Globetrotting Mommy

From Family Adventures to Girlfriend Getaways

Top 10 Family Friendly Things …

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Following up on the Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth post, here are Globetrotting Mommy’s Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

1) Visit Hersheypark.  No visit to Hershey is complete without a trip to this famed amusement park. More than 65 kiddie rides, amazing roller coasters and water park attractions await visitors of all ages.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

2) Take a Hershey Trolly Works Tour – All aboard for a historic journey through the town built on chocolate. This 60-minute trolly tour is great for kids of all ages. You’ll visit Milton Hershey’s childhood home, the acclaimed Milton Hershey School, downtown Hershey and other sights while enjoying chocolate samples. This is a great end of day activity. Don’t forget to look for the Hershey Kiss shaped street lamps.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

3) Shop till you drop. Kids love to shop and boys and girls of all ages will find a wide array of gifts, stuffed characters, t-shirts and customized chocolate goodies. I found chocolates I never even knew existed at Chocolate World like Reese’s White Peanut Butter Cups for my white chocolate loving husband. And, how cute is Miss G’s little Hershey’s Kiss necklace?

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

4) Hershey’s Great American Chocolate Tour Ride at Chocolate World – This free ride is a great introduction to chocolate making. Guests follow cocoa beans on a journey from the tropical rainforest to Hershey, Pennsylvania complete with singing cows, automated candy making machines and chocolate scents wafting through the air.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

5) Try the Children’s Scavenger Hunt at Hershey Gardens. Located at The Hershey Hotel, Hershey Gardens is a scenic respite featuring 23-acres of gardens (think roses, signature trees, butterflies and more). The hands-on Children’s Garden offers a Children’s Scavenger Hunt that will keep little ones busy and entertained.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

6) Hershey’s Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction at Chocolate World – Gear up and get ready to custom design your own chocolate bar. Select a chocolate base, ingredients and toppings and watch as your customized bar travels down the conveyer belt. Once complete, you get to design your own graphics for the gift box. So. Much. Fun!

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

7) Visit Zoo America – If you are visiting Hersheypark, your ticket includes free admission to Zoo America.  The 11-acre walk-thru zoo is adjacent to Hersheypark and features more than 200 animals from five regions of North America.

8) Take photos with the giant Hershey candy characters. This is THE place to get adorable family photos with you and and a giant Hershey Bar, Reeses Peanut Butter Cup and Hershey Kiss so don’t forget your cameras. The characters can be found around Hersheypark (including a Character breakfast) and some hotels like The Hershey Hotel and Hershey Lodge schedule character appearances on site.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

9) Visit The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience – This museum has several interactive exhibits that explain how Milton Hershey built his famed empire. Along the way, guests can view antiques, vintage advertisements, testimonials and more. Kids will especially enjoy the chance to make their own personalized newspaper pages and create candy in the museum’s Chocolate Lab.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

10) Save room for dessert.  Vacations are made for special treats and a trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania means lots of opportunities to indulge that sweet tooth. You and your kids will love trying specialty cookies and cupcakes available all over town, ice cream specialties, S’mores, chocolate infused meals, chocolate butter and of course chocolate martinis for the grown ups. Yum.

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Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2

Read on for one last post on family friendly tips for visiting Hersheypark.

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Spotlight on Hershey, …

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Love chocolate, amusement parks and historic towns?  This post is for you.  If you’re looking for a family friendly getaway with activities and amenities sure to please chocoholics and adventure seekers alike, you’ll love a summer getaway to Hershey, Pennsylvania, The Sweetest Place on Earth.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

I recently took a multi-generational road trip to Hershey with my 4-year old daughter, my mom and sister and it was a perfect spot for a girl’s getaway.  I visited Hershey years ago (before marriage, before kid) and had the most relaxing, pampering stay at The Hotel Hershey where I enjoyed chocolate-themed spa treatments, gigantic chocolate covered strawberries, fancy dinners with late night chocolate martinis and a carefree day of roller-coaster rides at Hersheypark. Fast forward to 2014, add a kid into the mix and this trip was a little different.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

We decided to stay at Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey’s sister property, which offers all the Hershey Resorts VIP Perks at a more affordable price point.  The staff was great and gave us a warm welcome complete with Hershey bars as our luggage was whisked up to our room in the Kisses Tower. Our room was spacious with two queen beds, ample closet space, a large bathroom with plenty of counter space and all the necessary in-room amenities (WiFi, refrigerator, coffee maker, safe, hair dryer, etc). Best of all, the beds were super comfortable, the towels were fluffy and everything was spotless. Oh and the bath lotions and potions were chocolate scented and turndown service included Hershey Kisses. Yum.

