Pregnant- life time holiday and unsure where we can go.

[Windowgazer123]

Hi all.
I totally recognise this is not a 'problem' and if it is, then it's one of those problems anyone would like to have but.. I would still appreciate some advice.

I am 2 months pregnant. My husband and I have booked 2.5wks off work to go on a special holiday. This is booked for next year when I will be at beginning of 2nd trimester. We have never been able to take a proper holiday together, only ever a few snatched days (for lots of complicated reasons) and now with a baby coming I don't know when the next opportunity after this will ever be. So this chance feels like the best one we have and having never had it before it is very precious to us. I have dreamt for years of having this break, just us two, getting away from all the pressures life can bring.

We are active people. I had dreams of scuba diving, safaris, trekking in a jungle. But obviously being pregnant puts a stop on quite a few activities.

Perhaps as it is so cold now, our dream is somewhere warm. Originally Ghana, botswana, panama, Sri Lanka were on the list. But I cannot find anywhere warm that isn't affected my malaria, zika or dengue fever.
Australia, New Zealand and the US we are less keen on going to.. as both been Seperately.. (and Australia& NZILA also so far!)

One thought was Sri Lanka- it has no malaria but they have a dengue fever outbreak. Does anyone know much about how bad it really is. I am struggling to get up to date advice.

I am rather stuck for other places that are relaxing, culturally interesting and beautiful.

Please do any of you smart people have an idea?

Any advice would be fantastic!

[mindutopia]

I would do Australia/New Zealand or go somewhere in the Gulf or Asia that's relatively industrialised (Dubai/Oman, Singapore/Kuala Lumpur, Japan, etc.).

Personally, I would avoid Sri Lanka right now. My dh and I used to live in India and we've taken lots of holidays to Sri Lanka. It's an absolutely lovely country and relatively easy to travel in. But you would need to avoid a lot of things you'd probably want to do there. Also, the dengue situation is not one I'd risk pregnant. I've lived in lots of areas where dengue is endemic and I've never had a problem, but it's a nasty, nasty illness and it can take months to a year or more to fully recover from. I wouldn't chance it while pregnant.

But I think there are lots of other places you could travel and I wouldn't be put off by long haul travel either. In early 2nd trimester, you'll feel generally well and have more energy than you will any other time in your pregnancy. I traveled a bit in 1st tri with my first baby (3 long haul trips) and also in 2nd tri with this one, and it's definitely doable, especially if you can clear through 1st tri before you leave. I wouldn't worry too much about adventure travel and all that. I would focus on just having quality time together and relaxing. Lie on the beach. Get massages. Relax and sit down. You won't do a lot of that on holiday again for years so you'll really appreciate it once baby comes.

[LikeTheShoes]

How far into your 2nd trimester will you be? I'm 20 weeks and have only just stopped drinking throwing up constantly. The 11 hour flight back from LA at 14 weeks was awful, I never want to get on a plane again.

But I am also missing sunshine! (No hope of a holiday for a year or two now, in money saving mode for the foreseeable future!!)

[ClareB83]

South Africa doesn't have Zika and will be warm this time of year. You can go on safari, check out the cities, see Whales and penguins and table mountain etc

[CaptainsCat]

I would avoid SE Asia OP, so no to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur - there is zika in Singapore and I expect Malaysia too. I delayed TTC because of a trip to Singapore. I would look into Dubai etc or other gulf states. Or if you can bear the flight time Australia or New Zealand. Or maybe Hawaii. I don’t think zika has been reported there other than cases caught elsewhere. No malaria but not sure in dengue.

[MrsMcW]

I went to South Africa at 16 weeks - it was sheer bliss. Went both whale watching and on safari - I similarly normally prefer 'activity' holidays to just lying on a beach so it was perfect! We booked it before I became pregnant, and the only aspect of the holiday I couldn't take part in was a day's wine tasting.

If you stick to Cape Town and the Eastern Cape, it's malaria free so you don't need to worry about taking any drugs, nor do you need any vaccinations beyond those you'd have for life in the UK anyway. Seriously recommend!

[hannknitted]

Another vote for South Africa - we went on our honeymoon two years ago and it was fab. I'd avoid Johannesburg because it's a lot more dangerous, but Cape Town was amazing, one of the best places I've been! We also spent 4 days on safari which was excellent too - although it can be a long, bumpy (and cold / windy) day sitting in the open air safari vehicles so be aware of that! Definitely worth it for the experience though.

Another idea would be Canada - beautiful country with lots to do and see, big on the outdoors.

[SandLand]

A malaria free part of South Africa, or Oman would be my warm weather choices.
Madeira could be nice.

[Confused24]

Have you thought about multi destinations instead of 1? I’m not sure on rules with scuba diving etc when pregnant but another alternative could be trekking through Europe? It doesn’t sound as thrilling as a safari or jungle trek but there is lots on offer especially if your looking for and active holiday and want to see lots. I would choose a travel agent and go in and speak about options as you may find destinations you hadn’t ever thought of

[EarlGreyT]

What about splitting the holiday between South Africa and Mauritius? Mauritius has no zika, malaria or dengue fever.

[PotteringAlong]

My DH has had dengue fever. You really, really don’t want it.

[Windowgazer123]

Hello all.
Thank you so much for all the solid advice.
@potteringalong = thanks for the sobering comment. You are right, I don't. So risky places are now firmly off the agenda.
@mindutopia - thank you for your personal insight. We are going to put Sri Lanka on hold. I could almost smell rotis..damn. And you are right, quality downtime sounds like bliss.
@LiketheShoes - I will be 15 weeks. I am 8weeks now and so far the nasuea has been manageable. I am just hoping it doesnt get worse. Feel your pain on the moneysaving. This is our first and last indulgence in a while!
@ClareB83, @MrsMCW, @hannknitted, @SandLand @EarlgreyT - Thank you all for the advice. Off the back of your suggestions I did some research and we have decided to go to South africa, and then on to Mauritius!

Thanks all!

[PotteringAlong]

Sounds brilliant, have a fabulous time

[MrsMcW]

Yay for South Africa! If you're looking at safari, I massively recommend the Nambiti region... malaria free and not as busy or expensive as Kruger or the reserves near CT.

[MulderitsmeX]

Great choice! I went to mauritius last year and it is great, there are still lots of mossies but no zikha which is the main thing. There are lovely hikes to do and also gentle water activities.

Have a great time!