Is this a stupid idea?

[Thelittleredhead]

I'm 20 weeks pregnant, and single. My boyfriend left for an OW. Long story.

I am desperate to get away from it all and have a nice holiday before the baby is born. Just to get some me-time and totally relax.

I've booked time off work already- the time I can take isn't flexible as we are only 3 managers and the rest of the summer weeks were already "taken" by the other managers. Seeing as I'm single and all my friends are either in relationships or already have holidays booked/can't afford to go away/are busy during the time I've booked, I'm planning on just going on my own.

I'll be around 25 weeks, and am planning on going to a European city for a couple of days followed by 5 days in a hotel with a private beach on an island near the city. It's approx a 4 hour flight away.

Is this a ridiculous idea at 25 weeks? I've never been pregnant before so I don't know how uncomfortable I'll be, whether it's a good idea to be abroad alone, in a very busy and chaotic city and then on quite a remote island, etc.

Anyone got any experience of this? Is it a stupid idea, or should I go for it while I still can?

[callherwillow]

Mmmm - do you think you'd enjoy it?

I know some posters will say immediately it will be bliss, but I can't help but feel it might be stressful and depending on your emotional state upsetting.

[BillSykesDog]

If you're feeling okay to do it at 20 weeks, chances are you'll be fine at 25. Enjoy yourself!

[SewSlapdash]

Take it slowly and I'm sure you'll be fine. How hot will it be?

[LizKeen]

Have you been on holiday alone before?

[Sparkletastic]

Sounds fab and you should enjoy a break before parenthood hits. Much depends on how adventurous you are. I would go for an inclusive beach / pool week with a couple of trips out just for ease and relaxation. I've got a friend who has done all sorts of exotic locations and city breaks on her own though. I'm essentially a holiday maker and she likes to travel. Lots of walking in hot temperature may not appeal at that stage of pregnancy.

[nilbyname]

In pregnancy terms you will be fine! Take your pregnancy notes just in case, watch what you eat and drink and you'll be grand. Rest when you feel tired and take comfy shoes for walking around in.

My only hesitation would be travelling alone, if you feel happy to do that, the again you'll have a good time.

Take lots of books, pod casts, a sketch book if that's your thing.

i think it's a good idea, go for it!

[Birdsgottafly]

No-one can answer this, some Women are trouble free from 16 weeks, until about 30 weeks (then the heartburn/sickness/backache) starts.

Others, have it tough from early on.

My DD went on pre- booked city breaks, when pregnant and a beach holiday. She felt oddly tearful and wanted to go home.

[Thelittleredhead]

Thanks for the interesting feedback and things to consider.

So a few things- I have been away by myself before, and I'm used to solo travel as I do it for work a fair bit- though obviously that's different. The flip side of that is that although I've travelled alone before (like inter rail type travel), in the last few years all my "holidays" were with my now-ex. We were great travel partners and I guess one concern is that I will really miss having him there. But I need to get used to that I suppose.

It will be hot- think Southern Europe in mid July- but I generally deal quite well with the heat. On the flip side, it's apparently a relatively hilly island so I might be confined to the immediate area and anywhere I can get to easily with public transport or a cab.

So far I've had (physically at least) a relatively easy pregnancy. I'm physically fit, not overweight or anything.

I also speak the language of the country I'm thinking of.

All in all I guess I won't really know til I go. I was just wondering whether I am being overly ambitious to think of doing it alone. But I shall busy myself with lots of books (a sketch book is a great idea nilby - I can't draw for shit but it might give me something hilarious to look back on ) and lots of delicious food. Also the hotel has a spa and offers daily yoga on the beach, which may be just what I need.

Thanks for the input!

[oldlaundbooth]

Sounds great, but please do take it easy, even if you feel like you are super energized and want to do lots of stuff, take the time to rest and relax also.

[FuzzyOwl]

It sounds to me as if it could be a great break. I would just make sure you have insurance in case you don't feel up to it and take your medical notes with you. Some airlines can ban you travelling after a certain point and although you won't be over that point, I have always flown with a photocopy of my MATB1 to prove it.