The Hershey Lodge really caters to families and my favorite kid perk was the “kids’ check-in” where kids signed in to register for their stay, entered guessing game contests to win prizes and left with a selection of kid-friendly goodies and of course chocolates. Check the schedule of events for complimentary activities like character greetings in the lobby (so much fun and no lines), family bingo, daily crafts, pool games and safari searches. Families can buy make-your-own S’mores kits at the Cocoa Beanery for a fun after-dinner activity.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

Hershey Lodge amenities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Fitness Center for guests 16 and up (my sister checked it out every morning), golfing at the Hershey Country Club and access to The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, just five minutes away. Complimentary shuttle service is available to nearby attractions so you really don’t need to drive anywhere but if you do, parking is easy and plentiful.

For dining, there are more than a dozen restaurants at Hershey Lodge, The Hotel Hershey and downtown Hershey. Most mornings we were eager to explore so we just grabbed a quick and simple breakfast at the Cocoa Beanery (think bagels, muffins, oatmeal, cereal, coffees, etc.) but more elaborate breakfast can be found (with or without chocolate chips) at Lebbie Lebkicher’s or Hershey Grill in the Hershey Lodge. My mom and daughter loved the Hershey Grill so much we ended up eating there every night which wouldn’t have been my choice but when you’re on a multi-generational trip, you’ve got to pick your battles. It was nice how the waitstaff recognized us visit after visit and went out of their way to meet our special requests (no pineapple in the fruit cup…vanilla ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, a cherry AND candle to celebrate the big 4.5…more coloring pages, please). The food was innovative and tasty (perhaps the best sweet potato fries I’ve ever had) plus every meal started with bread and chocolate butter, yes…chocolate butter.  Mmmm.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

If you stay at the Hershey Lodge, be sure to visit The Hotel Hershey for a memorable meal (I recommend the Fish and Chips at Harvest), pampering spa treatment or walk around the grounds which feature some beautiful photo ops.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

All Hershey Lodge and Hershey Hotel guests enjoy free admission to Hershey Gardens, a 23-acre garden featuring 11 distinct theme gardens as well as the Children’s Garden so be sure to stop by for a visit. For a $10 fee, kids can participate in a scavenger hunt around the Children’s Garden which is great for kids of all ages.  This is a nice option for the end of a busy day since kids can run around the interactive exhibits and adults can sit back and relax.

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Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1

Summer is a perfect time to visit and now through July (blackout dates apply), Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey have a Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free promotion that includes deluxe accommodations, admission to Hersheypark (one day) for the entire family, free breakfast for kids 17 and under, plus admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience. This is a great deal considering these perks are worth approximately $350.

Later this week, I’ll write about family-friendly attractions in the Hershey, Pennsylvania area as well as family friendly tips for visiting Hersheypark.

Bon voyage…

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Talking Family Travel with …

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When celebrity mom Brooke Burke-Charvet invited me to hear her favorite family travel tips, I said “Sure, I’ll be right over!”  Ok so maybe it was Embassy Suites Hotels who invited me and maybe we met at Dylan’s Candy Bar and maybe there were some other writers there…but still…I got to hear Brooke’s best family travel tips and I’m going to share them with you lucky readers!

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Talking Family Travel with Brooke Burke-Charvet and Embassy Suites Hotels

The first time I stayed in a hotel with my daughter the staff set up a crib that looked like a death trap next to our bed and nobody got any sleep. It was pretty much an exhausting disaster that made me want to wait a long, long time to do it again. The second time we stayed in a hotel was a few months later for my college reunion and the group hotel block was at an Embassy Suites Hotel. I threw the pack and play in with the luggage and hoped for the best.

