After discovering I was pregnant with our first child, my vision for a babymoon shifted. I realized that becoming a mother would mean making some lifestyle changes, including fewer solo trips, particularly in the early days. So, during my second trimester, I decided on a solo babymoon in Grindelwald, located in the breathtaking Jungfrau Region of Switzerland, famous for its stunning natural scenery, scenic alpine trails, and endless outdoor activities.
While I cherish exploring new places with my husband, travel isn’t his top priority. As someone who values independence and alone time—something I know will be rare after the baby arrives—I felt it made more sense to embark on this journey solo. I’ve taken a solo honeymoon before, so I was already comfortable navigating and enjoying an unfamiliar place by myself. Plus, traveling alone would give me the chance to reflect and prepare emotionally for this new chapter in my life.
My solo babymoon turned out to be more fulfilling than I had anticipated, and I’m excited to share these adventures with my future child one day.
### I reveled in the peace and quiet
Having kids certainly ups the noise level at home. So, I made a conscious decision to soak in the tranquility of Grindelwald. The soothing sounds of nature—like the gentle chiming of cowbells and cheerful bird songs—were incredibly refreshing.
Dining alone allowed me to fully engage my senses—the rich aroma of fondue and the sight of delicate edelweiss blooming just outside my window. Mindfulness is something I hope to carry into motherhood, and this trip felt like the perfect way to begin that journey.
### My confidence blossomed
Getting from the Zurich airport to my hotel in Grindelwald involved navigating multiple train transfers. Usually, I lean on my husband to guide us through new places since navigating isn’t my strong suit. However, figuring it all out alone made me feel incredibly capable and self-sufficient. As I prepare for motherhood, I’ll gladly take all the confidence boosts I can get.
### I got out of my comfort zone
All my parent friends seem to echo the same advice: be ready for anything. As someone who tends to prefer predictability, I made a point to challenge myself to embrace flexibility and step outside my comfort zone during the trip. I initiated conversations with strangers, experimented with new foods like rösti, and roamed around the town without a map or GPS.
### I overcame a lifelong fear
Grindelwald was the perfect backdrop for facing my lifelong fear of heights. I rode the Eiger Express cable car on my first day and took a train to Europe’s highest railway station, which sits at 11,332 feet above sea level. That evening, I tackled a steep funicular ride up to Harder Kulm. On my last day, I walked along the First Cliff Walk, just 148 feet above the ground. While I felt some trepidation, successfully completing these challenges reminded me of my strength.
### I took time for self-care
Pregnancy has tested me both physically and emotionally, making self-care vital. For me, that often involves time spent in nature and pampering myself. Luckily, my solo babymoon allowed for both. I made friends with the local animals—cows, goats, donkeys, and llamas—while exploring the village. At Hotel Aspen’s highly-rated wellness center, I treated myself to a massage for my aching back and a facial for my hormone-related skin issues.
### I put my physical endurance to the test
Childbirth is undoubtedly going to be one of the most physically demanding things I’ve ever done. I used my solo babymoon as a time to reconnect with my strength. I hiked from First to Bachalpsee Lake, a challenging journey just under four miles that took two hours, featuring plenty of uphill climbs. I also tackled the snowy Jungfrau Eiger walk, navigating the slippery descent with determination. Each of these accomplishments served as a powerful reminder of what my body is capable of.
### I had time to focus on some personal passions
At the beginning of the year, I set a goal to complete my screenplay before the summer, knowing that my time would become limited with a newborn. I was thrilled to find a private deck off my hotel room with stunning mountain views, and I spent hours writing there each day, sipping cappuccinos in the morning and enjoying Swiss chocolate at night. Additionally, I packed a journal for my future son, chronicling our adventures together, perhaps inspiring him to embark on his own travels someday.