Traveling while pregnant: Relaxed vacation with a baby bump

Pregnancy is a special time—full of anticipation, changes, and emotions. But does being pregnant automatically mean you have to forgo travel? Quite the opposite! With the right preparation, a vacation with a baby bump will be an unforgettable experience. In this article, we'll show you what to look out for when traveling while pregnant, which destinations are particularly suitable, and why careful route planning is essential.

Go directly to the practical holiday checklist for pregnant women

Why traveling during pregnancy can be a good idea

Many pregnant women wonder if they're even allowed to travel anymore—and whether it even makes sense. The answer is yes, with some restrictions and a lot of mindfulness. A trip can help clear your head, enjoy time with your partner, or simply recharge your batteries before the baby arrives.

Advantages of a vacation during pregnancy:

Time for relaxation: Everyday life often becomes stressful – a change of scenery can help reduce stress.
Enjoying togetherness: Especially during the first pregnancy, a final holiday for two is a wonderful opportunity to consciously spend time together.
Strengthen your well-being: Sun, fresh air, exercise and good food promote physical and mental well-being.

Of course, there are also limitations and risks. Therefore, it's important to be well-informed and clarify everything important in advance – for example, with your doctor or midwife.

When is the best time to travel while pregnant?

Not every stage of pregnancy is equally suitable for traveling. Most doctors recommend the 14th to 28th week of pregnancy (second trimester) as the ideal time. At this point, many pregnancy symptoms like nausea have usually disappeared, your belly isn't too big yet, and your energy levels are returning.

1st trimester (1st–12th week): There is a higher risk of complications and many women feel unwell due to nausea and fatigue.

Third trimester (from week 28): Physical strain increases, the risk of premature labor increases, and long journeys can become difficult.

The right way to travel: car, train, plane or would you rather stay at home?

Depending on your destination and personal preferences, different modes of transport are suitable. Comfort, safety, and flexibility are important.

By car:

Advantages: Flexible, independent break planning, proximity to medical care.
Tips: Take a break every two hours, put your legs up, wear compression stockings.
Important: Place the seat belt under the belly, not over the baby bump.

By train:

Advantages: Legroom, toilets on board, relaxed travel.
Tips: Make your reservations early, ideally book aisle seats, and bring enough food.

By plane:

Advantages: Fast travel to more distant destinations.
Important: Airlines have different regulations for pregnant women. Many only allow flying up to the 36th week of pregnancy; from the 28th week onwards, a doctor's certificate is often required.
Risks: Risk of thrombosis – wear compression stockings, drink plenty of fluids, exercise.

Alternatives:

Staycation or nearby destinations: Sometimes a short vacation in the surrounding area is enough – without the stress of traveling, but with plenty of relaxation.

Where should we go? The best travel destinations for pregnant women

Not every travel destination is suitable during pregnancy. Extreme temperatures, poor hygiene, or medical care can be problematic. Therefore, it's better to choose safe and comfortable than exotic and risky.

Ideal holiday destinations:

Wellness hotels in Germany or Austria
North and Baltic Seas (especially in early summer)
Mediterranean regions (Italy, Southern France, Spain)
Health resorts or thermal regions

Better to avoid:

Tropical countries with an increased risk of infection (e.g. Zika virus, malaria)
Destinations with poor medical infrastructure
Places with extreme heat or humidity

Packing list for vacation during pregnancy

A good vacation starts with proper preparation. Here's a quick checklist for your hand luggage:

Maternity record and health insurance card
Medication (e.g. magnesium, iron supplements)
Comfortable clothes and flat shoes
Sunscreen with high SPF
compression stockings
Snacks and water
Emergency contacts and addresses of local doctors

You can find a more detailed packing list and many other useful tips on routenplaner.de – Pregnant on holiday

Safety first: What you should consider before traveling

Consult your doctor or midwife – especially in high-risk pregnancies
Check insurance coverage: Take out international health insurance
Plan your travel times: Split up long car journeys, leave in good time
Note down emergency numbers and local medical contacts

Conclusion: Traveling while pregnant? Yes—but be smart!

A vacation during pregnancy can be a wonderful experience – if well planned. Choosing the right destination, a convenient method of travel, a well-thought-out packing list, and medical checkups will help you start your vacation feeling relaxed.

The most important rule: Listen to your body. If you feel well and are in good health, there's nothing stopping you from traveling with a baby bump.