babymoon – Kelley Ferro

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Our Santa Barbara Weekend: Perfect Getaway for Families

May 13, 2021/0 Comments/in Blog, California, City, Destinations, Explore, Family, Featured Posts, Homepage Highlights, Local Travel, Nature, Santa Barbara, Ultimate Getaways, United States of America /by Kelley

Though there are many California beach towns, each one has its own attitude and vibe. At this point, our family has explored many of them from cliffs of NorCal to the laidback shores near the Mexican border.
But there’s something about Santa Barbara, located in right in the Central Coast, that is on a level all its own. With the mountains, the gardens, the ocean and a beautifully serene city, Santa Barbara is quiet class. But don’t mistake its peacefulness for boring–there’s SO much to do. Those who are also planning a family vacation in California may consider booking a Hotel Carmel By The Sea.

In the past, we visited Santa Barbara as newlyweds, wedding go-ers, wine drinkers and babymooners. This time we were visiting in a really unique moment in our lives and in the world: as parents, as second time babymooners and as the pandemic travel freeze was lifting.

Santa Barbara felt like the clear choice for us looking for a place checked these boxes:

A fun trip for our almost three year old
An easy trip for a 8 month pregnant mama
A safe trip to celebrate the return of “normal” life post pandemic crisis

Just 2 hours North on the Pacific Coast Highway, the scenic drive definitely added to the appeal and weather in April was just perfect for a spring weekend getaway.

As always, I feel where we stay is the most important detail. In the past, we’ve stayed at Santa Barbara properties that ranged from boutique to standard to super luxury. This time our needs were focused around our little girl. We needed something that was comfortable, convenient and it HAD to have a big pool (as mandated by her). Luckily, it wasn’t hard to find the idyll spot.

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
If you’ve been to Santa Barbara, you’ve driven passed the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. It’s located right across the street from the main East Beach area, along a grassy, palm tree studded path. This prime location put us in walking distance to restaurants, to parks, to the beach and a few minutes from the Zoo, a must on our itinerary.

Comfy beds at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Traveling with a toddler means we will be in the room A LOT. Naps, early bed times and toddler meals all require that we are in the room frequently so having a well equipped, good sized room is very important to us parents. As it turns out, the Hilton’s rooms were perfectly designed for us. Clean and concise, the decor was minimal and modern without those extra flourishes that can sometimes make a room feel dated. The focal point was the space, which I felt was quite large for a standard hotel room. A couch area, rugs like those turkish rugs, and desk, as well as balcony, were well spaced out and away from the king bed.

We brought a Pack n’ Play for Aurora and during naps, made a cozy area for her. The room’s blackout curtains were very effective (and so appreciated) which made her her naps great.
The bathroom was again simple, but has some modern touches giving it a spa feel.
The balcony faced the lush interior of the resort and we could see the ocean in the distance.
Since we are still in the time of COVID, I did appreciate the labels on the door stating that the room had been sanitized.

The main event for us was the pool. We had warm and sunny weather, so us (and everyone else at the resort) wanted to dive into their central oval pool. Due to restricted capacity during the pandemic, we couldn’t just waltz in. We had to put our name on a list and wait to be called for our turn as capacity lessened. Initially we were told it was going to be 3 hours, but luckily we were called after only an hour and managed to entertain our toddler until then. The resort even went the extra mile to offer us free access to beach chairs for use at the beach across the street while we waited.

Hilton Pool

The pool was worth the wait. It was very wide, with easy access via steps on one end. Our daughter was delighted to be floating in this large pool and all three of us were in the water the whole time. The nearby hot tub was a lovely retreat when we needed to warm up as I’m a wimp and felt it was a little cold, but it was actually very nice having a limited capacity as it was a very relaxing experience.
Drinks are served from the pool bar and though they looked good, this pregnant mama and busy dad didn’t have time to grab one. Next time!

If you aren’t in the main building, the rooms are located in free standing buildings throughout the grounds. Landscaping and giant chess and checker boards, as well as several seating areas made it feel very comfortable yet secluded.

We only had one breakfast here and it was decent but we felt a bit overpriced for the quality. It felt understaffed which led to some delays, but I’d have to blame that on the pandemic. However, with so many outstanding food options in Santa Barbara, there is tough competition.

DINING

D’Angelo Bakery
Make sure you stop here, even if it’s just for a pastry and coffee. All their treats, including bread, are made on the premises and just so, so good.I am very glad we had a full sit down breakfast because every single dish was great. It was clear that the locals love this spot as there was a line for the pastries when we left. I highly recommend their cappuccino as well–reminded me of Italy.

Convivo

Everything about this Italian restaurant is authentic elegance. The exterior under their ivy terrace lets you dine on the handmade pastas, perfectly wood fired pizzas and freshly plucked salads while watching the Santa Barbara sunset. Convivo is a Mediterranean heaven.

Convivo in Santa Barbara

The service was excellent and menu is so mouthwatering, it’s going to be a challenge to choose what to order. Even their bread was outstanding. The quality here is evident in every delicious detail.

Convivo in Santa Barbara

La Paloma Café
A bright and buzzy feel, La Paloma is a trendy, welcoming hotspot in the historic Presidio. Serving a combination of California meets Spanish meets Mexican, their menu is artfully indulgent intertwining fresh vegetables with rich meats.

La Paloma

That salty, crispy “fried air” table snack that they bring you is addictive, but I do often think about the all natural Pork Shoulder carnitas main course. And do get those crispy brussels as a side, you’ve never had crispy brussels like these. Given the pandemic, we enjoyed the outdoor seating, enclosed by wildflowers, which was lovely at sunset and I can only imagine equally atmospheric at brunch or lunch.

