Babymoon timing and destination

slk03

We're big travelers. Before finding out we were expecting (our first), we were planning a beach trip with friends in February. I'll be 27 weeks Feb. 3, so I assume I'll be getting huge and travel will be uncomfortable by then (but what do I know?).

So, question #1 is ... What's your opinion on the best time to take a babymoon?

Doctor permitting, can/should I travel sometime in February (weeks 27-30)? Or will it be torturous and unenjoyable? We're kind of looking now at early December (around 19 weeks). January (weeks 23-26) is out due to work deadlines.

Question #2 ... Would you stick with an American destination due to food safety and access to medical care?

We prefer adventure and our top choices are more exotic like Belize, Panama and Costa Rica. Not only would I have to be more cautious about food/water, but I also wonder about emergency medical care.

I've never worried much when I wasn't pregnant and traveled outside the U.S. I haven't yet checked into what trip insurance would cover for pregnant women. And if we did travel at 19 weeks, if something went wrong, what could they really even do?

If we can't do Central America, we've thought about the U.S. Virgin Islands or Hawaii (been twice so we know it's a safe choice).

Curious what your thoughts are.

kbrands7

My husband and I drove to Niagara Falls, Canada for a long weekend when I was 18 weeks with my son-- it was perfect timing. My first trimester symptoms had passed and I had a lot of energy. I also was obviously pregnant, but was still easily able to do a lot of walking and fun things. I can't speak to the safety of Central America, as I haven't been there, but I would imagine that the longer you wait, flying might become uncomfortable.

itsStackie

I hope you aren't too uncomfortable at 27 weeks, but I would stay in the country. Baby moon in February would be good timing, March wouldn't be bad either. Usually doctor's ask you not to travel over an hour away after 36 weeks. I went to the beach at 36 weeks and enjoyed relaxing with my hubby.
And to add to staying in the country, I flew somewhere around 30 weeks and from then on had swollen feet. It's also more difficult to keep moving on an airplane, but in a car you can take breaks when ever. Everyone is different though.

vinerie

We are going to Hawaii in December. Can't wait for those virgin Pina Coladas! I'm not worried about traveling, but maybe I should be(?). We plan to snorkel, hike and DTD on the beach. (Just kidding on that last part. But I do hope this is a great intimate vacation for the two of us to really spend QT with each other before things get nuts!)

When I got married (which was recently), I can't tell you how many people told us to "make time for just the two of you."  We've even talked about how after the baby comes how we are going to do that. Growing up, my folks would go on vacation and my grandparents would come stay with us. I think you've got to do this kind of stuff, whether it's Hawaii, or camping, or even just date nights out of the house. It's important for keeping the relationship strong! 

finnybooboo

When I was around 27-28 weeks, I had a work trip to California (I'm on the east coast) right at the end of my second trimester. Hubby flew out on that Thursday and we spent the extended weekend in San Francisco. It was a great time to go as I still had pretty good energy, was noticeably pregnant, but wasn't too uncomfortable yet. Unfortunately though that was also when my Sciatica really started to rear it's ugly head and I had to deal with that pain the remainder of the pregnancy.

LadySamLady

We are planning on a babymoon in January or February, after my vacation days have re-set.

We'll probably go back to our favorite easy-to-get-to destination of exotic Mystic, CT. It is a quaint and historic beach town with amazing restaurants. We love going there in the off season (read COLD) because it isn't crowded and the weather adds to the romantic and cozy vibe. Our friends tease us for our 'geriatric' vacation ideals but we can't help ourselves - we just love New England!

slk03

@vinerie how far along will you be when you go to Hawaii?

vinerie

slk03: I should be a bit past 18 weeks. 

BlueJuice

Due to some weirdnesses of scheduling, I traveled a ton with my previous pregnancy. 

