Not too long ago, it wasn’t uncommon to see loved-up newly-weds dominate the landscape when on a holiday. Today, there’s a new wave of glowing women flaunting their baby bumps with doting husbands in tow, as they take in the sights of that dream destination or shop for adorable baby goods. Couple’s spa appointments are booked, shopping itineraries chalked out and elaborate photo shoots scheduled for that much-looked-forward-to babymoon.
In the recent past, the term has caught on, with expectant parents booking either quick getaways for some much-needed alone time or more indulgent vacations before welcoming the new baby and getting caught up in the flurry of activity that the birth of a baby usually entails. Originally though, the term babymoon referred to the period immediately after the birth of a child, when the family used the alone time to bond with the baby. Today, it’s taken on a new meaning, with it becoming a pre-baby getaway, that lets the mums and dads-to-be spend time with each other, get pampered and relax. These could either be quick weekend trips closer home or longer vacations to exotic destinations, replete with niche private island resorts thrown into the mix.
Location scouting
“The babymoon travel trend is really catching on, with expectant parents wanting to spend quality time with each other. Several couples look for the ideal destination, while taking into consideration factors such as easy flight connectivity, customised meal options, comfort and also quick medical access,” says Sherin Francis, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board. “Situated off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 granite and coral islands that are blessed with pristine beaches and breathtaking natural beauty. There are various resort options for babymooners here, ranging from mid-luxury to the uber-luxury category. Add to that the free visa-on-arrival and direct flights from Mumbai, and it makes Seychelles a great short-haul getaway for a babymoon,” she says.
Pregnant woman waiting with her partner for the flight at the airport lounge, using a digital tablet together.
As it turns out, beach destinations are some of the most preferred ones by to-be parents. Think Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bali and Mauritius. For those looking for retail therapy, there’s Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. “When it comes to planning a vacation within India, couples look towards Goa, Mahabaleshwar, Puducherry, and Udaipur,” says Daniel D’souza, country head, leisure, SOTC Travel. He adds, “With the onset of experiential travel, Indian travellers are open to experiencing the new and the exhilarating, leaving behind the conventional. However, expectant couples prefer to book activities which are not physically intensive or strenuous, and instead, help rejuvenate their mind and body. In addition to this, many expectant couples look at shopping at popular fashion destinations, taking a stroll through lush green tea plantations and strawberry farms, and experiencing a range of delectable local cuisines and delicacies.”
Mum, dad and baby written on the sand of the beach next to their shoes with the legs of the parents behind
Things they do
Hari Ganapathy of PickYourTrail adds that destinations with added attractions such as spas, yoga classes and culinary tours are winners with babymooners. “These activities are relaxing and less hectic. Since couples mostly choose to travel in their second trimester, there are not many options that they can choose from. The focus is on taking it easy and relaxing,” he says.
- Check with your doctor before you travel. Most airlines will want to see a Fit to Fly certificate from your doctor, to avoid any mid-air complications.
- Plan well. While the second trimester is the most comfortable, and most couples plan trips around this time, airlines will not fly a pregnant woman beyond her 37th week. According to doctors, the best time to travel is between weeks 14 and 27 of pregnancy.
- Check for medical facilities at your destination. You never know when you might need to see a doctor.
- Keep it simple. Don’t pack in too much. Remember, a babymoon is all about relaxing. Pick one or two destinations and sit back and watch a sunset or take an easy stroll through the woods. You’ll have enough running around to do once the baby arrives.
- Pack sensibly. Carry outfits and footwear that will allow you to move freely and are not restrictive. The last thing you want is to be dealing with shoe bites and uncomfortable clothing.
- Don’t plan destinations with long flights or layovers. You don’t want to be dealing with mid-air sickness.
- Don’t plan destinations that are hard to reach. You don’t want a bumpy ride getting you worried about the baby’s well-being or leading you to taking a blow to the belly.
- Don’t experiment with food. Sign up for a culinary tour by all means, but be careful about what and where you eat. You don’t want a stomach bug at this time; especially when most medicines are off the table.
- Don’t sit for too long. Make sure you take a short walk on the flight or halt the car to stretch your legs. Sitting for too long can lead to blood clots that are dangerous.
- Don’t forget to stay hydrated throughout. You might want to relieve yourself every five minutes, but you simply need to stay hydrated. So befriend your bottle of water and carry it everywhere.
While they do not recommend strenuous activities, most destinations do offer couple’s spa treatments, with specially tailored massages for the to-be mum. “Some of the private island resorts also offer comfortable maternity pillows, an endless supply of healthy snacks, temperature-controlled swimming pools, dedicated butler service, healthy meals and exclusive child care facilities as well,” says Sherin. “Meanwhile, the partners can enjoy a diverse range of energising activities, from diving into the ocean to hiking the granite peaks. Also, there are plenty of safe water activities to enjoy as a couple, such as snorkelling and sunset cruises. There are also movie nights for the couples on the beach, with a sail screen strung between palm trees under a canopy of stars,” she says.
It’s all in a package
Tour companies tailor holidays as per a couple’s request, and also offer ‘On the Go’ packages, where the traveller can alter and adjust their itineraries while they are away as per their convenience. Hari says, “The average budget for a babymoon vacation is between ₹2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per couple, for a minimum of four nights.” Daniel adds that the budget differs for every traveller. “For instance, someone eager to travel domestically will look for economical travel options as compared to an international traveller.”
He adds that safety is a given when designing a babymoon tour. “The most important factor to consider is the pregnancy trimester on a babymoon, and we advise caution when offering these packages. Another essential factor to keep in mind is the destinations being offered. Short and mid-haul destinations are suggested, as compared to long-haul destinations, to avoid causing any travel-related stress for the mum-to-be.”
And again, what’s a babymoon without well-shot pictures to frame the memories. Couples often use this opportunity to get their pre-baby shoots done. They either take along a photographer with them, or hire local talent to get those dreamy photographs of their getaway.
