travel
Most ladies have inhibitions about travelling while pregnant. Especially if its their first pregnancy. The fear of unknown - the journey in itself, the new place we are travelling to, unsure of the medical and hygiene factors there, etc. All the fears of travelling of the mum to be are because she doesn't want to take chances with her unborn baby.
Sometimes the doctor might advise not to travel. I had a low lying placenta at my 12 weeks scan and the doctor told me to not travel i.e by any mode of transport till the placenta got up.
In early pregnancy ( till 12 weeks ) jerks can be dangerous so it is advised to keep that risk to minimum. To be cautious of travelling by bus or car on bumpy roads or best avoided. Most airlines ask for a fit to travel certificate post 32 weeks. Train travel is the smoothest of all.
Having said that most ladies don't know they are pregnant until 5 or 6 weeks. So they just go about their life the usual way. I myself took 2 flights including 1 long haul flight from UK to India and made numerous train journeys in the first month of my pregnancy. I had no symptoms until week 5 and sometimes got my period a few days late, so.
At my 20 weeks scan the placenta had moved up so my doctor lifted the travel restrictions. I was happy to finally not be bound but as a first time mum to be i had so many fears - i just didn't know how travelling will be. Hoped my body wouldn't behave in some weird way. Anyways i had loads of advice from family, friends and the doc so i am sharing it all here, including my personal experience from my first travel at 23 weeks that happened to be on a long haul flight!!!!
1. Before planning any travel make sure you get a green signal from your doc. My pregnancy was an unplanned surprise. My husband and I like absolute nerds didn't know anything about being pregnant and what all it involved. I had heard from the ladies in my family to be careful and not travel the first 12 weeks thats it. In our oblivion we booked our flight to the UK from India and a holiday in Italy and Switzerland. Only to be told by the doc at the 12 weeks scan that i have low lying placenta and not fit to travel till it goes up which we will only find out at our 20 weeks scan!!!! Bummer!!! The flights had no policy for cancellation due to pregnancy so we ended up taking that hit. Luckily Airbnb was very cooperative and we were able to cancel our accommodations for 0 cost after providing a doctors certificate to Airbnb.
2. Carry a copy of your prenatal records including ultrasound in your hand luggage.
3. Take all your prenatal medicines with you. Keep travel portions in your hand luggage so your medicine routine is not disturbed because of travelling.
4. Research well on the hygiene, sanitary and medical facilities of the place you are travelling to. So you are well prepared. In general drink packaged water, don't eat raw cut fruits or vegetables and be careful with using toilets.
5. Wear easy breezy loose clothes and comfy shoes. Like my loose shirt dress and flats. Keep easy layers in your carry on bag because flights can be cold. I kept a pair of leggings and a cardigan.
6. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the journey. Keep sipping on that water.
7. Every hour or so take a walk inside the flight / train. Stop the car and walk a bit if travelling by car. This one is super important for long haul flights or when travelling long distance by train or car or bus. Walking keeps your blood circulation moving and prevents clots.
8. Eat something every couple of hours. Bring your snacks, don’t just depend on the flight food and beverage service.
9. Get yourself pregnancy stockings and wear them on long haul flights. They prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis ( Dvt ) a sort of a clot that can form due to sitting for prolonged periods. Walking helps too.
10. Do not hesitate to ask for help. Be it for lifting your luggage or anything. People are super kind and helpful, actually more than we expect most times.
11. Don’t go through the glass cabin like detectors. There wasn’t one at Delhi airport but London Heathrow and Birmingham airport have ones in place. Ask the security to search you physically.
12. Take the aisle seat in the flight - helps with frequent trips to the toilet.
13. Being on a cruise or ship can make / add to your nausea so best avoided unless you are a pro.
14. Be confident that you can do it you are only pregnant not sick. This is the most important. Be cautious and listen to your body. Follow the safety measure advised by the doctor but also remember the more normal you take yourself and your pregnancy the easier it will be. Don't let people get you - sometimes the mothers and aunties are too much.
Love
Chichi
Tips on travelling while pregnant
Most ladies have inhibitions about travelling while pregnant. Especially if its their first pregnancy. The fear of unknown - the journey in itself, the new place we are travelling to, unsure of the medical and hygiene factors there, etc. All the fears of travelling of the mum to be are because she doesn't want to take chances with her unborn baby.
Sometimes the doctor might advise not to travel. I had a low lying placenta at my 12 weeks scan and the doctor told me to not travel i.e by any mode of transport till the placenta got up.
