Bali

ABOUT
Some call it ‘The island of the gods’ and some ‘Shangri-La, but Bali can’t really be described till you pay a visit to the place. If you’re looking for the best of sun and sand, and cooling greenery, Bali is perfect for you. From pristine beaches, panoramas of cultivated rice terraces to hilly regions with a few active volcano, Bali has it all. It is the ultimate island holiday destination.

WHY?
Private Villas: One of the best kinds of holiday accommodation is when you have the entire place to yourself. Many resorts in Bali offers guests a villaalong- with-the-pool kind of stay, which is perfect for your babymoon. You get your privacy. Moreover, you don’t need to get out or worry about hogging the yummy breakfast buffet. The villas offer dine-in services by maids who will cook for you. Additionally, the entire place is surrounded by greenery and you can enjoy your stay without any disturbance.

The best massages: Bali is known to have some of the best massages in the world. There are massage parlours at every nook and corner of the streets. Getting a prenatal massage is the ultimate relaxing therapy a mum-to-be will need. Retail therapy: Apart from the beautiful villas and beaches, there is a lot to shop for. It is a paradise for furniture and homeware shoppers. In Seminyak and Ubud, you will fine upscale boutique shops.

Value for money: You do not need to break your bank to enjoy the complete Balinese experience. You can eat, stay,shop and roam at the cheapest rates, an this suitable for most people. Shopping gets even more fun when you are good at bargaining.

HOW TO TRAVEL?
A typical flight between India and Bali would be around six to seven hours. Please make sure that you get a comfortable seat on the flight and it is closer to the washroom. Also, make sure you get up time and again to stretch so that your legs don’t get swollen due to the long flight-time.

MUST VISIT
Ubud art market
Kuta Beach
Ayana bar resort
Seminyak
Besakih temple
Kintamani and Mount Batur
Bali safari and marine park

Dubai

ABOUT
A shopping hub for many, Dubai is perfect for a babymoon. The right combination of shopping and a luxury getaway—what else would a woman want. You can relax your body and mind by staying in one of the many luxury spa resorts.

WHY?
Miracle Garden: Dubai is not only surrounded with desert but has a sprawling garden filled with more the 45 million blooming flowers and an abundance of greenery. It aims to become one of the world’s biggest flower gardens.

Prenatal shopping: Mums-to-be can come back with one too many shopping bags from Dubai. Head to the Dubai Mall, a place in the city that houses every brand that you would want. It is onestop- shop for everything you possibly could need.

Go to the top: One of the fun activities is going to the top of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. You will get a 360º view of the entire city from the top. However, if you are clautrophobic, skip this activity because the lift will take time to get to the floor 124.

Cuisine: Dubai is a food paradise. At every nook and corner there is a restaurant or a café. Finding Indian food is not that difficult since there are many Indian restaurants in Dubai. Pierchic is a high-end Mediterranean seafood restaurant located at Madinat Jumeirah. Have an over-the-water dining experience with your spouse. Make sure that you are cautious while selecting your fi sh, since certain foods are best avoided during pregnancy.

HOW TO TRAVEL?
The only way is to travel by flight. It takes a maximum of three hours to reach Dubai. For a babymoon, it is an ideal place. For many, Dubai is a home away from home since in many aspects it is like India. It is a well-connected city and all the hotels have medical facilities that you would require in case of an emergency.

MUST VISI T
The Dubai Mall
Burj K halifa
Dubai Atlantis
Jumeirah Mosque
Dubai Aquarium
Dubai Desert
Conservation Reserve

Miscellaneous
Dr Anita Kant, director and HOD, Department of Gynaec & Obstetrics, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad, gives mums-to-be a low-down on what to keep in mind while travelling during pregnancy.
✈ While deciding on the destination, it is always preferable to go for plains rather than hill stations, as many times climbing on unpaved uphill paths can be a strenuous exercise, which should be avoided.
✈ For foreign locales, check the travel advisory for that country, especially regarding any ongoing epidemic or endemic e.g. zika virus or dengue infection.
✈ Check with the doctor before you book your holiday. In certain conditions like high BP, low lying placenta, growth retardation in the baby, etc. Your doctor may advise you not to travel.
✈ Travel by air is safe. Many airlines don’t allow you to travel after 30 weeks of pregnancy (7 months completed) and some allow till 34 weeks, so book your return tickets after checking this. For air travel, a medical certifi cate is required
by airlines so procure that and it will also help you skip the X-ray exposure at the airport.
✈ Best time to travel is in the second trimester that is from fourth month onwards. In the last six to eight weeks of pregnancy travel is best avoided.
✈ Buy an overseas medical insurance policy before travelling, if going abroad.
✈ An ultrasound before travel is very helpful, as it can predict chances of premature labour.
✈ Carry all pregnancy-related medical documents with you, just in case of any emergency situation.
✈ During long air travel, learn some exercises for your legs and feet, which you can do while seated; walk up and down the aisle to avoid the risk of clots in leg veins.
✈ If travelling by road ensure the travel is less than 36 hours, and stop to stretch your limbs every two hours.
✈ Carry medicines for emergency situations as prescribed by your doctor and carry the prescription too.
✈ Adventure sports, water sports and hikes which may lead to exertion, dehydration etc. are best avoided. Long hours of non-stop shopping are also best avoided.
✈ Wear sensible (no heels) and comfortable shoes.
✈ Street side food is best avoided to prevent an upset stomach.
✈ Avoid alcohol and smoking.
✈ Sex is safe during this phase of pregnancy, but only if you are comfortable.
✈ Steam rooms and sauna are best avoided as the increase in body temperature may harm the baby.
✈ Vaccination is recommended according to the place to be visited and the period of gestation, viz. Tetanus toxoid, Infl uenza vaccine and TDAP. ■