The honeymoon may be over, but if you’re an expecting parent, we have good news for you; There’s another milestone “moon” you can look forward to planning as your family grows. Whether you’re a first-time mom or dad or a seasoned guardian, that precious moment in time before your family multiplies is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with yourself and your partner to solidify your bond as a child-rearing team.
What Is a Babymoon?
A babymoon is a short trip or vacation taken by a couple shortly before the birth of a child. A babymoon is a great opportunity for any new parents or those who’ve already had children to reconnect with their partners before the baby arrives.
Wondering when you should take a babymoon, how long you should travel, and where to go? We consulted travel expert Henley Vazquez and Dr. Nicole Rankins to find out.
Meet the Expert
- Henley Vazquez is a mom of three and co-founder of Fora, a modern travel agency that taps into the creator economy. Previously, Henley was part of the founding team of Indagare and served as CEO and co-founder of Passported, a Virtuoso travel agency.
- Dr. Nicole Rankins is a board-certified OB-GYN, host of the All About Pregnancy & Birth podcast, and member of the Lansinoh Clinical Advisory Network.
When to Take a Babymoon
Generally speaking, it is safe for pregnant people to travel domestically as far along as 36 weeks. However, if you’re looking for the prime time to take a trip to make the most out of your pre-baby getaway, Rankins shares that the second trimester (between 14 to 28 weeks) is typically the sweet spot. “By this time, the nausea and vomiting that is common in early pregnancy are gone, you have more energy, and you’re not so far along that you feel uncomfortable.”
Rankins also notes that there are no “rules” for how far you can or should travel from your home during pregnancy and you don’t necessarily need to have a doctor on standby in your getaway destination. “It’s a good idea to have a copy of your prenatal records with you just in case,” she advises. “If you have any problems with your pregnancy then definitely check with your doctor before traveling. I don’t think it’s necessary to look into local OB-GYN options unless you’re traveling out of the country, but if it gives you peace of mind then by all means look into it.”
The current outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. As the situation remains fluid, we’ll be sharing tips and stories from industry experts to give you of-the-moment advice and help you navigate wedding planning today. For the most up-to-date guidelines and latest on travel restrictions and requirements, check the CDC and US Department of State websites.
Average Cost of a Babymoon
As with any trip, the costs will vary widely depending on if you’re driving or flying, and considering how budget-friendly or high-end you want to go. “The one cost I’d always factor in for an expectant mother is the treat of a prenatal massage,” suggests Henley Vazquez, co-founder of the travel agency Fora. “Especially if you’re planning this babymoon for a partner, this is a wonderful (and usually under $200) treat to surprise her.”
Average Length of Stay for a Babymoon
Although some couples choose longer trips, typically a babymoon is a shorter trip; around three to four nights. “[You’re] Often celebrating this last escape together as a couple while also furnishing a nursery, finishing up work before maternity/aternity leave, and accommodating the frequent doctor’s visits late,” Vazquez says. .not for an extensive adventure.”
Babymoon Planning and Travel Tips
Keep safety first.
While there are no parameters for how far you should travel and or how long you should stay, Rankins wants all parents-to-be to be well informed and ready to take any safety measures necessary, recalling the issues with Zika in several tropical destinations years ago, and of course, the waves of COVID-19 outbreaks that continue to peak across the world. Be sure to research the safety measures, vaccine regulations, and cleaning protocols of the places you plan to visit during your babymoon.
Know your goals and be intentional.
“A babymoon doesn’t have to be fancy,” Rankins says. “It can be as simple as sending the kids to the in-laws for a weekend or booking a suite at a nice hotel in town. The important part is to unplug and be intentional about enjoying spending time together as a couple.”
Whether it’s a weekend staycation or your last chance to check off a dream destination before the baby comes, remember that not all babymoons mean only the parents-to-be are traveling. “My babymoon for my third child was a family trip to Morocco,” says Vazquez. “I knew I wanted to knock out a bucket list place with the older kids before we were back to [easier] travel for a while with a new baby. Understanding the goals of the trip will help you design the plan that will bring home a happy mama.”
For that reason, Vazquez recommends choosing a travel advisor who understands what you’re trying to accomplish. If you’re looking for a spa-focused babymoon, you’ll want someone who has an understanding of the wellness space. If you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway where the parents can still enjoy some downtime, try working with someone who has experience planning a luxury family trip.
Don’t overschedule yourself.
Even if you’re aiming to tick an activity or destination off the bucket list Vazquez cautions against overdoing it and scheduling too much into your itinerary. “You’ll be non-stop busy once baby arrives, so a babymoon is the time to put your feet up, read the book you’ve been meaning to get to, eat (with two hands, because soon you’ll be holding a baby with one constantly!), and pamper yourself.”
Prepare to fly smarter.
Vazquez’s last piece of advice for planning travel while pregnant: “Consider the discomforts that come with pregnancy.” Long flights or drives can aggravate a host of pregnancy-induced symptoms. Think backaches, swollen feet, and nausea. Always travel with water and snacks, and when flying, opt for an aisle seat for easy restroom access and pack compression socks to alleviate puffy ankles.
Babymoon Destination Ideas
Now that you know what to expect (on the traveling front, at least), read ahead for 25 babymoon ideas.