Aug 5, 2006 1:00 am US/Central
Planning Babymoons For Expecting Mothers
by Terri Gruca
(WCCO)
It's typical to take a trip when you get married, but more couples are planning trips before the baby arrives. Instead of planning honeymoons -- couples are planning babymoons.
Jamie Valentia cherishes the memories from her most recent vacation more than most.
"This is a drive we took along the coast of Oahu," said Valentia while looking at photos of her trip. "This is like my favorite picture ever because it makes me laugh. It kind of describes the setting. It was the best trip I ever took with my husband."
A frequent traveler, Valentia jumped at the chance to take a trip before embarking on her next great adventure -- becoming a mom.
"We tried to have a baby for a couple of years and kind of got pregnant when we least expected it," she said.
Growing Popularity Of BabymoonsValentia planned a vacation with her husband to celebrate -- a babymoon to Hawaii. Babymoons were something Jamie had planned for other expectant couples as a travel agent for Carlson Wagonlit Travel Company.
"It's become more and more popular to do them. I'd say as popular as destination weddings, but not as popular as a honeymoon," Valentia said.
Amy Newberger and her husband planned their babymoon after finding out they were expecting their second child.
"We went on a cruise to the Bahamas," she said. "You have no idea how much your life is consumed by your child, and then later on children if you have more than one. So it's a really good idea. I'm glad that we went."
New Mother Turns Trend Into BusinessWhether it's a typical vacation or something specifically targeted to future parents Ashley King knew there was something to this trend.
"We couldn't find a special babymoon in South Carolina, so we decided to make our own and went to Hilton Head. He did the golf thing and I went to the spa and got pampered," said King.
After returning her South Carolina home, King surprised her husband and set up an entire website called
Babymoonfinder.com to make it easier for expectant parents to find vacations.
"It's really surprising. We had no idea it was going to be this popular," said King.
From pricey resorts to everyday hotels, more hotels are creating baby packages for expectant parents.
"They can compare and shop and look at destinations they haven't thought of before. And there is something for everybody and every budget too, which I think is exciting," said King.
Some Babymoon Vacation Deals• Virgin Island Vacation
The Peter Island Resort promises relaxation and education. Starting at $3,400 for a five-night stay, the British Virgin Island getaway gives you breathtaking scenery along with childbirth, parenting, even breast feeding classes.
• Chicago
The Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago has a package called "Expecting You." Prices start at $480 a night and include made to order ice cream sundaes and massages.
• New York City
The W Hotels in New York has a package called "Baby Me." For $360 the hotel gives expectant mothers a bag filled with $200 worth of freebies.
• Wisconsin Dells
Head to the Wisconsin Dells and get a day of pampering for the parents to be for around $280 a day at Sundara Spa.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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