In early pregnancy ( till 12 weeks ) jerks can be dangerous so it is advised to keep that risk to minimum. To be cautious of travelling by bus or car on bumpy roads or best avoided. Most airlines ask for a fit to travel certificate post 32 weeks. Train travel is the smoothest of all.
Having said that most ladies don't know they are pregnant until 5 or 6 weeks. So they just go about their life the usual way. I myself took 2 flights including 1 long haul flight from UK to India and made numerous train journeys in the first month of my pregnancy. I had no symptoms until week 5 and sometimes got my period a few days late, so.
At my 20 weeks scan the placenta had moved up so my doctor lifted the travel restrictions. I was happy to finally not be bound but as a first time mum to be i had so many fears - i just didn't know how travelling will be. Hoped my body wouldn't behave in some weird way. Anyways i had loads of advice from family, friends and the doc so i am sharing it all here, including my personal experience from my first travel at 23 weeks that happened to be on a long haul flight!!!!
1. Before planning any travel make sure you get a green signal from your doc. My pregnancy was an unplanned surprise. My husband and I like absolute nerds didn't know anything about being pregnant and what all it involved. I had heard from the ladies in my family to be careful and not travel the first 12 weeks thats it. In our oblivion we booked our flight to the UK from India and a holiday in Italy and Switzerland. Only to be told by the doc at the 12 weeks scan that i have low lying placenta and not fit to travel till it goes up which we will only find out at our 20 weeks scan!!!! Bummer!!! The flights had no policy for cancellation due to pregnancy so we ended up taking that hit. Luckily Airbnb was very cooperative and we were able to cancel our accommodations for 0 cost after providing a doctors certificate to Airbnb.
2. Carry a copy of your prenatal records including ultrasound in your hand luggage.
3. Take all your prenatal medicines with you. Keep travel portions in your hand luggage so your medicine routine is not disturbed because of travelling.
4. Research well on the hygiene, sanitary and medical facilities of the place you are travelling to. So you are well prepared. In general drink packaged water, don't eat raw cut fruits or vegetables and be careful with using toilets.
5. Wear easy breezy loose clothes and comfy shoes. Like my loose shirt dress and flats. Keep easy layers in your carry on bag because flights can be cold. I kept a pair of leggings and a cardigan.
6. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the journey. Keep sipping on that water.
7. Every hour or so take a walk inside the flight / train. Stop the car and walk a bit if travelling by car. This one is super important for long haul flights or when travelling long distance by train or car or bus. Walking keeps your blood circulation moving and prevents clots.
8. Eat something every couple of hours. Bring your snacks, don’t just depend on the flight food and beverage service.
9. Get yourself pregnancy stockings and wear them on long haul flights. They prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis ( Dvt ) a sort of a clot that can form due to sitting for prolonged periods. Walking helps too.
10. Do not hesitate to ask for help. Be it for lifting your luggage or anything. People are super kind and helpful, actually more than we expect most times.
11. Don’t go through the glass cabin like detectors. There wasn’t one at Delhi airport but London Heathrow and Birmingham airport have ones in place. Ask the security to search you physically.
12. Take the aisle seat in the flight - helps with frequent trips to the toilet.
13. Being on a cruise or ship can make / add to your nausea so best avoided unless you are a pro.
14. Be confident that you can do it you are only pregnant not sick. This is the most important. Be cautious and listen to your body. Follow the safety measure advised by the doctor but also remember the more normal you take yourself and your pregnancy the easier it will be. Don't let people get you - sometimes the mothers and aunties are too much.
Love
Chichi
It's March and that means spring aka the blossom season is soon here. And who doesn’t love spring ? A reminder and a lesson for us to learn that no winter ever lasts forever. It's not only the best time to soak into the glory of mother nature but also one of the best times to photograph it in its happiest colourful form. The Tulips of Netherlands, the Cherry blossoms of Japan, the yellow spring of Sweden all beautiful and stunning. Excited for spring travel? So here are my 5 favourite places to wander, marvel and take photos of during this spring time.
1. Japan - The land of the rising sun becomes ever so beautiful covered with sakura the Cherry blossoms. Experiencing spring in Japan is definitely a must in ones lifetime.
2. Netherlands - Think Netherlands, Think Tulips. Love the symmetry of the Tulip flower. Fields and fields of red, yellow, orange in Netherlands. It seems like the earth is exploding with colours. Mid April is the peak season for tulips and if you want to avoid the crowds of the famous Lisse head to Hillegom.
