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Traveling while pregnant: Your complete guide

Unless you're nearing your due date or have certain complications, your healthcare provider will generally give you the green light for pregnancy travel. Here's how to safely explore – plus what to consider before making plans.

Is traveling while pregnant safe?

When to avoid pregnancy travel, when is the best time to travel while you're pregnant , can pregnant women travel during covid, when should you stop traveling while pregnant, your pregnancy travel checklist, when to call your doctor while traveling.

Yes, it's generally safe to travel during pregnancy as long as you're not too close to your due date and you're not experiencing any serious pregnancy complications. There are special precautions to take, of course, and you may find yourself stopping to use the bathroom more than you're used to, but that babymoon can be within reach.

Before you pack your suitcase, talk with your healthcare provider to make sure it’s safe for you to travel and that your destination is a good choice. You'll want to avoid places where infectious diseases are prevalent (or there are high outbreaks of Zika or malaria, for example). The COVID-19 pandemic has made people reconsider where they feel safe traveling as well; if you're fully vaccinated, the CDC says you can travel Opens a new window , but it's always best to check with your doctor first.

And bear in mind that the activities you take part in might be different than normal – you'll want to skip the Scuba diving lessons, for example (though snorkeling is okay!).

It's safe to fly when you're pregnant as well, and most airlines will allow you to fly domestically until about 36 weeks of pregnancy. International routes may have different rules, so be sure to check with your airline before booking anything. Your doctor will tell you to avoid flying, however, if you have a health concern that might require emergency care or any other health conditions that aren’t well controlled.

It's best to avoid traveling while pregnant if you have any health conditions that can be life-threatening to both you or your baby. If you have any of the following conditions, your doctor will almost certainly advise you against travel:

• Placental abruption  
• Preeclampsia
• You're in preterm or active labor
• Cervical insufficiency  (incompetent cervix)
• Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)
• A suspected ectopic pregnancy
• Vaginal bleeding

You might also need to be extra-cautious or skip travel if you're experiencing intrauterine growth restriction , you have placenta previa , or you have other conditions that may place your pregnancy at a higher risk. It’s always a good idea to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider before travel regarding any medical conditions you have, and they'll be able to advise you on what's best, depending on the trip.

The sweet spot for pregnancy travel is during your second trimester , between 14 weeks and 27 weeks. By the second trimester, any struggles you’ve had with morning sickness and fatigue during the earlier weeks of pregnancy should have hopefully subsided – and after 12 weeks, your risk of miscarriage decreases significantly as well. And you're not too far along to worry about third trimester exhaustion or going into preterm labor yet, either.

Your energy levels are likely to be good during your second trimester too (bring on the sightseeing!), and it will still be relatively easy and comfortable for you to travel and move around at this time. Keep in mind that once you hit that third trimester, pregnancy travel might be more difficult as you find it harder to move around and stay still for long periods of time.

It's complicated (and often a personal decision based on your own risk factors), but the CDC says that if you're fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you can travel. Of course, it's important you still do everything you can to keep yourself and others around you safe, including following all mask-wearing and social distancing guidelines in the destination you visit.

Women are at an increased risk for severe illness if they contract COVID-19 while pregnant , and they're more likely to experience preterm birth and other poor pregnancy outcomes. (This is why the CDC, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine all recommend that women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are planning on becoming pregnant get the COVID vaccine .)

If you're vaccinated and decide to travel, the CDC advises avoiding international destinations that are designated Level 4, due to high rates of local COVID-19 transmission.

Take all this information into account and talk to your doctor before you decide on where and when to travel while you're pregnant. And if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, whether while traveling or at home, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

The guidelines for when to stop traveling while you're pregnant vary based on your mode of travel, but more or less, you should wrap up travel before you're 36 weeks pregnant.

Most airlines will let pregnant women fly domestically until they're 36 weeks pregnant – and many cut that off earlier for international travel. This rule is often enforced on an honor system policy, but some airlines may ask for a doctor’s note – so make sure you have that from your healthcare provider if you're traveling in the third trimester, just in case.

Most cruise ships don't allow travel after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Some cruise lines' cutoff dates vary, so verify policies before booking a cruise.

As for road trips, there's no official deadline for when you need to stop traveling, but your personal comfort level (physically and emotionally) – and your doctor's advice – might help you decide. You can drive while pregnant all the way up until your due date, but things may get considerably less comfortable on longer trips as you approach full term.  

Travel of any kind requires advance preparation, but when you're pregnant and traveling, that pre-trip checklist gets a little longer. Give yourself a little more time than usual to plan for a trip – and use the tips below to stay safe and comfortable on your next adventure.

Before you travel

• Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if your trip is safe for you and if there are any medical concerns to consider. It's a good idea to discuss any activities you plan to do while you're away too. If you're planning an international trip, make sure to ask about any vaccines you may need for the areas you're visiting.
• Make sure you know your prenatal test schedule. Plan travels around any prenatal tests you need to schedule, including ultrasounds and other important screening tests.
• Book an aisle seat. You'll likely be more comfortable being able to get up to stretch or go to the bathroom on longer flights.
• Buy travel insurance. You don't need special travel insurance when you're pregnant, but it's never a bad idea to secure a policy. You may want to consider one with a “cancel for any reason” clause that reimburses you for money lost on cancelled trips for reasons (read: any reason) beyond what’s listed on the base policy. Check with your personal health insurance, too, to make sure it covers potential pregnancy complications while traveling internationally (some don’t). Consider adding evacuation insurance as part of a travel insurance plan, too.
• Gather your medical records and health information . If you’re in your second or third trimester, ask your ob-gyn or midwife for a digital copy of your prenatal chart, and have that easily accessible during your trip. Typically, this chart includes your age, your blood type, the name and contact information for your healthcare provider, the date of your last menstrual period, your due date, information about any prior pregnancies, your risk factors for disease, results of pregnancy-related lab tests (including ultrasounds or other imaging tests), your medical and surgical history, and a record of vital signs taken at each visit.
• Keep a list of key names and numbers you may need in the event of an emergency saved on your phone and written on a piece of paper (in case your battery dies).
• Have a contingency plan for doctors and hospitals that will take your insurance where you're going in case you go into labor early or experience pregnancy complications that require urgent care while you're away from home.
• Pack medicines and prenatal vitamins. That might include an extended supply of prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies , too. Bring enough to cover your entire trip and a written prescription that you can fill if you lose anything. It's a good idea to keep prescription medicine in its original container, so if your bags are searched it will be clear that you're not using medication without a prescription.
• Prepare for the unexpected. On a road trip, that might mean an unexpected breakdown, so join an auto club that provides roadside assistance. Download any apps you use for renting cars and accessing boarding passes before you leave so you can easily reschedule things in the event of a last-minute cancellation.
• If you're flying during your third trimester, be sure to call the airline to check about the cutoff week for pregnancy travel. A note from your doctor that says you’re cleared to travel is always good to have when traveling during your third trimester.

During your trip

• Drink plenty of water and continue to eat healthy foods . Keep in mind that many restaurants abroad commonly serve unpasteurized foods (like soft cheeses and milk), which can be dangerous for pregnant women due to the presence of listeria.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or fish , drinks with ice (which may be contaminated), non-bottled water, and other foods that can cause traveler's diarrhea, which can be more of a problem for pregnant women than other people.
• On long flights and drives, take time to stretch by pulling over for a walk or strolling up and down the airplane aisle. And when seated, always wear your seat belt .
• Maternity compression socks are handy to have along – both in transit and worn under your clothes while you’re out and about exploring – because they can ease the symptoms of swollen feet and legs. These are a few of our favorite pregnancy compression socks .
• Take advantage of help. Many countries have dedicated lines in shops and airports for pregnant travelers, so don't feel any shame taking a shorter wait if you see one.
• Go easy on yourself. Remember, you're growing a baby. You might not have quite the stamina for sightseeing and late nights like you used to pre-pregnancy. Make the most of your vacation but don't fret you miss out on things because you need more downtime from exploring than you usually would.
• Don’t forget to get photos of your bump. When your baby is older, you'll have fun showing them all the places you traveled with them before they were born.
• Go for the comfy shoes. Travel during pregnancy is the best reason ever to forgo those strappy stilettos for your favorite sneakers .
• Pack snacks so you always have something to curb your appetite if there’s a long wait for a restaurant or you get stuck in transit or someplace remote with no food offerings.
• Try to be in the moment with your travel partners as much as possible. Once your baby is born, your attention will be pulled in a whole new direction.

If you have any medical concerns traveling while pregnant, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call your doctor for advice. The below are a few symptoms that definitely warrant calling your ob-gyn or health care provider or seeking emergency care while traveling or at home:

• Signs of pre-term labor (including a constant, low dull backache, bleeding, etc.)
• Ruptured membranes (your water breaks)
• Severe cramping
• Spiking blood pressure
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• COVID-19 symptoms

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

AAFP. 2020. Ultrasound during pregnancy. American Academy of Family Physicians.  https://familydoctor.org/ultrasound-during-pregnancy/ Opens a new window [Accessed April 2023]

ACOG. 2020. FAQ055: Travel during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/travel-during-pregnancy Opens a new window [Accessed April 2023]

CDC. 2019. Pregnant Travelers. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/family-travel/pregnant-travelers Opens a new window [Accessed April 2023]

CDC. 2022. Domestic Travel During Covid-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html Opens a new window [Accessed April 2023]

CDC 2023. International Travel During Covid-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html Opens a new window [Accessed April 2023]

CDC. 2022. Covid-19: Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnant-people.html Opens a new window [Accessed April 2023]

Terry Ward is a freelance travel, health, and parenting writer who has covered everything from flying with toddlers to why you should travel with your kids even when they're too young to remember it. She lives in Tampa, Florida, with her husband and their young son and daughter, and enjoys camping, sailing, scuba diving, skiing, and almost anything else done in the great outdoors.

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Pregnancy Travel Tips

Can you travel while pregnant , read this next, when should you stop traveling while pregnant, how should you prepare for a trip during pregnancy, what do pregnant women need to know about travel and the zika virus, travel tips for pregnant people, when should you seek medical care while traveling during pregnancy.

While traveling during pregnancy is generally considered safe for most moms-to-be, you’ll need to take some precautions before making any plans — and get the green light from your practitioner first.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting , 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Zika Virus and Pregnancy , October 2020. WhatToExpect.com, What to Know About COVID-19 if You’re Pregnant , February 2021. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Travel During Pregnancy , August 2020. Johns Hopkins Medicine, Traveling While Pregnant or Breastfeeding , 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination , May 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnant and Recently Pregnant People , May 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnant Travelers , December 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers , April 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 and Cruise Ship Travel , March 2020.

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Travel During Pregnancy

As long as there are no identified complications or concerns with your pregnancy, it is generally safe to travel during your pregnancy. The ideal time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester .  In most cases, you are past the morning sickness of the first trimester and several weeks from the third stage of pregnancy when you are more easily fatigued .

Is it safe to travel during pregnancy?

Traveling by air is considered safe for women while they are pregnant; however, the following ideas might make your trip safer and more comfortable.

• Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel through their eighth month. Traveling during the ninth month is usually allowed if there is permission from your health care provider.
• Most airlines have narrow aisles and smaller bathrooms, which makes it more challenging to walk and more uncomfortable when using the restroom. Because of potential turbulence that could shake the plane, make sure you are holding on to the seatbacks while navigating the aisle.
• You may want to choose an aisle seat which will allow you to get up more easily to reach the restroom or just to stretch your legs and back.
• Travel on major airlines with pressurized cabins and avoid smaller private planes. If you must ride in smaller planes, avoid altitudes above 7,000 feet.
• Although doubtful, the risk of DVT can be further reduced by wearing compression stockings.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the International Air Travel Association recommend that expecting mothers in an uncomplicated pregnancy avoid travel from the 37th week of pregnancy through birth. Avoiding travel from 32 weeks through birth is recommended for women who have complicated pregnancies with risk factors for premature labor, such as mothers carrying multiples.

Risk factors that warrant travel considerations include the following:

• Severe anemia
• Cardiac disease
• Respiratory disease
• Recent hemorrhage
• Current or recent bone fractures

Traveling by Sea During Pregnancy

Traveling by sea is generally safe for women while they are pregnant; the motion of the boat may accentuate any morning sickness or make you feel nauseous all over again. There are a few considerations to make your trip safer and more comfortable:

• Check with the cruise line to ensure that there is a health care provider on board in case there are any pregnancy complications .
• Review the route and port-of-calls to identify if there is access to any medical facilities if needed.
• Make sure any medications for seasickness are approved for women who are pregnant and that there is no risk to the developing baby.
• Seasickness bands use acupressure points to help prevent upset stomach and maybe a good alternative to medication.

International Travel During Pregnancy

Traveling overseas has the same considerations that local or domestic travel has, but it also has additional concerns that you need to know about before making an international trip. The information below is provided to help you assess whether an international trip is good for you at this time:

• It is important to talk with your health care provider before you take a trip internationally to discuss safety factors for you and your baby.
• Discuss immunizations with your health care provider and carry a copy of your health records with you.
• With international travel, you may be exposed to a disease that is rare here in the United States but is common in the country you visit.
• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at (800) 311-3435 or visit their website at www.cdc.gov to receive safety information along with immunization facts related to your travels.
• Diarrhea is a common concern when traveling overseas because you may not be used to the germs and organisms found in the food and water of other countries. This can lead to a problem of dehydration .

Here are some tips to avoid diarrhea and help keep you safe:

• Drink plenty of bottled water
• Used canned juices or soft drinks as alternatives
• Make sure the milk is pasteurized
• Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables unless they have been cooked or can be peeled (such as an orange or a banana)
• Make certain that all meat and fish has been cooked completely; if you are unsure, do not eat it

Travel Tips During Pregnancy

Whether you are going by car, bus, or train, it is generally safe to travel while you are pregnant; however, there are some things to consider that could make your trip safer and more comfortable.

• It is essential to buckle-up every time you ride in a car. Make sure that you use both the lap and shoulder belts for the best protection of you and your baby.
• Keep the airbags turned on. The safety benefits of the airbag outweigh any potential risk to you and your baby.
• Buses tend to have narrow aisles and small restrooms. This mode of transportation can be more challenging.  The safest thing is to remain seated while the bus is moving. If you must use the restroom, make sure to hold on to the rail or seats to keep your balance.
• Trains usually have more room to navigate and walk. The restrooms are usually small. It is essential to hold on to rails or seat backs while the train is moving.
• Try to limit the amount of time you are cooped up in the car, bus, or train. Keep travel time around five to six hours.
• Use rest stops to take short walks and to do stretches to keep the blood circulating.
• Dress comfortably in loose cotton clothing and wear comfortable shoes.
• Take your favorite pillow.
• Plan for plenty of rest stops, restroom breaks and stretches.
• Carry snack foods with you.
• If you are traveling any distance, make sure to carry a copy of your prenatal records.
• Enjoy the trip.