Santa Barbara Botanical Garden

Calling it a garden feels like calling an Alp, a hill. This Botanic Garden is so expansive, you can easily get lost in the Redwoods, meander through meadows and find yourself alone at babbling streams. It’s basically like the prettiest of all the California landscapes in one setting.

Take a map as you wander through and pack a picnic if you are a planner, because you’ll want to spend time in this tranquil, fresh nature. I wasn’t sure it’d be fun for a toddler, but it surely was. Ponds, rocks to climb, so many settings and even wooden house/play structures definitely made it extra fun for the littles.

Santa Barbara Zoo
Definitely the most hyped activity of the weekend, we had HIGH hopes for this zoo. Aurora is loves animals and has been to 3 zoos prior, so I was hoping that she’d enjoy the SB Zoo experience. It did not disappoint.

We arrived early, just before opening on a Saturday, so we entered with only a handful of other visitors. The penguins and toucans were excited to see us, the Fennec fox was dancing by the glass window and the majestic lion family were enjoying a birthday treat as they watched us watching them. It’s not a large zoo but it feels very full, with so many enclosures that you can stumble upon within a few steps. The elusive amur leopard came out to see us and we caught glimpses of the gorillas.

However, the highlight had to be the giraffe feeding. We had tickets and got their 10 minutes early so we were first in line for the 10am feeding. They didn’t rush us, allowing us 5 whole minutes to place lettuce within tongue reach of the friendly Audrey, a female giraffe that beelined over to our platform as soon as she saw us. Aurora was delighted, we were enthralled and the whole experience was truly worth the visit alone.

Santa Barbara Sailing
With such a expansive coast line, Santa Barbara’s personality is centralized around its ocean. We had to get out on the water somehow and since I was pregnant, we thought a sailing excursion was just our speed.

Santa Barbara Sailing has a beautiful catamaran and a knowledgeable captain that took our group out for a 3 hour sail. Offering up drinks, snacks and an excellent playlist, we took in the sunshine and glittering sea views. I was curious if an almost three year old would get bored on the boat, and she didn’t, enjoying spotting sea lions as we sailed along.

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
We raced from Aurora’s nap to make the final half hour of this museum because they had an outdoor exhibit we couldn’t miss: the Prehistoric Forest! We followed the walking path into their backyard forest to discover life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs bellowing, roaring and squawking as we approached.

This could have been cheesy. It wasn’t. The dinosaurs were so realistic in appearance and in movement, with no regular patterns or jolty movements that we expected. Aurora’s jaw was dropped, as were ours, as we walked past a T Rex, a Stegosaurus family and Rory’s favorite Parasaurolophus. The museum has a lot more to offer that we weren’t able to catch due to their 4pm closing, but the dinosaurs alone were certainly worth the stop at the SB Museum.

Alameda Park
We passed this park in the car and had to pull over. The huge wooden structure resembled a storybook castle in the middle of a park, with wooden bridges, towers and secret passageways. We stopped on a busy Saturday afternoon while a birthday party was going on and needless to say it was high energy and tons of fun for all aged kids.

Alameda Park

We managed to do all of the above in exactly 48 hours, even stopping for ice cream in Montecito on the way home. We had wanted to stroll the Downtown and check out the Santa Barbara Sea Center on Stearns Wharf, but the beauty of this destination is, we can always come back. And after this memorable family weekend, I have a feeling we will be back quite soon.

Babymoon Destinations for Every Type

March 21, 2019/0 Comments/in Blog, Family, Featured Posts /by Kelley

The Tropical Babymoon: Hawaii

When I was toting a beach ball around my midline, all I wanted to do was relax in the sun, eating delicious foods, and dangling my toes in the warm ocean. Hawaii was the obvious choice for me. I spent a week on Kauai and this isle’s feminine energy and super laid back vibes helped me let go of my anxieties in this transitional phase of life.

I indulged in açai bowls daily, enjoyed pineapple smoothies in lieu of piña coladas by the pool and had fun exploring the North, South and in between of this ruggedly natural place.

Also, there’s nothing better than floating in the pristine waters when you are pregnant. You feel weightless!

Hotel Recommendation: Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort in Poipu

The Snowy Babymoon: Tahoe

Though most winter activities were off limits, I had an amazing time in Tahoe while pregnant. By taking skiing, sledding and skating off the itinerary, we had more time to really explore, relax and hang out. Northstar was idyllic because the village is so walkable, has cute stores (even a kids store!) and great eats. Plus the gondola goes right into town so I felt like I was on the slopes!

We cozied up on the cabins, made s’mores at the outdoor firepits of the Ritz Carlton Tahoe and we even did a yoga class. If you plan to go, I’d suggest trying to make a Mountain Table Dinner held on the summit at the Zephyr Lodge.

Hotel Recommendation: Northstar Lodging

The Good Eatin’ Babymoon: Austin

Austin is a central hub for hip hotels, cool neighborhoods and amazing food. Come here hungry because you might be trying to squeeze in a few extra meals. The atmosphere is friendly, the shopping is unique and the food is much more than just barbecue (though that is great too!).

Check out Torchy’s, Cafe No Se and Joann’s.

Hotel Recommendation: South Congress Hotel

The Historic Babymoon: Martha’s Vineyard

For those on the East Coast, Martha’s Vineyard is a drive and a quick ferry ride, though this historical island feels like a world away. With several towns, Edgartown being my favorite, there’s a lot to do here but it’s also okay to do nothing at all. Take a drive, go for a stroll or watch the boats come into harbor–these are all acceptable day activities.

