What is a babymoon? Top destinations and how to plan

The arrival of a new baby is an exciting and wonderful moment in a couple’s life. But it also marks a time of change, because once your baby is here, things aren’t going to be the same for quite some time. That’s why many couples opt for a getaway before the arrival of their little one. This vacation — sometimes referred to as a babymoon — doesn’t have to be luxurious or costly. Babymoons can range from a trip abroad, a simple weekend getaway or even a staycation.

“The most important thing is spending quality time together, away from the distractions of home, with the intention of honoring and celebrating your new chapter in life,” says Cindy Scott-Fuchs, founder of Mellow Mommy, a company that caters to babymoon retreats and other wellness-related getaways in Sonoma County, California.

Here, we’ll explore the ins and outs of planning and having a memorable and enjoyable babymoon, as well as top destinations for where to go for a babymoon.

What is a babymoon?

 Simply put, a babymoon is a vacation that expectant couples take before their baby arrives.

“It’s a time to reconnect with one another and rest and relax before the baby arrives, after which it might be difficult to find time alone together,” says Kiana Reeves, a relationship and intimacy expert and licensed doula at Foria. “It’s often a celebratory vacation designed to help couples enjoy the last moments when it’s just the two of them.”

How much does a babymoon cost? 

The cost of a babymoon can vary widely, Reeves says, depending on factors like location, how long you vacation or and the personal preferences of each couple.

Total cost can range from a few hundred dollars, to several thousand dollars and even more than that, “depending on what the getaway entails, which could be anything from a DIY road trip adventure to an all-inclusive package at an upscale resort,” says Scott-Fuchs. But the good news is that most couples will be able to put together a babymoon that is completely within their budget.

Let’s take a look at some expert-recommended babymoon destinations for every budget size.

Where to go for a babymoon

One of the first steps to planning a babymoon is deciding if you want to stay in the U.S. or travel abroad. Some top international babymoon destinations, according to Scott-Fuchs, include:

• Greece. May to September is the best time to visit because it’s not too hot.
• Maldives. Many resorts here have prenatal wellness offerings.
• The Bahamas. This is an easy destination to get to and offers a wide range of lodging options.
• The Mayan Riviera. It’s easy to travel here from the U.S., and it has a relaxed coastal vibe.

For U.S. getaways, she recommends top destinations like:

• Sedona, Arizona. It offers peaceful ambiance and is great for people seeking deep introspection before the baby arrives. 
• Northern and Southern California. Try Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Sonoma County or Lake Tahoe.
• Santa Fe, New Mexico. Rich in culture and tranquility, and there are many spas to choose from. 
• Asheville, North Carolina. Consider staying near Blue Ridge Parkway, which is great for a scenic day drive and picnic.
• Miami, Florida. A simple plane ride away for many people and a perfect escape during the cold winter months.

Budget-friendly babymoon ideas

For a more budget-friendly babymoon, Scott-Fuchs recommends a two-night trip and considering a more nature-based location. But you also don’t have to stay overnight anywhere to take a babymoon.

Here are her suggestions for a babymoon on a budget:

• A day-trip. Take a scenic drive to a park or vista, topped with a sunset picnic.
• Booking one to two nights at a local hotel. Midweek rates tend to be cheaper. Find a hotel with a heated pool for a night swim and go out to dinner. Add in some massages and room service breakfast.
• A road trip to a national park. Stay at a cabin or hotel outside the park.
• Driving to a quaint town “off the beaten path.” Stay at a bed-and-breakfast, private rental or cottage in the forest.
• Mix it up. Spend an urban night in the city followed by a few nights in a more peaceful setting.

Important considerations when choosing your babymoon destination

It’s not just timing and destination to consider when planning the perfect babymoon. Here are some other factors to consider, says Reeves:

• Ease of travel: Pick a destination that’s easy to travel to. A long international flight or multi-stop journey might not be the best choice for this trip.
• Access to medical care: In case of emergency, be sure to pick a vacation spot within a reasonable distance of a hospital or clinic.
• Access to “creature comforts”: Since the goal of a babymoon is to feel restored and connected, consider locales that have access to services like room service, restaurants, spa offerings, pools and any other amenities that may be important to you.

“Most pregnant individuals feel their best in the second trimester, as the first trimester nausea and fatigue have passed, but the aches and pains of the third trimester have not hit yet.”

— Dr. Melissa Dennis, OB-GYN and chief medical officer, Partum Health

When is the best time in pregnancy to go on a babymoon?

The best time to go on a babymoon is a personal decision, but according to Dr. Melissa Dennis, OB-GYN and chief medical officer at Partum Health, most pregnant parents find the second trimester ideal for travel.

“Most pregnant individuals feel their best in the second trimester, as the first trimester nausea and fatigue have passed, but the aches and pains of the third trimester have not hit yet,” says Dennis. Additionally, she notes, the majority of pregnancy losses occur in the first trimester, so waiting until you are out of this more risky time period is a good idea.

You also don’t want to plan your babymoon too late in your pregnancy, as you risk not being near your medical team. “If you go into early labor, your water breaks or you experience a significant pregnancy complication, you will be looking at a prolonged hospitalization for yourself, your baby or both of you wherever you choose to babymoon,” Dennis explains. “Keep this in mind when selecting your travel destination.”

Whatever the case, every pregnancy is different, so it’s important to touch base with your OB-GYN or midwife before you plan your babymoon.

Babymoon travel and safety tips

As an expectant parent, you have special needs while traveling. Reeves and Dennis suggest the following pregnancy-friendly travel and safety tips.

Prepare for everything

Check airline policies, as some airlines have restrictions on flying after a certain point in pregnancy. Additionally, pack pregnancy-friendly essentials like compression socks, snacks, a refillable water bottle and comfortable clothing.

Travel with medical records

Make sure to travel with a printed copy of your prenatal records. “This way, should any complications arise, the physicians taking care of you can easily have access to your documents and take optimal care of you,” Dennis shares.

Take steps to reduce blood clots

Pregnant folks are at higher risk of developing blood clots in their legs and lungs than non-pregnant people. Both flying and sitting for extended periods increases the risk more. 

“If driving, take lots of breaks to walk around and go to the bathroom,” Dennis advises. “If flying, try to get an aisle seat so you can walk the aisles when able, but can still stretch out your legs and keep them moving if the seatbelt sign is on.”  

Most importantly, listen to your body. This is a time to prioritize rest, comfort and well-being.

“This transformational juncture deserves a pause together. After all, it’s the beginning of a new chapter for you both.”

— Cindy Scott-Fuchs, founder, Mellow Mommy

A last bit of advice as you plan your babymoon

Above all else, Scott-Fuchs recommends that no matter where you go on your babymoon, your aim is to make it meaningful. To that end, consider:

• Spending some time unplugged from electronics.
• Sleeping in.
• Getting outside for gentle hikes, picnics, sunset strolls and stargazing.
• Finding local wellness experiences (e.g., massages, spas, meditation) to share together.
• Making a family vision board together.
• Making a pregnancy belly cast to bring home.
• Creating a gratitude journal together.
• Taking lots of photos to make a photo book when you get home.

“This transformational juncture deserves a pause together,” Scott-Fuchs concludes. “After all, it’s the beginning of a new chapter for you both. Embrace and savor this fleeting time.”