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• How to Treat Jet Lag Naturally During Pregnancy

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth Third Ed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Ch. 5. William’s Obstetrics Twenty-Second Ed. Cunningham, F. Gary, et al, Ch. 8.

2. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Air Travel and Pregnancy (Scientific Impact Paper No. 1), https://www.rcog.org/uk, May 22, 2013.

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Editors note: This guide has been updated with the latest information.

During pregnancy, seemingly harmless things like eating deli meat and cleaning your cat's litter box are suddenly off-limits, along with more obvious restrictions on sports like skiing and scuba diving.

But what about "grey area" activities like flying in an airplane?

There's no single set of guidelines governing air travel during pregnancy and every airline has different restrictions, timelines and requirements. Some airlines may also require a medical certificate from a primary attending doctor or midwife for air travel during the final months of pregnancy, though even that varies, with U.S. airlines typically offering more flexibility than international carriers.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

In the absence of clear guidelines, TPG turned to Dr. Nithya Gopal , a board-certified OB-GYN physician and the Director of OB-GYN services at Viva Eve in New York City, for her expert recommendations on safe air travel during pregnancy.

Here's what she had to say:

Is it safe to fly when you are pregnant?

There is no evidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes due to flying, according to Dr. Gopal.

"The general consensus is that it is safest to fly in the first and second trimesters," Dr. Gopal told The Points Guy. "While the first and third trimesters tend to be when the most obstetric emergencies are going to happen, I personally become more cautious with my patients after 32 weeks because of the increased risk for premature labor and the possibility of needing urgent medical attention when you are in the sky."

The most important thing you can do, no matter how far along you are in your pregnancy, is to consult with your healthcare provider before flying.

"Any time you are planning to fly during pregnancy , you should be having that conversation," Dr. Gopal said. Your provider will be familiar with any safety precautions you should take to ensure a safe and healthy flight.

Related: Guide to flying in each trimester of pregnancy

The airline you are flying may have its own cutoff, so you will want to confirm with it beforehand whether you will be allowed to fly if you are in (or nearing) your third trimester. We've included a chart below that outlines the rules for most major airline carriers.

What can you do to stay comfortable on a flight?

When you factor in morning sickness and general pregnancy discomfort with the increased risk for blood clots that all fliers need to be aware of, flying during pregnancy can be uncomfortable even when it is deemed safe.

Dr. Gopal shared her recommendations for addressing these common issues when you take to the (baby-) friendly skies during pregnancy. Her number one tip for staying comfortable while in flight is to wear compression socks to help maintain blood flow and reduce swelling in the legs.

In addition, "I also tell my patients to get up and move at least every hour when they are on the plane," Dr. Gopal said.

To prevent clotting, "some doctors may also prescribe a low-dose aspirin," she added. "It isn't something that is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), but it isn't harmful, either."

If it's nausea or acid reflux that ail you, there are medications generally considered safe that you can take to alleviate your symptoms. These would be the same ones prescribed by your doctor for morning sickness, so speak with your provider before your flight to ensure you have what you need at the ready.

Dr. Gopal also advises wearing loose, unrestrictive clothing (along with your seatbelt, or course) and drinking extra fluids to counteract the pressurized air in the cabin and keep you hydrated.

"Over-the-counter Gas-X may also help with bloating that can happen as a result of the pressurized air," Dr. Gopal said.

Related: What happens when a baby is born in flight?

Must you speak with your healthcare provider before flying?

Even if your pregnancy is considered low-risk, it's always a smart idea to speak with your healthcare provider before flying. "There are a number of potential risks that go along with flying during pregnancy and those risks can change from week to week and month to month, so it's important to have that honest conversation with your doctor," Dr. Gopal said.

Related: Things You Should Do Before, During and After Flying to Stay Healthy

There are certain pregnancy conditions that may make flying more risky or unadvisable. If you are hypertensive, asthmatic or prone to clotting disorders, it's even more critical to speak with your doctor before flying.

Airline policies differ, but if you need documentation, it never hurts to include enough detail to satisfy the most stringent airline requirements.

"As with many things related to air travel, it's better to be safe than sorry," Dr. Gopal said. "It's definitely worth it, and sometimes necessary, to have medical documentation from your provider's office."

A thorough medical certificate or waiver should state:

• The number of weeks of pregnancy.
• The estimated delivery date.
• Whether the pregnancy is single or multiple.
• Whether there are any complications.
• That you are in good health and fit to travel through the date of your final flight.

Additionally, the certificate should be:

• Written on official clinic or hospital letterhead if possible.
• Signed by the doctor or attending midwife.
• Be dated no later than 72 hours before the departure date.
• Be written in clear, simple English.

Carry this certificate with you on your flight. Some airlines won't ask to see it, but others will. Some airlines also may have their own documentation requirements. See the chart below to find out which airlines require it.

Airline policies for pregnant women

Bottom line.

Even though it may be deemed safe, flying during pregnancy can be uncomfortable — and it is perfectly acceptable to implement your own cutoff for flying with your baby bump in tow. The majority of the time, though, flying is perfectly safe during pregnancy, providing that you follow the guidelines of the airline and your healthcare provider. Read on to learn more about traveling before, during and after pregnancy:

• What to expect in every trimester of pregnancy
• 4 tips for planning travel while planning a pregnancy
• Babymoon boom! These are the top 10 spots for a US getaway before the baby comes
• Flying with a baby checklist

Additional reporting by Katherine Fan and Tarah Chieffi.

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Here Are the Rules for Flying When You're Pregnant

Whether you're newly pregnant or planning a babymoon right before welcoming your baby, here's what parents-to-be need to know about airline travel during each trimester.

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Expectant parents need to know: Can you fly when pregnant?

While it's mostly OK to travel until the last few weeks of pregnancy, there are some precautions to take depending on when you decide to book a trip and how high risk your pregnancy is. Here's what you need to know before your next vacation.

Pregnancy and Flying: Your Trimester by Trimester Guide

As a general rule of thumb, most airlines will allow pregnant people to fly right up until week 36 of pregnancy, but you should absolutely do your research before booking your flight to check restrictions. You'll also want to consult with your OB-GYN or midwife before traveling—especially if you're at a higher risk for complications during pregnancy.

Before you travel

While you may be accustomed to planning a vacation on a whim or only packing your usual necessities, there's one extra thing you should consider doing before booking a flight during your pregnancy: Opt for travel insurance.

Should travel restrictions change, your health care provider recommends you stay home, or if you experience any concerning symptoms —like bleeding, abdominal pain, swelling, headaches, vision changes, or decreased fetal movement—you'll want to postpone or cancel your plans and see your doctor as soon as possible.

According to the ACOG, travel is not recommended for pregnant people with certain complications like preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), or who are at risk of preterm labor.

First trimester

Flying earlier on in pregnancy is actually considered pretty safe. And, no, metal detectors won't harm your fetus.

"Pregnant women can observe the same basic precautions for air travel as the general public," Raul Artal, M.D., former vice chairman of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Obstetric Practice, previously told Parents .

One thing pregnant air travelers should take extra precautions to avoid at any trimester? Blood clots, which pregnant people are 7 times more likely to develop—especially during long flights. To help minimize your risk, you can book an aisle seat, walk around every so often, and wiggle your legs and toes while seated.

And since morning sickness and fatigue might be your biggest first trimester complaints, you may want to check with your health care provider about bringing anti-nausea medicine with you.

Second trimester

According to the ACOG, "The best time to travel is mid-pregnancy (14 to 28 weeks). During these weeks, your energy has returned, morning sickness is improved or gone, and you are still able to get around easily. After 28 weeks , it may be harder to move around or sit for a long time."

If you're flying during your second trimester, it's a good idea to stay hydrated, think about wearing support stockings to reduce edema and clot risk, and make sure you've done your research on hospitals located near your destination should an emergency arise.

Carrying twins or more? Your health care provider might recommend you stop traveling earlier due to the higher risk of complications.

Third trimester

How late in pregnancy can you fly? If you're relatively healthy—and not at risk of complications like preterm labor, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or placenta previa—then you're usually OK to travel up until 36 weeks, though some OB-GYNs may prefer you stay closer to your home near the end should you encounter any complications or in case your baby comes sooner than expected.

High-risk patients—and especially those with pregnancy-induced hypertension, diabetes, and sickle-cell disease—may be advised not to fly after 24 weeks—or not at all.

Check with your doctor before traveling at the end of your pregnancy.

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Is it safe to fly during pregnancy?

Generally, air travel before 36 weeks of pregnancy is considered safe for people who aren't dealing with any pregnancy problems. Still, if you're pregnant, it's a good idea to talk with your health care provider before you fly.

Your provider might suggest that you not fly if you have certain pregnancy complications that could get worse because of air travel or that could require emergency care. Examples include a history of miscarriage or vaginal bleeding, severe anemia, and high blood pressure or diabetes that's not well controlled. If you had preeclampsia during a previous pregnancy — a condition that causes high blood pressure and extra protein in urine — flying may not be advised. The same is true if you're pregnant with twins or other multiples.

Tell your provider how far you are flying, as the length of the flight might make a difference. Also, be aware that some airlines may not allow pregnant people on international flights. Check with your airline before you make travel arrangements.

After 36 weeks of pregnancy, your health care provider may advise against flying. And some airlines don't allow pregnant people to fly after 36 weeks. The airline also may require a letter from your health care provider that states how far along in your pregnancy you are and whether flying is advised.

If your health care provider says it's okay for you to fly, and your plans are flexible, the best time to travel by air might be during the second trimester. The risks of common pregnancy emergencies are lowest during that time.

When you fly:

• Buckle up. During the trip, keep your seatbelt fastened when you are seated, and secure it under your belly.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Low humidity in the airplane could cause you to become dehydrated.
• Avoid gassy foods and drinks before you fly. Gases expand during flight, and that could make you uncomfortable. Examples of foods and drinks to avoid include broccoli and carbonated soda.
• Think about medical care. Plan for how you'll get obstetric care during your trip if you need it. Bring copies of your medical information in case you need care while you're away.

Blood clots

Air travel can raise the risk for blood clots in the legs, a condition called venous thrombosis. The risk is higher for pregnant people. Moving your legs may help prevent this problem. Take a walk up and down the aisle every hour during the flight. If you must remain seated, flex and extend your ankles from time to time. In general, it's best to avoid tightfitting clothing, as that can hinder blood flow. Wearing compression stockings can help with blood circulation during a long flight.

Radiation exposure linked to air travel at high altitudes isn't thought to be a problem for most people who fly during pregnancy. But pilots, flight attendants and others who fly often might be exposed to a level of radiation that raises concerns during pregnancy. If you must fly frequently during your pregnancy, talk about it with your health care provider.

Mary Marnach, M.D.

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• Allergy medications during pregnancy
• AskMayoExpert. Health considerations for air travelers: Pregnancy considerations. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
• Air Travel During Pregnancy: ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 746. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/08/air-travel-during-pregnancy. Accessed Dec. 1, 2022.
• Ram S, et al. Air travel during pregnancy and the risk of venous thrombosis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2022; doi:10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100751.

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What to Know About Flying While Pregnant

When I was about 30 weeks pregnant with my daughter, my best friend and I took a trip to Sedona. We flew from Boston to Phoenix, rented a car, drove out see the area's red rocks, hiked them just before sunset, explored the Grand Canyon , drank tequila (her) and mocktails (me), and saw psychics.

It’s a trip I’ll always remember fondly; my last before I became a mother.

Because I was in my third trimester—a time when some airlines ask for a doctor's note as a clean bill of health and friends and strangers alike ask "Are you sure you should be traveling?"—I turned to a professional before flying while pregnant. When I asked my doctor which precautions I should take while traveling, she told me, ever-so-pointedly, that pregnancy was not a disease. Because I was a low-risk patient with no prior health concerns, she prescribed me a simple plan: extra water and a higher step count on the flight, plus encouragement to enjoy myself.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that “in the absence of complications, occasional air travel is safe for pregnant women,” who can (and should) travel throughout almost all of their pregnancy—but still, questions remain. Here, doctors answer the most common, to clear the air on traveling during pregnancy and making your flights a little more enjoyable.

Do you need a doctor's note to fly?

That depends. Some airlines—like Emirates or United —do require a doctor’s note to fly (after 29 weeks for the former, 36 weeks for the latter). British Airlines even restricts women from flying after the end of week 36. Others, Virgin Atlantic among them, call for a doctor's note at 28 weeks at the beginning of the third trimester. Some airlines won’t ask any questions.

A doctor's note would cover an airline from perceived liability, explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a board-certified ob-gyn and a clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine. After all, there’s an increased risk of complications in pregnancy’s third trimester and, obviously, the risk of labor increases. “Airlines want to avoid in-flight emergencies as much as possible,” says Erin Higgins, M.D., an ob-gyn at the Cleveland Clinic.

I didn’t wind up having to use the doctor’s note I asked for. But check with your airline before traveling to make sure you’re aware of their specific policies and prepared in the event you might need a note.

What (if any) are the increased risks of flying while pregnant?

In general, women with high-risk pregnancies might be advised to limit travel throughout pregnancy. High-risk pregnancies cover a broad range of factors that can include being older than 35, carrying multiples, having preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy), gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy), or preterm labor (when you have contractions and your cervix begins to open between 20 and 37 weeks). But advice to stay put has less to do with risks associated with flying (as Minkin says, “airplanes are pressurized to about 5,000 feet and women in Denver do well with pregnancy”) and more to do with the fact that depending on your destination, there might not be a hospital that can handle pregnant patients, let alone high-risk pregnancies, nearby.

If you’re high-risk, your doctor will best be able to tell you what kind of travel is okay for you.

For low-risk women, there’s some worry about staying still for hours on end. “Pregnant women and recently delivered women are at high risk for getting blood clots in their legs,” says Minkin.

During flu season, there’s also obvious concern about getting sick onboard. “In some flu seasons, certain strains can be more problematic for pregnant women,” says Minkin, who points to the swine flu outbreak a few years back. No matter what, you will want to do destination research. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests women planning on visiting locations with a history of Zika speak with their doctors.

