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Babymoon Tips: How to Plan Your Dream Getaway

April 9, 2023 /

I am not a healthcare provider. This article is written in good faith, and with the knowledge I gained from talking with my medical provider. I suggest that you discuss any plans to travel while pregnant with your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for your pregnancy, as every pregnancy is different.

What is a Babymoon and Why Should I Take One?

Simply put, a Babymoon is a vacation that you take with your spouse or partner before your baby arrives. It allows you time to connect and spend a special vacation together before you have a new addition to your growing family. Taking a Babymoon is important because it gives you time to bond with your partner and focus on each other in a time that has been seemingly all consumed by preparing for your little bundle of joy. In this article I’ll share with you all the important information you should consider when planning a Babymoon so that you can rest assured you have all of your ducks in a row.

When is the Perfect Time to Take a Babymoon?

The best time to take a Babymoon is before your third trimester. There are several reasons for this. The first being that the second trimester is arguably the easiest. Gone are the days of morning sickness, but the third trimester exhaustion and discomfort hasn’t quite set in yet. It is also unlikely that most moms-to-be would go into labor during this time.

I chose to go at the very end of my second trimester because I did not want us to do the Babymoon too early. It seemed like a great time to slow down, put the baby planning on pause, and connect with each other before we entered the homestretch of pregnancy.

Other considerations are related to work: your vacation time and work obligations. Another reason our dates worked so well for us is because that was my school’s Spring Break. If you’re new to the blog, you may not know that I’m an elementary school teacher. Harry’s vacation for the year also restarted at this time, so it just made sense!

Destination Considerations

Factors to Consider when Planning your Babymoon

It may sound exciting to go on another honeymoon to somewhere exciting like the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, etc. While those places would make great vacation spots, they may not be the best for Babymoons. This was something my medical provider helped explain to me that I otherwise wouldn’t have considered.

You need to ensure that wherever you go has a close proximity to quality medical facilities should you require any kind of medical attention. In a worse case scenario, would you and your baby have the best possible healthcare if you were to deliver preterm in this location? Is this a place you would be willing to be “stuck” for weeks while you and/or your baby received medical attention? These are the reasons we narrowed down our Babymoon destinations to the continental United States. We also researched where the closest and best medical facilities were to where we would be and pinned them on Google Maps in case we needed them while we were gone.

Next up is to consider the weather and climate of where you’re visiting. You may prefer somewhere warm and sunny because snowy activities like skiing and ice skating are ruled out as safe possibilities for you while you’re pregnant. On the same token, if you go somewhere hot, you’ll likely be a bit uncomfortable because it could increase your chances of swelling. Ultimately, you know the vibe you guys are going for and lucky for you (if you live in the U.S. like us), you have lots of options here!

Activities and Popular Destinations

This should be a relaxing and connecting trip for you and your partner. With that in mind you may prefer to do light hiking, pregnancy-safe spa treatments, or relax by a pool or beach. Depending on the time of year, you may find these available in San Diego, San Francisco, New York, Sedona, or Miami. We opted to start our trip in Tucson, Arizona, then move to Monarch Beach in Southern California, before ending in Los Angeles. We like to explore, so packing in three destinations in a week is exactly what we would want to do before our baby comes. We chose these destinations using the considerations motioned above.

Accommodation Considerations

Which Accommodations are Best for us?

You have several options when choosing an accommodation. Do you want a hotel or resort, a vacation rental like Airbnb, or a Bed and Breakfast? That’s all going to depend on the length of your trip and your personal preferences. Hotels and Resorts often have select services included in your bookings, like free breakfast, concierge, and turn down services that take the labor off of you while you are on vacation. Vacation rentals like Airbnb or VRBO can be great if you are hunkering down for an extended time and want to feel more at home. For example maybe you guys love cooking together, and having a kitchen would be a special touch for you two to have. Bed and Breakfasts can be a great weekend idea for the couple that wants to cozy up and relax in one place for a few days.

What to Look for Before Booking

You need to consider the location of where you’re traveling. How far is it from medical facilities, the airport, grocery store, or any place you may need to access while you’re gone. You should also consider the amenities that are available and ask yourself, “Will I use all of these?” “Is the lack of amenities going to cause us to spend more money elsewhere while we’re gone?” “Will I be comfortable doing ____?” Lastly check out the reviews and ratings that are available online. Nothing is quite as helpful as getting recommendations or warnings via word of mouth.

Communication with Healthcare Provider

As mentioned earlier, you really should get an idea of where you want to go for your Babymoon, but hold off on booking it until you talk to your healthcare provider. There are so many things that make each woman’s pregnancy individualized, so what may work for one woman could potentially not be an option for another. To make it easy, I made a list of questions you should ask your provider before booking your Babymoon.

Questions to Ask your Provider before you Book your Babymoon:

  • Is it safe for me to travel during my pregnancy?
  • What is the best time for me to travel during my pregnancy?
  • Are there any specific travel restrictions or precautions I should take?
  • What do I need to know about the destination’s climate and health risks?
  • Are there any vaccinations or medications I need to take before traveling?
  • What do I need to know about air travel during pregnancy?
  • Are there any specific safety concerns for traveling by car, train or boat?
  • What should I do if I experience any complications or symptoms while traveling?
  • What medical facilities are available at my destination in case of an emergency?
  • Is there anything else I need to know or consider before planning my babymoon trip?

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a babymoon is a wonderful opportunity for expectant parents to spend quality time together before the arrival of their little one. It’s a chance to relax, recharge, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. Whether you opt for a tropical getaway or a weekend staycation, the benefits of a babymoon are clear: decreased stress, increased bonding, and a chance to reconnect with your partner. So, take the time to plan your perfect babymoon, and enjoy this special time before the beautiful chaos of parenthood begins.

xoxo,

Lauren from Traveling Teacher Mama

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