3. London - My favourite city in the world is no less stunning than the best during spring. That is the thing about London. It does justice to every season. Hyde Park, Regents Park are beautiful but Greenwich Park is the most stunning during spring. Lined with rows of Cherry Blossoms. My favourite London Neighbourhood, Notting hill looks particularly picturesque. The flowers against candy colour houses there make great pictures. South Kensington has some blossom trees at great spots too. Also London shops and cafes do beautiful spring flower installations that make great pictures.
4. Yunnan, China - China is so huge and diverse and it has so many different flowers and colours. Vaibhav visited Kunming last year and he was in total awe of the variety of flowers he experienced there. Kunming is also known as the spring city of China.
5. Sweden - Yes Sweden is cold and that's why at the hint of warm temps the nation gets real excited for spring. People want to dine in the open and just want to stay in the outdoors at every opportunity possible. The nature gives Sweden a carpet of yellow flowers in spring. The most luminous of all the colours of the spectrum signifying enlightenment, sunshine, creativity and very rightly Spring. Head to Malmo, Sweden to experience yellow in its natural glory.
These are my favourite spring destinations? Love to hear from you about your favourite spring destinations and experiences. let me know in the comments below.
Love
Chichi
5 most beautiful places to visit in spring
It's March and that means spring aka the blossom season is soon here. And who doesn’t love spring ? A reminder and a lesson for us to learn that no winter ever lasts forever. It's not only the best time to soak into the glory of mother nature but also one of the best times to photograph it in its happiest colourful form. The Tulips of Netherlands, the Cherry blossoms of Japan, the yellow spring of Sweden all beautiful and stunning. Excited for spring travel? So here are my 5 favourite places to wander, marvel and take photos of during this spring time.
1. Japan - The land of the rising sun becomes ever so beautiful covered with sakura the Cherry blossoms. Experiencing spring in Japan is definitely a must in ones lifetime.
2. Netherlands - Think Netherlands, Think Tulips. Love the symmetry of the Tulip flower. Fields and fields of red, yellow, orange in Netherlands. It seems like the earth is exploding with colours. Mid April is the peak season for tulips and if you want to avoid the crowds of the famous Lisse head to Hillegom.
3. London - My favourite city in the world is no less stunning than the best during spring. That is the thing about London. It does justice to every season. Hyde Park, Regents Park are beautiful but Greenwich Park is the most stunning during spring. Lined with rows of Cherry Blossoms. My favourite London Neighbourhood, Notting hill looks particularly picturesque. The flowers against candy colour houses there make great pictures. South Kensington has some blossom trees at great spots too. Also London shops and cafes do beautiful spring flower installations that make great pictures.
4. Yunnan, China - China is so huge and diverse and it has so many different flowers and colours. Vaibhav visited Kunming last year and he was in total awe of the variety of flowers he experienced there. Kunming is also known as the spring city of China.
5. Sweden - Yes Sweden is cold and that's why at the hint of warm temps the nation gets real excited for spring. People want to dine in the open and just want to stay in the outdoors at every opportunity possible. The nature gives Sweden a carpet of yellow flowers in spring. The most luminous of all the colours of the spectrum signifying enlightenment, sunshine, creativity and very rightly Spring. Head to Malmo, Sweden to experience yellow in its natural glory.
These are my favourite spring destinations? Love to hear from you about your favourite spring destinations and experiences. let me know in the comments below.
Love
Chichi
The title of the post gave it to you that this colourful piece of geography, Portmeirion, is in the UK otherwise most whether from UK or elsewhere would have struggled hard and in all probability said this place is in Italy or Greece.
We stopped at Portmeirion for 5-6 hours while visiting Wales. And i have to admit that i was absolutely awe struck and couldn't believe that such a vibrant, colourful and unique village that had Italy written all over it was actually part of the UK. The United Kingdom surprises you beyond bounds if you dare to explore.
1. A bit of history - Portmeirion is a tourist village in Gwynedd, North Wales. It was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 in the style of an Italian village
2. How to get to Potmeirion- Its a perched in so does not have its own train station. The nearest one is Minffordd station which has connections from all parts of the UK. From Minffordd, Portmeirion is a 20 min walk. If staying in The Portmeirion hotel you can ask for a free shuttle from Minffordd station. You can easily find out the best route for your time of travel on Google maps or Rome2rio.
3. There is an entry fee to get inside the village which i didn't expect. The village is maintained by a charity and the entry fees goes into the maintenance and welfare of the village.
4. On the coastline of Wales it one of the best seaside places to holiday in the UK. A great place to honeymoon as well in the UK. The Portemeirion hotel is right on the waterfront but i am sure you can find fab airbnbs in the village.