For most travelers, risks to the baby from exposure to cosmic radiation ( radiation from the sun and stars ) are negligible, the ACOG says. (If you’re a pregnant pilot or part of an aircrew , it is possible to have an increased risk, so it’s best to talk to your doctor.)

When is the best time to travel?

Typically, travel during the second trimester—when first-trimester nausea and fatigue fade, (some) energy returns, and you enter a period of pregnancy that's linked with fewer complications—is most comfortable, doctors agree. Use these three strategies to feel your best in-flight:

Book an aisle seat and take regular walking breaks Even though the evidence linking swelling and blood clots in the legs with air travel during pregnancy is lacking, doctors agree that movement is important. Strolling the aisles a few times throughout a flight is enough to help keep the blood in your legs from pooling, which can increase the risk of blood clots and worsen swelling. Flexing and lengthening your ankles while seated can also increase circulation.

Carry your water bottle on Pregnant women should aim for about eight to 10 glasses of water a day , which is about two liters. Travel water bottles are an easy thing to pack in your carry-on to keep your drinks cold even on long-haul flights.

Bring a hammock for your feet Back hurt? Higgins favors a foot hammock to help alleviate lower back pain that can be exacerbated by sometimes uncomfortable seats.

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Travelling in pregnancy

With the proper precautions such as travel insurance, most women can travel safely well into their pregnancy.

Wherever you go, find out what healthcare facilities are at your destination in case you need urgent medical attention. It's a good idea to take your maternity medical records (sometimes called handheld notes) with you so you can give doctors the relevant information if necessary.

Find out more about getting healthcare abroad .

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour .

When to travel in pregnancy

Some women prefer not to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of  nausea and vomiting and feeling very tired during these early stages. The risk of  miscarriage is also higher in the first 3 months, whether you're travelling or not.

Travelling in the final months of pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable. So, many women find the best time to travel or take a holiday is in mid-pregnancy, between 4 and 6 months.

Flying in pregnancy

Flying isn't harmful to you or your baby, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly.

The chance of going into labour is naturally higher after  37 weeks (around 32 weeks if you're carrying twins), and some airlines won't let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. Check with the airline for their policy on this.

After week 28 of pregnancy, the airline may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date, and that you are not at risk of complications. You may have to pay for the letter and wait several weeks before you get it.

Long-distance travel (longer than 4 hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)) . If you fly, drink plenty of water and move about regularly – every 30 minutes or so. You can buy a pair of graduated compression or support stockings from the pharmacy, which will help reduce leg swelling.

Travel vaccinations when you're pregnant

Most vaccines that use live bacteria or viruses aren't recommended during pregnancy because of concerns that they could harm the baby in the womb.

However, some live travel vaccines may be considered during pregnancy if the risk of infection outweighs the risk of live vaccination. Ask your GP or midwife for advice about specific travel vaccinations. Non-live (inactivated) vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy.

Malaria tablets

Some anti-malaria tablets aren't safe to take in pregnancy so ask your GP for advice.

Zika virus is mainly spread by mosquitoes found in some parts of the world. For most people it's mild and not harmful, but can cause problems if you're pregnant.

If you are pregnant, it is not recommended to travel to parts of the world where the Zika virus is present, such as parts of:

• South and Central America
• the Caribbean
• the Pacific islands

Check before you travel

It's important to check the risk for the country you're going to before you travel.

Find out more about the Zika virus risk in specific countries on the Travel Health Pro website

Car travel in pregnancy

It's best to avoid long car journeys if you're pregnant. However, if it can't be avoided, make sure you stop regularly and get out of the car to stretch and move around.

You can also do some exercises in the car (when you're not driving), such as flexing and rotating your feet and wiggling your toes. This will keep the blood flowing through your legs and reduce any stiffness and discomfort. Wearing compression stockings while on long car journeys (more than 4 hours) can also increase the blood flow in your legs and help prevent blood clots.

Tiredness and dizziness are common during pregnancy so it's important on car journeys to drink regularly and eat natural, energy-giving foods, such as fruit and nuts.

Keep the air circulating in the car and wear your seatbelt with the cross strap between your breasts and the lap strap across your pelvis under your bump, not across your bump.

Road accidents are among the most common causes of injury in pregnant women. If you have to make a long trip, don't travel on your own. You could also share the driving with your companion.

Sailing in pregnancy

Ferry companies have their own restrictions and may refuse to carry heavily pregnant women (often beyond 32 weeks on standard crossings and 28 weeks on high-speed crossings ). Check the ferry company's policy before you book.

For longer boat trips, such as cruises, find out if there are onboard facilities to deal with pregnancy and medical services at the docking ports.

Food and drink abroad in pregnancy

Take care to avoid food- and water-borne conditions, such as stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea . Some medicines for treating stomach upsets and travellers' diarrhoea aren't suitable during pregnancy.

Always check if tap water is safe to drink. If in doubt, drink bottled water. If you get ill, keep hydrated and continue eating for the health of your baby, even if you're not hungry.

Find out about a healthy diet in pregnancy , and foods to avoid in pregnancy .

Page last reviewed: 17 August 2022 Next review due: 17 August 2025

25 Best Places To Travel While Pregnant | Safe + Zika Free In 2024

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Home » 25 Best Places To Travel While Pregnant | Safe + Zika Free In 2024

Expecting parents are usually both excited and nervous in the months before the baby arrives. There is often lots of planning and prepping, especially for first-time parents.

This is exactly why babymoons are such a good idea. 

Take some time, before your family travel including strollers and diaper changes, and enjoy some adult time.

A babymoon gives couples memories to cherish, final moments to relax, and even the chance for a really cute pregnancy photoshoot.

The list of best places to go on a babymoon is long, but we’ve narrowed it down to 25 of the best and listed them here for you. 

What is a Babymoon Trip?

A babymoon is a vacation taken by expecting parents before the baby is born. It offers a chance to spend some quality time together before the baby is born and life gets a little chaotic. 

It usually happens before the first baby, to give couples a chance to reconnect with each other before their family expands.

But there’s no set rule saying you can’t have a babymoon for your second or even third baby – just round up the babysitters for the kids at home or at the resort. 

All that you have to do is to choose from one of the pregnancy-friendly travel destinations.

So let’s get to it! Here is a list of some of the best places to travel while pregnant.

25 Best Places To Travel While Pregnant in 2024

Unless you’re having a high-risk pregnancy, there’s absolutely no reason you shouldn’t be traveling overseas. You should however choose destinations that are safe for your little one.

The destinations from our list are all Zika-free. According to the CDC Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. So please be careful with other lists on the internet as I have seen many of them list destinations that have ZIKA.

It is important to choose one of the safe places to travel when pregnant from our list, and if you opt for a different destination due your due digilicence with research to make sure there is no Zika, malaria or rubella in that destination.

We’ve put together 25 of the best vacations for pregnant couples, solo moms, or groups of bump-buddies. These all offer a fun and relaxing getaway, without having to worry about mama’s well-being.

Our first destination on our list of where to travel while pregnant is Hawaii. Hawaii is a popular destination for babymoons, especially for USA travelers.

It’s a short flight and offers plenty of enjoyable activities. There are many islands you can choose from, and the beaches on all of them are perfect for lazy days. 

Depending on the island you choose, you’ll have stunning parks, tasty restaurants and cafes, and magnificent waterfalls to discover.

You’ll find a sun-filled, affordable, island vacation with the chance to spend some quality time while sipping on a mocktail and staring out at the sunset. 

If you don’t get to Hawaii for your babymoon, it also happens to be one of the best destinations to visit with a baby , so you can visit once your bub is born.

Whilst all the Hawaiian Islands are beautiful, we recommend Maui for your trip.

Maui is the perfect destination for a babymoon, as there are plenty of things to do that make sure you’ll enjoy your holiday while pregnant. Whether it’s relaxing at one of Maui’s luxurious resorts and spas or exploring its beautiful beaches, this paradise island has something for everyone.

Perfect Luxury Resort For Your Babymoon to Hawaii

We love a good adults-only pool for our babymoon trips. So we can’t go past recommending the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea for your stay.

Enjoy some mocktails , a prenatal massage next to the ocean, and some lazy pool hours. The setting of this luxury hotel is purely stunning!

2. Venice, Italy

Italy is one of my favorite countries and there are so many beautiful destinations for pregnant travel, but one of our favorites is Venice.

We all know Venice has a big reputation for being one of the most romantic cities in the world. Which makes it one of the best babymoon destinations in Europe.

Trips to St. Mark’s Basilica , Doge’s Palace, and exploration of the colorful Fisherman’s home will leave you with a lifetime of memories.

It’s one of those cities that do require some healthy walking, but what’s also great about it is that you can see the city by boat.

Not only is Venice romantic (see a list of romantic th i ngs to do in Venice here), but it’s also a great place for soaking up the sun and getting some downtime before the baby arrives.

Italy overall is one of the best places to travel when pregnant, so if Venice doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can choose any other destination in Italy for a safe trip.

Perfect Luxury Hotel For Your Babymoon In Venice

For the perfect babymoon in Venice, we recommend you book your stay at the luxury boutique hotel: Ca’di Dio . It is an adorable 5-star hotel that offers all the luxury a pregnant Woman could possibly want.

Choose one of the suites with canal views for an unforgettable romantic trip.

3. Cork, Ireland

If you’re expecting a baby in the summer or spring, a winter vacation in Ireland is a dream come true! Ireland is one of the best countries to visit while pregnant.

Cozy up by a warm fire, marvel at the ancient castles, or walk along the endless strand of beach.

The coastal city of Cork is pure magic. With rolling green hills, churches and cathedrals, and an array of museums, it’s all about tranquility.

And in case you don’t know, Ireland is all about wholesome, heartwarming food. Head to the English Market to soothe your cravings, where you can pick up some fresh cheese, fruits, and bread to keep the belly happy.

Click here to book your tour of food tasting around Cork.

Where To Stay In Cork During Your Babymoon

The Imperial Hotel Cork City is perfect for expectant parents. It is a gorgeous luxurious hotel . Their Junior Suit e is perfect for your stay. They also have a lovely spa where you can enjoy some pampering during your stay.

4. Byron Bay, Australia

If you are looking for safe places to travel while pregnant – which of course you are! Then look no further than beautiful Australia.

Australia is a great choice for pregnancy vacations. With so many fantastic holiday destinations and places to be seen, we’d have to say that Byron Bay is one of the favorites.

With its health-conscious attitude, mellow vibe, and white sand beaches. Boost up your energy and nutrients, with the superfood fruit selections, yummy mocktails ( mindful drinking for pregnant mamas) and gorgeous walks along the coast.

Day spas in Byron Bay are totally kitted out when it comes to pregnancy packages. Take your pick from facials, massages, and even some spiritual practices that all cater to the needs of the baby mama.

You could also enjoy some a beautiful road trip from Byron Bay. The scenic drive around here will take you along some beautiful beaches.

Where To Stay For Your Babymoon In Byron Bay

You can’t beat the boutique luxury of Aabi’s at Byron . The hotel is rated at 9.3/10 . It has stylish elegant rooms and a sweet little saltwater pool to enjoy. It also has a hot tub (better for your partner than preggy women).

It is located in the perfect spot – only a short walk to Jonson Street where you can find a range of yummy restaurants.

5. Vancouver Island, Canada

Looking for a babymoon trip that offers gorgeous landscapes and ample artistic beauty? What about picturesque lakes and waterfalls?

Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, has all of this – and more. 

Book yourselves in for a time here and enjoy luxury accommodation with views over wide open spaces.

There are mineral pools, rejuvenating spas, and rustic log cabins to bring you close to nature and completely revitalize you. 

Canada is one of the best places to travel during pregnancy because it is so safe, and disease-free and the country has a high medical quality of care.

Where To Stay For Your Babymoon On Vancouver Island

If you love a combination of both the beach as well as a pool, then we recommend The Beach Club Resort — Bellstar Hotels & Resorts .

The 4-star oceanfront offers easy access to the beach and an oceanfront restaurant . It includes an indoor pool and a full-service spa. Perfect for any babymoon.

6. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Another destination on our list of pregnancy-safe travel destinations is of course the United States.

If big crowds and cities aren’t your things, why not explore the idyllic town of Nantucket? A tiny island just off Cape Cod in Massachusetts that feels like its own world.

The cobblestoned streets, postcard-perfect scenery, quaint yacht harbors, and gorgeous beaches make it the perfect place for some downtime.

As for some ideas of what to do, the seashores are great for spending some time outdoors. It’s known as a prime whale-watching destination.

Here is a list of 15 US babymoon destinations , if Nantucket isn’t the spot for you.

Where To Stay In Nantucket

One of the best places you can stay in Nantucket is the White Elephant Hotel. They offer babymoon packages that include prenatal massages and coupons for spa treatments.

And guess what? Dad gets a little something, too. A complimentary cigar with a baby-themed ribbon.

Tip: Are you traveling around Massachusettes and staying in Boston too? You might be interested in what Food Tours in Boston are good to take part in.

7. Wales, United Kingdom

There’s no denying that the English countryside steals hearts.

Escape the business of London and head on a two-hour journey to whales. Explore the sleepy town and its magical villages with many untouched valleys.

If you are in the mood for some entertainment, don’t let the sleepiness of the town fool you. Head into Cardiff where you’ll find a healthy dose of fun and excitement.

Visit trendy neighborhoods and discover sites such as Cardiff Castle and the beautiful Cardiff Bay .

Click here to book your tour on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus around Cardiff to see as much of the city.

Where To Stay In Cardiff For Your Babyboom

If you are looking for a hotel to stay at during a “babymoon” in Cardiff, Wales, then consider the Park Plaza Cardiff Hotel. It offers luxurious rooms and amenities perfect for couples looking for some rest and relaxation before their baby arrives.

8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The Netherlands is incredibly tiny, so Amsterdam is an ideal base spot for touring the Dutch landscape.

What we love about Holland is that almost everyone speaks English. The people are friendly, the culture is unique and for a country so small, it has so much to offer!

Visit the tulip fields and feast your eyes on thousands of colorful tulips that line the cities. Stop at the markets for your afternoon snacks. Visit the city of Museums and discover the arts of Van Gogh, Banksy, and Rembrandt .

There is a whole range of wonderful Amsterdam attractions to keep you busy if you to love to explore.

Click here to book your tour of the Keukenhof tulip fields just outside of Amsterdam.

Where To Stay For Your Babymoon In Amsterdam

For 4-star luxury , the best choice is Hotel Estheréa . This hotel has the most stunning rooms I have seen .

It is set along the Singel canal in the center of Amsterdam and some rooms have pretty canal views . It is in the perfect location for walking and sightseeing.

