In today’s financial climate, more and more couples are honeymooning with babies or small children now. We’ve asked Angela Ritchie, Mum and Managing Director of Little Logistics, how to organise the trip of a lifetime.
These days, many couples are choosing to have babies first and then get married. Perhaps it’s not the traditional way and it might mean slightly different plans for the wedding day and honeymoon, but it certainly doesn’t make these occasions any less special. In fact, these happy times can be all the more memorable when sharing them with your baby or toddler.
Honeymoon for three?
After having your child, you might find the idea of leaving them for even just one night unbearable and you wouldn’t be alone. It would be easy to think that a honeymoon with a baby just wouldn’t be possible or enjoyable, but that isn’t the case. There are so many companies out there that can help you plan the holiday of your dreams and help create an itinerary to fit around your young child. Honeymoon planning will be different depending on the age of your child (or children), but we’ve come up with a few thoughts below to help you on your way.
Go slower and expect a different experience
It’s important to acknowledge that travelling with a baby is very different to travelling as a couple. If you usually spend your holidays taking long day trips, with lots of walking and a variety of museums and shops, you may need to do it all at a slightly slower pace with more rest breaks and factoring in naps, meal times, bath times and early bed times! If however you like to spend your days relaxing by the pool and doing lots of sunbathing, you may need a few more ideas to help entertain your little one and keep them out of the sun.
Choose a suitable destination and venue
Think carefully about your holiday destination and accommodation. Some cultures are very child and family friendly whilst other countries may require immunisations that would not be suitable for very young babies. A hotel may work well for very young babies and couples who would like the ease of having meals prepared, but villas or apartments may be better for slightly older children for whom self catering gives greater flexibility or would like more space to crawl or run around. Honeymooning with a baby doesn’t mean having to choose a family resort, but it’s worth checking that babies and children are welcome at the resort of your choice and also finding out about the facilities on offer. You may well be full time parents throughout the duration of your honeymoon, but many resorts offer babysitting services and kids clubs which might allow you a few hours a day to enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, a quiet swim and laze by the pool or even a romantic meal once your baby is safely tucked up in bed.
Don’t forget your supplies or order in!
Remember to plan and pack all the supplies you will need for your baby over the course of your holiday. This might include nappies, formula milk (you may prefer to take the brand your baby is used to) and baby food. It’s difficult to know what will be available when you arrive, although some resorts may be able to help with this. If you’d prefer not to rely on locally available products or think you might struggle to pack everything you need within your luggage allowance, you can order all of the usual products that you use at home in the UK at littlelogistics.com and have them delivered directly to your holiday destination.
Cots, high chairs and car seats
Check in advance with your holiday company or accommodation provider about the provision of items such as a cot, high chair and car seat. Many airlines will allow you to take a car seat with your luggage and most hotels and villas/apartments can provide a cot and high chair when requested in advance.
Finally, remember to relax and have fun! Your honeymoon is the perfect chance to enjoy quality time together.