5. Their are a few open air small restaurants and tea rooms in the village. The food is good. Definitely satisfy the hungry tourist. We reached at about 12 and after a bit of exploring had an Italian lunch. Then explored a bit more and had tea. There are many gelato shops too.
6. Wander around the streets soaking into all the ornate Italian touches. Beautiful manicured gardens with the loveliest flowers. Rolling hills on one side and coastline on the other. One can spend hours and hours in this lovely paradise but just for reference, at a stretch you can cover the whole village in about 2 hours or so.
7. We also went on a group hiking trail further deep in the village. Surrounded by loads of fauna and ended it at a beautiful lake which seemed like in the middle of nowhere.
8. Near the coastline is a beautiful structure of white and blue which reminded me of Greece actually.
9. There is a cave trail as well near the coastline, quite fun for kids.
10. Portmeirion is an absolute heaven for Instagrammers. Just look at the spots.
11. You can also do some shopping of beautiful pottery when there.
We were in Portmeirion for 5-6 hours and were able to check out the whole village, take beautiful pictures and also have lunch plus tea. Definitely like a definite one to add to your itinerary when visiting wales. And A MUST VISIT PLACE in the UK that also deserves to be chosen for a night or two of relaxation. Portmeirion, truly special, well deserves a spot in top colourful places to visit in Europe.
Love
Chichi
Portmeirion Wales, the most colourful vibrant village in the UK
The title of the post gave it to you that this colourful piece of geography, Portmeirion, is in the UK otherwise most whether from UK or elsewhere would have struggled hard and in all probability said this place is in Italy or Greece.
We stopped at Portmeirion for 5-6 hours while visiting Wales. And i have to admit that i was absolutely awe struck and couldn't believe that such a vibrant, colourful and unique village that had Italy written all over it was actually part of the UK. The United Kingdom surprises you beyond bounds if you dare to explore.
1. A bit of history - Portmeirion is a tourist village in Gwynedd, North Wales. It was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 in the style of an Italian village
2. How to get to Potmeirion- Its a perched in so does not have its own train station. The nearest one is Minffordd station which has connections from all parts of the UK. From Minffordd, Portmeirion is a 20 min walk. If staying in The Portmeirion hotel you can ask for a free shuttle from Minffordd station. You can easily find out the best route for your time of travel on Google maps or Rome2rio.
3. There is an entry fee to get inside the village which i didn't expect. The village is maintained by a charity and the entry fees goes into the maintenance and welfare of the village.
4. On the coastline of Wales it one of the best seaside places to holiday in the UK. A great place to honeymoon as well in the UK. The Portemeirion hotel is right on the waterfront but i am sure you can find fab airbnbs in the village.
5. Their are a few open air small restaurants and tea rooms in the village. The food is good. Definitely satisfy the hungry tourist. We reached at about 12 and after a bit of exploring had an Italian lunch. Then explored a bit more and had tea. There are many gelato shops too.
6. Wander around the streets soaking into all the ornate Italian touches. Beautiful manicured gardens with the loveliest flowers. Rolling hills on one side and coastline on the other. One can spend hours and hours in this lovely paradise but just for reference, at a stretch you can cover the whole village in about 2 hours or so.
7. We also went on a group hiking trail further deep in the village. Surrounded by loads of fauna and ended it at a beautiful lake which seemed like in the middle of nowhere.
8. Near the coastline is a beautiful structure of white and blue which reminded me of Greece actually.
9. There is a cave trail as well near the coastline, quite fun for kids.
10. Portmeirion is an absolute heaven for Instagrammers. Just look at the spots.
11. You can also do some shopping of beautiful pottery when there.
We were in Portmeirion for 5-6 hours and were able to check out the whole village, take beautiful pictures and also have lunch plus tea. Definitely like a definite one to add to your itinerary when visiting wales. And A MUST VISIT PLACE in the UK that also deserves to be chosen for a night or two of relaxation. Portmeirion, truly special, well deserves a spot in top colourful places to visit in Europe.
Love
Chichi
No matter how much i love London its definitely not the synonym for cities in the United Kingdom. There are many vibrant, eye catching, full of things to do cities with the sweet weight of tradition. Cambridge is one of the tops. Its a university city and the moment you set foot you can tell that. Students an students, cycles an cycles.
1. Cambridge is just about 45 mins on train from London. So its an easy option to include in your itinerary even if its your first time in the UK. You can get a different and more authentic taste of England with a lot of character.