It was a completely different experience having a real bedroom so my daughter could go to bed early and a separate room for the grown ups to spread out.  More space, more privacy, more sleep…a suite hotel is a win-win all around for families. Brooke moderated the Embassy Suites’ “Pretty Great Family Debate” event with her children and shared her favorite family travel tips below. I really love her idea to let each family member “own a day” of the trip. It sounds fun and means less planning for me so I’m definitely going to try that next time. Which is your favorite?

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Embassy Suites Hotels – Brooke Burke-Charvet’s Family Travel Tips

Want to try Embassy Suites’ pretty great family-friendly offerings for yourself?  Just post a photo of you and your kids enjoying a vacation in the #PrettyGreat Photo Contest on Instagram now through June 26.

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I was not compensated for this post but I did receive a gift bag and my daughter got to make some really fun treats.  All opinions are my own.

Momtrends Trendy Travel Event …

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Spring has sprung (finally!) and summer is around the corner.  Before you plan that summer getaway, check out my report from the Momtrends Trendy Travel Event for the latest must haves in fashion, beauty, kids gear and more.

Moms are always in need of a little pampering so I was pretty excited that the event was held at Butterfly Studio Salon. My stylist Danielle gave me a very glam wavy summer beach style by twisting my hair around a curling iron in pieces rather than rolling sections. How cute do we look? Oh and thanks for being so petite Danielle, I even look like a tall super model next to you!

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

Once the mom bloggers were all dolled up, Butterfly Studio owner Kattia demonstrated some easy summer styles and shared a photo collage with some super chic ponytails.  I’ve been trying these on my daughter all week and the upside-down pony has been the fave to date.

Next up was Luxury Travel Mom Kim-Marie Evans who shared travel trends and tips for memorable family vacations.

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

She recommended moms stop trying to plan every little detail and hand over the planning to travel agents and tour operators who can book special offerings and help with hard-to-plan trips.  Traveling with a group is a great idea since you have other adults (and kids) to interact with and you can relax because someone else is handling the planning. She also suggested looking on VRBO for apartment rentals so you can experience your destination like a local. And if you really want to experience something different, she suggested trying out websites that connect you with locals offering up home cooked meals in their homes so travelers can enjoy an authentic travel experience.

Next we learned about the latest on-the-go gear with Britax. Whether you are traveling by car, air, train or foot, Britax has an array of gear and accessories to get you there safely and stylishly. If you’ve got little kids, the Britax Travel Cart puts a car seat on wheels and eliminates your need for a stroller in the airport. So smart! They also have an array of items to protect your car on those long car trips like Kick Mats and waterproof liners for carseats and strollers because accidents happen at home and away…

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

We got a sneak peek at the new BOB Revolution Pro jogging stroller which offers an adjustable handle and oversized wheels for rough terrain (think sand or snow). The 2-step fold and travel bag make it a great choice for moms who love to jog on vacation.

My daughter adores her pink Trunki suitcase, so I was excited to see Trunki’s new waterproof swim bags, PaddlePaks, designed to look like creatures from the sea.

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

The colorful backpacks (Pinch the Lobster, Inky the Octopus, Spike the Blow Fish, oh my) feature adjustable straps, a hook and a secret pocket on the tail fin. They are perfectly sized for little ones and my daughter has already packed hers with toys for the beach.

Speaking of the beach, Miraclesuit was next showing us their latest trends in swimwear and accessories (think sheer fabrics, rhinestones and fun prints).

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

Miraclesuit empowers women to feel good and look fabulous no matter your body type and we got to see a mini-fashion show with real moms who all looked amazing! I took home the stylish Net Work Jena suit, a chic off the shoulder suit with strategically placed mesh netting. Oh and yes, these suits make you look 10 pounds thinner without hitting the gym. Win, win!

