10 Babymoon Destination Ideas That Are Zika Free!

A babymoon is a great way for you and your partner to have a last hurrah together before your bundle of joy arrives. A lot of expectant parents see this holiday as a chance to spend some quality one-on-one time with each other and most importantly – to relax!

There are a few factors to take into consideration when selecting a destination for your Babymoon. I personally didn’t want to go anywhere in a developing country where there was a risk of becoming ill from contaminated water or food, or where the health system wasn’t up to scratch incase something went wrong. There are now health warnings for expecting mothers regarding Zika, which has unfortunately spread to many holiday destinations around the world, which is another factor to take into consideration when selected a destination.

So what is Zika?

For those who don’t know what Zika is, it’s a mosquito-borne illness which can severely effect pregnant women and their babies. There is no vaccine to prevent or treat Zika, and the virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. The disease can cause serious birth defects. It is recommended to avoid travel to destinations with Zika outbreaks even if you are just trying to conceive.  It has spread through much of South America, Africa, Asia and the South Pacific. Meaning standard holiday destinations for Aussies such as Bali and Fiji are out for now!

I was meant to be in Thailand last week to speak at the #ASTW conference but had to pull out due to the risk of Zika. I was so disappointed to cancel as the trip also involved a jaunt to Chiang Mai which has been on my bucket list forever! But it wasn’t worth the risk to my bub, and Thailand will still be there in the coming years.

After researching the safest destinations to travel from Australia without Zika, we ended up deciding to stay local and have booked 5 nights on Hamilton Island. We’re looking forward to lazing around with a good book, eating delicious food and lots of snorkelling!

When to Go

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but it is suggested to travel in the second trimester when you’re feeling at your best. A lot of women like to take a babymoon in the third trimester, closer to when the baby is due, but you must first check with your airline with regards to their rules.

For example when flying with Jetstar, you must carry a letter or certificate from your medical professional stating it is safe for you to fly if you are 28 weeks or more. It also depends on how far you are travelling, and whether you have a single or multiple pregnancy.

I have decided to go at 6 months (24 weeks) as I am feeling pretty good right now and will hopefully feel up to doing some activities and exploring as opposed to lying like a beached whale by the pool with a mocktail (don’t worry, a lot of that will be happening too!)

Where to Go

Fortunately there are still a lot of amazing and safe destinations you can visit on your babymoon, both overseas and locally. From beachside destinations filled with swimming, mountainous escapes featuring world class cuisine, to city breaks peppered with pampering, there is something here to suit every mum to-be!

Japan

Whilst Japan might not spring to mind initially when thinking of babymoon destinations, this country ticks all the boxes for a safe and fun holiday in my books. The food is amazing, the people are friendly and courteous, the bathroom facilities are always clean (I did not want to be navigating a squat toilet whilst pregnant) and can we please talk about how cute Japanese baby clothing is!

New Zealand

For a more chilled overseas holiday, New Zealand is close to home but still offers a great balance of active and relaxing activities. Take a scenic drive through breathtaking landscapes, go on gentle hikes or simply book into one of New Zealand’s many luxurious lodges for a few days of pampering and relaxation.

Hawaii

Hawaii is another safe and fun destination for the pregnant traveller, offering a good balance of shopping, fun activities like snorkelling and hiking, and plenty of opportunities to relax by the pool. The climate is almost nearly almost perfect (although ironically as I write this, poor Hawaii has a hurricane descending on it) and the range of food on offer is world class.

French Polynesia

For crystal clear waters, unspoilt beaches and an incredible array of French cuisine, this paradise located in the South Pacific is perfect for couples looking for the ultimate in relaxation. If you can, splurge on an overwater villa to enjoy the surroundings in peace and quiet.

Dubai

If the beach isn’t your thing, but shopping and eating is, then consider Dubai as a different type of destination for your babymoon! Dubai oozes luxury and you won’t be short of ideas to fill your days, indulge in a facial, shop up a storm at the Dubai Mall, enjoy a foot massage, then relax back at your 5 star hotel with a spot of room service.

Closer to home, there are still so many amazing babymoon destination ideas! A lot of expectant mums fear the thought of jumping on a longer flight and I don’t blame them. Sometimes it’s nice to stay familiar with the creature comforts of home.

Blue Mountains

Only a few hours drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains is a breathtaking region of New South Wales that can be enjoyed at anytime of year. A lot of the big hotels, such as Lilianfels, offer a Babymoon Package that includes a 3 course meal, buffet breakfast, pregnancy spa treatments and more.

Far North Queensland

For sun and relaxation, you can’t go past Far North Queensland for the ultimate beach holiday. Fly into Cairns and stay at a resort in Port Douglas, stuff yourself silly with the great array of food in town, and don’t forget to book yourself on day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforest. Because I was fortunate enough to visit this area late last year, I wanted to try a different part of North Queensland and we decided to book a holiday to Hamilton Island. There will be mocktails by the pool, a day trip to the stunning Whitehaven Beach, snorkelling and LOTS of eating. Stay tuned for my guide when I get back!

Byron Bay

The Byron at Byron offers a decadent Babymoon package filled with buffet breakfast, a gift hamper, day spa treatments and daily yoga. I’ve stayed here once before and the resort is nestled in a rainforest, and backs on to the beach. Byron Bay is filled with great dining options if you want to venture outside of your resort, but to be honest most of the time you’d find me lounging by the pool!

Tasmania

Tassie is one of my favourite places in Australia, and a winter escape to Cradle Mountain was high on my list. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge offers gourmet cuisine using local Tasmania produce, an award winning day spa, and numerous walking tracks around the area if you’re feeling a bit adventurous.

Margaret River

Head over the west coast of Australia to visit the Margaret River region, located a few hours drive south of Perth. Whilst this area may be famous for wineries & surfing (not exactly pregnancy friendly!) there are some beautiful hotels, Airbnbs and resorts located down here that are the perfect base for exploring this gorgeous part of the world. The Pullman Bunker Bay offers a great babymoon Package which you can customise to suit you.

I hope these zika-free babymoon destinations have given you some ideas for your own holiday if you’re expecting. Have a great time, I’m off to pack my suitcase!

Note: These above destinations were Zika-free or had low enough rates of infection to not be deemed a risk at the time of writing. Please double check the latest news before you book (I often refer to Smart Traveller) to ensure your babymoon is risk-free!