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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Holiday?

17 replies

jenga079 · 03/02/2011 17:12

I'm considering going on holiday at February half term, when I'll be 18 or 19 weeks pregnant

Ideally we'd like to go somewhere hot, but the only place we can find that we can afford and has guaranteed sun is Gambia. Has anyone been? What's it like?

I'd really like to go away as it will be our 'last chance' as a couple for a long time (I know family holidays will be brilliant, but obviously very different)

However, our summer holiday was totally wrecked when I was rushed to hospital and had emergency surgery. This partly makes me even more determined to go away, but partly makes me terrified to leave the country while I'm pregnant.

Thoughts? On Gambia or any other suggestions? On how I'll be feeling at 18-19 weeks? Anything else?

Thank you!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

JiltedJohnsJulie · 03/02/2011 17:14

What's bothering you about going to Gambia in particular?

thefurryone · 03/02/2011 17:22

I went to the Canary Islands at 24 weeks, had a horrible cold which put a dampner on things but apart from that it was fine and weather wise it was pretty perfect.

Although if you think that you won't relax because of what happened in the summer then it may not be as enjoyable as you'd hope (unfortunately you're not going to know this until you get there!). If your priority is couple time rather than sun then you may have a better time going for a UK based break?

Original poster

jenga079 · 03/02/2011 17:24

No problem with Gambia in particular. I think my problem might be with leaving Europe (I want to, really I do, but I'm scared!!)

My summer holiday was to Spain and I spent five nights in hospital there and a further six weeks under hospital care back here. I speak pretty good Spanish, the health service was brilliant and the EHIC scheme paid for everything, but it was still horrible being in hospital abroad (tho, I guess it's horrible being in hospital at home too!) My worry with going outside Europe is that something may go wrong with the pregnancy and whether medical treatment would be available.

OP posts:

JiltedJohnsJulie · 03/02/2011 17:27

If that is really an issue for you maybe you should talk it through with your DH and maybe go elsewhere.

Original poster

jenga079 · 03/02/2011 20:03

I've just found a great deal to Kenya. Anyone been to Kenya?

OP posts:

Ellie9 · 03/02/2011 20:12

I am exactly the same!! We are looking for a place to go that has sun and I will be 19 weeks. We were looking at going to Egypt but thought best not to go now....
We looked at Africa but I thought it was out of the question because you need malaria tablets and you shouldnt take them when pregnant?
Definately want to go someone hot and long haul is just a bit too expensive.
Very grateful for any ideas as this will be my honeymoon as well :)

Original poster

jenga079 · 03/02/2011 20:29

I hadn't even thought about malaria tablets. Damn!

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minibmw2010 · 03/02/2011 20:45

We are going to the Maldives (tomorrow) and I'm 22 weeks and 5 days. I was a bit nervous about the flying but our flight stops at Dubai so I'll be able to get up and walk around for a bit. Luckily in the Maldives, although it has mosquitoes, they aren't malarial so I don't need to worry about mossies and I had the other innoculations a couple of years ago.

vallinnapod · 04/02/2011 16:33

We're looking at cheap 'n' cheerful last minute deal to Canary Islands (though hoping DH can be persuaded to head to the Maldives )

Original poster

jenga079 · 04/02/2011 16:39

Are the canaries going to be hot? Sadly I can't afford Maldives :-(. I found an interesting looking walking hol to Spain today. It's not quite what I has in mind, but I thought it might be an interesting / relaxing option.

Glad to find I'm not the only one desperately seeking a last hol as a couple instead of as mum & dad! (tho we're already planning centre parcs for that!!)

OP posts:

1Catherine1 · 04/02/2011 17:06

If you are currently childless how come you are tied to half term? One of you a teacher? Prices are so high at half term that if you could go a week before or a week later you'd get a better deal somewhere in the EU.

If I were you Spain would be my choice. You speak Spanish, and some health costs will be covered with your travel card watzit. I'm not sure about pregnancy related ones though - I was reading this recently and know there was some exceptions. If you are worried about things going wrong maybe you could just make it a short break, 5 days or something.

MandaHugNKiss · 04/02/2011 17:15

I have just been considering Mexico as in laws are going and if we go together they can help with our tem month old meaning we might actually get to relax a bit!

However, I think the vaccine situation is gonna count us out

If it were europe (even the canaries) there'd be no issue and off like a shot.

I think if you're wanting the weather at that time of year the canaries are probably your 'best' bet - weather can be a little unpredictable at that time; maybe overcast, or windy, but can also be fab. It's just four hours away, no vaccines/anti malaria necessary, and there are some 'nicer' areas better suited to couples than the rowdy young crowds that flock there too. Shouldn't cost the earth, either, although school holidays are always gonna add an Ouch! factor to the price (any reason for that? You work in schools?)

Good luck. I think I'm stuck on home soil for a while at least!

nicolamumof3 · 04/02/2011 18:50

canaries won't be what i'd call 'hot' we went feb half term and it was warmish but cold at night really cold i found!! deffo coat/thick jacket. I call 26/7degrees plus hot not 21!!

enjoy your break whereever you go, a lovely time to go away as you are feeling better in yourself usually and not too big. We are going to cornwall when i will be 34weeks! will be lots of complaining my back hurts, my legs hurt etc etc i can imagine!

Original poster

jenga079 · 04/02/2011 19:26

Thank you for all your ideas. DP has turned down every package i've found so far so I'm handing this thread & the computer to him to sort out!

(And yes, I'm a teacher. Great jobs with lengthy hols, but you're tied to taking them at expensive times. I often think there should be a teacher discount, but that's probably a topic for a different, controversial, thread!!)

Thanks again.

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JimmyChoo17 · 04/02/2011 19:28

to be honest i would still consider egypt (Red sea resorts tho only) but would err on the side of caution and book with a package tour operator like Thomson or first choice so if things were to go bad you get money back or can choose another holiday.

Im still sticking with the red sea, people forget how big a place it is. If I had the option to travel later on I would have stuck to shorter flights in europe but egypt has good weather :)

Not sure about Africa tho. I know too many people who have had trouble (non pregnancy related) which puts me off. I might risk it

Minibmw2010 - Maldives will be wonderful! PErfect time of the year to go but will be hot, but u get a cracking tan! What island are you going to?

TransatlanticCityGirl · 04/02/2011 19:28

Have you thought about the Caribbean? There are some pretty good deals out there. We're joing to Jamaica when I'm 28 weeks. No vaccinations / malaria tablets required.

The Dominican Republic and Mexico are also good options (but I haven't vetted for vaccines, just on cost).

oggybags · 04/02/2011 19:31

Kenya - no good if pg as you cant take anti malerials
gambia - heard you need to go for more stars than you think for cleanliness etc (bit like egypt)
what about canaries, but a posh hotel so it feels more couply?
spanish standards & language, warm weather?
enjoy!

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