We are thinking about spending a couple of weeks in a vacation home or a villa, once the baby has arrived, after shots and vaccinations have been administered, but before my maternity leave is over. Michael's parents are also keen to meet the newest grandbaby, and would fly out to meet us.
We have friends who went to Indonesia with their newborn for a month, and listening to their stories of relaxing in pool villas was very inspiring!
It turns out that it's actually kind of hard to pick a location if you give yourself relatively free reign over the globe. We have managed to narrow it down to the following:
New Zealand -
pros: a place we have wanted to go for a long time and have never been, beautiful natural settings, fresh food, not crowded, good weather in March/April
cons: remote, far for everyone, we wouldn't be able to do most of the activities that we want
Japan -
pros: very hygienic, baby and kid-friendly, delicious food, a new country/experience for all other visitors except me and Michael, less travel time for me and Michael
cons: still quite far for all our other visitors, will be cold
Southern France or Tuscany/Umbria -
pros: I confess I have a soft spot for spending an extended time in Europe (who doesn't?!), and the food and atmosphere will be amazing
cons: will be a bit chilly, some of the areas are pretty rustic and rural, and I don't know if we should be closer to, say, a hospital or a big metro center in case something goes wrong
Personally, I think a house or pool villa in Indonesia or Vietnam would be nice and relaxing, but Michael seems to be "over" the Southeast Asia thing (I mean, really, how ridiculous, but who am I to judge).
pros: cheap, beautiful, great service, likely very kid friendly, easy to get to, warm
cons: not that much culture, not a new experience
Finally, one of the other things to consider is whether we could baptize the baby while abroad? One of my colleagues ended up doing that for his baby in Paris. That could be fun too...but I have no idea the logistics of such a thing. Yet another thing to research.
We have friends who went to Indonesia with their newborn for a month, and listening to their stories of relaxing in pool villas was very inspiring!
It turns out that it's actually kind of hard to pick a location if you give yourself relatively free reign over the globe. We have managed to narrow it down to the following:
New Zealand -
pros: a place we have wanted to go for a long time and have never been, beautiful natural settings, fresh food, not crowded, good weather in March/April
cons: remote, far for everyone, we wouldn't be able to do most of the activities that we want
Japan -
pros: very hygienic, baby and kid-friendly, delicious food, a new country/experience for all other visitors except me and Michael, less travel time for me and Michael
cons: still quite far for all our other visitors, will be cold
Southern France or Tuscany/Umbria -
pros: I confess I have a soft spot for spending an extended time in Europe (who doesn't?!), and the food and atmosphere will be amazing
cons: will be a bit chilly, some of the areas are pretty rustic and rural, and I don't know if we should be closer to, say, a hospital or a big metro center in case something goes wrong
Personally, I think a house or pool villa in Indonesia or Vietnam would be nice and relaxing, but Michael seems to be "over" the Southeast Asia thing (I mean, really, how ridiculous, but who am I to judge).
pros: cheap, beautiful, great service, likely very kid friendly, easy to get to, warm
cons: not that much culture, not a new experience
Finally, one of the other things to consider is whether we could baptize the baby while abroad? One of my colleagues ended up doing that for his baby in Paris. That could be fun too...but I have no idea the logistics of such a thing. Yet another thing to research.
i personally wouldn't worry about being too far from a hospital, i find most towns have doctors who can treat basic childhood things that arise on vacation-- but only you know if you would be comfortable with that. Europe seems like a good half way option for you and the in laws-- what about southern spain or southern italy, or portugal, where it would be warmer? or if you are feeling exotic, morocco? otherwise, if your guests don't mind travelling, New Zealand would be my vote. and you would be amazed how much you can do with a 4-7m old baby and a baby carrier....
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you! I find that very reassuring. Given the weather, it probably would be better to try for Portugal or Southern Italy(maybe Capri, which could be really amazing for Easter)? I think you're right, it's likely going to come down to Southern Europe or else NZ.
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