Last but not least, summer calls for ice cream so Adirondack Creamery was on hand so we could sample their all natural, farm fresh flavors. Their ice cream is made with simple ingredients (no colors, additives, or preservatives) including hormone-free milk from the farms of the Hudson Valley. I especially loved the exotic Kulfi-Pistachio Cardamom and Caramel Apple. Lucky for me, I’ll be sampling some more flavors because I won the raffle prize for six pints!  Be on the lookout for your ice cream tasting party invitation…

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

Thanks again to Momtrends for a fabulous night.  Have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms.

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I was not compensated for this post but I did receive a gift bag.  All opinions are my own.

Spotlight on Florida: A Day in …

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Thanks to this winter’s Polar Vortex, I got an to enjoy an extended Florida getaway with my mom and daughter. After four (yes four!) flight cancellations, we decided to just stay put and went to spend some time with our cousins in Palm City.

We set out to explore one day and landed in the Treasure Coast town of Downtown Stuart which was so cute I wanted to share our adventures with you.  Stuart is celebrating their Centennial this May with a week of Celebrate Stuart activities so if you’ll be nearby, check it out.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

Here are my top 10 family friendly things to do in Historic Downtown Stuart:

1) Ride the trolly.  As you walk around, you’ll soon notice a trolly running up and down the streets with a friendly driver who asks if you need a ride.  Jump on and enjoy a free tour.  They will drop you off wherever you want and pick you up again when you’re ready.  Our driver even gave us coupons for ice cream!

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

2) Shop till you drop.  Moms, kids and grandparents will find a lot of shopping opportunities.  Some of my favorites were Go Fish, Caramba! and Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

3) Have lunch at The Pelican Cafe where you can sit alfresco at the “beach” and enjoy water views while your toes wiggle in the sand.  They give kids beach toys to play with which is a great distraction allowing adults to enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet.  The Almost Famous Fish Tacos were delicious.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

4) Walk around, take in the architecture and watch the laid back locals.  You’ll detox immediately.

5) Stop for ice cream at Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream where you can enjoy homemade chocolates, hand-paddled fudges and original recipe ice cream.  I highly recommend the toasted coconut ice cream.  Yummm.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

6) Go for mommy and me pedicures at Tootsies.  This super-cute shoe store offers manicures and pedicures, something I’d never seen before.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

7) Take in a show at The Lyric Theater which has ben offering concerts, plays, movies and dance performances since 1926.

8) Visit the Stuart Heritage Museum where you’ll find preserved artifacts, maps, clothing and furniture.  It’s open daily and admission is free.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

9) Go for an afternoon or sunset sail with A Daze Charters. They’ll let you take the helm if you’re interested or you can just chill with a drink and light hors d’oeuvres.

10) Take a stroll on the scenic boardwalk and take some photographs.  It’s a great backdrop.

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Spotlight on Florida: A Day in Historic Downtown Stuart

Bon voyage!

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Family Travel 101: Top 10 Tips …

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If you haven’t heard, multi-generational travel is the hottest trend in family travel.  At the New York Times Travel Show seminar “Trending in Family Travel: Multi-generational Travel Trends” hosted by Kyle McCarthy of Family Travel Forum, I got the latest scoop on this hot topic.

I’ve taken many multi-generational trips with my daughter and I definitely think its a win-win all around.  Here we are last year on a Disney cruise.

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Globetrotting Mommy Family Travel 101: Top 10 Tips for Multigenerational Travel

If you’re planning a getaway with your parents or in-laws, siblings or grandparents, here are Top 10 Tips for Successful Multi-Generational Travel.

1) Try to plan as far in advance as possible to make the trip as smooth and affordable as possible.  Book early to secure the best flights and hotel prices and be sure to use online comparison booking sites.  If you’re traveling oversees, be sure to look into kid fares available on many foreign carriers.  Try to travel during shoulder season and look for promotions where kids can stay and eat for free.  Don’t forget to ask for AAA or senior discounts.

2) Discuss the trip budget in advance and agree on who will pay for what to avoid any uncomfortable moments.  Be super clear about each family’s financial responsibility and either break it down by category (one family covers air, another covers hotel, etc.) or agree to split things evenly.