Edgartown is my absolute favorite. Its walkability, lighthouse views, shops and cafés and overall charm is captivating. Life on Martha’s Vineyard moves at a slower pace but with a lot of appreciation for the little things. On a babymoon, you might appreciate the calm, happy ease of MV.

Hotel Recommendations: The Harbor View Hotel and The Kelley House

The Euro Babymoon: Rome

Definitely a longer haul, a babymoon to Italy might be daunting. If you are earlier in your pregnancy or have a bit of energy, then I highly recommend it. I went at 22 weeks and felt great. There was lots of walking but always balanced by delicious food waiting at the end of each stroll. Definitely book a hotel central to the sites that you are most interested in so you never have to go too far. We didn’t take one taxi while there because we were in the heart of everything!

Each day we just picked a neighborhood and just walked around, stopping for gelato, to shop or dine. I’d recommend not trying to pack in too much sightseeing and rather just enjoy the city. If you want to see some of the major sites, pick 1 per day so you don’t overwhelm yourself. We saw the Colosseum and Vatican with LivItaly Tours which helped us make the most of our time.

Hotel Recommendation: The First Roma Arte

Easiest Babymoon: Mediterranean

From the moment you step onboard, you don’t have to worry about your bags, your credit card or you daily itinerary. This type of stress-free holiday is just what the OBGYN ordered. The food onboard Viking Ocean Cruises is delicious, fresh and changes daily. I loved the main dining room, but the speciality restaurants were really what set it apart.

However, you will probably eating off the boat on whatever European itinerary you choose. Our “Iconic Mediterranean” itinerary took us through Barcelona, France, Monaco and Italy–so its safe to say that we ate well. For the times that you are on the boat, there’s a putting green, infinity pool, lounge areas, and a fabulous nordic spa.

The rooms are well appointed and the bed is oh-so-comfortable. Order breakfast to the room for the ultimate morning treat on your balcony.

Recommended Cruise line: Viking Ocean Cruises

Where to take a Babymoon

June 2, 2018/0 Comments/in Blog, California, Destinations, Explore, Family, Featured Posts, Hawaii, Hotels, Islands, Kauai, Lifestyle, Local Travel, Ojai, Tahoe, United States of America /by Kelley

Let’s face it. Of all times in your life when YOU (or your partner, bestie, sister, daughter) deserves a vacation, it is when she is carrying around another human life in her belly. Babymoons are necessary and relieve a lot of pressure, put mom-to-be in a great mood and can be a unique way to see a destination in a different way.

For me, it meant slowing down. Not the action-packed itineraries, with lots of outdoor pursuits, physical adventures and the evening wine or cocktail hour. Babymoon meant relaxation, gaming on sites like 배팅사이트, early bedtimes, delicious foods and a more nurturing approach to travel. Honestly this change of pace was great! I feel like I experienced each location in a whole new way.

Whom do you take on a Babymoon?

So, who is coming? The most common person to escort you on this babymoon is obviously your partner. (They got you in this mess in the first place right!? KIDDING) It is an important time away from the routine of normal life to really focus on the two of you. If you are first time mom-to-be like me, it’s especially important to take to appreciate your remaining weeks together as a couple before you become a family. Your partner also knows you best and will pamper you, which is what you need now more than ever.

I also recommend babymoons with close friends. You won’t be able to take time like that away from your newborn to hang out with friends the way you used to so it can be very rewarding to spend that extra QT with those close friends that are important in your life.

I also LOVED going on a babymoon with my Mom. What better person to help me transition into motherhood than my own mother! Plus, I knew it was one of the last times that I’d get to travel just with her, even though bringing my daughter on our yearly adventures will be just as fun too. Consider bringing a supportive family member that you want to spend time with and whom will enjoy the slower pace that babymoon offers.

And as much as I love company, solo babymoons can be very personally fulfilling. Sometimes you need time to yourself, to read, get a pedicure, talk to the new life growing in your belly and appreciate the remaining quiet moments before your bundle of joy arrives.

Where should you go?

Babymoons also tend to be closer to home. Most pregnant ladies don’t want to sit on an extended plane journey so keeping it under 5-6 hours by plane is usually the most comfortable. Ideally, the closer the better! (I didn’t follow that advice entirely and did fly to Europe for a 3 week trip while 20 weeks pregnant as well as Japan for a 2 week film shoot at 16 weeks, but you can read about those two trips here.)

Driving distance or short flights are best in the earlier stages of pregnancy. When you get to the third trimester, I’d suggest limiting your babymoon destinations to those within an hour or two home.

If you only have time for one babymoon, make sure it is the type of trip that you are craving now. Those pregnancy cravings can even apply to travel, ladies! I outline 5 types of babymoons in this post and where you can go to get your FIX!

If you are craving…something TROPICAL?

Go to KAUAI!

Lush, quiet, healthy and untouched: Kauai might be the most perfect of the Hawaiian islands for an expecting mother. The rhythm of nature dictated our stay here, with early mornings spent snorkeling Poipu Beach, leisurely days shopping in Kailua, picking shells on a secluded beach on the North Shore and grabbing fresh açai bowls topped with pineapple and passion fruit. By evening, the islanders stop to hold their breath as the sun sets in a dramatic fashion, sending up a fiery finale before nightfall.

