Best places to travel while pregnant

Gemma Favager on 13 September 2019
Travelling whilst pregnant can be a daunting prospect especially for first-time parents but it should not put you off. Below I have listed some of my best places to travel while pregnant;

The Costa Del Sol;

With 325 days of sunshine a year, 126 sandy beaches (many Blue Flag), a clutch of lively seaside resorts and a vast choice of hotels, including both luxury and all-inclusive options, the Costa del Sol is a justifiably popular year-round destination within just a couple hours’ flight time of the UK.

One of Europe’s best-known holiday hotspots, as well as the home to a large expat community, the 160km ‘Coast of the Sun’ – part of the Andalucía region – includes the province of Málaga, the city of Málaga and famous seaside resorts including Benalmádena, Torremolinos and Marbella.

The Costa del Sol has eight Michelin-starred restaurants, four of them in Marbella, as well as the foodie pilgrimage site of Benahavís village.

If you are feeling active, the beautiful towns of Rhonda and Granada are very easy to get to and car hire is recommended.

Malaga, often overlooked as an airport town is stunning and is very popular now as a city break. Boasting a quaint Old Town, lovely long promenade as well as a beach all within easy walking distance it is a great choice for a mini-moon.

Ras Al Khaimah;

Offering a quieter pace to its neighbour Dubai. Ras Al Khaimah is perfect for those wanting to travel a little further afield, or want guaranteed winter sunshine whilst still enjoying the luxury associated with the UAE. Many hotels here offer excellent All-Inclusive inclusions and most have their own private beach giving you time to relax and kickback.

Literally translated as ‘top of the tent’ due to its location at the northernmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Ras Al Khaimah offers something for everyone to enjoy. Home to a unique combination of dreamy beaches, soaring mountains, stunning terracotta deserts, luxurious resorts and lovely year-round sunshine, enchanting Ras Al Khaimah offers the ideal setting for both relaxation and adventure.

If your other half is a thrill seeker then this destination is perfect. The majestic mountain range of Jebel Jais offers myriads of adventure activities, including mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking. Standing as the UAE’s tallest mountain, Jebel Jais is also home to the world’s longest zip line – the Jebel Jais Flight, where you will reach speeds of between 120- 150kph over its 2.8-kilometre course.

For a quieter pace, the Suwaidi Pearl Farm if well worth a visit. Here you will glimpse into the emirate’s incredible era of pearling. It is the only pearl farm in the region that offers an insight into this unique tradition. Located at the foot of the majestic Al Hajar mountain range in the northern town of Al Rams, your excursion starts as you board a traditional pearling boat to reach the pearl farm itself. The undoubted highlight of your tour though will be the array of immersive activities that are on offer, including an oyster opening experience, a fascinating mangrove tour and a traditional lunch in the village. You can even enjoy an underwater dive to find and keep your very own pearl.

Cruising;

Taking a cruise is an excellent choice for parents to be. Whether it is a fly-cruise where you sail from an overseas port or take advantage of the many cruises that now depart from the UK, a cruise will give you the option to do as little, or as much as you like.

You will get the opportunity to visit destinations that you might not have thought possible whilst pregnant but on your terms. Just because you are on a cruise, it does not mean you have to get off at every port, nor are you obliged to book the cruise ship excursions. Many cruise ports offer easy access to the main city enabling you to decide how active you want to be that day and you can simply go and explore yourself. If you do pre-book a trip, you will be taken from the port to your destination and back again leaving you to simply sit back and relax.

Onboard there are many different restaurants for you to enjoy and if the menu is not right for you on that day, the chefs are amazing and will do everything they can to accommodate your wishes. Many cruise lines offer West-End style shows plus comedians, singers, live music bars, a casino, basically if you can think of a way to be entertained, I am sure you will find it onboard. However, there are always quieter areas of the ship where you can relax with a book and watch the ocean go by. It really is one of the most relaxing ways to see the world.

Each cruise line also has its own doctor on board who is on hand should anyone need any medical assistance.

Gran Canaria;

Known as the ‘miniature continent’, where no two landscapes are the same, Gran Canaria is the ideal place for your next luxury getaway. From soothing spas and rolling golf greens to golden sandy beaches and vibrant city streets, this sun-kissed island paradise offers a variety of unique experiences to impress even the most discerning of travellers.

Delve into the vibrant outdoor living culture of the colourful capital of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Home to the wonderful Las Canteras beach and a beautiful historic quarter boasting pretty cobbled streets and a variety of architectural styles from late Gothic to Renaissance, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is not to be missed.

Gran Canaria offers sophisticated and delightful gastronomy, with dishes based on traditional recipes and locally-sourced, natural ingredients; all with modern twists to awaken the senses. The tantalising taste adventure that Gran Canaria serves up is embodied by its range of markets, featuring fresh food and restaurants converted from traditional stalls, as well as local delicacies such as honey rum and salted fish

Gran Canaria offers a fantastic choice of luxury 5* resort hotels, offering amazing pools, gourmet restaurants and great entertainment. New boutique hotels are popping up all over the island, bringing out cutting-edge design and high-tech features.

What’s more, if you are planning a winter getaway, it is ideal for getting some winter sun without having to fly further afield.

Get in touch if you would like to discuss any of the above destinations or would like more ideas on other best places to travel while pregnant!”