Babymoon ideas: how to plan the perfect pre-baby getaway

Preparing for a new baby is an exciting time, but between shopping lists, appointments and getting everything ready, it can also feel pretty busy. A babymoon is a chance to press pause, enjoy some quality time together and relax before your little one arrives.

And it doesn’t have to mean jetting off somewhere exotic. Your babymoon could be a sunny holiday, a few days exploring a new city, a relaxing countryside retreat or simply a cosy weekend away closer to home.

If you’re thinking about taking one, here’s everything you need to know about planning a babymoon that works for you.

A babymoon is a holiday or short break taken before your baby arrives. Think of it as a little pre-baby getaway and an opportunity to relax, spend time together and enjoy a change of scenery before you welcome your new arrival.

There aren’t any rules about what a babymoon should look like. Some parents-to-be choose a longer holiday abroad, while others prefer a weekend by the coast, a spa hotel or a night somewhere special closer to home.

For many parents-to-be, a babymoon is simply an opportunity to slow down. Pregnancy can come with plenty to think about, so getting away can offer a welcome change of pace. It can be a chance to spend some uninterrupted time together, celebrate this chapter of your lives and make a few memories before the next one begins.

There’s no single best time to go on a babymoon because every pregnancy and every person is different. When you choose to travel may depend on how you’re feeling, where you want to go and how you plan to get there. When deciding on your timing, think about things like the length of the journey, how active you want your trip to be and how comfortable you’re likely to feel while you’re away. If you're travelling while pregnant, particularly later in your pregnancy, check the latest guidance from your airline or travel provider before booking. Make sure you have suitable travel insurance too, and speak to your midwife or healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about travelling during your pregnancy.

You might be excited to get away early in your pregnancy, but how you feel can play a big part in your plans. If you’re experiencing pregnancy symptoms such as tiredness or nausea, you may prefer a shorter journey and a more relaxed itinerary.

Some parents-to-be choose to take their babymoon during the second trimester. As with any stage of pregnancy, decide what feels comfortable for you and consider your individual circumstances when making plans.

As your due date gets closer, you might prefer to stay nearer to home and keep your plans flexible. If travelling by plane or another form of transport, check the provider’s rules relating to pregnancy before booking, as these can vary.

Part of the joy of a babymoon is that it can be whatever you want it to be. Instead of trying to squeeze everything into one trip, start by thinking about what would help you feel most relaxed.

You don’t need to travel halfway around the world to have a memorable babymoon. Think about how long you’re comfortable travelling for and whether you’d prefer to fly, take the train, drive or stay relatively close to home. Remember to consider the whole journey too. Multiple connections or a lengthy transfer once you arrive might not sound quite as appealing as they did when you first spotted that beautiful hotel.

Ask yourself what you actually want from your babymoon. Do you picture yourselves reading beside a pool, wandering around a new city or waking up somewhere peaceful in the countryside?

Look for somewhere that makes it easy to holiday at your own pace, with accommodation and amenities that suit your needs.

Check the practicalities before booking

Before you hit ‘book’, it’s worth checking:

• Your travel insurance and what it covers
• Airline or travel-provider policies if relevant
• Cancellation and amendment options
• Passport and visa requirements for international trips
• Current health and travel advice for your destination
• How easily you could access healthcare should you need it

So, where should you go for a babymoon? The best destination is one that works for you, your pregnancy and the type of break you want.

A staycation can make a brilliant babymoon, especially if you want the feeling of getting away without a long journey.

You could try:

• A peaceful countryside retreat
• A few days beside the sea
• A luxury hotel stay
• A pregnancy-friendly spa break
• A relaxed city break
• A cosy cottage or cabin
• A weekend somewhere you've always wanted to visit

If you’re thinking about heading overseas, consider destinations that make it easy to relax. You might want to think about journey times, the climate, transport once you arrive and how much walking or sightseeing is involved.

Before booking, check the latest travel and health information for your chosen destination and any pregnancy-related requirements set by your airline or travel provider.

A special getaway doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. You could book one night in a lovely hotel, take a weekend trip to the seaside, explore somewhere new nearby or turn a few days at home into your own mini babymoon.

The point isn’t how far you travel. It’s giving yourselves a little time to step away from everyday life and enjoy being together.

The beauty of a babymoon is that you have every excuse to slow things down.

Depending on where you go and how you’re feeling, you could:

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch
• Spend an afternoon reading
• Relax beside the pool
• Explore local cafés and restaurants
• Take a gentle stroll
• Have afternoon tea
• Watch the sunset together
• Take some photos to remember the trip
• Order room service and have an early night
• Enjoy a suitable spa or wellbeing treatment

If you’re booking spa treatments or activities while pregnant, let the provider know that you’re pregnant beforehand so they can advise you on suitability. If you’re unsure whether an activity is right for you, speak to your healthcare professional.

What you’ll need will depend on where you’re going, the weather and how long you’re staying, but a little preparation can make travelling more comfortable.

Travel essentials:

• Passport and travel documents
• Booking confirmations
• Travel insurance information
• Any relevant maternity or medical information
• Any medication you need
   

Things to keep you comfortable:

• Loose, comfortable clothing
• Supportive shoes
• Layers for changing temperatures
• Comfortable sleepwear
• A refillable water bottle
   

For your destination:

• Swimwear, if needed
• Sun protection
• A hat
• Clothing appropriate for the weather
• A comfortable day bag
   

For the journey:

• Snacks
• Water
• Travel pillow
• Something to read, watch or listen to
• Phone and device chargers

Whether your ideal babymoon is a week in the sunshine or a cosy weekend close to home, choose a break that feels right for you. Keep your plans flexible, make plenty of room for rest and enjoy some quality time before your next adventure begins.

A babymoon is a holiday or short break taken before the arrival of a baby. It’s an opportunity for parents-to-be to relax and enjoy some quality time before their new arrival.

There’s no one perfect time for a babymoon. When and whether you travel will depend on your pregnancy, how you’re feeling and the type of trip you’re planning. If you have any concerns about travelling during pregnancy, speak to your midwife or healthcare professional.

As long or as short as works for you. A babymoon could be a week-long holiday, a long weekend or simply a night away somewhere special.

Pregnancy-related rules and requirements can vary between airlines and can depend on your individual circumstances. Check your airline’s latest guidance before booking and speak to your healthcare professional if you’re unsure whether flying is appropriate for you.

Choose somewhere that suits the kind of break you want. A beach holiday might sound perfect if your priority is switching off, while you might prefer a countryside retreat, relaxing city break or UK staycation.

Consider how easy the destination is to reach, what you’d like to do while you’re there and how comfortable the trip will be for you.

Whatever helps you relax. You might enjoy good food, gentle sightseeing, time by the pool, leisurely walks or simply doing very little. Try not to put pressure on yourselves to fill every day.

Not at all. A babymoon is about taking some time out together, not travelling as far as possible. A weekend at the seaside, countryside hotel or even a special break at home can be just as meaningful.

No. Families look different, and there’s no set formula for a babymoon. It’s simply an opportunity to mark the time before your new arrival in whatever way feels right for you.