My mom and I traveled to Kauai when I was at 23 weeks and I felt great. It was the right pace and I had a lot of energy in that second trimester to handle full days at a leisurely pace. The 6 hour flight didn’t bother me at all and I made sure to stay hydrated and walk the aisles frequently. There’s a lot of “mother energy” on this island too so it felt like the right place to be!

Where to Stay: Ko’a Kea Resort

This intimate, boutique hotel is classy but cool. You won’t feel pressure to grab a pool seat and staying on the property to eat will result in some of your favorite island meals. Poipu’s famed calm waters are perfect for floating with sea turtles and catching those all-star sunsets.

Tip: Get a prenatal massage in their waterside cabana!

Where to Eat

Java Kai, Kailua: Healthy salads, delicious coffees & teas and Instagram-worthy breakfasts

Little Fish Coffee, Poipu: Fresh smoothies, pitaya bowls and bagel sandwiches bring in the customers but linger with the chickens at this rustic, local favorite.

Fresh Bite Kauai, Hanalei: Seek out this Hanalei food truck to grab a to-go organic salads, hearty sandwich and side of sweet potato fries.

Plantation Gardens, Poipu: Set inside a resort without feeling commercial, this restaurant is laidback but top quality, serving up local fish dishes like banana leaf snapper and coconut shrimp.

Postcards Cafe, Hanalei: A charming Hawaiian bistro feel with pastas, fresh catch and great salads. Grab one of the outdoor tables for an intimate feel.

What to Do

Snorkel with sea turtles in Poipu, stop at a crafts market in Hanalei, get a drink at the St. Regis Princeville, see a luau and take a boat tour of the Na Pali coast.

If you are craving…something NATURAL?

Go to OJAI, CA

As a Santa Monica local with a serious travel addiction, I cannot believe it took me 4 years to get to Ojai. It is only an hour and a half drive away into the valley of the Topatopa Mountains but if felt like a whole different world. My husband surprised me with a midweek Mother’s Day getaway and even though this babymoon was only one night, it was exactly what we needed!

The quaint village has delightful bookstores, ice cream shops, hippie boutiques and mom & pop restaurants. There are easy walks, creekside (paved) bike paths and just so much lavendar scented fresh air, mom and baby bump will feel the benefits of all this healthy energy.

Where to Stay: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

Not the most affordable option, but if you want to splurge, I highly suggest this resort. Their adults-only pool is where I posted up for the majority of the day, alternating between a pool floatie and a mountain facing lounge chair, with my cucumber spa water in hand. The expansive grounds are lovely for strolling or biking and their spa is like a mini village wiht a juice bar, free yoga classes and all the treatments. While our room didn’t stand out, it was the location that really made this place special.

Tip: Grab picnic supplies in town and pull up an adirondack chair by the fireplace to watch the “pink moment,” Ojai’s famously hued sunset magic hour.

Where to Eat

The Nest: We almost went back the second day, it was THAT good. Whether you want fish tacos or a fried chicken sandwich or a salad, this outdoor hotspot is the place for lunch. Order the meaty Tireman if you are ravenous.

Osteria Monte Grappa: Talk about locally sourced! The menu here features salads from local farmers, handmade pastas and wood fired pizzas, plus excellent friendly service.

Ojai Deer Lodge: Fun for a beer (for your travel partner) and live music, this is a kitschy, cowboy stop with some wild decor located a little bit outside of town.

What to Do

Browse the boutiques, relax by the pool, take a bike ride, have a honey tasting at the local honey shop Heavenly Honey and explore the outdoor Bart’s Books.

If you are craving… something ALPINE?

Go to Northstar at TAHOE

My husband and I took our LAST flight together before the baby to have a wintry weekend. Just an hour flight from LAX or Long Beach and you are in the heart of the snowcapped peaks of Tahoe.We landed in Reno and took a 40 drive over to Northstar Resort, one of the most luxurious of the Tahoe resorts. The village is completely self contained, making it a one stop destination and easy for a weekend escape. We spent time exploring the village, doing yoga and even taking the gondola up to the slopeside Ritz Carlton Tahoe to indulge in some complimentary s’mores at their outdoor fire pit.

Note: Our babymoon fell during the winter but Tahoe is amazing in the summer, spring or fall as well!

Tip: Plan your weekend escape for a Mountain Table Dinner to enjoy an incredible, multi-course meal at the peak of Zephyr Lodge.

Where to Stay: Northstar Lodging

I loved our mountain chalet which we reserved through Northstar Lodging. It had a balcony, fireplace, kitchen and cosy living room. It was exactly what we wanted for a babymoon weekend!

Where to Eat

Inxpot Cafe: Grab a breakfast burrito at this village hotspot next to the gondola. It is best enjoyed outside by the firepit!

Rubicon Pizza Co.: An easy lunch in the village right next to the ice skating rink. It might not be the best pizza you’ve ever had but it is a solid choice and moderately priced.

Tavern 6330′: We loved dinner here with its live music and classic menu choices like iceberg wedge salad and steaks. Definitely split that lobster mac n cheese!

What to Do

Take a guided snowshoe tour, grab a stick and roast marshmallows at the Ritz’s “Marshmology,” curl up by the fireplace with a good book, do yoga in town at Tahoe Yoga.

If you are craving… something Mediterranean?

Go to Catalina Island, CA

I enjoyed this babymoon with a group of friends in early March. It was so nice to go on a group trip like this so everyone could do exactly what they wanted to do. Since I was the only one pregnant, my activities were more mild compared to the parasailing, ziplining and jeep tour options.