At around 12-13 weeks, we went to Europe with family and cruised the Mediterranean. I never have pronounced morning sickness, but it was a little more noticeable on the (smallish) ship. I drank a lot of ginger ale. Other than that, I had a great time, with lots of walking and site-seeing. I was beginning to show a little but not obviously (although one of our tour guides in Greece definitely asked me when I was expecting!).

The next month, probably around 16 weeks, we went on an Alaskan cruise with the other side of our family, again for about a week. I had a medical scare while on board ship that was frightening, because there was relatively little that they could do, but everything turned out fine. This was at the end of our trip. Prior to that, I again had a great time, and was more visibly pregnant but still felt good and had lots of energy to be active. During both of these trips I wasn't able to stay up terribly late (my fatigue is always awful during pregnancy), but during the day I was fine.

I also went camping for two weeks at 22-24ish weeks, and was fine aside from taking it a bit easy running around. That was in a much more familiar location with lots of people to help out if needed, and ready access to medical care if necessary.

At 27 weeks I feel like you'll be fine to travel, but you may not be interested in anything super active at that point. A beach sounds great and relaxing. 

Jenly17

I baby-mooned to Key West, Fl when I was 30 weeks. My ankles were a little swollen after the 4 hour flight, but other than that, it was an awesome trip. Lots of cool shops, and bars for my hubby. I loved watching the sunset at Mallory square and drinking virgin piñas The food was amazing too. Not the most adventurous excursion, but we took a catamaran to snorkel the 2nd largest reef in the US. The only problem was it was a 7 mile trip (took 30 mins each way) and I booted off the back of the boat. Never had Ms with my 1st pregnancy, but I was definitely sea sick that day!

I hope you have an awesome trip wherever you decide. Keep us posted!

sillyfox

Last baby was due May 19 and we went to a resort a two hour drive away for a long weekend. It was very relaxing, got a prenatal massage, napped, ate, etc! The timing was fine but it was a very low key vacation.

I am going to Cancun in December. I will be about 16 weeks so hopefully I'll be feeling good in second tri and not looking terribly pregnant in my bikinis (since I'm too cheap to buy a maternity suit!) ... going to stick to bottled water and avoid ice in Mexico. I'm only there about 4 days so hopefully no medical issues arise at that stage and I should be fine to fly back early if need be via Southwest, they're pretty good about changing flights no problem.

2.red.heads

With my first pregnancy I felt fabulous all the way through 'til the very end (but that's probably not the norm!). It's hard to know what you'll feel like until you go through it.

lalala2004

I always here 2nd Tri is the best time to take a baby moon, but since I teach, spring break (in March) will be the only time we have a chance. We'll probably just do a long weekend away somewhere in the state.

mrstmoose

I'm a worrier so I would stay in the country (food/water but also thinking about the healthcare systems - I trust the US, not sure about Central America - but I have never been there). I would talk to your doctor about what he/she wants you to do, every doctor is different. 

elsa1688

We went to Hawaii at 26-27 weeks. It was amazing and great timing for us.

and_peggy

My husband and I had already booked a Southeast Asian cruise, with his family, for December. I will be 5 months pregnant when we go. I will actually just barely make the cruise cutoff, as they don't allow you to be past 24 weeks. I admit, I'm a little bit worried about the 26 hour plane ride. It's the trip of a lifetime, and my OB has given me his blessing.. so I'm excited.

snmhxf

I would stick to the us in case you go into labor early.

As for 27 weeks with my first I wasn't so big that it was uncomfortable yet but i wouldn't go much past then

mumbolino

I'm planning to go to India (Kerala) for 10 days in January. I've been there before, and the hospitals in the cities are alright. I'm not worried. 

I can't wait!!!

slk03

@elsa1688 Just curious, but at 26-27 weeks in Hawaii, did you find there were things you couldn't partake in? Like, I know we'd like to take a snorkeling trip, but some companies won't let pregnant women on. Others cater to all ages, including the elderly, so I'd think they would be smooth enough and would allow an obviously pregnant woman to board.

vanessa11411

We booked a family trip to Hawaii on February 3rd. I will be about 27 weeks by then as well. It'll be the last time we travel as a family of four. I think I should be just fine. With my DD and DS, I felt pretty good around this same time. The last 2 to 3 weeks of my pregnancies was when it started getting hard to function. 

