My husband and I are thinking of a last hurrah trip before starting a family, and we're both torn whether to visit Croatia or France? We both appreciate great food, history, natural beauty and old world charm. But more of a factor for us is which one would be harder to visit once we do have children, so we can take advantage of that now. I also may be expecting during that trip. I definitely understand at the end of the day it's up to our personal preferences, but if you've been to either place or even both and can draw comparisons that would be great! Thanks in advance!
Eileen
Posted by
Provo, UT
175 posts
I can't speak to Croatia, or to traveling with kids, but I can speak to traveling while pregnant...be careful! I know you didn't ask this, but I want to throw my experience out there anyway. You probably have girlfriends who can tell you the same thing. I really wouldn't want to embark on a great adventure during the first trimester. You just don't know what it's going to be like for you. You'll most likely be tired frequently, require naps, and will most likely need to constantly snack to avoid nausea. You never know what foods or smells will really make you feel ill and it might change day to day. And you really don't know how much you'll vomit. I lucked out with my first child and didn't throw up every day, but you just don't know (at least, until you've been pregnant once). I had a friend who threw up at least twice a day until she delivered. It's no picnic, and I wouldn't want to be in Europe trying to enjoy myself through the morning sickness. Or worse...going through a miscarriage while abroad. I really, really wanted to pick my sister up from her study abroad in Vienna, and couldn't because of work, but it was actually quite fortunate I didn't. I ended up miscarrying my first pregnancy the very week I would have been in Europe. So, I know it sounds easyget pregnant earlier so you'll be in the 2nd trimester when it will be more comfortable, but good luck with that. Some people get pregnant when they want to, and others don't. I'm sorry if I sound discouraging, but I would personally really hate to spend the money to get to Europe and then not enjoy it because I'm dealing with morning sickness. Be careful with conception, or wait to book flights and hotels until you know you're pregnant and can plan for the 2nd trimester, and enjoy your last hurrah! Good luck! And buy travel insurance!
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2185 posts
We've been to both places twice, and love them both. But I'd say do Croatia now, before you have children. Traveling and excursions in Croatia often involve ferries and boats, which can be difficult with strollers and nervewracking with young, active children. There can be lots of steps to get to hotels (although you can minimize this in your hotel selection). And finally, Croatia is probably another leg on the flight, and you're already making a long trip. The possibility of being pregnant of course adds another layer of complexity to the trip. I wish you well with both!