However, I still had a blast exploring this incredibly unique island that is just about an hour off of the coast of Southern California. The main town of Avalon is the ideal hub with seafood restaurants, shops and lovely walking streets. I am so happy that I rented a golf cart, the main mode of transportation, to cruise around the rolling hills that surround Avalon Harbor.

I also spent time at the Descanso Beach Club, a secluded, sandy area of beach which also offers kayaking and SUP.

Tip: Definitely do the Frog Rock Kayaking tour if you have time!

Where to Stay: Pavilion Hotel

Located on the main street, across from the water, this gem of a hotel offers an ample daily breakfast and evening wine & cheese hour, both complimentary. The rooms are clean, nautical and cute, plus the courtyard area has quiet lounge spaces and firepits.

Where to Eat

The Lobster Trap: A local favorite with no-frills fish dishes and a lively atmosphere. We all loved the ambiance here.

Bluewater Grill: Great for a light lunch and lemonade out on the water, this is the most waterside restaurant you will find in Avalon!

Avalon Grille: Excellent dining with a fun bar scene, this is definitely THE place for dinner on the island.

What to Do

Cruise around in a golf cart, book a prenatal massage at the Island Spa Catalina, rent a kayak at the Descanso Beach Club

If you are craving… EASY.

Go to Santa Barbara, CA

It’s not just because it is easy, Santa Barbara is a beautiful coastal California city with a stunning beachfront. But it also is easily accessible by train, meaning NO CARS NEEDED! That is what sold my husband and I on this one night, weekend trip. We hopped on a train in the morining from LA and enjoyed the ocean views before we disembarked just a couple hours later in the heart of SB.

We stayed near the water, kayaking with sea lions, eating at a beach bar, hanging by the pool and exploring the Funk Zone. Great food, great sunshine and just an easy, breezy, stress-free getaway. Isn’t that what you want for a babymoon?

Where to Stay: Hotel Californian ($$$$) or Harborview Inn ($$)

The swanky Hotel Californian is brand new and just steps from the water. The service, the style and the location make it hard to beat.

But if you want something more affordable, just next door is where we stay: the Haborview Inn. We loved the pool and water views and how convenient it was to the beach!

Where to Eat

Lucky Penny: Sister to The Lark, Lucky Penny is an order at the counter/sit outside at communal table pizza joint. Spoiler: this is some of the best pizza in California!

Shoreline Beach Cafe: Located RIGHT on the beach, the classic California food and sand-in-your-toes location made this an A+++ for me.

Sambo’s: A perfect spot for huge pancakes, egg burritos and even more. The menu is huge, the coffee is flowing and the atmosphere is what you want from a popular diner.

What to Do

Rent a Surrey Bike and cruise along the beach path, take out kayaks in the marina and see sea lions, go to Figueroa Brewery* for live music, explore the eats and wineries* of the Funk Zone, pack a picnic for the Amtrak train back!

*(your partner can enjoy the booze for you but it is still fun sober, trust me!)

***

Most of my babymoons favor the West Coast since that is where I am based, but I have other recommendations for East Coasters! Here is my short list:

Charleston, North Carolina
Chatham, Cape Cod (MA)
Vero Beach, Florida
Woodstock, Vermont (my hometown!)
Greenport, Long Island (NY)
Skaneatles, NY

Traveling While Pregnant: Where I Went, What I Avoided & When I Stopped

May 22, 2018/1 Comment/in Behind the Scenes, Blog, Blog Buttons, Explore, Family, Featured Posts, Lifestyle, Romance, Tips & Tricks /by Kelley

I have not set foot on a plane… since March! This is the longest stretch of time that I have not been airborne (10 weeks and 1 day but who’s counting…). I am so excited to have my next flight with Jettly! It’s kind of an odd feeling! Last year I clocked in at 39 flights to over 25 destinations and 12 countries. This year, I had a strong clip in January and February with Italy, Kauai, Tahoe and Philadelphia (for a wedding) but limited my air travel as I progressed in my second trimester.

Looking out over Tahoe

For the first 29 weeks of my pregnancy, I didn’t slow down on my travel, whatsoever. I had a lot of shoots for my video series already schedule and that, couple with my insatiable urge to travel all the time, made me want to just GO GO GO. I knew that I’d listen to my body (and my doctor) and if I needed to slow down for my baby and my health, I would. However, I had a lot of energy and felt invigorated to keep at it. I wanted to pursue all travel projects and aspirations that I could, while I was still able. I knew that when my baby girl arrived, my whole world would become focused on her little being so the clock was ticking.

1 Week Pregnant: China

Canals of Suzhou, China

I am PRETTY sure that I was pregnant while on assignment in Suzhou, China. But, I had NO idea that I was pregnant because it was so early on (think like days after conception). Baby was just a few cells at that point so of course, it didn’t affect me or my travel at all. Still, pretty cool to know that baby’s first “trip” in utero was to China!

10 Weeks Pregnant: Laguna Beach

Surf & Sand Resort, Laguna Beach

At this point, only my husband and I (and our families) knew that we were pregnant. Since it was so early on in the pregnancy, we didn’t want to shout it from the rooftops just yet. The terrifying statistic that 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage kept us very quiet until the 20 week mark.

However, it was an exciting little secret to have! My husband and I did a weekend film shoot in Orange County, exploring the delicious food of Anaheim, biking in Irvine, beaching in Laguna and overall seeing the world through different eyes.

