One of the first things I did after receiving a positive pregnancy test was dive into research for my next adventure. As a first-time mom with a passion for exploration, I’ve longed to embark on a solo trip while pregnant. I figured the second trimester would be ideal—morning sickness would have faded, and I’d still have ample energy to discover new places.
I ultimately chose London for several reasons. The direct flight from my home city is under seven hours, which felt quite manageable during pregnancy. Additionally, my mother lived in London during the ’80s, just before I was born. Returning to one of her beloved cities felt like a beautiful full circle as I prepared for motherhood.
Traveling solo while pregnant came with its challenges—there was no one to rub my tired feet after a long day of sightseeing or help with my luggage. However, there were significant benefits: I could set my own pace and enjoy an entire king-sized hotel bed to myself.
That said, there are a few things I wish I had done differently.
### I wish I’d splurged on a plane seat with extra legroom
I took several steps ahead of time to ensure a comfortable travel experience. I packed light, wore compression socks, and brought a neck pillow and portable fan on the plane. However, reflecting on my journey, I regret not investing a bit more in an extra legroom seat. Standard seating already feels cramped, and accommodating my growing belly would have made sleeping on my red-eye flight much easier. Extra space could have also helped with circulation and discomfort, which are crucial during pregnancy.
### I’m glad I kept location in mind when booking a hotel
I knew I wanted my hotel to be within walking distance of key attractions, so I chose the Marriott Hotel County Hall, conveniently located near the London Eye and the River Thames. This decision paid off, as it allowed me to rest between activities without spending much on Uber rides. My feet ended the day free of swelling, making the experience much more enjoyable.
### I regret not asking more people to take photos of me
One downside of solo travel is missing out on group photos. Although I captured countless shots of the places I visited and the food I enjoyed, there are few pictures of myself. I often felt too shy to ask strangers for help. While I’m thankful for the photos I do have, I recommend that fellow moms-to-be request as many snapshots as possible to cherish those moments.
### Researching local bars and restaurants with nonalcoholic options was a good call
Since enjoying local cuisine is one of my favorite aspects of travel, I took the time to find establishments with nonalcoholic beverages. Thankfully, many places in London offered impressive selections of nonalcoholic beers, wines, and innovative mocktails, allowing me to enjoy my vacation without feeling limited to just sparkling water.
### In retrospect, I wish I’d researched more places to buy souvenirs for the baby
I usually don’t buy souvenirs for myself when I travel, but upon returning home, I regretted not searching for special items for my baby. If I could redo the trip, I would explore unique shops to find a London-themed onesie or a personalized keepsake.
### One of the best things I did was keep a journal
Even though I didn’t focus much on souvenirs, I’m grateful I remembered to bring a journal. Each day, I took the time to write about the incredible experiences we shared, creating something meaningful for my future child. It gave me a wonderful way to reflect on my journey and will allow me to share these special moments with my child one day.