I don't plan on being crazy active in Hawaii, this vacation will be all about relaxing.

You should be just fine traveling at 27 weeks.

yogahh

I have been dreaming of Charleston for years. DH shot it down as a wedding local (booo!) but promised me someday. I would love to take a 3 day weekend in February when DH is off for a week from school and finally get there. But money is tight so I doubt we will be doing anything. I definitely would feel better staying in the country, just incase anything happens.

BlueJuice

slk03 said:

@elsa1688 Just curious, but at 26-27 weeks in Hawaii, did you find there were things you couldn't partake in? Like, I know we'd like to take a snorkeling trip, but some companies won't let pregnant women on. Others cater to all ages, including the elderly, so I'd think they would be smooth enough and would allow an obviously pregnant woman to board.

You know, I remember there being a visibly pregnant woman on a snorkeling trip we took in Maui. I'd check ahead, because I'm sure different companies have different rules, but snorkeling is so low-impact I can't imagine why it would be a problem.

slk03

Thanks @BlueJuice. I think it's the potential for a rough ride on certain types of boats. I'll have to do some research and perhaps call ahead to make sure whatever tour company we pick is accommodating to expectant moms.

caterin

As soon as we found out, be planned a trip to Germany in November. I will spend 3 weeks there. Happy to see my family, enjoy the cold weather (yes, I actually miss since I live in the South) we didn't plan big trips in Germany, might visit some bigger cities, also going to the Netherlands, but mainly enjoying time with loved ones, reuniting with my girlfriends and getting spoiled (it's the first grandchild in my family )

mumbolino

Going to Germany as well in December! I can't wait to see friends and family again! And like you, caterin, Iam from the south so I hope for a snowy Christmas after living in the tropics for so long;-) I miss the snow a little

Pepper6

We went to Hawaii when I was 8-9 weeks pregnant with my first (it was our anniversary and we booked shortly before I found out I was pregnant). It was nice, but I was so tired and had zero appetite so I didn't get to enjoy it like I usually do.

We drove to Vegas when I was around 27 weeks and I felt so much better then that even though I couldn't drink, I had a lot more energy to enjoy myself.

2nd tri really is a good time to travel, but just in case I would stick to US or somewhere you trust the medical care. Also buy travel insurance for sure.

concreteayngel

I doubt we'll end up going anywhere exotic as we've taken 3 exotic trips in the last 2 years (China, South Africa/Mozambique, and Mexico). We are planning to stay in a cabin at Lake Tahoe this winter. Crackling fireplace, hot cocoa with marshmallows, and building a snowman. I can't wait!! I will be around 20 weeks.

dsmith211

DH and I planned a trip pre-pregnancy that we're going on in about 2 weeks to a cabin in north Georgia. I'll be just over 11 weeks then. I'm looking forward to just stepping away from technology and some nice weather for a few days.

We are planning another trip sometime in February (around our anniversary) to Vermont, which is also where we took our honeymoon trip. We figured it would be a good throwback. I'll be 24-26 weeks by that point depending on when we actually go.

karmana

My husband and I are huge travelers as well and always want to get the most bang for our buck by going somewhere new. My doctor recommended 6-7 months as the best time to "baby moon". If you're looking for somewhere exotic/beachy but still want "first world" medical care I would recommend Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Spain (Costa del Sol), or Bermuda.

pelicanesque

Going to Hawaii in January for two weeks!! We have never been and we also haven't taken a big vacation in a long time. I'll be at 25 and 26 weeks. 2 things I'm a bit concerned about: a) the long flight (from the east coast) and the possibility of swollen feet/ankles. Is there any way to avoid this? And b) I tend to be pretty active on vacation. I just get so excited and want to do stuff! Hiking, snorkeling, etc. I'm also an avid birder and will want to go driving down back roads in rainforests to find endemic honeycreepers. So, lack of facilities.
Are my expectations too high?? We will for sure take some time to relax on the beach, too, but am I gonna be too big and uncomfortable to be semi-active?

