If you know me, you know that I am a planner. My life usually consists of getting overly excited for the next trip or outing. There are so many reasons I love traveling that it could be a whole blog post on it’s own but I will spare you those gushy-details for another day. Today, I want to focus on the term that people like to use for the “last big trip you take before a baby arrives.” This trip is referred to as The Babymoon. Similar to a “honeymoon,” the babymoon is suppose to be special and time for the future parents to connect, relax, and unwind a bit before the baby arrives.
My husband and I went back and forth on whether or not we were going to plan an official babymoon. We talked about a trip to Alaska to admire nature and stay in a cute and cozy VRBO, we discussed revisiting our cancelled honeymoon plans in sunny Kauai since travel there is easier now (in less covid times), and we talked about a local, cost-effective, and relaxing weekend getaway (we love simple trips too). None of those ideas actualized and we started to give up on the idea because time is ticking and we both have work travel planned. More on the work travel in my next post. Anyway, we both want to go somewhere warm and between baby showers, maternity pictures, and every-other-weekend time with the kids… our options to get-out-of-town looked pretty slim.
Then we realized our kids are going to Hawaii with their mom the first week in May and it would be the perfect time to get out of town too (while I am still allowed to travel). I personally don’t want to travel past 32 weeks but I am allowed to travel until 36 weeks. That first week in May hits the 31 week mark for me and our last opportunity to get out of town and hopefully enjoy some sunshine! So we booked our trip to visit some friends in Arizona where we plan on doing a whole lot of… nothing. I foresee a large amount of time spent in the pool or lounging by the pool in my very pregnant future… eeek we cannot wait! Babymoon to Arizona here we come!!!
Disclaimer **before you try to tell me that it is going to be too hot or that I wont want to travel, just don’t. I’m excited for the opportunity to travel but of course I will listen to my body and do what is best for myself and the baby when the time comes.
Here are some examples of babymoon ideas both expensive and affordable (save or pin this to reference later). Babymoons don’t have to be complex or complicated, if anything I’d think you’d want to unplug and relax. Get away and enjoy your significant other (pre-baby) and take some time for yourself before finding time for yourself becomes a little more challenging.
Splurge Babymoons:
- Spa weekend getaway (locally The Post Hotel has been on my list)
- Go somewhere sunny but make sure there is a breeze (highly recommend San Diego)
- Explore a coastal town (Oregon Coast is a favorite for a relaxing yet beautiful getaway)
- International travel (Mexico, Europe, somewhere you’ve always wanted to go without a baby)
- Vegas.. last hurrah?! (but with mocktails)
Affordable Babymoons:
- Rent a nearby vrbo or cabin to just getaway and unplug
- Book a hotel in a nearby city that you’ve always wanted to explore
- Road trip somewhere close by to visit a friend or family
- Take a much needed night of self-care and takeout
- Staycation with a theme, if you’re going to stay home make it fun!
The Salty Exchange 