You’ve certainly heard of honeymoons, but what is a babymoon?
Babymoons are vacations that moms and dads-to-be take before having a child. It’s a way for them to rest, have fun, bond, and let go, before getting shackled with the obligations of being a parent.
This pregnancy vacay has been a celebrity favourite, with royal couple Meghan Markle and Prince Harry taking one just a few weeks shy of Markle’s due date. Even Bachelor royalty Laura Byrne and Matty J headed out to Fiji for a few days away when Byre was in her first trimester.
If you’re pregnant (or expect you will soon be), nothing sounds better than a vacation from all the stress and pressure of everyday life. Here’s how you can cop this hot new trend for your very own babymoon.
RELATED: Inside Meghan Markle’s VERY lavish babymoon
Babymoon Ideas & Destinations
Now, a babymoon isn’t anything like your regular vacation. There are just some things you can’t do as a pregnant woman—cocktails, all-night parties, and extreme sports are pretty much out of the question.
But this gives you a free pass to enjoy a completely different kind of vacation, one where you can just relax and unwind with your partner, eat good food, and enjoy the simple things.
From Victoria to Western Australia and beyond, here are some great destinations and travel ideas for your babymoon.
By The Beach
Soak up some sun at one of Australia’s gorgeous beaches, like QLD’s Gold Coast shores or the scenic seaside of Byron Bay, NSW. And if you happen to live near the coast, you might not even have to fly – there are a ton of beautiful beach locations just a few hours’ drive away from most coastal Aussie cities.
Mountain Escape
If forests and cold air are more your thing, then a babymoon trip to an idyllic mountain resort should be right up your alley. Curl up by the fireplace in a Tasmanian lodge in Cradle Mountain, or take a short trip across the waters to New Zealand for gorgeous mountain and lake views you can’t find anywhere else.
Weekend Staycation
Sometimes the best home-away-from-home is closer than you think. Head to a resort or hotel in the city with an on-site spa for a luxury retreat. Then take in the city with new eyes – try restaurants you’ve never been to before, go to that museum you’ve always wanted to check out, or take the load off with a little retail therapy at your nearest shopping centre.
Foreign Paradise
A backpacking trip across Europe might not be feasible when you’re pregnant, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck to babymoons in Australia! Both Fiji and Bali are a few short hours away, and they open up an entirely new world of possibilities. Go on a low-impact hike in a tropical paradise or sprawl out by the pool in your own personal villa – it’s totally up to you.
When Is The Best Time To Travel During Pregnancy?
While a vacation will hit the spot pretty much any time of the year, you need to consider a few things when travelling pregnant.
Most airlines and doctors won’t clear you for travel if you’re further along than 36 weeks. But that doesn’t mean that anything less than that is always a go. You might be required to obtain a certificate to travel if you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more.
Even if you’re not that far along, each pregnancy is different. Always check in with your doctor to make sure you aren’t putting you or the baby at risk by travelling, especially if your vacation requires flying.
Travelling in the first few months might seem like the obvious choice. The baby is smaller; you have more energy, and there’s less risk. But be careful, since miscarriages are more common within the first trimester.
There’s also the added inconvenience of morning sickness, which affects up to 85% of pregnant women. And nothing can ruin a vacation like constant nausea and vomiting! Check in with your body to see how you’re feeling before you set anything down in stone.
What Do You Have To Consider When Planning A Babymoon?
As with any vacation, think of the destination you’re going to. Do you want something cool and crisp or bright and warm? Is it a good time to travel to that location, or will you be stuck with bad weather or, worse, a flu outbreak?
You should also think twice before travelling during peak tourist seasons and holidays. You can expect your destination to be crowded (not fun on a regular day, but even more so if you’re pregnant!), and prices will be sky high.
You should also consider the limitations of your body now that you’re pregnant. Don’t plan a vacation that requires strenuous or extreme activities like water sports or tons of walking. You might also not be up to eating adventurous food since pregnancy can change your palate, so don’t plan a babymoon around what you can eat.
Where Can You Find Babymoon Packages?
Babymoons are not as ubiquitous as honeymoons, but they’re not difficult to find either. In fact, many of the same travel agencies, hotels, airlines, and websites that offer honeymoons are starting to offer babymoons as well! There are packages available at every price point, whether you’re on a budget or want something with a little bit more luxury.
But if you like being hands-on and in control, you could also take the DIY route and plan it out yourselves. This way, you can have the holiday you’ve always wanted.
Conclusion
With a little one on the way, you deserve to take some time off, enjoy life, and celebrate the coming of a new chapter. Babymoons provide an escape from your busy day-to-day with your partner. Whether you want to be pampered all weekend or check out the scenic views of an exotic location, there’s a perfect babymoon package just for you.
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