Did someone say Babymoon?!
Yup, you read it right. This Saturday, hubby and I are indeed off on the last of our adventures sans squealing baby. And for a globe-galivanting pair such as ourselves, you better believe, it’ll have to be the babymoon to end all babymoons.
Before I get into all that though, I suppose a wee bit of backtracking is in order. For those of you who’ve been reading for awhile, you may remember that a visit from Monsieur Stork was high on our agenda, after our round the world trip in 2012. Well, that was the plan anyway.
Turns out that getting pregnant isn’t actually that easy, especially when you’re creeping up on 40 (like I was in 2013). To make a long story, short, the fertility gods finally smiled down on us, and here we are, 22 weeks pregnant and waiting for our lives to be turned upside down.
But before all that happens, we’re off on one final set of travels. Since it’ll be our last hurrah for a little while, we’ve spent a lot of time debating what to do and where to go. Do we go somewhere just to relax? Check some destinations off our never-ending travel wish list? Or visit someplace tried and true?
After a lot of hemming, hawing and researching, we came up with this shortlist of possible babymoon destinations:
GREECE and ITALY
If you ask me, there’s no better place to be in summertime, than on a Greek Island, big pregnant belly or not. A stop in Rome to eat gelato, nosh on divine pasta and visit family, before parking ourselves on a perfect sandy beach in the Cyclades is my idea of all kinds of heaven.
THE MALDIVES
This 1,200 island nation is right at the top of many a traveler’s wish list, and we’re no exception. Unbelievable water, deserted sandbars and total peace make it the ultimate far-flung retreat. But can we justify the expense, right before we have a baby?
“Maldives,” by YXO, CC Attribution
CANADA and MEXICO
One of my closest friend’s is tying the knot in Canada’s Niagara region, and it’s an event we’d love to see. Not to mention that we’d get the chance to reconnect with friends and family before baby arrives, and enjoy a summer in the city where we first fell in love.
Add a little side trip down to Mexico’s crystal clear waters and gorgeous sands for some crucial beach time, and I’d call that a pretty ideal babymoon.
“Shades of Blue,” by Jose Luis Cruz, CC Attribution
THAILAND
Thailand is the country we got married in, and it’s one we’ve visited time and time again. And why not? It’s close to Korea, we adore it, and it might be just the place to relax and recharge before our little bundle of joy and chaos arrives in November. Plus I’ve got a mighty craving for Thai food these days…
Of course, since we’re leaving in a mere 2 days, flights are booked, hotels are reserved, and packing has begun. We’re excited and a bit nervous, but can’t wait to get on the road, for what promises to be an amazing final (for now) adventure.
We leave on Saturday! Where would you go, if it were you? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
Victoria
I’m a very late reader to your blog, but congratulations on your soon-to-be parenthood, as well as your quest to continue to travel while your bump of joy grows!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Hi Victoria! Welcome to our blog. Traveling with a little one will definitely be a new experience, but it’s definitely one I’m looking forward to!! 🙂
andthreetogo
This is so exciting! A baby moon is such a good idea. I had never heard of such a thing until way after I had my daughter. I would choose Greece and Italy, just because of the food really. 🙂
Shelley @Travel-Stained
We are excited, and nervous, and terrified… 🙂 Lol, you’d be amazed how many trips I plan out, just so I can eat something specific. In fact, right now, we’re in Kuala Lumpur for a couple of days, just so we can get our fill of char kway teow, prawn mee and roti canai. Funny thing though is that my appetite has gone way down during pregnancy, and for some reason, I feel full all the time, even though I’m not eating much. Unfortunate really, but I guess it’s better than starving all the time and completely overeating!!
andthreetogo
I often felt that way when I was pregnant too… Until the third trimester and then I couldn’t get enough 🙂 have fun in kl!
theresfuntobedone
Congratulations, fantastic news. Baby won’t stop people like you travelling, there’s no reason why it should.
I’d pick Italy because it’s my favourite (apparently it’s wise to stay away from egg based Gelati when pregnant though!) BUT I will also say from experience that Italy is probably the also the best first post Baby travel destination too. Italians LOVE babies and they are welcome anywhere, anytime, laughing or crying.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thanks so much! 😀 Yes, we definitely plan on continuing to travel. It will just be a little bit different from now on, I suppose. I adore Italy too, and never need much excuse to take a trip over there, BUT, lol, you read our minds. We’re thinking of heading there, for a first trip AFTER baby is born. Hubby has some family over in those parts, so it’d be ideal to introduce the little one to them then. (plus, we’d have lots of babysitters. Heh heh.)
Haunting Stories from Delhi and India
I like the term , baby moon.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
It’s a great concept, isn’t it? Lol…any excuse to take a trip, as far as I’m concerned. 🙂
Haunting Stories from Delhi and India
Next time you baby moon, come to India. We will give a baby shower to you. Love
unfinishedtravel
Congratulations! All of those destinations look pretty fantastic to me!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Yes, I think they’re pretty fantastic myself. 😉 We thought it would be a really difficult choice, but once we factored in flying times and other considerations, options became a lot narrower. My pregnancy has been pretty easy so far, but at 42, I still didn’t want to take too many risks…
3weeksandashoestring
Congratulations to both of you! Is it going to be home and Mexico? 🙂
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thank you!! 🙂 Unfortunately, it wasn’t. We really wanted to, but the flight just felt way too intense during pregnancy. It nearly kills me when I’m NOT pregnant, so we decided to stick closer to home and not take any chances.