9. Palm Springs, California

With a pleasant climate and a laid-back attitude, California has a variety of exciting cities for pregnant vacations.

One of the best cities to check out would have to be Palm Springs.

You’ll come across plenty of exciting activities that are pregnancy-friendly.

Glide along the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and discover the dramatic desert settings.

Gaze at the art at the Palm Spring Art Museum or do your fair share of shopping at the ‘Rodeo Drive of the Desert’.

When you’re not gawing at the mountainous views, find a beautiful trail to walk along or visit the quaint nearby towns.

Where To Stay For Your Babymoon In Palm Spring

If you are looking for a hotel in Palm Springs for a babymoon stay, consider staying at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa .

This luxurious resort boasts beautiful grounds and amenities, such as a 27-hole golf course, spa services, three pools (including an adult-only pool), and a lazy river .

10. Cape Town, South Africa

Babymoon trips differ for each couple, since not every traveler is after the same experience.

The great thing about a  visit to South Africa , is that you can experience a collection of holiday types in one place. 

Now whilst you definitely need to avoid areas that have malaria in South Africa, Cape Town is malaria free.

Cape Town is an absolutely stunning destination to visit. The views over Table Mountain just never stop to amaze. And there is such a wide variety of activities that a pregnant momma can enjoy.

Enjoy a trip up to the top of Table Mountain for some glorious views (easy to do with cable cars).

Laze around and soak up some sun on Camps Bay beach or maybe say hello to the gorgeous little penguins at Boulders Beach.

There are some absolutely beautiful walks or hikes at the Cape of Good Hope and the drive there is truly gorgeous!

Whilst you might not be able to enjoy sipping on wine just yet, the wineries around Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are beautiful. Head out and have a delicious lunch at one of the popular vineyards there.

Here is a fabulous post full of ideas for things to do in Cape Town .

Where To Stay For Your Babymoon In Cape Town

If you are looking for a place to stay in Cape Town for your babymoon, we suggest The Bay Hotel . It has a beautiful view of the ocean and many amenities like a spa (as well as in-room massages) and four pools .

The rooms are spacious and comfortable , perfect for a relaxing stay. Plus, the hotel staff will make sure you have everything you need to make your babymoon special.

11. Iceland

Perhaps not an obvious choice, but Iceland actually offers a splendid babymoon vacation.  There are so many reasons why you should visit Iceland.

Iceland is a safe destination, with almost zero crime, and absolutely no mosquitos.

Iceland is a stunning country full of amazing sights, activities, and experiences that make it one of the most captivating places to visit in the world.

From the iconic Blue Lagoon to incredible glaciers, Iceland’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring. Not to mention the majestic waterfalls, hot springs, geysers, and volcanoes scattered across the land.

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Iceland, take a day trip out to the Westfjords. These stunning fjords offer breathtaking views, secluded beaches, and plenty of exciting activities.

And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the native wildlife like whales and puffins!

While not the cheapest spot to go on a babymoon, this offers a glorious change from the usual tropical island travel. 

Where To Stay For Your Babymoon In Iceland

If you are looking for a babymoon in Iceland, consider staying at the Hotel Ranga . It is an excellent choice with cozy rooms and beautiful views . Their staff will ensure that your stay is comfortable and relaxing.

Plus, you can enjoy a wide range of activities onsite, such as a stargazing observatory , spa treatments , and horseback riding (check with your doctor if it is safe for you to enjoy horseback riding).

12. Bahamas

The Bahamas have been cleared of the Zika virus risk since early 2018, and now offer babymoon bliss for many.

This is also a great spot for USA travelers since the flight is short and there won’t be too much extra travel time.

The Bahamas is the perfect destination for a babymoon. With its beautiful crystal-clear waters, warm sunny days, and luxurious resorts, the Bahamas are sure to provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable babymoon.

The islands offer a wide range of activities, from snorkeling to exploring the local culture and cuisine.

You can also take some time to relax and reconnect with your partner while taking in the stunning views of the turquoise waters.

Where To Stay For Your Babymoon In The Bahamas

Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau in the Bahamas is a great place for parents-to-be to go for a special vacation before their baby arrives.

From the ultimate spa experience to fine dining , there’s something for everyone at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau. And with its beautiful beachfront accommodations and world-class service , you won’t have to worry about a thing!

13. Greek Islands

There is no risk for malaria in the tourist areas of Greece, but do practice caution when visiting the agricultural regions from May to October as the summer conditions bring more mosquitoes. The country also remains Zika-free. 

You’re truly spoiled for choice in Greece as it offers rich history, vibrant culture, and alluring beaches in abundance. 

Thanks to its gorgeous scenery, warm weather, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s the ideal babymoon escape. 

Unwind and soak up some sun on one of the island’s many glistening beaches. Many of the Greek isles boast trendy beach clubs and exciting boat trips such as this thrilling volcanic islands cruise . 

Note: There are quite a few steps in some of the main cities which you might want to avoid depending on your mobility. 

If you were wondering where exactly to go— Mykonos , Corfu , Naxos, Athens , Santorini , Zakynthos , Kefalonia , and Crete are all excellent options while pregnant. 

Find a full list of the best places to visit in Greece for your first trip here.

Where To Stay For Your Babymoon In Santorini

If you are looking for a place to stay in Santorini for your babymoon, we recommend the Canaves Oia Suites . It is a beautiful hotel and it has amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea .

The hotel also has two amazing restaurants with an incredible selection of Greek and international dishes. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the rooms are spacious and well-appointed – make sure you grab one with its own private plunge pool.

You will not regret choosing this luxurious option for your babymoon in Santorini!

BIG Tip: Yes, we have you covered here. Check out our list of best hotels in Santorini with a private pool .

14. Mauritius

Mauritius can be an unforgettable getaway during a stressful pregnancy. There are fantastic spa facilities and an array of restaurants offering tantalizing local cuisine and a laid-back vibe. 

With all the lush forests, epic waterfalls, and tropical climate, you can see why they call this Paradise Island. While there, enjoy a thrilling dolphin cruise or head to some of the best beaches in Mauritius such as the Flic en Flac and Grand Baie.  

This island has an enticing blend of cultures and cuisine that makes it so unique. For a taste, visit Le Capitaine, Escale Creole, or Le Pescatore, among the top restaurants. 

Mauritius is known for its unmatched hikes that often end in a beguiling waterfall sight. You can trek the Pont Naturel or Le Souffleur and Savinia Beach trails for a leisurely walk in under an hour. 

Where To Stay For Your Babymoon In Mauritius

If you are looking for a hotel in Mauritius for a babymoon, consider The Oberoi , Mauritius. It is an award-winning resort that offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

The resort also offers an array of activities and amenities, including a spa, fitness center, swimming pools , and private beach access . The Oberoi is the perfect escape for a romantic getaway or Babymoon.

15. Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is quite an obvious choice for many when it comes to all forms of vacation. Whether it be for honeymoons or babymoons, this destination surely won’t disappoint. 

While Mallorca is a safe destination for pregnant mamas, it would be best to avoid its tap water. 

This island is a beach paradise with many hidden gems and coves to explore. Its calm turquoise waters beckon, and the weather won’t let you down. 

Apart from the sandy beaches covering its long stretch of coastline is the majestic Tramuntana Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These limestone mountains are home to breathtaking viewpoints, wineries, and charming villages you can explore. 

You’re guaranteed a leisurely affair between its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and quaint mountain villages. 

Where To Stay For Your Babymoon In Mallorca

We recommend staying at the Hotel Sant Francesc in Mallorca. The hotel is also conveniently located in the heart of Palma , so you can walk around and explore at your leisure.

Plus, it’s close to some of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches for some much-needed relaxation. For something really special, book a romantic dinner on their rooftop terrace with stunning views of the old city .

The hotel also offers spa treatments for couples so you can truly enjoy your time together.

16. The Florida Keys

If you crave some relaxation in a peaceful and safe environment, then you can’t go wrong with the Florida Keys. This is a coral cay archipelago just off Florida’s southern coast. 

You can spend your days dozing off on a beach—Key Largo’s beautiful beachside comes highly recommended. Key West also offers balmy beaches, conch-style architecture to admire, and historic sites. 

Visiting Bahia Honda State Park is a must if you want to experience a beach haven with a marine sanctuary. Then pop in at the Hemingway Home and Museum or Dolphin Research center for a fun and knowledgeable activity. 

The Florida Keys has plenty of restaurants offering sublime meals and views dotted along its keys. Sadly most of these will offer tons of seafood, but you’re sure to find a delicious alternative, such as the famous Key lime pie. 

Where To Stay For Your Babymoon In Florida Keys

The Capitana Key West is a luxury waterfront resort located in Key West, Florida. The resort features a variety of amenities, including a private beach, a swimming pool, a spa, and several restaurants and bars.

For a babymoon, the resort offers a variety of packages, including a Babymoon Package that includes accommodations, a couples massage, a bottle of sparkling cider, and a gift for the baby.

17. Menton, France

Menton is a quaint, charming town, and a hidden gem for now, on the French Riviera between Monaco and Italy.

Known for its gorgeous gardens, sunny weather (316 days of sunshine), and Mediterranean cuisine, you can see why this destination is growing in popularity. And for our expecting mommas, it’s totally safe and has a quiet atmosphere. 

This town’s enchanting, colorful buildings reflect beautifully on its crystal-clear shores. While Menton’s beauty might lure you in, all the relaxing activities and beautiful sites will entice you to stay. 

You can’t visit Menton without strolling through its ethereal gardens. Make your way to Jardins Biovès or Val Rahmeh-Menton Botanical Garden for some magical, camera-worthy scenery. 

Where To Stay For Your Babymoon In Menton

Best Western Premier Hotel Prince de Galles is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Menton . The hotel is situated just a few steps from the beach and within walking distance of the town’s main attractions.

The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and a spa. The spa features a sauna, a steam room, and a relaxation area , making it an ideal place to unwind during your babymoon.

Another destination that belongs on our list of the best places to visit when pregnant is Norway.

The welcoming nature of Norwegians, high levels of safety, and cozy cabins make Norway an obvious choice for mums-to-be. 

Norway is home to postcard-like islands, exceptional wildlife, and numerous enchanting fjords. While it’s primarily a skiing, hiking, and fishing destination, there are still plenty of easy-going things to pick up. 

You simply must drive out to Tromsø to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. In fact, it’s the best place in the world to see this glowing wonder. 

Other relaxed activities include wandering the Viking Ship Museum or strolling through Vigeland Park. 

Norway boasts a slew of Instagrammable cafes where the locals are just as warm and sweet as the Nordic-style coffee. 

19. Portugal

Portugal is a top destination in the world thanks to its robust blend of architectural designs and epic beach spots. 

It’s also safe and friendly, with many places allowing mums-to-be to skip lines (yay). Portugal is a hit amongst wine lovers, avid beachgoers, and history buffs, but now it can be your favorite baby mooning destination. 

After lounging on famous beaches such as Porto, Lagos, or Albufeira, you can enjoy a stroll along the cobblestone streets while taking in picturesque buildings. 

Portugal has various historical landmarks, such as Belém Tower and Castelo de S. Jorge, which you can spend hours exploring. 

This beautiful country boasts 300-plus days of sun so that you can show off your baby bump with daring summer outfits (*wink*). 

Where To Stay For Your Babymoon In Portugal

Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa is located on a stunning cliff-top setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean .

Their Vila Vita Parc’s spa is one of the best in Portugal, offering a wide range of treatments including pre-natal massages that will help you unwind and relax during your babymoon.

The resort also has several restaurants, including two Michelin-starred options, that offer a variety of cuisines to satisfy any cravings you may have during your pregnancy.

20. Whitsundays, Australia

Escaping to one of the beautiful resorts on Whitsundays will do you wonders. Once there, you can take in the rugged, green-clad islands surrounded by azure waters and soft white sand. 

Whitsundays is a dreamy location offering seclusion and tranquility to those in need.

We highly recommend booking yourself into an all-inclusive resort where you can indulge in spa sessions, massages, and fine dining with ocean views. If you are after seclusion and luxury we recommend you stay on Hayman Island.

But if you want to research the islands more, you can see a great comparison post on Daydream Island vs Hayman Island vs Hamilton Island here.

Experience the ultimate tropical bliss by sinking your toes into the soft silica sand of Whitehaven Beach, one of the world’s best beaches. 

Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling is safe while pregnant which you can take up at the Great Barrier Reef. 

Where to Stay On The Whitsundays For Luxury and Seclusion

For a truly luxury stay we can’t recommend the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort enough. We booked a room that had access to the swimming pool and it was perfect.

The resort also has a range of amenities, including a spa, swimming pools, restaurants and bars , and access to a private beach.

The beach on this island is stunning as well and you can enjoy some really fun day trips from here as well.

21. Sardinia, Italy

A pre-baby break filled with sunshine and tranquility is promised in Sardinia, Italy.

This large Italian island boasts an extensive unspoiled coastline covered in sandy beaches for relaxing. 

While mosquitoes become a problem in Sardinia during its warmer months (May to September), traveling anywhere in Italy without worrying about mosquito diseases is still safe. 

This fascinating rocky island overlooks warm Mediterranean waters. It’s often forgotten thanks to the more famous Sicily, but Sardinia is one of Italy’s most diverse and gorgeous places. 

You can witness the rich cultural heritage of Sardinia through its quaint coastal villages and unique, vibrant food.  

Some of the top attractions on this island include the San Benedetto market, Porto Istana Beach, Capo Caccia Vertical Cliffs, and Spiaggia Rena Bianca Beach. 

You can find a list of all the best beaches to visit in Sardinia here.

Where To Stay In Sardian For Your Babymoon

Sardinia has many beautiful romantic luxury resorts , but one that stands out for a babymoon is the Hotel Romazzino , a Luxury Collection Hotel, located in Costa Smeralda.

This hotel offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the beautiful white sand beach of Romazzino.

The rooms and suites are elegantly decorated and equipped with all the modern amenities that you would expect from a luxury resort, including private terraces or balconies with sea views .

22. New Zealand

New Zealand is perfectly safe for expecting moms. However, you do need to travel with a letter from a specialist doctor or midwife confirming that you’re OK to fly. Otherwise, most airlines won’t let you fly if you’re far along or have any complications. 

Still, if you’re in the mid-pregnancy stage, we highly recommend spending a few days in this magical island country. 

Apart from being one of the safest countries in the world, Kiwis are very welcoming and friendly to tourists. Admire the picturesque landscape and enjoy the unique vibe influenced by the Māori culture. 

New Zealand is the home of adventures and the location of Real Middle earth™, fascinating fauna and flora, world-famous coffee, and unmissable fjords. 

