Can you travel during pregnancy?
At ALittleMoreOutdoor.com, we love the outdoors and all the adventure it brings. And yes, even though pregnancy can mean slowing down and taking things easy, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Travelling during pregnancy can be a wonderful experience if you plan and listen to your body.
If you love the great outdoors or crave a peaceful getaway, you can still enjoy travelling safely and comfortably while pregnant.
Every pregnancy is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. We’ve had 4 very different pregnancies. Here’s what I learnt travelling during pregnancy and how I made it work through each stage.
Our 4 locations for 4 pregnancies
- Kiani, Crete (embracing a slower pace)
- Lake Bled, Slovenia (calling for back up)
- Lake Balaton, Hungary (adapting to changing needs)
- Local, Devon (staying Safe)
10 more tips for travel whilst pregnant
- 1. Check with Your Healthcare Provider
- 2. Choose Pregnancy-Friendly Destinations
- 3. Pack Smart and Be Prepared
- 4. Stay Active, But Know Your Limits
- 5. Plan for Rest and Relaxation
- 6. Travel Insurance
- 7. Keep Track of Important Contact Info
- 8. Flying While Pregnant
- 9. Don’t Forget Self-Care
- 10. Embrace the Journey
Our 4 Locations for 4 Pregnancies
Where we stayed during our 4 pregnancies, and what we learned.
Pregnancy #1: Kiani Beach, Crete
Doing our own thing, embracing a slower pace.
Before Kids, almost all our holidays involved mad adventures like climbing mountains and epic multiday runs. Pregnancy forced a change, something I discovered the hard way, trying to climb mountains and sleep in a Van in Ireland in my first trimester (we ended up booked into a hotel).
We had always avoided resorts and beach holidays and package deals, but we decided we needed to embrace a slower pace. Having somewhere that catered for dietary requirements and kept me fed and hydrated removed a lot of the anxiety. I could send Nick off to run down the beach or join in Sports to keep him out of trouble and not feel any pressure to do more than I needed. It took some getting used to not looking for the biggest adventure we could find, but we decided to make time for each other.
Top tip: Make time to relax and focus on each other before the carnage begins.
Here’s where we stayed: Kiani Beach Resort
Pregnancy #2: Lake Bled, Slovenia
Call for backup
We took a trip to Slovenia, but this time I had extra help with my parents tagging along to help care for our toddler. Lucky, because we encountered a 5-hour delay stuck on a plane! If that ever happens to you, make sure you use AirHelp to get compensation.
Our 18-month-old was a dream to travel with, but that might have been because we had 4 adults to one child, and I was given plenty of time for relaxation. It made the trip much smoother and gave us some breathing room. Lake Bled was a fairy tale location. It offered a mix of interesting sightseeing and activities. Check out and book our accommodation here
Top tip: Travel with friends and family who are up for tagging in with child care and even sharing accommodation.
Pregnancy #3: Lake Balaton, Hungary
Adapting plans to deal with changing needs
I found out we were pregnant when we were already travelling. Morning sickness hit hard, so we ended up staying in one place for over six weeks. Turns out I feel very drawn to water, and Lake Balaton offered a very family-friendly option with loads of spacious accommodation with outdoor space and loads for the kids and Nick to do when I was bed-bound some days.
I would recommend waiting until after your first trimester to travel. We flew home after the second trimester and kept everything else local. Not ideal, but I listened to my body and took it easy. I needed emergency care and was grateful to be near a hospital.
Top tip: 1st trimester can be very sick-inducing, 3rd trimester, it is best not to fly and to stay local. So, 2nd trimester is the best time to travel.
Lots of great deals around Balaton, check them out here:
Pregnancy #4: Devon
Keeping it local, connecting with friends and family
This pregnancy was high-risk, and I had to attend regular check-ups. We kept trips short and local, mostly for peace of mind. Being close to a hospital was essential. Since our lifestyle and our business revolve around travelling, it was hard to stay put, especially in the English winter. But as we keep saying, embrace the change and find what’s right for you.
Our local trips still allowed us to relax and explore together as a family. It’s also given us time to reconnect with friends.
Holiday parks out of season are an absolute bargain. We stayed at Crawford Lakes in North Devon in a beautiful apartment that normally costs £3000 a week in summer for less than £250 for the week out of season. We arranged to go the same time as family again, who stayed in separate accommodation, so the kids did loads with them, when I needed to rest and Nick was working. Because there were so few people, the staff were super helpful and took us Fishing and did Archery for free.
We now do this a lot, sometimes going to holiday parks less than 10 miles from us with friends visiting and making the most of the pools and facilities, and enjoying the change of scenery and not having to host everyone and change sheets. Sharing cooking duties or doing our own things some days meant I could relax.
We also did a little trip to the Mole resort sans kids for a little us time, more on that later.