3) Discuss parenting and discipline issues with in-laws before traveling.  If you don’t want your kids eating certain foods or participating in certain activities, be sure to let everyone know ahead of time.   Be clear on babysitting responsibilities and try to give each set of parents a kid-free day or night (or more).

4) Consider renting a home so travelers can have space, privacy and the chance to eat on their own schedule.  This is especially nice for families with little kids where the children can eat early and go to bed and the adults can enjoy a leisurely meal without worrying about babysitters.

5) Plan a trip that is important to your family’s history like exploring your ancestry or celebrating a family member’s milestone birthday.  This could mean a trip to a grandparent’s home town, a parent’s alma mater, etc.  This is a great way to bond a family and create a lifetime of memories, especially if it entails exploring a new culture.

6) Organize a trip that highlights your family’s passions or interests.  Maybe you want to attend a sporting event like the Olympics or Super Bowl or visit a destination where the whole family can learn how to fly fish, ski, cook, etc.

7) Consider visiting National Park Service parks where travelers will find an array of family friendly activities and affordable rates.

8) Make sure to build in some down time.  Little ones and grandparents will need time to nap and recharge their batteries while teens will want some alone time.  Everyone will appreciate a little time to relax on the beach or explore new towns at their own pace but be sure to have some “hang out” time where family members can play board games, decorate cookies and partake in other bonding activities.

9) All-inclusive resorts and cruises are great options for large families with active big eaters.  They are also great for families where not all siblings have children since there will be an array of adult activities.

10) Treats and bribes work well for kids of all ages.  This could mean ice cream and park visits for small kids or shopping trips and special dining options for older ones.

If you”re interested in learning more about Kyle’s presentation, click here for the full slideshow.

Bon voyage…

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Globetrotting Mommy: Top 10 …

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What’s the first thing an avid traveler thinks about after seeing the big positive sign on the home pregnancy test?  You guessed it. Where in the world should we babymoon?  The last travel fling before the baby arrives, known as babymoons are growing in popularity as more and more couples take advantage of their last moments of solitude to connect with each other on a pampering getaway.

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Globetrotting Mommy: Top 10 tips for an Unforgettable Babymoon

Here are my top 10 tips for an unforgettable babymoon:

1) Timing is crucial and you’ll definitely want to travel during the second trimester when your energy levels are higher and you’re not too encumbered by a growing belly.

2) Spend time choosing a location that works for your budget and physical restrictions.  You probably won’t want to travel more than five hours and if you can fly direct, you’ll be a lot happier.  If you’re carrying multiples or high-risk, you’ll probably want to stay closer to home. Be sure to stay away from areas suffering health epidemics and be sure the water supply is clean.

3) Discuss all travel plans with your doctor and definitely listen to your body.  I originally had sights of cruising through Greece but my OB put the kibosh on that due to germs on a closed ship and food contamination fears.  Also check to see if you’ll need any immunizations and confirm that you’ll be near a hospital with quality medical care.

4) Stay hydrated but don’t drink carbonated beverages on the plane as they will make you more bloated.  Be sure to get up and walk around every hour and wear your seatbelt under your belly.

5) Don’t over plan with an ambitious itinerary — you may actually want to choose a location with few sights and attractions so you won’t be tempted to overexert yourself.  If you need to nap or go to bed at 7:30 pm, nobody will mind.

6) If you can, upgrade your accommodations and splurge on meals and spa treatments.  Now is definitely the time to pamper yourselves and pre-natal massages are really a necessity.

7) Take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellation and emergency transport if needed.  Bring copies of your OB records, prescriptions and any special conditions you might have.

8) Bring super comfortable shoes and clothes.  You’ll probably be doing more walking than you do at home so you’ll want to be comfortable.  Think loose flowy sundresses and sarongs if you’re going on a babymoon someplace warm.

9) Squeeze in a little exercise with activities like a walk on the beach or a stroll around town.  Take advantage of pre-natal yoga classes and other low key offerings.

10) You may feel gigantic but don’t be shy about taking lots of pictures especially if you’re visiting a scenic location. And most importantly, relax and have fun!

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