14 Weeks Pregnant: Japan

Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Japan

A lot of people were surprised to hear that I spent 15 days in Japan, filming my series for Setouchi Tourism. I honestly didn’t find the pregnancy held me back whatsoever! If anything, it opened my eyes to all the children, babies and cute families that I saw along the way. The one truth that I always find when I travel is that we are all more the same than we are different. A mother kissing baby on the street, a father lifting up his daughter over his head, a family feeding their fussy baby at the table–its the same everywhere in the world. And it just made me more confident that I could do it too. For more information about 3D/4D ultrasound, visit A Date With Baby, one of the top pregnancy care centers in Toronto.

Arima Hot Springs, Japan

Of course, the flight is long. My OB-GYN gave me the confident go-ahead, citing that I should just walk around a lot and drink plenty of fluids on board. Since I always drink tons of water, that works out well on flights since I have to check out the bathroom quite a bit. The flight over was completely fine and comfortable. The return flight was another story but it had nothing to do with pregnancy… (If you saw my Instagram stories from it you know what I mean, but that is for another post…).

Being pregnant while in Japan was not all that difficult. I didn’t feel much fatigue so I was able to keep up with our very rigorous schedule of early 6am mornings and being “on” for the camera all day, up until evening. I did not stay up any later than our dinners and since I wasn’t drinking, I got good nights’ sleeps and focused on catching as many Zzzz’s as possible so I could keep up with the pace. However, this is what I do on all my travel shoots so I didn’t find that my being pregnant changed anything.

Kaiseki Tasting Menu in Kurashiki

When I told people that I was going to Japan, so many people said “Well what can you eat?” That question is based on two over-generalizations about Japan. The first is that the Japanese only eat sushi. Actually so much more than just sushi. We had lots of wild game, kobe beef, so many types of noodles, tempura and lots of vegetables. It was actually rare that the only option was sushi. We mostly had meat and noodles! The Setouchi region is famous for its udon and since it is the home of Kobe, you can bet that the beef is pretty incredible.

The second generalization is that you cannot have sushi. This is not entirely true. I did a lot of research and found a lot of articles written by doctors that support that sushi is not bad for pregnant women. The fear with sushi is that it can lead to food poisoning because it is uncooked. However, food poisoning from sushi will affect a pregnant and non-pregnant person the exact same way. It is no worse for your baby or you if you are pregnant and you have food poisoning. Trust me, food poisoning is the WORST and you don’t want it no matter what state you are in, but in terms of it being off limits as a pregnant person? It poses the same risk to a non-pregnant person. My OB-GYN confirmed this before I traveled there as well.

Fugu, the deadly blowfish sashimi (I did NOT eat this)

That being said, there is a big concern for pregnant women around sushi and actually all fish for that matter. It has to do with MERCURY. The predominant fish in sushi happens to be tuna, which has one of the highest mercury percentages of all fish. The larger the fish, the higher the mercury. I have avoided any tuna: canned, cooked or raw, throughout the pregnancy. I know that small amounts of tuna is deemed to be safe but I didn’t see the need to take any chances. I also avoided the other high mercury fish, which you can find here. Sadly, these fish includes some of my favorites like halibut, mahi mahi and snapper (makes you think twice though right, pregnant or not?!).

But fortunately, salmon is also a popular sushi staple and salmon is GREAT for your developing baby and has very low mercury content. If I did have sushi while in Japan, I made sure it was from a reputable place and I only chose salmon or other low mercury fish.

18 Weeks Pregnant: Europe

Roadtripping in Costa Brava, Spain

I also spent 22 days traveling in Europe when I was 18-20 weeks pregnant. This extended trip was part work and part fun, traveling with my husband over the holiday season. We visited Spain, France, Monaco and Italy–and had so many adventures in each. We road-tripped through Costa Brava, we had Christmas Morning in our hotel room in Barcelona, we voyaged with Viking Ocean Cruises to seaside cities, biked in Marseille, ate our way through St Tropez, played games at the Christmas fair in Montecarlo and we drove all through Tuscany in Italy. We stayed a few days extra in Rome, to take in the Colosseum, the Vatican and lots of pizza and gelato.

Christmas Morning in Barcelona

The challenges of being pregnant in Europe? No delicious soft cheeses and no wine. I managed to substitute my love of stinky French cheese with Spain’s delicious hard cheeses and Italy’s mozzarella and parmigiano.

Bolognese in Lucca

But there is no good substitute for wine. I had sips here and there, just being able to taste the incredible wines of all these regions was satisfying. I didn’t even need a whole glass. (But next time I go to Europe, I plan making up for it…)

24 Weeks Pregnant: Kauai

Sailing the Na Pali Coast in Kauai

Kauai was another fabulous trip that I took while 24 weeks pregnant. This island is so natural, rugged and breath-taking, it made my soul happy, which I can only assume translated to making baby happy too. Besides having to avoid a lot of the delicious local Hawaiian catch (no red snapper, no opakapaka, no tuna, obvi), I didn’t have any negative effects of being in Kauai while pregnant. I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t hike the Na Pali Coast or go river rafter in the jungle, but those are things I am looking forward to doing on my return trip! Besides, relaxing on beaches, drinking fresh fruit smoothies and snorkeling with sea turtles is quite fulfilling as well.

29 Weeks Pregnant: Tahoe

Taking it Easy in Tahoe

My biggest concern with travel to Tahoe was the altitude. I had heard that altitude can have adverse affects on a baby in utero due to the pressure and not being acclimatized. Since I was traveling from Los Angeles (aka. Sea level) and going to Northstar, which is 6000 ft, I was nervous. I reached out to my contacts in Tahoe, asked my OB-GYN and did my own research. Luckily, I found that some altitude is okay. I should really avoid 10,000 feet or higher. Since we weren’t skiing and only went up to a mountain lodge for one dinner of about 3 hours at 8000 feet, I was mostly at 6000 feet.

