Congratulations moms and dads to be!
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Current Information on Zika Virus
CDC Website
Zika Cases in Mexico
Zika Cases at Sandals Resorts
Apple Vacations and Zika Virus Information
I recently interviewed with Travel Weekly, our industry's leading trade publication, regarding the Zika Virus and travel planning. Please click here to view the article.
photo courtesy of kissesfromamommytobe.blogspot.com
Preparing for parenthood and its inevitable chaos is an exciting and overwhelming journey; let me assist you in escaping reality for a bit so you can relax and enjoy some special time together before the little one's arrival.
Babymoon (or as I prefer, babycation) Planning Tips
Think about timing: According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, the best time to travel is between 14 and 28 weeks. Why? By this time, morning sickness has subsided for most women, energy levels have improved, and a baby bump isn't so big yet that it really affects your day-to-day activities. Into the third trimester, increased discomfort and fatigue could really detract from the fun of a vacation.
Think about destination: Choose a vacation that really appeals to you both at this particular time in your life together. Maybe in your pre-pregnancy travel days you loved eco/adventure experiences chock full of things like zip-lines and kayaks, but now it's time to slow down for a little rest and relaxation with a side of pampering. Each couple is different, and each pregnancy is different, so really imagine your ideal getaway together when you begin discussing potential plans.
Some ideas...
- dashing away to the city for fabulous food, live music, theater tickets, and a posh hotel
- enjoying a luxurious resort with pristine beaches, endless amenities, and a bevvy of spa services
- cruising through Alaska's wilderness experiencing the magic of nature
- touring romantic cities of Europe, photographing the architecture, exploring museums, and dining on local cuisine
- connecting with your inner-child and celebrating sheer fun at Walt Disney World
* Consider flight/driving times when making arrangements. Keep the road trips to several hours from home, and look out for lengthy flights or long layovers.
Think about destination: Choose a vacation that really appeals to you both at this particular time in your life together. Maybe in your pre-pregnancy travel days you loved eco/adventure experiences chock full of things like zip-lines and kayaks, but now it's time to slow down for a little rest and relaxation with a side of pampering. Each couple is different, and each pregnancy is different, so really imagine your ideal getaway together when you begin discussing potential plans.
Some ideas...
- dashing away to the city for fabulous food, live music, theater tickets, and a posh hotel
- enjoying a luxurious resort with pristine beaches, endless amenities, and a bevvy of spa services
- cruising through Alaska's wilderness experiencing the magic of nature
- touring romantic cities of Europe, photographing the architecture, exploring museums, and dining on local cuisine
- connecting with your inner-child and celebrating sheer fun at Walt Disney World
* Consider flight/driving times when making arrangements. Keep the road trips to several hours from home, and look out for lengthy flights or long layovers.
experience Alaska at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge (photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
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explore romantic Paris hand-in-hand (photo courtesy of Globus)
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watch the sun set from a luxury resort (photo courtesy of AMResorts)
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Think about precautions: Always consult with your medical care provider about your intended travel plans prior to booking. Will you need vaccines? A flu shot? Take along your care provider's contact information and also look into medical facilities near your chosen destination. (This might not be the best vacation for a rugged, rural jungle trek.)
I highly encourage the purchase of travel insurance for any client leaving the country, but would recommend it for pregnant travelers regardless of their destination. Most medical insurance does not cover you outside of the United States, so if you needed care while away it could become quite an expensive vacation. Further, if you needed to cancel your travel plans, your financial investment would also be protected.
*Consult the cancellation policy for your cruise, all-inclusive package, etc. for details.
*Consult your insurance company's policy for coverage details.
*Purchase insurance in a timely fashion, as pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition.
Think about restrictions: Airlines and cruise lines are constantly changing policies/restrictions regarding pregnant passengers. Here are the current (as of May 27, 2015) rules in place for several of the major companies we work with in the office.
Airlines
United - up to 8 months pregnant without documentation
American - international: not permitted to fly within 30 days of due date unless examined by doctor within 48 hours of travel and additional clearance required upon closer to due date/domestic: for flights under five hours permitted until 7 days before due date
US Airways - if due date is within 7 days of flight, you must obtain a doctor's certificate within 72 hours of travel
Delta - no requirements found
Southwest - recommends against air travel beginning at 38th week of pregnancy
*Please see the company websites for exact details.
Cruise Lines
Princess - not permitted to sail if you are entering 24th week of pregnancy by last day of cruise
Royal Caribbean/Celebrity - not permitted to sail if you have entered 24th week by beginning or at any time during the cruise
Carnival - not permitted to sail if you have entered 24th week by beginning or at any time during the cruise
Relax and enjoy: Amidst work, to-do lists, and general baby prep, we all know how difficult it can be to connect at home, and many couples view their babymoon as a final genuine opportunity for quiet time together before madness and sleep deprivation ensues in a few short months. Focus on your beautiful destination and your love and commitment to one another before your relationship/marriage evolves into its next chapter...parenthood.
I highly encourage the purchase of travel insurance for any client leaving the country, but would recommend it for pregnant travelers regardless of their destination. Most medical insurance does not cover you outside of the United States, so if you needed care while away it could become quite an expensive vacation. Further, if you needed to cancel your travel plans, your financial investment would also be protected.
*Consult the cancellation policy for your cruise, all-inclusive package, etc. for details.
*Consult your insurance company's policy for coverage details.
*Purchase insurance in a timely fashion, as pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition.
Think about restrictions: Airlines and cruise lines are constantly changing policies/restrictions regarding pregnant passengers. Here are the current (as of May 27, 2015) rules in place for several of the major companies we work with in the office.
Airlines
United - up to 8 months pregnant without documentation
American - international: not permitted to fly within 30 days of due date unless examined by doctor within 48 hours of travel and additional clearance required upon closer to due date/domestic: for flights under five hours permitted until 7 days before due date
US Airways - if due date is within 7 days of flight, you must obtain a doctor's certificate within 72 hours of travel
Delta - no requirements found
Southwest - recommends against air travel beginning at 38th week of pregnancy
*Please see the company websites for exact details.
Cruise Lines
Princess - not permitted to sail if you are entering 24th week of pregnancy by last day of cruise
Royal Caribbean/Celebrity - not permitted to sail if you have entered 24th week by beginning or at any time during the cruise
Carnival - not permitted to sail if you have entered 24th week by beginning or at any time during the cruise
Relax and enjoy: Amidst work, to-do lists, and general baby prep, we all know how difficult it can be to connect at home, and many couples view their babymoon as a final genuine opportunity for quiet time together before madness and sleep deprivation ensues in a few short months. Focus on your beautiful destination and your love and commitment to one another before your relationship/marriage evolves into its next chapter...parenthood.
Babymoon Promotion Exclusively with Travel by Stephanie
Book a qualifying vacation package with me in 2016 (for travel in 2016 or 2017) and receive a Babies R Us gift card to purchase items for your new little one! Contact me for details and mention the babymoon promotion!
