It’s natural to have concerns about setting off on holiday when you’re expecting, but the good news is that it’s normally safe for both mother and baby, and although you’ll need to take it easy, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. In fact, taking a trip can be a welcome break from the planning, appointments, and everyday commitments you’ll have back home. Here are 7 fun things you can do when you are traveling pregnant.
1. Spend time at a spa
Pregnancy is the perfect time to indulge in pampering, so book a stay at a spa and enjoy being waited on hand and foot — you certainly deserve it.
Lots of spas now offer prenatal treatments, such as massages designed to ease the aches and pains of mothers to be. You could also go for a manicure or pedicure (or both), even if you can’t see your feet anymore!
2. Explore your destination
You don’t have to miss out on sightseeing because you’re pregnant; you just need to take a more chilled out approach. Stick to landmarks which are easy to access, and avoid steep hills and uneven surfaces. Even a gentle stroll around the city or resort will give you plenty to see and you may even stumble upon a hidden gem.
Don’t forget:
- Bring a bottle of water with you and drink from it regularly.
- Take toilet breaks when you need them.
- Pack healthy snacks to eat whenever you get hungry — this will keep your blood sugar levels stable.
3. Visit friends or family
If you have friends or family who live abroad, why not use part of your babymoon to go and see them? It’s an opportunity to catch up with loved ones, plus you’ll be able to get an insider’s opinion about all the best things to do in your destination. Win-win.
4. Go on a shopping spree
Whether you’re a fan of independent boutiques, enormous shopping centres, or bustling markets, chances are you’ll find somewhere to enjoy a spot of retail therapy.
To make a more meaningful purchase, avoid gifts aimed at tourists and look for traditional items from your destination instead. The Swiss are known for their chocolate, the Turkish for their coffee, the Scandinavian for their knitted jumpers… seek out something you can’t find at home. And if you don’t see anything you like (or don’t have room in your suitcase)? That’s okay — at the very least you’ll have fun people-watching as you stroll around the shopping areas.
Looking for more inspiration? Business Insider listed the best souvenirs from 19 countries around the world.
5. Enjoy the local cuisine
Dining with your partner or travel companion is one of the best ways to spend some quality time together. Although there are precautions you need to take, you can still enjoy lots of different foods while you’re pregnant, so don’t be afraid to give traditional cuisine a go.
Foods to avoid while pregnant:
- Anything that looks undercooked, especially meat or fish
- Eggs with a runny yolk
- Pâté
- Blue-veined cheese
- Soft cheeses with a hard rind
For more information on diet and wellbeing, read Holidaysafe’s pregnancy travel guide.
6. Take lots of pictures
There’s a lot to be said for living in the moment, but you’ll want to remember this time, so don’t forget to bring your camera with you (or use the one on your phone if the pictures are good quality).
Not only will you enjoy looking back on your pregnancy adventures, but when they’re old enough your little one will have fun seeing what you got up to on your travels.
7. Relax
This goes without saying, but you won’t have much time to do your own thing when your baby arrives, so make the most of your freedom. You’ll go into motherhood feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready for anything.