The Babymoon Boom

by Kira Krieger

baby•moon n. A getaway for parents-to-be focused on connection and relaxation before the birth of their baby.

You might not think pregnancy is the ideal excuse for a romantic getaway with your sweetie (expanding belly and all). But more and more couples are wising up to the benefits of a pre-baby vacation—that one last chance for romance and a good night’s sleep before the era of midnight feedings begins. With nearly 2 million parents-to-be babymooning each year, the travel industry is responding to expectant couples looking for their last hurrah before baby. Today, there are more and more packages that exist for the mom-to-be crowd—complete with spa treatments, goodie bags…some even include pickles and ice cream!

“Couples want to get away, they want a last chance for romance,” says Amy Ziff, editor at large for Travelocity. “A pre-baby getaway while you’re not so tired from midnight feedings is ideal. More often, babymoons are taken prior to a couple’s first baby.”

So, where are couples heading for their babymoons? Ziff notes that “People want to go someplace different, but not travel too too far. So, Mexico or the Caribbean are popular destinations. Oddly, I was in Uruguay last fall and ran into a woman there on her babymoon!”

Ready to take advantage of a little pre-baby bliss? Here are some of the most popular babymoon destinations, according to Ziff:

Popular Destinations For West Coasters

  • Ojai Valley, California. The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, nestled on 200 serene acres just 70 miles from LA, is reported to have some of the comfiest beds ever. The perfect recipe for relaxation.
  • Mayan Riviera. Just 20 minutes outside of Cancun, this is an easy jaunt from the west coast. Think soft white sandy beaches dotted with hotels to cater to you. The perfect beach blanket getaway!

Popular Destinations For East Coasters

  • Belize. Just 2 ½ hours from Miami.
  • Port Antonio, Jamaica. This quiet, Caribbean resort town is popular with celebrities looking for a little privacy. Perfect for the mom-to-be in need of peace and quiet.
  • Washington, D.C. Our nation’s capital has so many things to do and see. Stay at a quaint boutique hotel.