2. Its a fairly small city with loads packed in it making Cambridge a great choice for day trips.
3. Cambridge is home to 31 colleges each unique in their own way. Visiting all can be a lot but when in the city the must visit will be the Kings college with its stunning chapel. You actually wouldn't miss this one. The magnificent structure is visible from everywhere and its almost the case of 'all roads lead to it'. Another college that you would love to check out is Corpus Christi College. One of the most beautiful in Cambridge with a stunning Corpus clock nearby to marvel at.
4. Kings college chapel is awe inspiring in the literal sense. Both from inside and outside. When inside do check out the fan vault ceiling, the largest in the world and the wooden screen featuring some of the best italian wooden carvings in the UK as on date. Its called the Rood screen and was a gift from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn.
5. Definitely do punting. Its a great way to see the city and parts that you wouldn't be able to see otherwise. If short on time you can check out most colleges from a distance while punting. Most punters are well versed with the history of Cambridge so with punting you not only see the sights but also learn about the history of the city and the colleges as you pass them.
6. Marvel at the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical bridge while punting.
Have you visited Cambridge ?
Love
Chichi
Cambridge, must visit city in England and things to do
No matter how much i love London its definitely not the synonym for cities in the United Kingdom. There are many vibrant, eye catching, full of things to do cities with the sweet weight of tradition. Cambridge is one of the tops. Its a university city and the moment you set foot you can tell that. Students an students, cycles an cycles.
1. Cambridge is just about 45 mins on train from London. So its an easy option to include in your itinerary even if its your first time in the UK. You can get a different and more authentic taste of England with a lot of character.
2. Its a fairly small city with loads packed in it making Cambridge a great choice for day trips.
3. Cambridge is home to 31 colleges each unique in their own way. Visiting all can be a lot but when in the city the must visit will be the Kings college with its stunning chapel. You actually wouldn't miss this one. The magnificent structure is visible from everywhere and its almost the case of 'all roads lead to it'. Another college that you would love to check out is Corpus Christi College. One of the most beautiful in Cambridge with a stunning Corpus clock nearby to marvel at.
4. Kings college chapel is awe inspiring in the literal sense. Both from inside and outside. When inside do check out the fan vault ceiling, the largest in the world and the wooden screen featuring some of the best italian wooden carvings in the UK as on date. Its called the Rood screen and was a gift from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn.
5. Definitely do punting. Its a great way to see the city and parts that you wouldn't be able to see otherwise. If short on time you can check out most colleges from a distance while punting. Most punters are well versed with the history of Cambridge so with punting you not only see the sights but also learn about the history of the city and the colleges as you pass them.
6. Marvel at the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical bridge while punting.
Have you visited Cambridge ?
Love
Chichi
As beautiful as London is Christmas this year was prettier than ever. The shops, restaurants even estate agents have got on the decoration bandwagon with full love. I should speak less in this post and just let the photos speak how beautiful London looked during christmas this time. You will also find some of my outfits i wore during the christmas holiday period!!!
Annabels Mayfair was definitely the highlight this year.
Covent Garden, beautiful as always.
Mayfair - Even the estate agents jumped on the decoration bandwagon.
Belgravia- My favourite place always beautiful.
Oxford street
One new change - they put up christmas wings on the rooftop terrace. Stunning. This picture almost looks like from a different world.
People of London are definitely spoiled around christmas time. And in my opinion it is the best time to be in London.
Suggested - Why December is the best month to be in London
- Reasons to love London
- Best day trip from London
- The cutest streets in London
- How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in London
- Best day trip from London
- The cutest streets in London
- How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in London
Love
Chichi
London Christmas decorations 2018
As beautiful as London is Christmas this year was prettier than ever. The shops, restaurants even estate agents have got on the decoration bandwagon with full love. I should speak less in this post and just let the photos speak how beautiful London looked during christmas this time. You will also find some of my outfits i wore during the christmas holiday period!!!
Annabels Mayfair was definitely the highlight this year.
Covent Garden, beautiful as always.
Mayfair - Even the estate agents jumped on the decoration bandwagon.
Belgravia- My favourite place always beautiful.
Oxford street
One new change - they put up christmas wings on the rooftop terrace. Stunning. This picture almost looks like from a different world.
People of London are definitely spoiled around christmas time. And in my opinion it is the best time to be in London.
Suggested - Why December is the best month to be in London
- Reasons to love London
- Best day trip from London
- The cutest streets in London
- How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in London
- Best day trip from London
- The cutest streets in London
- How to spend the most perfect 24 hours in London
Love
Chichi
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