Ever thought about jetting off on a babymoon??

......Well you're not alone!!!

THE KATE & WILLS EFFECT: ALMOST 1 IN 3 PARENTS-TO-BE JETTING OFF ON BABYMOONS

 

Romantic getaways for soon-to-be parents are becoming increasingly popular with almost a third (29%) of Brits packing their bags for some pre-baby bliss. Research from global travel search engineSkyscanner has explored the rapidly growing travel trend of expectant couples jetting off to relax in each other’s company before their newest family member joins and the sleepless nights kick off. 

 

The study polled 1,000 parents and expectant parents across the country to uncover where the lure of the babymoon was strongest and found that those living in Northern Ireland are the most likely (56%) to take a break before the birth of their first child, followed by Londoners (35%), the North East (34%), Scotland (32%) and the North West (29%).

 

Victoria Bailie, Skyscanner spokesperson and expectant mother, said: “Many Brits, myself included, are looking for some pre-baby indulgence – and with so many hotels realising this we have seen many of them stepping up their game - offering a wide range of tailored experiences for pregnant women to enjoy and of course, when celebrities and royals like William and Kate take off to the Caribbean pre-baby, we want to as well.”

 

Using Skyscanner hotels’ filtering tools, expectant parents can tailor the perfect trip down to the finest detail – from restaurants, pools, private beaches and five-star hotels – to ensure expectant mums get the babymoon they are looking for.  

 

The survey also questioned expectant parents on what it is that they are looking for from a babymoon:

1.       Temperate climate 

2.       Fresh air 

3.       Amazing food 

4.       Access to a pool or beach

5.       UK based 

6.       Luxury hotel 

7.       Short flight/ travel distance 

8.       Something romantic/ child free 

9.       Plenty to do in easy access of the hotel without much travel to get there

10.   A hotel that caters for pregnant women 

 

Skyscanner has considered these factors and created their top five best hotels for babymoons:

 

·         The Londa Beach Hotel’s five-star service offers it all, from the beach at the doorstep, a beautiful pool, specialised babymoon packages and private pre-natal yoga classes. Get to Cyprus from£162 with Aegean Airways and stay from £240 per night.   

·         The Belmond Inn at Perry Cabinoffers full babymoon packages that include maternity pillows for a good night’s sleep, pre-natal massages, and even pre-baby reading material! Get there from £513 with WOW Airreturn to Washington and stay from £191 per night. 

·         London’s Hotel Cavendish offers Baby Bliss packages from £85 giving you a mixture of the most relaxing spa treatments, while the hotel is available to book from £95 per night based on two sharing.

·         Cowley Manor in Cheltenham is set in 55 acres of Cotswold countryside and has a plethora of pregnancy spa options from a lighter legs massage to a coming soon massage. The hotel also boasts a unique swimming pool with underwater music for a relaxing, peaceful swim. Book the hotel from £169 per night based on two people sharing.

·         Champneys Forest Mere in Hampshire is renowned for its holistic treatments perfect during pregnancy. The hotel is available to book from £199 per night based on two sharing, with selected treatments included.

 

Additionally, to make booking a babymoon as stress-free as possible, Skyscanner has created a checklist of things to consider including details on when you can fly, travel insurance policies and other useful hints and tips. You can find the checklist at www.skyscanner.net/news/babymoon-checklist. 

 

Before you book your trip, you should ensure you have considered the below babymoon checklist:

ü  How far along are you? Airline policies vary between carriers (for example easyJet cut off after 35 weeks whilst British Airways cut-off at 36 weeks), so ensure you have checked cut off dates before booking. In addition, make sure you take into account the return leg of your journey when obtaining your certificate

ü  Make sure you take your maternity notes, contact details for your regular doctor and any prescriptions you may need

ü  If you’re planning a spa trip remember many spa facilities i.e. Jacuzzi, steam, and sauna are not recommended for women throughout pregnancy. Many treatments are also not suitable in the first 12 weeks

ü  Check you have sufficient travel insurance. Not all travel insurance policies will cover both mum and unborn child so make sure you have one that does cover both and will cover your infant if the delivery occurs while travelling

ü  Make sure you travel with your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), which covers routine maternity care. Click hereto apply for your EHIC online

ü  Pregnant travellers should be aware of DVT prevention measures such as wearing support stockings, stretching/massaging your legs and walking up and down the aisle every half an hour or so. Drink plenty of water and avoid carbonated beverages 

If I was a first time parent I would most definitely be jetting off on a babymoon, I did consider it when I was pregnant with Noah but never really put much effort into booking one, I had also just been on two holidays right before I became pregnant so that had chewed up a big bit of my spare money. I wouldn't be able to do it if I was to become pregnant again as 1. I would feel bad leaving the boys whilst I went off somewhere lovely and 2. I don't think anyone would have them lol! 

Have you had a babymoon or are you thinking of having one before your little person arrives, if so you should check out the above links!