I hope you have a lovely time.

[FuzzyOwl]

P.S. In my last pregnancy I went to Venice and walked miles whilst being 27 weeks pregnant. I loved the sunshine and enjoyed extra ice creams, as well as making sure I was well hydrated.

[Wizzles]

I went on the exact opposite type of holiday when I was 28 weeks: 4 couples, v boozy (everyone except me), multiple destinations in Eastern European country where I don't speak much of the language. It was amazing! But that's the type of holiday I'm used to.

If this is the type of thing you usually do, and you're feeling well in your pregnancy, then I say go for it! Have a lovely time

[MrsJoeyMaynard]

I would keep an eye on what's happening with the Zika virus. I've seen speculation in the news about the likelihood of that reaching southern Europe this year, with some areas considered higher risk than others.

[nilbyname]

I think it sounds like heaven!

I went to turkey when I was about 24 weeks in August. I went for a week and read 6 books, had long afternoon naps and ate the most amazing food! Everyone was so nice to me and I had a great time.

Send us a postcard!

[Dontyouopenthattrapdoor]

I would check the spa/ yoga class will let you participate / treat you whilst pregnant.

I'm not sure I'd have been brave enough but I think it sounds lovely!

[Oysterbabe]

Make sure your travel insurance covers premature birth in the unlikely event that you need it.

[redexpat]

Sounds lovely. Go with an open mind and be prepared to be flexible. You might not be able to do it at the same pace you managed pre pregnancy, but then again you might!

[DrWhy]

I planned a quiet relaxed very un-me holiday at 26 weeks (with DP) the lounging wasn't actually that comfortable and I was bored, as I was feeling fine - we rented a 4x4, went exploring, walked around historical sites and had a great time!
Only thing is, book an aisle seat in the plane, the 4 hour flight was the most uncomfortable I've been by far (now 28 weeks).
If you enjoy this kind of travel, go for it and just drink loads of water!!

[AlpacaPicnic]

I would consider researching how you would be able to get back home if flying became unavailable... are there trains? A ferry? Could you rent a car?

Otherwise I would say go for it.

And your ex is a buttmunch.

[Oldraver]

Just make sure you have really good medical insurance and they are aware you are pregnant

[Alisvolatpropiis]

Sounds like a great idea!

As other have said make sure you have your notes and that your insurers know about and cover your pregnancy.

Copenhagen could be lovely, I went with my mum a few years back. Very pleasant atmosphere.

I'd not go somewhere like Naples on my own as a woman, having been previously. I enjoyed it but no, not alone.

[LuckySantangelo1]

I went on holiday to Mexico when I was 23 weeks pregnant. Though I wasn't alone. I loved lying on the beach in the shade, reading, swimming, eating loads of fresh food, it was bliss. I was at a small hotel which worked well as I had sciatica so a short distance between room/restaurant/beach was helpful. The relaxing nature of it was so lovely to look back on esp seeing as the bump is now 1 year old & holidays are manic! On the practical side, make sure you are near to a hospital, take your mat noted, get insurance that covers pregnancy. Drink lots of water on the plane and move about lots. On board get a seat near the loo! Go and enjoy yourself.

[MatildaTheCat]

It sounds wonderful. Take your EHIC card and be sure your travel insurers know you are pregnant. Also take your pregnancy notes.

Have a great time. I envy your confidence and hope you have a great time.

[AdjustableWench]

I've done quite a lot of travelling while pregnant, including hot places in the later stages of pregnancy, and I loved every minute of it. The only challenge was having to run through an airport to make a connection while 7 months pregnant (I've never been good at running). But I coped fine with heat and (shortish) hikes up mountains and lots of walking. As long as you're quite fit to begin with you'll be ok.

I think your plans sound amazing; hope you have a great time!

[WorldsBiggestGrotbag]

I think it sounds like a great idea. I was lucky to have uncomplicated pregnancies and went to Spain at 32 weeks in both pregnancies. Take it easy, keep hydrated, take your notes and have a fab time.