Here is a fantastic cultural tour around New Zealand to see the mystical Mitai Maori Village.

Where To Stay In New Zealand For Your Babymoon

New Zealand offers a range of romantic luxury resorts for a babymoon, but one that stands out is Huka Lodge in Taupo.

Huka Lodge is a world-renowned luxury resort that offers a perfect romantic getaway for couples. It is located on the banks of the Waikato River and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and breathtaking natural scenery.

The resort offers a range of luxurious accommodations , including suites, cottages, and a private Owner’s Cottage.

23. Croatia

Croatia is yet another fantastic destination for your babymoon. It’s safe and has a lively atmosphere, being dubbed “the new Ibiza” of Europe. 

Make sure you have a valid doctor’s approval if you’re more than 28 weeks and less than 36 weeks pregnant. 

Lying along the Adriatic Sea, this country consists of scenic pebbled beaches kissed by crystal clear waters. Moving further away from these precious coastlines, you’ll come across the captivating architecture of Croatian cities. 

These areas encompass a blend of Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. So you definitely want your camera ready as you take it all in, including the handful of museums. 

The Museum of Illusions, Museum of Broken Relationships, and Museum of Hangovers are all pretty interesting, to say the least!

Where To Stay In Croatia For Your Babymoon

One highly recommended romantic luxury beachfront resort for a babymoon in Croatia is the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel .

Located on the Lapad peninsula just a short distance from Dubrovnik’s Old Town , this resort offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

The resort features elegant rooms and suites with modern amenities and private balconies overlooking the sea.

The hotel also has a spa with a range of treatments designed for expectant mothers , as well as several restaurants serving delicious cuisine.

In case you are venturing out around Croatia, and planning to stay in Split, we have a handy blog post for you about the best luxury hotels in Split . Check it out.

24. Turkey 

While Turkey does have mosquitoes, it has never had any cases of zika. That fact, combined with the beauty of the Turquoise Coast, a fascinating history, and delicious food, makes Turkey a fantastic babymoon destination.

First on the menu, a Bosphorus ferry rides atop the waters where the Black and Mediterranean seas meet. You should also stop by the Aqua Vega Aquarium, an underwater aquarium complete with exotic marine life.

 Silence those intense cravings by sampling some of the best flavors courtesy of the vibrant Turkish cuisine. Not to mention, Turkish dishes are nutrient-rich and feature lots of cooked veggies (perfect for growing tummies). 

Turks often indulge in hummus, grilled meat, pastries and vegetables such as eggplant and tomatoes. The Tarihi Bankalar Lokantası, Konyali Restaurant, and Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine are a few of the excellent options to get your hands on authentic Turkish food. 

Don’t forget to grab some souvenirs from one of the many colorful bazaars here.

Helpful to Know: Here is a great post with Turkey travel advice and tips that you should know before you go.

Where To Stay In Turkey For Your Babymoon

One option for a romantic luxury beachfront resort for a babymoon in Turkey is the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum . This resort is located on the Bodrum Peninsula and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

The resort features private beach access, a spa, multiple restaurants , and spacious suites with private terraces or balconies.

Poland offers an exciting blend of breathtaking scenery, timeless architecture, and captivating culture. For a magical city adventure, visit Krakow, or if you want your breath taken away with majestic mountains, head to Zakopane.

In Krakow, stop by the stunning Wawek Royal Castle for splendid greenery and amazing architecture. If you’re a history buff, you’ll enjoy stopping by the city’s most popular sites and getting some bits of history onboard a chauffeured electric car.

There are plenty of other things to do in Krakow , however, my favorite thing to do there is to simply stroll around and enjoy the streets, architecture, and atmosphere.

While a mountainous region that screams adventure, Zakopane actually has several easy-going activities on offer. Instead of hiking your way around Tatra National Park, you can take in natural beauty from the comfort of the Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car Ride.

You can also stroll the pedestrian-only street of Krupowki, which has markets with cool trinkets and great grub. During December, you’ll find an incredible Christmas Tree that lights up the street.

You can find more suggestions of things to do in Zakopane for your stay here.

Where To Stay In Zakopane For Your Babymoon

Hotel Rysy is located in the heart of the Tatra Mountains, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The rooms at Hotel Rysy are spacious and luxurious , with plush beds and modern amenities. The hotel also has a spa , which offers a range of treatments and massages that are perfect for expectant mothers.

You (or your partner as it is safer for pregnant mommas to not get too hot) can relax in the hot tub, sauna, or steam room.

How to Choose the Best Babymoon Destination

The best place to travel when pregnant will depend on where you will be traveling from, as well as what you are in need of from your trip. You can definitely enjoy and international trip if you head off early enough in your pregnancy.

Choosing your babymoon destination will mean considering a few things. 

• Weather : This will depend on which season you’re pregnant in, and which climate you enjoy most. If you’re having a winter baby, and you’re tired of being bundled up, you’re probably going to do better in a more tropical environment for your babymoon. 
• Travel distance : Wondering where to travel when pregnant? Depending on which trimester you’re in, you may not want to travel too far from home (and I would skip destinations that require a long flight). So picking a destination only a short flight or car trip away would be best.

• Health concerns : While pregnant, you want to stay in areas that have good healthcare, just in case you need a check-up. It’s also advisable to choose destinations that are free of the Zika virus to avoid putting you and your baby at risk. This is why we recommend you use our zika-free babymoon 2024 list of destinations above.
• Babymoon packages:  Babymoons have become more popular in the last few years. You’ll find resorts and hotels offering vacation packages that suit you and your little bump perfectly (and your partner, too, of course). 
• Your bucket list : While having a baby doesn’t mean you have to stop traveling, it may mean your travel plans change for a while. So why not use this babymoon to tick off a destination on your bucket list?

Top Tips For Your Trip

Once you have chosen a destination from our list of the best places to visit while pregnant, it is important to start thinking about how you can travel safely.

• The best time to travel is during the second trimester and early in the third trimester. The first trimester works for relaxing babymoon trips as most women feel nauseous and super tired which makes exploring and road-trips ticky. Don’t travel close to your due date!
• Many expectant mothers find that they need to take more frequent breaks than usual, and so it is important to plan your trip accordingly. Try to schedule some down time into your itinerary so that you can rest when you need to.
• If you are flying, I highly recommend you book an aisle seat so you can get up freely. You will need breaks to use the restroom and also to just shake out the aches and pains from sitting too long in a cramped position whilst pregnant.
• If you’re traveling by car, it’s important to plan frequent stops so you can stretch your legs, use the restroom, and grab something to eat.
• Some pregnant women (especially in the third trimester) should also avoid strenuous activity, so consider things like walking tours or light sightseeing instead of more strenuous activities like hiking.

• If you’ll be doing lots of walking on your vacation, wear comfortable shoes with good arch support as this will help support your growing belly and reduce strain on your feet and back.
• Be sure to stay hydrated and eat regularly, especially if you are prone to morning sickness. Pack snacks and drinks with you so that you can have something on hand when you start to feel nauseous.
• Wearing comfortable clothing is also important, as you will likely be bloated and uncomfortable at times during your pregnancy. Wear loose fitting clothes and bring a scarf or shawl to cover up if you start to feel too warm.
• Flying while pregnant poses a few potential risks. One of the most dangerous risks is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). To reduce the risk of DVT while flying, be sure to drink plenty of water, get up and stretch regularly, and wear compression socks.

Final Thoughts On Best Places To Travel Pregnant

So that concludes 25 of the best places to go on a babymoon. Of course, it depends on your preference, but as you can see, being pregnant doesn’t necessarily mean you have to postpone your travel plans.

I think Europe is one of the safest places to go before the baby arrives, but all the destinations on our list are safe countries to visit while pregnant (safe from Zika, malaria, and other diseases like Rubella).

Speaking to your doctor before your travels is always a good idea. And once they’ve given you the all-clear, let the traveling commence.

And if you’re really feeling skeptical about flying pregnant, domestic travel is a great way to still squeeze in that travel time. And don’t forget to grab  travel insurance , so that you can travel with peace of mind. 

You might also like to check out my tips for traveling while pregnant for my personal experience (and tips) from traveling during each of my trimesters.

Andrzej Ejmont

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Travel During Pregnancy: What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Some of the most common questions we get at Allianz Global Assistance are about traveling while pregnant. While most pregnant women can safely travel without incident, sometimes complications arise and customers wonder, "What does travel insurance cover?"

Here’s the quick answer: Travel insurance can cover certain situations that result from unforeseen pregnancy complications, or a pregnancy that occurs after you’ve purchased your plan. Travel insurance typically does not cover trip cancellations or other travel losses resulting from normal pregnancy.

Like any other kind of insurance, travel insurance includes specific coverage definitions and restrictions. Read your agreement carefully, and if you have any questions about coverage, call. Pregnant women should consult their doctors with concerns and questions about safe travel.

If you’re pregnant, or you might be soon, it’s wise to protect upcoming trips. Maximize your coverage window by purchasing travel protection as soon as possible. Our most popular plan is OneTrip Prime , which includes substantial benefits for trip cancellation/interruption and medical emergencies.

Read on for a detailed guide to travel insurance and pregnancy from Allianz Global Assistance.

Pregnancy Complications: What Does Travel Insurance Cover? 

You're in the first trimester of your pregnancy and feeling fine — until you begin feeling extremely nauseous a week before you're supposed to fly to New York on business. Your doctor diagnoses you with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe and serious form of morning sickness, and you end up in the hospital on the day of your scheduled flight. Can travel insurance reimburse you for the canceled trip?

Yes. Travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance can cover losses resulting from unforeseen pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes or hyperemesis gravidarum. That means your travel insurance may reimburse you for nonrefundable trip costs lost if you must cancel or interrupt your trip because of pregnancy complications. The illness, injury, or medical condition you’re experiencing must be disabling enough to make a reasonable person cancel their trip, and a doctor must advise you to cancel it. For example, normal morning sickness would not be a covered reason for trip cancellation. When you’re filing a claim for trip cancellation/interruption related to a pregnancy complication, you’ll need documentation from your physician.

All travel insurance plans from Allianz Global Assistance include access to 24-Hour Emergency Assistance . If you experience a medical emergency while traveling, or any other problem, contact our hotline via phone or the TravelSmart TM app for rapid assistance. If your plan includes emergency medical benefits, your insurance may reimburse you for the cost of emergency medical care that you received for covered pregnancy complications while traveling.

Please note that travel insurance does not cover the chance that a complication might occur. For example, if you delivered prematurely with your first two pregnancies, your doctor might advise you to cancel the trip to Paris you planned for the sixth month of your third pregnancy. However, this is still considered a normal pregnancy because no complication has been diagnosed. Travel insurance would not cover the trip cancellation.

Surprise Pregnancy and Trip Cancellation

You and your spouse are planning a week-long European river cruise to celebrate your third anniversary. Tickets are hard to come by, so you book your trip a year in advance. You schedule the flights and purchase your travel insurance — and two months later, you discover you're pregnant. Will travel insurance cover your trip cancellation?

On some plans, Allianz Global Assistance lists pregnancy as a covered reason for trip cancellation if you find out you are pregnant after purchasing your policy. For your trip cancellation to be covered, you must provide medical records to verify the pregnancy occurred after that date. Please see your policy documents for your plan’s specific coverage. And if you’re planning a trip now, don’t wait to buy travel insurance! Get a quote today.

Late-Term Pregnancy and Trip Cancellation 

You decide to plan a babymoon getaway so you and your sweetie can enjoy some time together before the baby arrives. You book your plane tickets and a bed-and-breakfast on the beach. You're feeling fine and getting excited. Then your doctor advises you, as a precaution, not to travel in the eighth month of pregnancy. Will travel insurance cover this pregnancy-related trip cancellation?

No. In this scenario, there are no medical complications with your pregnancy, so the cancellation will not be covered. Please understand that Allianz Global Assistance is not disagreeing with your doctor's recommendation not to travel — you should do what's best for you and your baby's health. However, most travel insurance plans from Allianz Global Assistance do not include normal pregnancy as a covered reason for trip cancellation (except as described above.)

Airline Rules for Flying While Pregnant

You're flying to Los Angeles to see your sister one last time before the baby's born. But when you get to the gate, the airline won't let you on board because you're too close to your due date. Will your travel insurance plan reimburse you for the missed flight?

No. Being refused service by a carrier because of normal pregnancy is not a covered reason for trip cancellation. Cruise ships and airlines have very specific rules about travel while pregnant. Here are selected airline pregnancy policies, but you should also call your travel supplier to check before you book your trip. Please note that this information is subject to change.

• American Airlines: A medical certificate is required to fly within four weeks of your delivery date in a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy. Travel is not permitted within seven days of your due date on domestic flights under five hours, or within four weeks of your due date on international flights, unless you get a medical certificate and clearance from a Special Assistance Coordinator. 1
• Delta: Delta does not impose restrictions on flying for pregnant women. However, ticket change fees and penalties cannot be waived for pregnancy. 2
• JetBlue: Pregnant passengers expecting to deliver within seven days are prohibited from travel, unless they provide a doctor's certificate dated no more than 72 hours prior to departure stating that the passenger is physically fit for air travel and that the estimated date of delivery is after the date of the last flight. 3
• Southwest: Southwest has no pregnancy prohibitions, but recommends against air travel beginning at the 38th week of pregnancy. 4
• United: To fly in or after your 36 th week of pregnancy, you must provide the original and two copies of an obstetrician’s certificate, dated within three days (72 hours) prior to your flight departure, that says you’re fit to fly. 5

Travel Insurance and Childbirth

You're enjoying your babymoon vacation in Cozumel when suddenly you feel the first twinge of labor. Twelve hours later, you're the proud mother of a baby girl. Will travel insurance cover the cost of labor and delivery?

No. Normal childbirth is not covered by travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance. However, if complications arise in delivery, the costs of emergency medical care may be covered. Also, attending the childbirth of a family member can be a covered reason for trip cancellation, depending on your plan.

While travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance can't cover every possible pregnancy scenario, we want to do our best to help! Our Assistance team is available 24 hours a day to provide expert advice and aid.

Related Articles

• Traveling While Pregnant: Key Considerations
• The Essential Packing Checklist for Flying With An Infant
• Great Babymoon Destinations in the US
• JetBlue.com
• Southwest.com

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Ready Steady Baby

Travelling when pregnant.

Whether you’re doing short journeys in the car or getting on a plane for a holiday abroad, it’s important to take extra care of yourself when you’re pregnant. Making a few small changes and planning ahead will help to make sure you have a comfortable and safe journey.