Merciel

LadySamLady said:

We are planning on a babymoon in January or February, after my vacation days have re-set.

We'll probably go back to our favorite easy-to-get-to destination of exotic Mystic, CT. It is a quaint and historic beach town with amazing restaurants. We love going there in the off season (read COLD) because it isn't crowded and the weather adds to the romantic and cozy vibe. Our friends tease us for our 'geriatric' vacation ideals but we can't help ourselves - we just love New England!

Unfortunately I don't think a babymoon vacation is in the cards for us (I really need to work now if I'm going to take as much maternity leave as I'd like, so... no time off to spare), but I would LOVE to know more about Mystic from someone who's got some experience! I wish this board had a private message function since I know it's a derail, but we drive through Mystic twice a year as we're traveling out and back on our annual summer trip, and it just looks like such a neat place to explore.

What's good to do there? Where's fun to go? Are there any neat sites spelling out stuff for tourists? I'd love to know!

pbandjyummies

My husband and I wanted to book a trip to London (I live in the east coast), it's about an 7 hour flight and would be a more "touristy" city vacation then beach relaxation one. I would be 29 weeks then, do you think this would be an issue?

countrygrl5533

Merciel said:

Unfortunately I don't think a babymoon vacation is in the cards for us (I really need to work now if I'm going to take as much maternity leave as I'd like, so... no time off to spare), but I would LOVE to know more about Mystic from someone who's got some experience! I wish this board had a private message function since I know it's a derail, but we drive through Mystic twice a year as we're traveling out and back on our annual summer trip, and it just looks like such a neat place to explore.

What's good to do there? Where's fun to go? Are there any neat sites spelling out stuff for tourists? I'd love to know!

Click on the person's screen name and then click on "private message" in the upper right hand corner.

Merciel

Ah, thank you!! I appreciate the tip.

pelicanesque

pbandjyummies said:

My husband and I wanted to book a trip to London (I live in the east coast), it's about an 7 hour flight and would be a more "touristy" city vacation then beach relaxation one. I would be 29 weeks then, do you think this would be an issue?

Although I can't say from personal experience (never been to London 29w prego), I don't see why this would be an issue. If you were to get tired, there are plenty of cafes and such to stop into. Maybe just don't book too many activities in advance and just play it by ear, to allow for downtime.

LadySamLady

Merciel said:

LadySamLady said:

We are planning on a babymoon in January or February, after my vacation days have re-set.

We'll probably go back to our favorite easy-to-get-to destination of exotic Mystic, CT. It is a quaint and historic beach town with amazing restaurants. We love going there in the off season (read COLD) because it isn't crowded and the weather adds to the romantic and cozy vibe. Our friends tease us for our 'geriatric' vacation ideals but we can't help ourselves - we just love New England!

Unfortunately I don't think a babymoon vacation is in the cards for us (I really need to work now if I'm going to take as much maternity leave as I'd like, so... no time off to spare), but I would LOVE to know more about Mystic from someone who's got some experience! I wish this board had a private message function since I know it's a derail, but we drive through Mystic twice a year as we're traveling out and back on our annual summer trip, and it just looks like such a neat place to explore.

What's good to do there? Where's fun to go? Are there any neat sites spelling out stuff for tourists? I'd love to know!

The best thing about Mystic is the sea food. Our absolute favorite restaurant is Oyster Club, it is AMAZING. Other than good food, we stay at this old school Inn and spend most of our days walking around the quaint down town, mostly window shopping. They have a really great old candy store and nice art galleries. Old Mystic Seaport is a fun and educational place to go for an afternoon. They have really great food at the restaurants there too. They have the beach there too of course, but we like to go in the cold off season so usually miss out on that.