Pregnant and want to travel? I went to Mauritius on my first babymoon

Destination Mauritius

There are plenty of things to think about when you travel while pregnant. Some moms-to-be worry about everything, some don't. This being my first time, I'm probably closer to the first group. 

This was important to me for our first babymoon

• Exotic and warm

• Clean and safe  

• Beautiful beaches

• Simple 

As soon as “exotic” is a criterion, there are a few extra things to consider.  

Is it safe to visit Mauritius? 

Zika- and malaria virus 

This virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, and can be dangerous for your baby. Always check the latest updates on your country's health department sites whether or not the place you wish to visit is safe. In general the virus can be found in the American continent, Southeast Asia, Africa and Oceania. Therefore it does exclude a lot of destinations below the equator.

Hygiene and health 

Is the country's health care system up to date? Do you have to take new vaccines? Are the facilities clean? There are plenty of things you shouldnt eat while pregnant, and when you travel outside your own country it's important to be extra attentive. Hotels with high standards are trustworthy, but use common sense while at the local markets. 

Accessibility

Is it easy to get around, and does it feel safe? Personally I wanted to travel where the traffic and roads were good. 

After a bit of research we ended up choosing Mauritius.

Mauritius is all about diverse food and drinks

The pandemic hit hard on Mauritius, a country that relies heavily on tourism. Many restaurants and bars haven't been able to re-open. There aren't a ton of restaurants outside of the resorts, but those who are open are good. Luckily the resorts all have different restaurants to choose from. In the hotel we stayed at, they offered four different restaurants.

Mauritius has an exciting variety of cultures, as the country has been a Dutch, French and lastly English colony before becoming independent. The population consists of chinese, indian og african people among others. This naturally influences the food culture in the country. We enjoyed curries and asian cuisines, and my impression is that they master sea food. 

Activities for the adventurous and those most comfortable on a sun bed 

If you wish to explore the island outside of the resort, Mauritius has some outstanding nature packed with adventures both in the jungle, mountains and in water. If you have enough energy, Le Monde is a nice hike. The trail has a dark history dating back to the slavery.

Personally I think there's something beautiful about walking in historic steps, not only to get to know the country you're visiting, but also yourself. There are also arranged trips in the jungle where you can experience the scenery on a four wheel or a really long zip-line. There are no dangerous animals on the island, but there is a reservatory where tourists can greet giant turtles, giraffes and other exotic animals.

Mauritius' strength is definitely its beautiful beaches. We went on the hotel's own catamaran trip. My partner and the two other couples on board enjoyed a cold beer, while I was enjoying my soda. We were served a tasty BBQ. Island hopping, dolphins, turtles and gorgeous fish were never too far away. Experiencing the shores of Mauritius is recommended. Windsurfing, jetski, diving and other water activities are also easily accessible, although I mostly enjoyed the view and read my book. 

Mauritius is also one of the world's best golf destinations. The island has a few internationally known golf courses, and has also received the title “Golf destination of the year for Africa, Indian Ocean and Gulf States”.

In short

Mauritius is a destination for relaxation. It's family friendly, and traveling with kids works just as well as a romantic getaway. This is not the place to go if you want to get loose with your friends.