A Journey Through the Last Moments of Freedom
Before the baby arrives, there’s a sense of urgency to experience as much of the world as possible. As a travel writer expecting a child, this sentiment is even more profound. From solo trips to family adventures, each journey holds a special place in the heart, marking the last moments of freedom before life changes forever.
The Solo Trip: A Journey to Greece
Greece had always been on my bucket list, and for good reason. The movieMamma Mia!sparked a dream of exploring the Greek islands, where the beaches, bougainvillea, and Mediterranean charm promise an unforgettable experience. When I received an invitation to visit Paros and Santorini with the Andronis hotel group, it felt like fate. Though I couldn’t bring a plus-one, I embraced the opportunity to reconnect with myself.
Paros, a sleepy island in the Cyclades, offers a different vibe from the party scene of Mykonos. Arriving by flight or ferry, the island’s rugged landscape and white architecture welcome visitors with quiet beauty. Staying at the Andronis Minois hotel, I explored Naousa, a charming village filled with restaurants and shops. Taking pictures of the hot pink bougainvillea was a daily ritual, as if I were living in a movie set.
A pottery class at Keramiko in Lefkes became one of the highlights of my trip. Under the shade of a carob tree, painting an olive oil dish reminded me of the joy of being present in the moment. Then came Santorini, where the Andronis Luxury Suites offered breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. With private pools and fine dining, the experience was pure indulgence. Floating in the water, I marveled at how lucky my baby already was.
The Sibling Trip: A Shared Adventure in Cabo
After my solo trip, I longed for the company of my brother. When an opportunity arose to interview a chef at the Waldorf Astoria in Cabo, I invited him along. The direct flight from New York made the journey manageable, though the lack of in-flight meals was a minor inconvenience. The culinary weekend at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal was a feast for the senses, featuring celebrity chefs and live music.
Staying in a casita with its own pool and a dedicated butler named Ricardo, we enjoyed the luxury of our surroundings. Whale watching outside our door and a sweaty hike through a tunnel added adventure to our stay. But the highlight was sitting with my brother, sharing a virgin margarita and chips and guac, talking for hours. It was a rare moment of connection that reminded us of the bond we share.
The Family Trip: A Visit to Devon
As my window for international travel closed, I needed to visit my husband’s father, who lives in rural Devon, England. The journey from New York wasn’t easy, but we broke it up with a night at the Shangri-La hotel in London. The highest hotel pool in western Europe offered a stunning view of the city, and afternoon tea provided a much-needed boost after the long flight.
The next day, we traveled to Devon, where we spent a week with my husband’s family. Fixing phones and computers became part of our routine, but the real highlight was staying at Lympstone Manor, a Relais & Chateaux property. The Michelin-star restaurant, croquet on the lawn, and guided walks around the estate created memories that will last a lifetime. Our conversations during these walks revealed deep insights about life, family, and what it means to build a home.
The Friend Trip: A Road Trip to Remember
With my third trimester approaching, flights were no longer an option. Instead, I planned a road trip to visit three friends on the East Coast. Borrowing a comfortable Rivian R1S, we drove from New York to Providence and Boston, enjoying the scenic route. Napping in the back while my husband ferried me around, I relished the chance to catch up with old friends.
Staying with friends, I cherished the intimacy of their routines, from making coffee in pajamas to sharing a bathroom. It was a reminder of the simple joys that would soon be harder to come by. As my energy levels dipped and chub rub became a reality, I found comfort in knowing that a village of loved ones would soon support our new chapter.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I think about the long road to this point—years of infertility, a pregnancy loss, and countless moments of nausea. Yet here I am, filled with gratitude for the relationships that have supported me along the way. As my baby grows inside me, I’ll tell her about the adventures we shared: eating octopus in Greece, sipping tea in London, and enjoying Rhode Island-style calamari. What a gift, what a joy, what a life.