Wherever you’re going, it’s a good idea to take your maternity notes with you in case you need medical help.

It’s fine to drive or be a passenger in a car while you’re pregnant.

It’s important to wear a seat belt as you normally would. Make sure the straps don’t go over your bump by:

• placing the lap strap across your hips so it fits comfortably under your bump
• placing the diagonal strap between your breasts and around your bump

Take regular breaks when driving and make sure you bring some water and snacks with you for the journey.

Going on holiday or abroad

If you’re planning a holiday, seek health advice as early as possible.

You should give some thought to where you want to go as:

• the things you may normally love, like hot sunny weather, may not be a great idea if you’re uncomfortable or finding it hard to sleep
• you shouldn’t travel to areas where there’s malaria or the Zika virus if you can avoid it

You should also consider the quality of medical care in the country you plan to visit.

Fitfortravel has more advice for pregnant travellers

Staying safe on holiday

Activities like walking and swimming are fine while you’re pregnant, but it’s not a good idea to do any activity where you might fall.

Take care to avoid coming into contact with water or food that could cause tummy upsets. Some medicines for treating diarrhoea may not be suitable in pregnancy.

Talk to your midwife if you have questions.

Travel vaccinations

You’ll need vaccinations before you travel to certain countries.

There are some vaccinations you shouldn’t have when you’re pregnant, especially in the first 3 months, so always check before you book anything.

Find out which travel vaccinations you might need

Travel insurance

Before you travel, you’ll need special travel insurance that:

• covers any medical costs
• allows you to cancel for any issues with your pregnancy

If you don’t tell your insurer you’re pregnant before you travel, your insurance may not be valid.

If you’re travelling in Europe, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may allow you to use the health services in these countries.

Apply for a European Health Insurance Card

Flying while pregnant

Air travel is generally safe if you’re having an uncomplicated pregnancy.

If you have any pregnancy complications, check with your midwife or GP that there’s no medical reason to stop you flying, such as high blood pressure or a risk of deep vein thrombosis .

Most airlines won’t let you fly if you’re within about a month of your due date. Some will need a letter from your GP or midwife saying you’re fit to fly when you’re 7 months pregnant. Check with the airline before you book.

Having a comfortable flight

When travelling by plane:

• drink plenty of water as you’re much more likely to get dehydration while flying.
• take healthy snacks with you so you can follow your own eating plan
• take whatever makes you more comfortable, such as an extra pillow or warm socks

Be aware it may take you a bit longer than before to recover from jet lag.

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a deep vein in your leg, calf or pelvis.

You’re more likely to get DVT if:

• you sit for long periods of time
• do very little activity

If you’re travelling on a long-distance flight or sitting for 4 hours or more, talk to your midwife as you may need medication. F ollow your midwife or doctor’s advice.

More about deep vein thrombosis

Further information, other languages and alternative formats

Translations and alternative formats of this information are available from   Public Health Scotland .

If you need a different language or format, please contact [email protected].

• Ready Steady Baby leaflet in Arabic, Polish, Simplified Chinese (Mandarin) and Ukrainian
• Ready Steady Baby leaflet in English (Easy Read)

Source: Public Health Scotland - Opens in new browser window

Last updated: 14 December 2023

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• Travel health and vaccinations

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• fitfortravel: Advice for pregnant women
• Institute for Health Visiting: Travelling with your baby
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30 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is the size of a

Being 30 weeks pregnant marks an important milestone in your pregnancy journey. With just 10 weeks left until your due date, it’s nearly time to meet your little one, but there are still many changes and developments to come between now and then. Read on for insights on your baby's development, advice on dealing with your pregnancy symptoms, and some lifestyle tips and adjustments to guide you when you're 30 weeks pregnant and throughout the rest of your pregnancy.

Highlights at 30 Weeks Pregnant

Check out some key highlights from 30 weeks of pregnancy:

At 30 weeks pregnant, your little one is about the size of a cabbage.

Your baby is gaining hair on their head but losing the fine hair (lanugo) that was covering their skin.

You might experience practice contractions (Braxton Hicks) around 30 weeks pregnant or in the next few weeks. This article may help you distinguish between real and practice contractions.

Now might be a good time to research the best baby products out there.

Are you still deciding on a name for your baby? If so, try our Baby Name Generator for some inspiration:

RELATED PREGNANCY TOOL

Baby Name Generator

By gender :, 30 weeks pregnant: your baby’s development.

Here’s what's going on with your baby's development when you're at 30 weeks pregnant:

That occasional rhythmic movement you're felt in your belly could be your baby hiccupping!

Your little one’s eyes can open and close at 30 weeks pregnant. They can even sense changes in light.

The fine hair that’s been covering your baby’s skin, which is called lanugo, starts to disappear around this time. You’ll find out how much of your baby’s lanugo sheds when they’re born; some babies are born with a little still remaining on their shoulders, back, or ears.

Speaking of hair: Did you know that some babies are born with a full head of hair? At 30 weeks, the hair on your baby’s head is starting to grow and thicken. Of course, you’ll just have to wait until your baby’s arrival to find out exactly how thick their locks are!

If you’re 30 weeks pregnant with twins, learn more about your baby’s development in our article on twin pregnancy week-by-week .

How Many Months Is 30 Weeks Pregnant?

It’s common to wonder what 30 weeks pregnant is in months. Although there's no standard way to group the 40 weeks of pregnancy neatly into months, at 30 weeks you’re likely in month 7 .

So, what trimester is 30 weeks? At 30 weeks pregnant, you’re now in your third and final trimester.

Baby’s Size at 30 Weeks Pregnant

How big is a baby at 30 weeks pregnant? At 30 weeks pregnant, on average, a fetus is about the size of a cabbage, weighing nearly three pounds and measuring nearly 10 and a half inches crown to rump.

Your Baby: What Does 30 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

The illustration below offers you a glimpse at how your baby may be positioned at 30 weeks pregnant.

Your Body at 30 Weeks Pregnant

As your due date approaches, you may be feeling stressed or anxious, and it’s super important to take care of your mind, body, and soul. Relaxation techniques may help you feel and stay calm; you may want to try a few and see what works best.

For some, getting a massage does the trick. Others listen to music with their eyes closed or do some prenatal yoga .

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed and nothing you try seems to work, ask your healthcare provider for additional advice, and make sure you share your feelings with loved ones.

30 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

At 30 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:

Braxton Hicks contractions. If you feel a tightness in your abdomen around 30 weeks, you may be experiencing what are called Braxton Hicks or practice contractions. These are contractions that help your body prepare for labor, but they are not a sign that you are actually going into labor. They can occur more frequently when you are tired or dehydrated, and they tend to occur later in the day. Braxton Hicks contractions can get stronger as your due date nears, and it can become tricky to tell whether you’re experiencing these practice contractions or if you are going into labor.

If you experience contractions or cramping at 30 weeks pregnant and you’re not sure whether they are Braxton Hicks or true labor contractions —or something else entirely—contact your healthcare provider, who will be able to assess your symptoms. Also, contact your healthcare provider if you experience vaginal bleeding, a low dull back pain, or stomach pains that progress over time at 30 weeks pregnant or anytime in your pregnancy as these may be some symptoms of preterm labor or something else.

Itchy skin. With pregnancy weight gain and a growing belly, at around 30 weeks pregnant, you may start to experience itchiness as your skin stretches and dries out. Gently applying a moisturizing lotion and staying well-hydrated can help. Read more about itchy skin during pregnancy for additional tips.

Feeling short of breath. This could be happening because your uterus is getting bigger and pushing your stomach and diaphragm up into your lungs, making breathing more difficult. In the last month or two of pregnancy, you may find breathing a little easier as your baby drops down into your pelvis, easing the pressure on your lungs. But for now, you might experience some difficulty. Move slowly and sit up straight to give your lungs extra room to expand. If you experience chest pains or a major change in the way you breathe, consult your healthcare provider right away, as these are among the symptoms not to ignore at 30 weeks pregnant.

Are you wondering what the symptoms of carrying a girl are compared to carrying a boy at 30 weeks pregnant? Well, we’re afraid you’ll have to keep on wondering because science has shown that pregnancy symptoms are not linked to the baby's assigned gender.

But, for some unscientific fun, read our article on Old Wives’ Tales for Predicting Gender .

How Big Is a Pregnant Belly at 30 Weeks?

You may notice a lot of growth in your bump around 30 weeks pregnant and throughout this month as your baby grows rapidly and gains weight. This may make your uterus feel heavier, and as we mentioned in the above section, it may push your stomach and diaphragm up toward your lungs.

If your fundal height is measured at 30 weeks, it’ll likely be close to 30 centimeters (11 to 12 and a half inches) from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus.

What Does 30 Weeks Pregnant Look Like?

To get an idea of a pregnant belly size around 30 weeks pregnant, take a look at the image below.

30 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider

From babymoons to researching doulas, here are some things to consider at 30 weeks pregnant:

If your healthcare provider gives you the all-clear, you could do some traveling at 30 weeks pregnant, before your baby arrives. Go on a babymoon with your partner or take a trip with friends. Check out our article on travel during pregnancy for tips and guidance and have some fun with our short quiz regarding your ideal babymoon destination . If your plans include air travel, ask your healthcare provider if you can fly at 30 weeks pregnant.

Remember that it’s important to eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet throughout pregnancy to support your baby's growth and ensure that both of you are staying healthy. If you’re wondering what to eat at 30 weeks of pregnancy, one of the crucial nutrients to look for is calcium, a mineral that helps build your baby’s bones and teeth. You need 1,000 mg of calcium each day, and if you’re not getting enough in the foods you eat, your healthcare provider may recommend supplements. Dairy products, fortified cereals and juices, almonds, and dark, leafy greens are great sources of calcium, and you can ask your healthcare provider for more suggestions on getting calcium during your pregnancy .

Feeling about the same amount of movement from your baby from one day to the next can be a reassuring sign that everything is going well at 30 weeks pregnant. Some experts recommend starting to do "kick counts" from around 30 weeks of pregnancy; ask your healthcare provider when they recommend you start doing these fetal movement checks, as everyone's situation is different. Your provider will also be able to give direction on how to do these counts. One way is to find a time of day when your baby is usually most active and count the number of kicks or movements you feel in a two-hour window. Download our fetal movement tracker to help you do this with ease. Keep in mind that if you feel decreased fetal movement at 30 weeks pregnant, this doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong; your baby could simply be asleep! Speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Is your baby shower host pestering you for the details of your registry? Put the finishing touches on it so that they can finalize the shower invitations and send them out in time. Check out this registry checklist and must-haves to make sure you’ve covered all the essentials.

If you’re thinking of hiring a labor support professional, now's the time to start researching and interviewing potential doulas . A doula is someone who can give you comfort and help before, during, and after labor and childbirth.

30 Weeks Pregnant: Questions for Your Healthcare Provider

Here are some questions that you might like to ask your healthcare provider at your 30-week appointment or any time you need advice:

When will I get the Tdap vaccination? This vaccine helps protect your baby from contracting whooping cough in the first few months after birth.

Who is my backup healthcare provider if my current one is on leave or unavailable over the next few months?

Do you recommend having a written birth plan?

If I have been diagnosed with placenta accreta, what warning signs should I look out for during the third trimester and what are my chances of needing a cesarean section?

30 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

Check out our short checklist for some things to do over the next few weeks:

☐ Start thinking about and planning for child care, if you haven't done so already. Doing the research, interviewing potential child care providers, visiting child care centers, or asking family to take on some of the child care now gives you one less thing to worry about once your baby is born. Ask your healthcare provider and trusted friends and loved ones for recommendations.

☐ Soon enough, your friends and family members may start offering to provide you with some extra support in the weeks after you give birth. Start jotting down some chores or tasks they could take on, so that you know what kinds of jobs you could assign. Your list might include things like cooking a few meals that can be frozen for later, minding your older children, grocery shopping, or taking care of your pets.

☐ If you have a car, you’ll need a safe baby car seat for that first trip home from the hospital, and for every ride after that. Start browsing and shopping now so you have plenty of time to get the seat correctly installed, rear-facing, in your car's backseat. Check out the best baby car seats according to Pampers Parents.

☐ If you’re wondering “Is 30 weeks too early for maternity pictures?” The answer is no, go for it! Organize a maternity photoshoot to have some treasured memories of your baby bump. Take our quiz on your maternity photoshoot style to see what it reveals about your personality.

How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month, 6th ed. (Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2015).
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month, 7th ed. (Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
• Cleveland Clinic. “Fundal Height.”
• Cleveland Clinic. “Kick Counts.”
• Kids Health. “Week 30.”

Review this article:

Read more about pregnancy.

• Giving Birth
• Pregnancy Announcement
• Pregnancy Calendar
• Pregnancy Symptoms
• Baby Shower & Registry
• Prenatal Health and Wellness
• Preparing For Your New Baby
• Due Date Calculator

Travel overseas at 30 weeks

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Is it safe to travel at 30 weeks pregnant?

Faqs about traveling at 30 weeks pregnant:, q: can i fly at 30 weeks pregnant, q: are there any specific airline guidelines for pregnant travelers, q: what should i pack for a trip at 30 weeks pregnant, q: is it safe to travel by car at 30 weeks pregnant, q: can i travel internationally at 30 weeks pregnant, q: what should i do if i experience discomfort or pain during the trip, q: are there any activities i should avoid while traveling at 30 weeks pregnant, q: how can i ensure a comfortable journey at 30 weeks pregnant, q: should i purchase travel insurance before my trip, q: are there any specific vaccinations i should get before traveling at 30 weeks pregnant, q: can traveling at 30 weeks pregnant increase the risk of preterm labor, q: how can i address concerns about traveling at 30 weeks pregnant with my healthcare provider.

Travelling during pregnancy can be a concern for many expectant mothers, especially as they reach the later stages of their pregnancy. At 30 weeks pregnant, there are several factors to consider before embarking on a journey. While it is generally considered safe to travel at this stage, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

It is essential to prioritize your health and the well-being of your baby when making travel plans. Before making any decisions, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your travel plans and determine if it is safe for you to travel at 30 weeks pregnant. They will take into consideration any underlying medical conditions, previous pregnancy complications, and the feasibility of medical care at your destination.

If your healthcare provider approves your travel plans, there are some precautions you should take to ensure a safe journey. Firstly, avoid traveling to areas with limited access to medical facilities, as complications can arise unexpectedly. It is also advisable to carry a copy of your medical records, including your prenatal history, in case of any emergencies. Additionally, make sure to stay hydrated, take regular breaks to stretch and walk around, and wear comfortable clothing to maximize your comfort during the journey.