During this 48 hour trip, I did find that I ran out breath more than usual–which is already quite a lot more than a non-pregnant person– and I was very, very thirsty. Dehydration at altitude affects everyone and I was extra cautious to drink lots of fluids and have water on me at all times.

Why I chose to stop Air Travel after 30 weeks

Loving Roma, at the Roman Forum

At 32 weeks, I had as assignment in London. I was really eager to take this trip as I hadn’t been to the UK in a while, it was a luxury focused trip so I would get to experience a lot of my dream hotels and restaurants and I really believed in the brand sponsoring the trip. However, the flight to London from LA was direct, and it also was 13 hours. My OB-GYN, whom normally is pretty easy-going, did express some hesitation on this one. She said that if anything went wrong mid-air, not only would have to derail the entire flight, but we’d be flying over areas in the far Northern Hemisphere that do not have medical care on landing (think like Canadian tundra, Greenland and a lot of Atlantic Ocean).

This of course, scared me. I had felt very capable and my pregnancy was progressing really well, but the “what if” scenario really got me.

No more Seaplanes like this one in Setouchi, Japan

My doctor also informed me that babies are born at 32 weeks. Though it is 8 weeks early and not very common, it does happen. If it happened in London, I’d be going to the hospital London and not moving my newborn for quite a long time. Though the idea of getting her dual citizenship was pretty appealing (LOL), I knew that giving birth in London was not a great option for me or my family. I had to politely decline from this trip and decided that I would no longer be flying after 30 weeks.

Trust me, pausing travel was a tough pill to swallow.

Giddy in Saint Tropez

It is in my nature to crave the adventure, the spontaneity and the freedom of hopping on a plane and landing in someplace totally new. But I had to put my little girl first, and to me, it was the right decision. While there is no hard and fast rule of when you HAVE to stop air travel, it is advised to stop around the end of the second trimester. I pushed it a bit just because I am so used to travel and it was part of my job.

Just because I didn’t take any more flights, it didn’t mean my local traveling stopped! My next post will be about all my favorite local trips and where I recommend for a Babymoon! Do you have a favorite babymoon spot?

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xo,

Mama-to-be Kelley

Top 5 Things to do on Kauai, Hawaii

March 15, 2018/0 Comments/in Active, Beach, Blog, Blog Buttons, Destinations, Explore, Family, Featured Posts, Hawaii, Homepage Highlights, Islands, Kauai, Local Travel, Luxury, Luxury Trips, Nature, North America, Outdoors, Travel Guide, United States of America /by Kelley

Hawaii and I are in a serious relationship. We just met last spring, when I first landed in Maui with my husband. We spent 10 days roaming her grassy hills, sand swept beaches and lush jungles. Eager to return and explore more of Hawaii’s shores, I returned to Oahu, just a few months later. This time I was on a film assignment so it was I was accompanied only by my camera. Together with our rental car, we saw all ends of the most populated island–from Waikiki to Kailua to the North Shore.

Just recently, exactly one year from my first trip to these paradisiacal islands, I flew back to Hawaii yet again. This time I was visting Kauai. What made it even more special was my mom was joining me. I couldn’t wait for her to experience the state that I loved so much. An added bonus was that since I am pregnant, this was a little mother/daughter babymoon!

I’d heard all the rumors that Kauai was “the best” and I assumed that there was a reason that this verdant island was the top pick for honeymooners. But I thoroughly loved Maui and Oahu, both for different reasons; how could Kauai really compete?

From the moment I stepped outside of Kauai’s Lihue airport, I felt a big difference in just the air! The air was fragrant and more humid than other islands. As we drove to the South Shore for our stay at Ko’a Kea Resort, we passed through many lush landscapes which could have been out of Jurassic Park (it was filmed here after all!).

Our resort was a stylish boutique and it was small–which I loved. It felt totally laid-back and manageable–not a huge box style hotel. Poipu Beach was calm, clean with a good amount of sunseekers, but it not packed to the gills. There was even room for the seals that nap on the beach just about every afternoon.

To me, Kauai is the more rugged, natural and chill version of the other islands. I’d maybe describe it as the hippie little sister with a lot of wild beauty and spiritual depth. In just 6 days, my mom and I put over 1000 miles on our car so it’s safe to say, we covered a lot of ground. However since my mom and I were not in a condition to hike, we limited activities to those accessible by easy walks, drives or boat rides. The following were the five highlights of our trip that I’d recommend to everyone–suitable for all ages and abilities. And next time I return, I plan to embark on some epic hikes, cruise the rivers on kayaks and take to the skies by helicopter.

Snorkel with Seals

Poipu Beach is located in the sunny south of the island, which has the least rainfall on the island and thus the best conditions for snorkeling. It also helps that the waves are generally mild, making it family friendly and easy to see the world that is brimming with life just under the water.

I was staying just steps away from this beach at the Ko’a Kea Resort, so it made it easy to head out there each morning when the water was at its glassiest. To my surprise, the schools of brightly colored schools were just steps from the shore. I was barely standing in 4 feet of water and all I had to do was look down to see hundreds of multi hued fish! To be immersed in the marine life, snorkel between the shore and the small island off of the beach. But definitely try to get there early as many tourists know about this spot as well.

Since the seals seem to love to sunbathe on this beach, you might get lucky and be in the water as they pass by. These graceful creatures are still wild and respect them by giving them their space. If one comes near you, don’t try to touch it or swim near them. We are the outsiders in their home so we need to be good guests.

