. Make sure the certificate includes all the necessary information, such as your due date and any complications you may have experienced during your pregnancy. -
By car
Traveling by car during pregnancy can be a good alternative to flying because you have more control over your trip and pace. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. If you are pregnant, it’s important to stop regularly to rest and move around. Plan your trip in advance and take sufficient breaks along the way to walk, stretch, and hydrate. Just like during flights, there is also a risk of thrombosis if you sit still for too long in a car. Therefore, it’s important to move around regularly and drink plenty of water during the trip to stimulate circulation and reduce the risk of thrombosis.
♥ The Zika virus: this virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and can have serious consequences for pregnant women, including birth defects in the baby. Therefore, it’s important to avoid destinations where Zika is present. Before choosing a destination, check if there is a risk of Zika, and consult your midwife or gynecologist for advice if necessary. It’s also important to take the right precautions during your stay to prevent mosquito bites, such as wearing covering clothing and using insect repellent.
♥ Climate: pay attention to the climate of the destination. Some countries have specific seasons when it can be very hot, cold, or rainy, which may not be comfortable during pregnancy.
♥ Medical care: Ensure that good medical care is available at the destination in case something happens during the trip or while you are there.
Babymoon - the best destinations
Of course, every babymoon destination is personal and depends on your preferences, but below you’ll find a list of the most popular babymoon destinations.
Santorini, Greece
It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the blue sea. The island also offers romantic sunsets and delicious food.
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve in Portugal is known for its sun-soaked beaches and stunning rock formations along the coastline. It’s a great destination for pregnant women who want to relax on the beach and enjoy delicious Portuguese cuisine.
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is one of the Balearic Islands of Spain and offers white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a calm, relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great destination for pregnant women who want to enjoy the sun and the beach while also relaxing in a peaceful environment.
Positano, Italy
Positano offers beautiful beaches, a stunning coastline, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s also the perfect place for romantic walks along the waterfront.
Lake Como, Italy
It’s the perfect place for couples who love luxury and romance. Lake Como offers stunning views, beautiful villas, and delicious Italian cuisine.
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is an Italian island with some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, including the famous La Pelosa. It’s a fantastic destination for pregnant women who want to enjoy the sun, the beach, and delicious Italian cuisine.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is a charming city with a vibrant atmosphere, stunning landscapes, and many natural hot springs. It’s a great destination for pregnant women looking for adventure and wanting to experience the magic of the Northern Lights.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a beautiful city with medieval walls, narrow streets, and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. A fun option is a road trip from Dubrovnik. We did this during our babymoon, traveling through Montenegro and Albania, and then we took a week-long ferry ride to the Greek island of Corfu.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a beautiful city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant culture. It’s a great destination for pregnant women who want to enjoy romantic walks along the river, admire beautiful old churches and cathedrals, and savor delicious food.
It’s important to remember that a babymoon doesn’t have to be expensive or far away. It can also be great to take a weekend trip to a nearby city or to choose a stay within your own country. Ultimately, it’s about spending time together and relaxing. Therefore, here’s a list of the best babymoon destinations in the Netherlands:
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the perfect destination for couples who love a vibrant city. You can enjoy a boat tour through the canals, visit museums, indulge in delicious food, and go shopping.
Maastricht
Maastricht is a lovely city in the south of the Netherlands, close to the Belgian border. It boasts beautiful historical architecture, cozy cafes and restaurants, and plenty of shops.
Texel
Texel is the largest Wadden Island in the Netherlands and is a fantastic destination for couples looking to relax and enjoy nature. The island features beautiful beaches, dunes, and forests, making it perfect for lovely walks and bike rides.
Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a beautiful village in the north of the Netherlands, also known as the “Venice of the Netherlands.” It is famous for its waterways and traditional houses, making it a great destination for couples who enjoy a peaceful setting.
Zandvoort
Zandvoort is a popular seaside resort with beautiful beaches and a lively atmosphere. It’s a great destination for couples who want to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
Babymoon - A few extra tips
– Avoid Too Much Sun: Sunbathing during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing a pregnancy mask (melasma). This is a pigmentation disorder that leads to dark spots on the face, especially around the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Therefore, it’s important to use a high SPF sunscreen while sunbathing and to wear a hat or sunglasses to protect your face. You may also choose to stay in the shade.
– Make sure to always carry the phone number of your midwife with you; you never know when you might need it. Additionally, it’s important to bring your pregnancy card. This card contains essential information about your pregnancy, including medical details such as your blood type (and also the phone number of your midwife).
– Travel Insurance: Ensure that you take out travel insurance that covers costs in case something happens during your trip. Also, check if the insurance covers any expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth.
– Diving: Diving is strongly discouraged throughout the entire pregnancy
– Luggage: Try not to bring too much luggage to avoid lifting heavy items.
– Health: Ensure that you are healthy before traveling. Consult your midwife or gynecologist for advice on vaccinations and medications that are safe during pregnancy.
– Hygiene: During your pregnancy, it’s important to be extra vigilant about hygiene, especially in distant tropical countries. Due to a weakened immune system, you are more susceptible to diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration.
– Rest & Comfort: Make sure to schedule enough time to rest and relax during your trip. Also, opt for comfortable clothing and shoes to ensure you can travel and engage in activities comfortably.
Did you find this blog about babymoon helpful? Support me by buying me a tea! This way, you help me continue to gather and share great tips and inspiration ♥♥♥
pin this blog!
Share & pin this blog!
More inspiration and tips
HI, GREAT TO HAVE YOU HERE!
Welkom op mijn blog! Ik ben Marlyn en samen met mijn man en twee kinderen (uit 2018 en 2020) een reislustig gezin uit de omgeving van Rotterdam.
Let us inspire you to travel with us to beautiful destinations around the world. We will show you that you can create wonderful experiences, even when traveling with kids.
Discover how you, as a travel blogger with a small following, can establish collaborations with hotels and secure free stays around the world!
LATEST POSTS
More beautiful vacation photos?
Sign up for our newsletter and receive our favorite preset for FREE to make your vacation memories even more beautiful.