Flying during the third trimester can pose certain risks, including an increased likelihood of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and preterm birth. It is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider and check the airline’s policies regarding pregnant passengers before planning air travel.

Many airlines have their own policies and guidelines regarding pregnant passengers. Certain airlines may require a medical certificate or restrict travel after a certain gestational age. It is important to research and familiarize yourself with the policies of your chosen airline before booking your flight.

When packing for your trip, make sure to include essentials such as comfortable clothing, prenatal vitamins, any necessary medications, a copy of your medical records, and your healthcare provider’s contact information. It is also recommended to pack snacks and water for the journey to stay hydrated and energized.

Traveling by car can be a convenient option during pregnancy. However, it is important to take regular breaks to stretch, walk around, and promote good blood circulation. Also, ensure that you wear your seatbelt properly, with the lap belt under your belly and the shoulder belt across your chest.

Traveling internationally at 30 weeks pregnant may present additional challenges, such as language barriers and access to medical care. It is advisable to thoroughly research your destination, including the availability of quality healthcare facilities, before making any international travel plans.

If you experience any discomfort or pain during your journey, it is important to listen to your body and take appropriate measures. This may include adjusting your position, using pillows for support, or seeking medical attention if necessary.

During pregnancy, it is important to avoid activities that may pose a risk to you and your baby. This includes activities such as extreme sports, overexertion, or exposure to harmful substances. It is important to listen to your body and avoid anything that may cause discomfort or harm.

To ensure a comfortable journey, it is important to plan ahead and prioritize your comfort. This may include wearing loose and comfortable clothing, packing necessary items such as pillows and blankets, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the trip.

Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers pregnancy-related complications and emergencies. This will provide you with peace of mind and financial protection in case of any unforeseen circumstances during your trip.

Before traveling, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if any vaccinations are recommended or required for your destination. Some vaccines may need to be administered well in advance, so it is important to discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider early on.

While traveling at 30 weeks pregnant does not necessarily increase the risk of preterm labor, certain factors such as long-haul flights or overexertion may contribute to discomfort and fatigue. It is advised to take necessary precautions and listen to your body’s signals to ensure a safe journey.

It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider about your concerns regarding travel at 30 weeks pregnant. They will be able to provide personalized advice and guidance based on your specific medical history and circumstances. Remember to discuss any potential risks and make an informed decision based on their guidance.

By following the recommendations of your healthcare provider, taking necessary precautions, and prioritizing your comfort, travelling at 30 weeks pregnant can be a safe and enjoyable experience. Remember to listen to your body and make adjustments if needed, ensuring a smooth journey for both you and your baby.

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Biofuel Bentleys are coming for Britain's green king

Danica Kirka

Associated Press

LONDON – What do you do when you travel in a chauffeur-driven Bentley but want to be known as the green king?

King Charles III plans to resolve this quandary by converting two state Bentleys to run on biofuel. That will give him time to go electric, Buckingham Palace said Wednesday as it released the royal accounts for the financial year ended March 31.

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The king also installed solar panels at Windsor Castle and increased the use of sustainable aviation fuel for royal flights.

“Small steps, but part of a much wider plan to make a significant impact on our carbon emissions in the years ahead,’’ Michael Stevens, keeper of the privy purse, told reporters in London.

The report on the sovereign grant, the mechanism used to fund royal spending, showed that Charles spent 89.1 million pounds ($114.9 million) last year, including 30.4 million pounds on the refurbishment of Buckingham Palace , a 10-year project scheduled to be completed in 2027.

Charles undertook 464 official engagements last year, even though he stepped away from public-facing duties for several weeks after he was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer , the palace said. Queen Camilla made 201 appearances, including 103 with the king.

To help speed them on their way, the royal household will take delivery of two new helicopters in the coming year to replace aging aircraft.

A separate report from the Crown Estate, an independent business that manages assets held by the sovereign during his lifetime, also showed for the first time the scale of the financial windfall the royal family will receive from Britain’s growing green energy market. The Crown Estate said profits rose to 1.1 billion pounds last year, driven by income from six offshore windfarms.

That will boost public funding for the royals by 52% to 132 million pounds in 2025-26 because the sovereign grant is based on a percentage of the income generated by the Crown Estate two years previously. An estimated 60 million pounds from the 2025-26 grant will go toward the restoration of Buckingham Palace.

But the windfarms will also spin off benefits for people around Britain after Charles asked that the bulk of the windfall be used for “the wider public good.” As a result of that request, the share of Crown Estate profits dedicated to the sovereign grant will drop to 12% in 2025-26 from the current 25%, leaving an additional 143 million pounds for public spending.

Find more of AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/royalty

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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The Best Travel Credit Card of July 2024: Find and Maximize the Best Cards for Flights and Hotels

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Introduction to the Best Travel Credit Cards

Whether you're just dipping your toe into the world of rewards credit cards or you've already flown thousands of miles on points alone, we can tell you: There's an ideal travel credit card for everyone.

There's a card designed for people seeking free flights, hoping for free hotel stays, or just doing whatever it takes to realize their dreams of relaxing in an overwater bungalow. There are even no-annual-fee travel credit cards that won't cost you anything to maintain.  Let's take a look at the best choices available for you right now. 

Best Travel Credit Cards of July 2024

• Best overall travel credit card : Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best travel credit card for beginners : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best no-annual-fee travel credit card : Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card ( rates and fees )
• Best for spending at hotels : Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card
• Best for travel rewards on everyday spending : Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
• Best travel card for students : Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
• Most affordable premium travel credit card : Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Best travel credit card for earning travel credit on dining and groceries : American Express® Gold Card
• Best premium card for travel bonus categories : Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for luxury travel benefits and airport lounge access : The Platinum Card® from American Express

Compare the Best Credit Cards for Travel

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. Earn 1x on all other purchases.

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Earn 60,000 bonus points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High intro bonus offer starts you off with lots of points
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit

If you're new to travel rewards credit cards or just don't want to pay hundreds in annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a smart choice. It earns bonus points on a wide variety of travel and dining purchases and offers strong travel and purchase coverage, including primary car rental insurance.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Earn 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.

19.99% - 29.99% variable

Earn 75,000 bonus miles, plus $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. $50 experience credit and free upgrades on Capital One Lifestyle Collection bookings
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other credit cards offer higher rewards in certain categories of spending

If you want an easy, no-fuss travel rewards credit card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great fit. For a moderate annual fee, it offers plenty of value, useful benefits, and a substantial welcome bonus.

• Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (intro fee of 3% for the first 15 months, then 4% of the amount of each balance transfer at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time)

19.99% - 29.99% Variable

Earn 20,000 miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Versatile rewards
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases with no bonus categories to track
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower earning rate than some other no-annual-fee rewards cards
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited benefits

The VentureOne Rewards Card is a slimmed-down version of the popular Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. It's one of the few no-annual-fee cards on the market that gives you the option to redeem miles for cash back or transfer them to travel partners.

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase-or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.

21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable

Good or Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation and lost baggage protection
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Airline and hotel transfer partners available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Welcome bonus
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous cellphone protection
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Transfer partner network not as diverse or robust as competitors

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card is a true travel credit card, with benefits that rival many of the best travel rewards credit cards currently on the market. This card has a low annual fee on par with that of popular competing credit cards and Wells Fargo's newly announced Points Transfer program allows cardholders to juice maximum value from every point they earn.

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
• $95 Annual Fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com. Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and EV charging stations. Earn 1X point per $1 on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% variable

Earn 75,000 bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 3x points on most travel, restaurants, gas/EV charging, and supermarkets
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 10x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked via Citi Travel
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. $100 annual hotel credit on a single stay of $500 or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No foreign transaction fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay/interruption benefits and lost/damaged baggage coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Has an annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Citi Travel rates often are higher than retail cost of travel

Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on purchases.

• 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account

17.99% - 27.99% Variable

25,000 online bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous welcome bonus for a student credit card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns flexible points you can use toward a wide variety of travel purchases
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other travel rewards cards have higher earning rates
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Few travel-related benefits compared to other travel cards

A good student credit card should offer rewards and useful benefits to those with limited credit history and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students hits several of those notes. However, while the card is marketed to students, those without established credit may have difficulty getting approved.

• The information related to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
• 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases)
• Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, no expiration on points
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees

Earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2 miles on all other purchases.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Excellent welcome bonus and miles earning
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Premium perks including airport lounge access and credits for certain purchases
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Visa Infinite benefits including travel and shopping protections
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Annual travel credits only apply to Capital One Travel purchases

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for frequent travelers, with top-notch benefits and a wide range of built-in protections. It comes with a generous welcome bonus and credits that can help offset the annual fee — which is much lower than similar premium cards.

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.

See Pay Over Time APR

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great rewards for dining and for shopping at US supermarkets
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Monthly statement credit for eligible dining purchases recoups some of the annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Underwhelming welcome bonus

Foodies and travelers alike will appreciate the American Express Gold's generous welcome bonus and Membership Rewards points earning. Its Uber Cash credits are useful for rides and Uber Eats, and monthly dining credits with participating merchants like GrubHub and Seamless are easy to use.

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Terms Apply.

Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel insurance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very high annual fee

If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Bonus categories leave something to be desired
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.

Best Travel Credit Card Reviews

The best travel rewards credit cards offer valuable rewards, easy-to-use benefits, and helpful features like travel coverage. Our team of credit card experts at Business Insider chose the best options available on the market in 2024, and reviewed each one below.

Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is our top pick for a well-rounded travel rewards credit card. Even infrequent travelers can benefit from the slew of premium perks on this card, typically found on cards with far higher annual fees. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out for its travel protection benefits. When you pay for travel expenses with this card and meet certain requirements, you can request reimbursement for unexpected expenses that may arise when your flight is delayed or if your baggage is delayed or lost.

You'll also have primary rental car insurance, meaning you won't have to file claims through your personal car insurance plan or pay for coverage from the rental car company. This card also offers a 10% anniversary points bonus, and up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel purchases made through the Chase Travel℠ Portal. 

The rewards rate on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card isn't shabby either. You'll earn 5 points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 2 points on all other travel purchases; and 3 points on dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), and select streaming services. You'll earn 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are some of the easiest points to use in various ways. You can redeem them for travel directly through the Chase Travel Portal for a 25% boost in value, where 1 point will be worth 1.25 cents apiece. You can also transfer your points to Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners , which include United Airlines, Hyatt, Marriott, and many other airlines and hotel chains around the world. Cardholders can also use points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more.  

What the experts love: High welcome bonus offer, earns bonus points on travel, dining, and online grocery purchases, you can redeem points for 1.25 cents apiece for travel or through Chase for 25% value bonus

What the experts don't love: Doesn't offer some of the travel perks you'll get with competing cards, such as airport lounge access and a statement credit for Global Entry

Read more: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card review .

Best for Beginners: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great "set it and forget it" card, in the sense that you don't have to worry about various bonus categories for earning rewards. You'll earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on all other purchases.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also offers one of the most straightforward ways to redeem travel rewards: You can use your miles to cover recent travel purchases from your card statement at a rate of 1 cent per mile. 

You also have the option to transfer Capital One miles *** to more than a dozen frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Etihad Guest, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. Capital One also added new partners including British Airways and Turkish Airlines, and improved the transfer ratio to 1:1 for most partners. 

The selection of transfer partners is best suited to someone who wants to travel internationally and who doesn't mind spending some time researching the best ways to redeem miles with the different frequent flyer program options. But the upside is that you can always use your miles to cover your travel purchases. You also get up to a $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit.

What the experts love:  The ability to use your miles to cover your recent travel expenses; it earns at least 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.

What the experts don't love: Other cards offer higher rewards on certain spending categories such as travel and dining.

Read more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review

Best for No Annual Fee: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is our top choice for a no-annual-fee travel card ( rates and fees ), and it's got many of the same perks as its bigger sibling, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

New cardholders can earn a respectable 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening (worth at least $340 in travel according to Business Insider's valuations). While the card only earns 1.25 miles per dollar on most purchases (plus 5x on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel), it's still a compelling choice if an annual fee isn't for you ( rates and fees ).

You'll get the same access to Capital One's airline and hotel partners as you would with annual-fee cards, and a handful of benefits including car rental insurance***, travel accident insurance***, and purchase assurance***. This is also a solid pick if you're looking for a zero-interest credit card  with a 0% introductory APR offer, because new cardholders receive a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (intro fee of 3% for the first 15 months, then 4% of the amount of each balance transfer at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time), then a 19.99% - 29.99% Variable APR ( rates and fees ).

What the experts love: No annual fee, access to transfer partners, generous intro 0% APR offer

What the experts don't love: Few travel benefits, lower earning rate

Read more: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review

Best for Boutique Hotels: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card earns one of the highest rates of return on hotel bookings for a credit card that isn't co-branded with a specific hotel chain. 

This card has a $95 annual fee, inviting direct comparisons to two other cards on this list: The Sapphire Preferred Card , and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . In exchange, cardholders earn at least 3x on restaurants and travel purchases. Airline purchases earn 4x, and hotel purchases earn 5x.

When launching this card, the card issuer simultaneously announced brand-new Wells Fargo Autograph transfer partners : Choice Privileges, Aer Lingus AerClub, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, avianca lifemiles, and British Airways Executive Club. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card cardholders can redeem rewards at the standard redemption rate of 1 cent per point for cash back, or transfer their rewards to any travel partners above for additional value.

What the experts love: High bonus rates on hotels and flights

What the experts don't love: Limited transfer options (for now)

Read more: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card review

Best Travel Rewards on Everyday Spend: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card isn't as flashy or well-known as some other travel cards, but that doesn't mean you should overlook it, especially if you spend a lot on its bonus categories. Cardholders earn an impressive 3x points on air travel, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Along with a solid welcome bonus offer of 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening (worth $1,200 based on Business Insider's valuations), you'll receive $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) booked through thankyou.com once per calendar year.

While it isn't the best for travel protections, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is the only card currently available to new applicants that unlocks the ability to transfer your ThankYou points to Citi's full list of airline and hotel partners , including JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, and Wyndham.

What the experts love:  Strong rewards earning in useful everyday categories, access to Citi's transfer partners

What the experts don't love: Lack of travel protections like car rental insurance, few travel perks compared to similar rewards cards

Read more: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card review

Best for Students: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a fairly unique offering, as there aren't many student credit cards specifically geared toward travel. New cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases). That's a decent offer for a no-annual-fee card, and the earning structure is simple, too — 1.5x points per dollar on every purchase, with no bonus categories to keep track of.