Experience a traditional Hawaiian Luau

I love how Hawaii’s history, traditions and stories are still such a strong part of the islands today. The vibrant culture unlike any other state in the USA, let alone any other place in the world. It is so special to see how it is still alive and I think one of the best ways for mainlanders to understand it is through a luau.

It was our first night on Kauai, we were lucky enough to attend the Aulii Luau on the South shore. My mom was giddy –this would be her first luau ever and she’d always wanted to experience one. The outdoor party was taking place at the Sheraton Kauai, just steps from their pink sand beach, in a prime spot for one of Poipu’s signature sunsets. The gold, pink, purple and orange of the sunset was just the opening act for a memorable, Hawaiian evening.

We had Premier seating, which allows you reserved seats at one of the front tables. General seating is at one of the long tables further back and it is first come, first served. I recommend the Premier if you are most interested in dancing. You might be the farthest from the food, but you are closest to the stage and thus can appreciate all the details, especially the expressions on the dancers’ faces!

The buffet dinner included a lot of fresh, local dishes and Hawaiian specialities. I tried the purple poi for the first time and enjoyed the kalua pig. Following the meal, there is a whole dessert table. The pineapple upside down cake was the winner there for me! We had to walk to get our own drinks which included mai tais, blue Hawaiian’s and beer and wine options. As I was pregnant, I did not indulge but my mom enjoyed a mai tai and the white wine.

But not surprisingly, the show itself was the best part. The talented dancers gave skilled, emotional performances, each one very different from the one before. The bright and wild, costumes and the tiki stage design was a sensory overload. I particularly loved the coed performance with the grass skirts. And of course, the fire dancer brought the audience to gasps, oohs and ahhs. What a way to spend our first night in Kauai!

Cruise the Na Pali Coast by Boat

This might be one of the most well-known areas of the island but no one lives here and there are no roads. The 15 miles of coastline is nature at its most beautiful. Sheer, jagged cliffs, soaring mountains and rocky coves meet the swells of the sea along this magical stretch. It is no wonder that it is such a sacred part in Hawaiian legend.

We chose to explore the coastline by boat. We embarked with Holo Holo Boat Tours, a highly rated boat tour company that operated out of nearby Port Allen harbor. Our vessel was a 65 foot power catamaran– the island’s fastest tour boat. It was very spacious and had plenty of spaces to sit, which came in handy on this 4 hour tour.

The route was up to the coastline and then back, but along the way, we had quite a surprise show. Whales were jumping out of the water, slapping the surface and diving down deep, showing off their tales. I have been on whale watches before I’d never seen so many whales, so close!

Once we made it to Na Pali, the boat slowed down so we could fully appreciate the drama of this place. Our captain told us more about the landscape, pointing out sites of importance for the Hawaiians and even spotting a sea turtle swimming in a cave. As we cruised back down, the sun was setting and an onboard dinner was served–chips, guacamole, cheese and crackers and some delicious kalua pork tacos. This was a memorable way to spend an afternoon on Kauai and we were happy to have sailed with Holo Holo. Just note, it is a bumpy ride so be prepared for a roller coaster style ride and to get wet!

Wake up with Waterfalls and Breakfast Bowls

The island has hundreds of waterfalls in its rich jungles, but there are five that are the most well known for their grandeur and convenience. Since we were not hiking on this trip, we chose the easiest one to drive too: Opaeka’a Falls. Located just near the cute town of Kapaa, you drive just off the main Highway 56 to a convenient parking. From here, you can view the falls from above. The 151 foot falls are 40 miles wide and lovely for a photo opp.

After, make sure to stop for breakfast or lunch in Kapaa. I strongly recommend the salads and coffee at the trendy Java Kai. Or if you want a cute back patio vibe with banana trees and chickens running around, EatHealthy Cafe was as delicious as it was adorable. My coconut bowl there was very memorable but their entire vegan menu looked great.

Explore the North Shore

We stayed on the South Shore, but I had to check out the legendary North Shore of Kauai. My mom and I drove up early on a Saturday, knowing that it’ll take over an hour and it did! We headed to the town of Hanalei, nestled at the foot of vibrant green mountains and next to the surfer’s paradise of Hanalei Bay. The town had a laid-back, slightly touristy vibe, with charming shops, cafes and restaurants. We snagged a few t-shirts and some coffee before settling on a food truck for picnic lunch to go.

Don’t be fooled, the Hanalei food trucks are excellent and we loved Fresh Bite, which served up locally grown greens and organic meats in their salads, sandwiches and poi bowls. I highly recommend grabbing your lunch to go so you can enjoy it on the sand of one of the nearby beaches. (Need more info on the food trucks? Go here.)

After your beach day, check out a hotel icon and have drinks at the St. Regis Princeville. We were hit with a sudden rainstorm, a common occurrence on this side of the island, but that didn’t dampen our outdoor happy hour! We had a dry seat overlooking the bay and were delighted to witness a complimentary Hawaiian song and champagne sabering just before sunset.

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Kauai is a stunning island and for us, it was restorative, natural and just uplifting. It has an overall ambiance that is very positive if you are open to it. For a babymoon and a mother/daughter trip, it was PERFECT. But I would recommend it to all sorts of groups of friends, families, couples and adventurers! If you have any tips, please let me know for my next trip!

Kelley

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Babymoon Destinations for Every Type

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Traveling While Pregnant: Where I Went, What I Avoided & When I Stopped

Top 5 Things to do on Kauai, Hawaii

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