Our First Family Trip to Thailand:
Adventures with a Baby Bump One
Why We Chose Thailand
As my husband, our soon-to-arrive baby boy, and I mulled over our first international family trip, Thailand stood out as the perfect choice. Known for its affordability and safety—a big plus for us as a black family—it promised an enriching experience. My husband had some reservations about traveling abroad, but the allure of Thailand’s culture and scenery won him over. Our adventure started with a bargain: $400 flights from JFK that we couldn’t pass up.
Traveling While Pregnant
At six months pregnant, I was buzzing with excitement, though I knew I had to take extra care. On the flight, I made sure to walk around every couple of hours to keep my circulation going and reduce the risk of blood clots. It was just us initially, but our travel party soon grew as a coworker and two friends joined us, adding to the fun.
Juggling my vacation days was a bit tricky since I only had eight paid days off. I decided to stretch my break to two and a half weeks, taking some days unpaid. It was a decision I didn’t regret—it was totally worth it!
Packing for the Tropics
We packed a mosquito net and lots of bug spray. The mosquitoes in Thailand’s tropical climate were a big concern, especially for me being pregnant, so I diligently coated myself several times a day.
The intense heat was something else! I quickly learned that my pregnancy shorts and tanks weren’t going to cut it. I switched to long cotton pants and shirts, which were much cooler and better for protecting my skin from the sun.
Our Thai Experience
Once we landed, we headed straight to Phuket. Ivan couldn’t wait to try jetskiing, so that was our first activity. Meanwhile, I fell in love with the fresh fruit smoothies and the affordable, soothing massages—absolute bliss for my pregnant body.
Dinners at the local night markets became our favorite routine, where we could get huge platters of rice for just $2. The portions were so generous that we never managed to finish them. Unfortunately, our beach day took a turn when I experienced heat stroke. The locals were incredibly caring, quickly offering fresh coconut juice, herbs, and oils to help me recover.
Experiencing Songkran
Day One of a week the Songkran, Thai New Years.
Our visit coincided with Songkran, the Thai New Year, known for its vibrant water fights. The tradition involves sprinkling water and smearing clay, which is fun but intense! We booked a hotel right in the midst of the celebrations but soon found it overwhelming. After a couple of days, we opted for a quieter hotel away from the main festivities.
Beyond the Celebrations
Away from Songkran’s hustle, we discovered more of what Bangkok had to offer. We tried durian fruit, caught a fabulous cabaret show, and explored the iconic floating market, the train market, and the stunning Grand Palace. Each experience brought us deeper into the heart of Thailand.
Winding Down in Chiang Mai
We wrapped up our trip in Chiang Mai, which was the perfect place to unwind. The pace was slower, the air cooler, and everything felt more laid-back. A memorable highlight was our visit to an elephant sanctuary where we had the incredible opportunity to feed elephants that had been injured in mines. It was a profoundly touching experience that underscored the importance of animal conservation and gave us a deeper appreciation for Thailand’s wildlife efforts.
Reflecting on Our Journey
Navigating Thailand with a baby bump had its challenges, but the warmth and kindness of the people we met made every moment worthwhile. This trip wasn’t just about seeing new places; it was about preparing for our new addition and growing as a family. We left Thailand with beautiful memories and a promise to return, next time with our little boy, ready to show him the incredible world out there.
