travel

Five babymoon destinations that'll take your mind off your swelling ankles.

Babymoon = the last time expectant parents can jet off without worrying about the kids. (Because let’s face it, whether you travel with or without the kids in future, you’ll always be worrying about them.)

From fly-and-flop beach breaks to miniature safaris, Skyscanner Australia has rounded up the best babymoon destinations for expectant parents to spend some grown up time together.

Denerau, Fiji

Denarau Island. Image: Andreas Faessler/Wikimedia Commons

Fiji is the perfect location for babymooners who want to fly (for just four hours) and flop on a tropical island. Located just 20 minutes drive from Nadi International Airport, Denarau Island is a great choice for those who like all the amenities that come with a modern resort.

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For those that love a little luxury, The Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa offers 5-star accommodation with a trendy adults-only beach club – just think, it’s the last chance you might be able to hide away in one of these for a while! The Sofitel is also close to Denarau Marina so it’s easy to hop on a boat to any of the nearby reefs or island. Denarau also has a golf course to keep your partner busy while you’re being pampered in the Sofitel Spa.

Listen: Meet the mum who packed up and moved to Bali with her kids. (Post continues after audio.)

Canggu, Bali

Bali is a great choice for babymooners who want a tropical escape with some privacy. As travel in Bali is more affordable you could treat yourself to a private villa with plunge pool for the same price as a room at some of the 5-star resorts in Fiji. Canggu is a good place to start your villa search as it has a smattering of great cafes, restaurants and spas but far less people than you’ll find in party-central Kuta or popular Seminyak. Alternatively you could rent a villa in Ubud, the spiritual centre of Bali, known for its rice paddies and yoga retreats.

Canggu beach. (Getty)

Byron Bay, NSW

Closer to home is laid-back Byron Bay, which offers golden beaches, health food cafes and the odd pod of dolphins who like to weave among the surfers. Chill out on the likes of Wategos Beach, one of the best in New South Wales, and tuck into some of the regions best grub at restaurants such as Harvest in Newrybar and The Farm by Three Blue Ducks. If you’re thinking of babymooning with your girlfriends, check into the Bryon at Byron Resort and Spa for a blissful rainforest retreat with spa facilities.

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Freycinet, Tasmania

For something a little more adventurous you can soak up the fresh air of Freycinet National Park in Tasmania. Depending on how fit you feel you could hike the coastal trails to soak up stunning panoramic views of Wineglass Bay. Alternatively you can take a boat trip and soak up the scenery whilst reclining on the secluded sands backed by pink granite mountains. For stylish accommodation with jaw-dropping views check into award-winning Saffire Freycinet. Saffire features 20 suites that each have views over the majestic Great Oyster Bay and the Hazards Mountains.

Wineglass Bay. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
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Canberra National Zoo, ACT

If the thought of going on safari while expecting is a little imitating, then you can let the safari come to you at Canberra National Zoo. For an animal encounter that’s straight out of Africa, but in the middle of Canberra, check into one of the luxurious rooms at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, which come with private wildlife encounters and all-inclusive fine dining. There are a couple of accommodation options, including uShaka Lodge, the Giraffe Treehouses and the Jungle Bungalows, which all offer the once in a lifetime opportunity to sleep in close proximity to large primates including lions, tigers, cheetahs and Darkle the brown bear. All rooms are stylishly decked out in authentic African artefacts and are thoughtfully set up to allow guests the opportunity watch the animals feed, sleep and play directly from your bed or bathtub.

Canberra Tower as seen from the National Zoo. (Getty)

Top Tips For Travelling When Pregnant

Flying is usually not harmful for pregnant women, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly.

After week 28 of pregnancy, the airline may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date, and that you aren’t at risk of complications.

Wear compression socks during the flight, drinks lots of water and move around, raising your feet if possible.
You need to be extra careful about medication when you're pregnant, and that includes vaccinations. Your doctor will advise you about which ones you need and if they are safe during pregnancy.

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There are a few things to know about travelling while pregnant. (Getty)

Remember to check your travel insurance policy. Some insurers consider pregnancy to be a pre-existing medical condition and a medical assessment may be required before you are covered. Others cover uncomplicated pregnancies up to a certain week but there are many insurers that simply will not cover pregnancy related complications at all.

For up to date information on the risk of the Zika virus you should check the country advice for your destination from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Finally, if you’re travelling to a country where English is not the native language consider translating the list of foods pregnant women are advised to avoid so that you can verify if dishes are safe or not.

Have you been on a babymoon? Where did you go?

This post originally appeared on Skyscanner Australia and was republished here with full permission. To read the original article, go here

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