3weeksandashoestring
Maldives isn’t a bad compromise at all. 😉
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Lol, ain’t that the truth. It’s absolute paradise here!! 😀
JanetRimmington
Congratulations! Enjoy your babymoon……. It’s something I wish we’d done. But i can absolutely promise this…. Family travel offers it own rewards(and challenges). There is nothing quite like experiencing the world anew through a little person’s eyes. Enjoy every moment.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thanks Janet! We’re currently on the road, and so far, so good. 🙂 Only promises to get better, when we hit the beach on Monday. I’m definitely looking forward to traveling with our little one, and seeing the world through her eyes. I’m sure she’ll make every place, brand new!
wisemonkeysabroad
Congratulations to you both 🙂 What exciting news!!! Enjoy the babymoon and there will no doubt be family travels in store on the blog in future. We are very happy for you 🙂
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thanks guys! We’re very excited, and a little nervous about what’s to come. Lol, and yes, hopefully one day, not too far in the future, there’ll be some interesting family travels to write about…
Rosanna
Congratulations guys! 😀 Such exciting news and nice to have the luxury to be able to take a babymoon. I love Thailand too, so I might have to go for that one, but spending time with family is always fun – it’s hard to choose!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thanks Rosanna! It was really difficult to choose, so we ended up choosing a few places…though there were definite considerations because of being pregnant. Definitely traveling a lot slower this time around, and taking breaks to rest, and of course, lots of beach time. 🙂
anotherday2paradise
Fantastic news. Congratulations to you both. 🙂 I’m sure your babymoon will be a trip to remember. Enjoy planning it.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thank you!! We’re currently in Kuala Lumpur, and looking forward to heading out to the beach tomorrow for some real relaxation. 🙂
Indah Susanti
Congratulations!! Wow, that’s exciting moments, my best wishes for both of you 🙂 Gosh, that’s tough – your list has awesome places that I wish to visit too! I am guessing on Canada and Mexico but I am sure you will have great time where ever you will go 🙂
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thanks Indah! Yes, we’re definitely gonna enjoy this last trip together, without baby. Traveling a little slower, but still have some new places planned to discover. One last hurrah!! 😀
CrazyChineseFamily
Congratulations and enjoy these holidays. Traveling later with a baby will be a bit different 🙂
Shelley @Travel-Stained
We shall indeed! Can’t wait for some beach time. Monsoon season was getting us down. 🙁 Traveling with baby will be a whole new world, that’s for sure. Lol, “different,” might be an understatement. 😉
CanadianTravelBugs
Wow congrats 🙂 How exciting for you. I would do the big adventure because next holiday with baby will probably be a relaxing one, although my friends have traveled with small baby in tow, or in a little baby snugly 😉
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thank youuuuuu!!! 😀 We’ve got a few destinations planned, but we’re definitely taking it slow. Lots of long layovers between flights, so I can rest, and of course, I’m making hubby carry all the luggage. Hahaha.
CanadianTravelBugs
Good plan 🙂 So what made the short list??? Or are you going to make us wait and see? Wherever you go enjoy the vacation. I am sure it won’t be your last big trip… seems like travel is in your veins. Baby will just be in tow 🙂
thegrownupgapyear
Congratulations! I love the idea of a babymoon 🙂 All of those suggestions sound brilliant, it must have been a difficult choice to make. Hope you have the time of your life, wherever you end up!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Lol, well any excuse to take a trip, right? 😉 We are currently on Day 1 of the big babymoon in Kuala Lumpur, and getting ready to basically just eat, and eat and eat. Baby will be happy, I think…
lexklein
I think you’ll go to Greece and Italy, based solely on the number of photos you posted under that choice! Very exciting news – I don’t really “know” you, but I was thrilled to read this! And 3 kids later, I can attest that you can keep traveling the world with children!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Aww thanks Lex! 😀 Lol, Greece and Italy are always high on my agenda, which is why there are so many photos of them. I’ve been to Italy 4 times already, but of course, can always go again. :p Mmm gelato…
Johanne
Woohoo! I’ve had my fingers crossed waiting for this post. I can’t think of any place that I want to go to that I wouldn’t take kids. It just takes a little more planning and a really good first aid kit! In hindsight, maybe I’d go somewhere for posh shopping and fine dining. Paris! No problem for kids there, but the do change the focus. Have a great time.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
I guess those Korean herbs worked, eh? 😉 Hmm, I already need a really good first aid kit for Agri, so doubling it would be easy, I suppose. :p But yes, Paris might have to be reserved as 1 kid-free travel zone for us too…
mjcolbert
Congratulations! So excited for you!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thanks Michael! 😀 Interesting times ahead, that’s for certain…
jam
Exciting times ahead for you guys. I would go to Greece but that’s because I’ve never been there and would still like to go. Been to Thailand for our honeymoon but will certainly go back! Enjoy!?
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Uncharted waters for us, for certain. Greece and Thailand are 2 countries I could visit again and again, that’s for sure. 🙂
Cherrie
Congratulation! And don’t worry, travelling doesn’t stop after baby. 🙂
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Yes, we certainly want to continue travelling with baby…lol, it’s just a matter of figuring out how again, I suppose. 🙂
BOYEATSWORLD
Such amazing news guys! COngrats!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thanks Aleney! 🙂 Lol, it was now or never, I guess… 😉
Timmy
The expense on traveling to Maldives can be reasonable if you choose the right host 😉
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Is that right, Timmy? 😉
Timmy
Yes..if u find us to arrange the accommodation and excursions for u..lol