10 more tips for travelling pregnant
As you can see, pregnancy can change how you travel. But with the right preparation and mindset, it’s totally possible to travel safely and have fun. Here are my top 10 tips for travelling during pregnancy, based on my personal experiences:
1. Check with Your Healthcare Provider
Before planning any trip, always talk to your doctor or midwife. They can help you figure out if it’s safe to travel, especially if you’re going somewhere remote. I’ve learned the hard way that being close to medical care is super important when pregnant, something I didn’t realise until I needed it!
2. Choose Pregnancy-Friendly Destinations
When you’re pregnant, some destinations are just more comfortable than others. Here are a few things to consider:
- Mild climates: Avoid extreme heat or cold. A place with moderate temperatures will make it easier to relax.
- Flat terrain: I love hiking, but steep mountains aren’t as fun when pregnant. Stick to easy trails and gentle walks.
- Access to medical care: Always choose destinations near hospitals or medical facilities in case you need help. I can’t stress this enough.
Places like lakeside cabins or gentle beach walks can be the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway. We love it here (The Mole Resort):
3. Pack Smart and Be Prepared
Pack light unless your partner can manage to lug around your stuff, but don’t forget the essentials:
- Prenatal vitamins & meds: Don’t forget your daily vitamins and any prescription medications.
- Comfortable footwear: Whether walking around a city or hiking, comfortable shoes are essential.
- Snacks and water: Your energy levels may fluctuate, so healthy snacks and a refillable water bottle are a must.
- Sun protection and bug repellent: Hormonal changes can make you more sensitive to the sun and bug bites, so pack extra protection. I prefer natural sunscreens and bug repellent bands instead of harsh sprays. I cannot recommend these bands enough. They keep us bite-free and are full of natural ingredients.
And when you’re travelling locally, packing is easier—I even bring my oversized pregnancy pillow. It’s a game-changer for comfort!
4. Stay Active, But Know Your Limits
Staying active is important for both body and mind. Walking, light hiking, and swimming are great options to stay fit and enjoy nature. But remember, your body is changing, so rest when you need to.
I’m used to hiking up steep mountains, but I’ve had to slow down a lot. And guess what? My body thanks me for the extra rest breaks and water!
If you’re visiting a park or nature spot, go for shorter, easier trails. A peaceful walk by the lake or a simple stroll through the woods is perfect when you’re pregnant.
5. Plan for Rest and Relaxation
Pregnancy can be tiring, so don’t forget to schedule downtime during your trip. Whether it’s a quiet nap, a swim, or just lounging by the beach, make sure to balance activity with rest.
Swimming while pregnant is one of my favourite things! The water makes you feel light and supported, which is such a relief for a tired body.
6. Travel Insurance
Even though we hope for smooth sailing, things don’t always go as planned. Travel insurance is essential, especially when you’re pregnant. Make sure your policy covers medical emergencies and pregnancy-related concerns. That extra peace of mind is worth it. You don’t want to be second-guessing if you’re deciding if you should get a checkup.
EKTA is one of the best insurances for travelling families and pregnant people: https://ektatraveling.tp.st/85j9nrKB
At less than £1 a day, it’s a no-brainer. They also cover extreme sports, COVID issues and have a simple text discussion.
7. Keep Track of Important Contact Info
When you’re pregnant, it’s essential to have emergency info easily accessible, like:
- Your doctor’s contact details and emergency numbers.
- Local medical facilities at your destination.
- Emergency contacts in the area, whether it’s family, friends, or the nearest hospital.
8. Flying While Pregnant
Flying is usually safe for most women, especially in the second trimester (around 14–27 weeks). But there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Airline policies: Check with your airline for any pregnancy-related restrictions, especially if you’re flying after 28 weeks.
- Stay hydrated: Planes are super dry, so drink plenty of water.
- Move around: If you’re on a long flight, get up and walk around to help circulation.
9. Don’t Forget Self-Care
Pregnancy is all about self-care. Don’t feel like you have to be constantly on the go. Take time to relax and indulge in things that make you feel good, whether it’s a massage, a good book, or a scenic view. I have massive FOMO, embrace doing less, and if the FOMO is too much, make sure your partner is doing something with the kids that sounds terrible. Like kids’ clubs.
10. Embrace the Journey
Pregnancy is a beautiful, transformative time, but it’s also incredibly challenging and stressful. Travelling can help you connect with nature and enjoy new experiences. I know it’s not always easy, but there’s something magical about taking a break to realise how amazing your body is and how much you’ve accomplished.
Embrace the adventure, even if it’s a slower pace than you’re used to. Enjoy the journey and savour every moment.
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Conclusion: Do what’s right for you
Travelling during pregnancy is possible, and it can be a rewarding experience for both you, your baby and your family/ support network. With the right planning, listening to your body, and choosing the right destinations, you can still explore the world and make beautiful memories. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer trip, every journey is an opportunity to enjoy life and your growing family.
Wishing you safe travels and wonderful outdoor adventures from all of us here at ALittleMoreOutdoor.com!
