Where would you go? When?

[dshields]

SO on a totally indulgent note: DH and I are completely spoiled by my in-laws. Truly, we are REALLY lucky...they are too generous. My mil called last night to tell me that they want to send us on a "last hurrah" romantic trip anywhere we'd like to go. Uh, ok! After a little discussion, we agreed that it shouldn't be anywhere too far (long flights- we're in Boston) or anywhere that her grandbaby might get sick from bad water or food.

Of course I've never been pregnant before and have no idea how I'll be feeling, but we were thinking that February might still work. I also feel like I want to go somewhere warm to swim. Dh wants the ocean for sure.

If you HAD to travel (tough life, I know!) during pregancy, where would you go to escape and relax? When would you go considering that you're due in May?

[~*max*~]

Lucky you! How wonderful! I would definately go in the second trimester, when generally we feel the best. I have never been to Bermuda - but I know several people who have and say that it is beautiful, safe, the people are very welcoming, and it is a relatively short flight (not sure how many hours from Boston though?).

I also have heard great things about Aruba. You can see I am yearning for the tropics! After kids, this type of vacation for most is just whistful thinking (you'll be going to Disney!) - so enjoy it while you can.

[Hollysmom]

I agree, the second trimester is the time to go. You will most likely look and feel your best then. As far as where to go, Wow to have so many options. Aruba is supposed to be beautiful and have good weather pretty much all the time. Even Florida would be nice if you didn't want to leave the country. The Keys are really nice.

The only thing I have to add is...go and have a great time!!!!

[NYCVeg]

Another vote for Bermuda. Dh and I were lucky enough to go there last year with his company--it was absolutely gorgeous and surprisingly close (it's 2 hours from Boston, if you fly non-stop). I'm not a beachy person, but I had a wonderful time--the beaches are gorgeous, there's plenty to do, and the hospitality is really wonderful.

I would also suggest Mexico, but water quality (and sometimes food) can be a little more of an issue there, so I might be more cautious when pregnant--if you go to a resort town (Cabo San Lucas, for instance) and drink just bottled water, I'd be less concerned.

And, of course, there's always the Florida Keys.

ETA: By the way, did I mention how jealous I am?

[lilmissimpatient@c]

A cruise! Lots of buffets to satisfy a pregnant appetite, good and relaxing, and tons of places to see You are so lucky to have such nice inlaws

[NYCVeg]

Eek...I dunno. Cruises are notorious for outbreaks of food poisoning, diarrhea, etc. Not sure if I'd go when pregnant!

[flowmom]

Definitely go in the second trimester when you are likely to be sleeping the best and have the best energy. We had a great trip to Mexico when I was in my second trimester last time. I love Mexico because of the beautiful beaches and culture. And a relatively short flight for us, compared to many other places. Just avoid the huge resorts. Small fishing/tourist villages are great for babies too.

[LBW]

I'm not a big fan of beaches, so I'd pick a really luxurious New England B&B for a long weekend. I'd sleep in, read, relax by the fire, go for long walks, have fabulous long dinners...

[Momto1and1ontheway]

wow! I too am jealous! I would vote for Aruba as we honeymooned there and it was absolutely FABULOUS. It was so good we are planning on going again for our 5th and 10th year anniversaries. I do have to say it was about 5 hours from DC though. Maybe if you broke it up (say Boston to Florida and then Florida to Aruba). It's well worth it, especially if you're feeling well.

Regardless of where you go, you'll have to share with us who will be living vicariously through you.... ENJOY!!

p.s. -do you thing your IL's would call mine and drop a good word??

[luckylady]

oooohhhh lucky you!!! yes, 2nd trimester for sure.

Check out an all inclusive like Sandals - depends on your budget but they can be anywhere from OK to downright luxury - massages - total pampering!!!

St. Barts is DH's favorite place on earth...and he's been just about everywhere.

[strawberryprincess]

The tropics sound heavenly right now!! i'd actually pick Hawaii. i've never been, but that is a top destination on my "where i'd like to visit" list. my parents went once (25 years ago) and still talk about the smell of fresh flowers when they walked off the plane. however, i hear it's very expensive.

how very wonderful for you to *have* to take a romantic vacation. whereever you choose,i'm sure it will be a fantastic time. let us know what you decide

[ktkb]

When I was about 20 weeks pg with our first, dh and I went to Puerto Rico for 5 days. It was really nice! (Although we preferred St. John, USVI, overall....although that was a much more physical vacation--we snorkeled every day, hiked, etc.)
We stayed at a little inn on the opposite corner of the island from San Juan. Did a little swimming, a little birdwatching, a little snorkeling. Very relaxing. And warm (it was January).

Enjoy!

[alexisyael]

Just to introduce a down note, there's some talk around these parts of boycotting Aruba, because a Southern Girl disapeared there last June and the government has not been cooperating. I don't really know the full details, but I heard a snippet on the radio about it this morning.

Costa Rica or Belize is where I would go, if $$ weren't really a problem... The Dominican Republic has pretty good prices and is quite nice (we went last winter).

I wish we had time to make a trip this winter... sigh.

[dshields]

I think that we've narrowed it down to the Caribbean islands and we'll let my in-laws choose where. They have amazing taste and they will choose something far more lux than we ever would. If we were to choose we'd think about the cost etc...they NEVER think about the cost (nor do they need to), so we'll wind up with something much nicer if they choose. I think I'm partial to Antigua myself.

Last year they gave us a trip to New Orleans for the Jazz and Heritage festival and they presented it by wrapping up a Fodors guide to New Orleans, we started screaming when we opened it.

I guess we'll find out at Christmas when they give us the travel guide!

[eorr]

Wow!!! Luck duck. (Insert jealousy here!!!)
That sounds great - and looks like you got some great suggestions! I loved St. John - absolutely beautiful, though we only spent a few hours there while on a cruise for our honeymoon.
I know you guys will have a great time!!!

[Starr]

I'm going to Antigua this winter, I'll let you know how it is. Your IL's sound heavenly, wanna trade?