There's also a 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account (then a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR) which can be handy if you have big purchases (like textbooks or supplies) you want to pay for over time. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a good choice if you prefer a straightforward card without having to worry about award charts or transfer partners. It's also a safe bet if you want to use it while traveling internationally — it doesn't charge pesky foreign transaction fees, so you won't be on the hook for extra charges if you use it overseas.

However, you won't find many extras — like travel benefits or purchase protections — with this card. If you're looking for better benefits, be sure to check out our guide to the best student credit cards for all the top options.

What the experts love: Impressive welcome bonus offer for a student credit card, good flat-rate rewards earning

What the experts don't love: No flashy extra perks or shopping benefits

Read more: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students review

Cheapest Airport Lounge Access: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was unveiled in late 2021 and offers a massive welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — worth at least $1,275 in travel, based on Business Insider's valuation of Capital One miles .

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is loaded with premium benefits that can more than offset the $395 annual fee ( rates and fees ). For context, this annual fee is significantly lower than that of other premium travel cards which offer airport lounge access. 

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card cardholders also receive $300 per year in credits toward travel booked through Capital One; Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One airport lounge access (even for authorized users, for free); a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth $100 in travel); and Visa Infinite travel and purchase benefits.

As with other cards that earn Capital One miles , you can transfer rewards to over a dozen airline and hotel partners to book award travel, or use miles to book through the Capital One Travel Portal .

What the experts love:  Between $300 a year in travel credit and a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary, you can offset the annual fee entirely — and that's not even considering other benefits like lounge access.

What the experts don't love:  The $300 travel credit is more restrictive than other cards' — it only applies to travel booked through Capital One.

Read more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review

Best Travel Rewards from Dining and Groceries: American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is an ideal travel card for anyone who frequently eats out and/or shops at U.S. supermarkets. You'll earn 4x Amex Membership Rewards points on these purchases (though note the $25,000 calendar year annual cap for U.S. supermarkets; after that, you'll earn just 1 point per dollar, but that's a pretty high cap). The card also earns 3x points on flights booked directly with the airlines or through AmexTravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

While the $250 annual fee is on the high side, you can offset it thanks to an annual statement credit. You can get up to $120 in annual dining credits**, but it's divided into up to $10 in credits each month, and the credit only applies at select restaurants and delivery services, including Grubhub, Seamless, Milk Bar, Wine.com, and Goldbelly, and participating Shake Shack locations.

You'll also get up to $120 Uber Cash ($10 per month) credit each calendar year (this is only applicable to U.S. Eats orders and rides, and the Gold Card needs to be added as a method of payment to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit).

What the experts love: "4x points on restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) is great — usually, a card favors one or the other," says Rathner. Plus, the card offers monthly dining credits.

What the experts don't love: Wilson notes that other cards offer similar benefits for a lower annual fee, and Rathner notes that the card's travel and dining credits come with some important limitations — so read the fine print. 

Read more: American Express® Gold Card review

Best for Premium Travel Insurance: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a $550 annual fee, which means it's not for everybody, but if you're serious about maximizing your rewards and you travel frequently, it could be worth it. It offers a bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 

Not only do you get up to $300 in statement credits toward travel each year (and Chase has a very generous definition of travel — including everything from airfare to highway tolls), but you also earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (excluding the $300 travel credit) and 3x points on all other travel and dining. You also get airport lounge access through the Priority Pass network , which has more than 1,300 locations worldwide.

New benefits also include access to Chase Sapphire lounges in JFK , LaGuardia , Boston , and Hong Kong, as well as the Chase Sapphire Terrace at Austin Airport . You'll also receive benefits with DoorDash  and Instacart that can save you money on delivery (activation required).

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is currently offering cardholders two years of complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership (valued at $199 per year) for member-exclusive pricing, priority pickup, and more (activation required). 

When it comes to redeeming points, you can book travel through Chase and get 1.5 cents per point (a 50% bonus over the standard 1-cent-per-point rate), or you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards to travel partners like Hyatt, British Airways, and United.

Plus, like the less-expensive Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers some of the best credit card travel insurance around. This includes primary car rental insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation protection, and lost baggage insurance.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card was previously our pick for the best travel card overall, before the annual fee increased from $450 to $550. While the Reserve did add some additional benefits, the Reserve no longer makes as much sense for casual travelers. As a result, we now recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card as the best travel credit card for most people. 

What the experts love:  Earns 3x points on travel and dining purchases made outside of Chase Travel Portal, annual $300 travel credit, points are worth 1.5 cents apiece for travel booked through Chase

What the experts don't love: You have to squeeze every drop of value out of this card to make that jaw-dropping $550 annual fee worth your while.

Read more: Chase Sapphire Reserve® review

Best Luxury Travel and Airport Lounge Access: The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express has one of the highest rewards card annual fees —  $695 — but it can still be well worth it if you can put all of its statement credits and generous welcome bonus offer to use.

You'll earn 5x points on flights when you book directly through the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year), which makes the card a great choice for purchasing airfare. The card offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, plus some of the best purchase protection, so it's a good option for buying expensive items (and don't forget to see if you can take advantage of an Amex Offer ** for bonus points or cash back).

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers more airport lounge access than any other personal travel card — in addition to Priority Pass membership**, you get access to Amex Centurion Lounges , Delta Sky Clubs (when you're flying Delta), and more. 

The card's annual statement credits can go a long way toward offsetting the high annual fee. You get up to $200 in statement credits toward airline incidental fees** like checked bags and inflight purchases; up to $100 each year in credit toward Saks Fifth Avenue purchases**; and up to $200 in annual Uber credits (including Uber Eats)**. 

Just keep in mind that you're limited to one designated airline you choose each year in your Amex account for the airline incidental fee credit, and both the Saks and Uber credits are divided into portions. You'll get up to $50 in statement credits toward Saks purchases from January to June, and another credit of up to $50 for Saks purchases from July to December.

With the Uber credit, you get up to $15 each month, and a $20 bonus in December for a total of $35 that month.

What the experts love:  Lots of luxury benefits, including airport lounge access and statement credits with Uber and Saks

What the experts don't love: This card's $695 annual fee, and minimal bonus categories

Read more: The Platinum Card® from American Express review

How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

While it takes more effort to redeem points or miles compared to cash back, the upside is that you can get much more value for your points compared to simply cashing in your rewards for a statement credit or check at a rate of 1 cent per point.

In fact, it's possible to receive double, triple, or even more than that amount when you're strategic about how you redeem your rewards, particularly if you book expensive luxury hotels or first-class flights. 

In this guide, we've focused mostly on the best travel credit cards that earn transferable points. Transferable points include popular currencies such as:

• Amex Membership Rewards
• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Citi ThankYou Rewards
• Capital One miles

You can transfer these points to both airline and hotel partner loyalty programs. You can even redeem your points to offset the cash price of your travel at a flat rate.

Best Travel Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

If you want a single credit card that does it all and don't mind paying a generous annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a great choice. It comes with the best travel insurance available on the market, as well as a $300 travel credit each year that can be used on most types of travel.

The best travel credit card overall is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, but the best card for your particular situation will depend on what benefits you care about the most, as well as how you feel about paying a high annual fee. 

We'd recommend opening a travel card that earns Amex or Chase points, because these are among the easiest rewards to redeem and you have various travel partners to utilize. But if you've investigated your options and are confident that you can get value out of their rewards, credit cards that earn Capital One miles or Citi ThankYou points can make sense as well.

There are two main types of travel credit cards: Cards that earn transferable points, and airline/hotel co-branded credit cards. Transferable points currencies include Amex Membership Rewards points, Capital One miles, and Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Airline credit cards and hotel credit cards earn points or miles within a respective hotel or airline program; you don't have the option to redeem your rewards with a wide variety of travel partners (or if you do, the transfer ratio usually isn't great).

To pick the right travel credit card for you, you'll want to evaluate its welcome bonus offer, ease of use, benefits, and annual fee. The best one for you will ideally have a combination of an attractive sign-up bonus , lots of options for earning and redeeming rewards, benefits that save you money, and a low or no annual fee.

Travel credit cards with annual fees are worth it if you're able to get significant value out of their benefits and rewards. Before you apply for a card , make sure you'll actually use all the features that contribute to the card's annual fee. For example, if a card offers an annual statement credit of up to $200 toward travel but you can't use it, you're probably not getting what you pay for.

Travel credit cards work by earning you points (or miles) on every purchase you make, with the goal of helping you earn enough rewards to book free travel . The best travel cards earn points that you can transfer to various airline and hotel partners — like Amex, Chase, or Citi points. 

A great way to work toward getting a free flight is by applying for a travel credit card and earning its welcome bonus offer. Domestic award flights in economy class typically require about 25,000 points, so depending on the welcome bonus offer, you could have enough rewards for a flight right out of the gate. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Travel Credit Cards

Business Insider evaluated dozens of travel credit cards currently available to new applicants and narrowed down the list to the best options based on the following factors:

• Welcome bonus offer — Do new cardholders get a valuable incentive to sign up and meet a minimum spending requirement?
• Ongoing rewards — How many points or miles do you earn on your purchases?
• Benefits — Beyond rewards, does the card offer valuable perks such as statement credits for travel, primary car rental insurance, and airport lounge access?
• Annual fee — Is there an annual fee, and if so, is it affordable or easy to offset with card perks?
• Overall value — Does the card justify its annual fee by offering useful benefits and valuable rewards, and is it worth it?

Read our guide to how we rate credit cards for a closer look at our methodology.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

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• Main content

What we know about CrowdStrike’s update fail that’s causing global outages and travel chaos

A faulty software update issued by security giant CrowdStrike has resulted in a massive overnight outage that’s affected Windows computers around the world , disrupting businesses, airports, train stations, banks, broadcasters and the healthcare sector.

CrowdStrike said the outage was not caused by a cyberattack, but was the result of a “defect” in a software update for its flagship security product, Falcon Sensor. The defect caused any Windows computers that Falcon is installed on to crash without fully loading.

“The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed,” said CrowdStrike in a statement on Friday . Some businesses and organizations are beginning to recover, but many expect the outages to drag on into the weekend or next week given the complexity of the fix. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz told NBC News that it may take “some time for some systems that just automatically won’t recover.” In a later tweet , Kurtz apologized for the disruption.

Here’s everything you need to know about the outages.

What happened?

Late Thursday into Friday, reports began to emerge of IT problems wherein Windows computers were getting stuck with the infamous “blue screen of death” — a bright blue error screen with a message that displays when Windows encounters a critical failure, crashes or cannot load.

The outages were first noticed in Australia early on Friday, and reports quickly came in from the rest of Asia and Europe as the regions began their day, as well as the United States.

Within a short time, CrowdStrike confirmed that a software update for Falcon had malfunctioned and was causing Windows computers that had the software installed to crash. Falcon lets CrowdStrike remotely analyze and check for malicious threats and malware on installed computers.

At around the same time, Microsoft reported a significant outage at one of its most used Azure cloud regions covering much of the central United States. A spokesperson for Microsoft told TechCrunch that its outage was unrelated to CrowdStrike’s incident .

Around Friday noon (Eastern time), Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella posted on X saying the company is aware of the CrowdStrike botched update and is “working closely with CrowdStrike and across the industry to provide customers technical guidance and support to safely bring their systems back online.”

What is CrowdStrike and what does Falcon Sensor do?

CrowdStrike, founded in 2011, has quickly grown into a cybersecurity giant. Today the company provides software and services to 29,000 corporate customers, including around half of Fortune 500 companies, 43 out of 50 U.S. states and eight out of the top 10 tech firms, according to its website .

The company’s cybersecurity software, Falcon, is used by enterprises to manage security on millions of computers around the world. These businesses include large corporations, hospitals, transportation hubs and government departments. Most consumer devices do not run Falcon and are unaffected by this outage.

One of the company’s biggest recent claims to fame was when it caught a group of Russian government hackers breaking into the Democratic National Committee ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. CrowdStrike is also known for using memorable animal-themed names for the hacking groups it tracks based on their nationality, such as: Fancy Bear , believed to be part of Russia’s General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate, or GRU; Cozy Bear , believed to be part of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, or SVR; Gothic Panda , believed to be a Chinese government group; and Charming Kitten , believed to be an Iranian state-backed group. The company even makes action figures to represent these groups, which it sells as swag .

CrowdStrike is so big it’s one of the sponsors of the Mercedes F1 team , and this year even aired a Super Bowl ad — a first for a cybersecurity company. 

Who are the outages affecting?

Practically anyone who during their everyday life interacts with a computer system running software from CrowdStrike is affected, even if the computer isn’t theirs. 

These devices include the cash registers at grocery stores, departure boards at airports and train stations, school computers, your work-issued laptops and desktops, airport check-in systems, airlines’ own ticketing and scheduling platforms, healthcare networks and many more. Because CrowdStrike’s software is so ubiquitous, the outages are causing chaos around the world in a variety of ways. A single affected Windows computer in a fleet of systems could be enough to disrupt the network. 

TechCrunch reporters around the world are seeing and experiencing outages, including at points of travel, doctors’ offices and online. Early on Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration put in effect a ground stop, effectively grounding flights across the United States, citing the disruption. It looks like so far the national Amtrak rail network is functioning as normal. 

What is the U.S. government doing so far?

Given that the problem stems from a company, there isn’t much that the U.S. federal government can do. According to a pool report, President Biden was briefed on the CrowdStrike outage, and “his team is in touch with CrowdStrike and impacted entities.” That’s in large part because the federal government is a customer of CrowdStrike and also affected.

Several federal agencies are affected by the incident, including the Department of Education , and Social Security Administration, which said Friday that it closed its offices as a result of the outage.

The pool report said Biden’s team is “engaged across the interagency to get sector by sector updates throughout the day and is standing by to provide assistance as needed.” 

In a separate tweet, Homeland Security said it was working with its U.S. cybersecurity agency CISA, CrowdStrike and Microsoft — as well as its federal, state, local and critical infrastructure partners — to “fully assess and address system outages.”

There will no doubt be questions for CrowdStrike (and to some extent Microsoft, whose unrelated outage also caused disruption overnight for its customers) from government and congressional investigators. 

For now, the immediate focus will be on the recovery of affected systems.

How do affected customers fix their Windows computers?

The major problem here is that CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor software malfunctioned, causing Windows machines to crash, and there’s no easy way to fix that. 

So far, CrowdStrike has issued a patch, and it has also detailed a workaround that could help affected systems function normally until it has a permanent solution. One option is for users to “reboot the [affected computer] to give it an opportunity to download the reverted channel file,” referring to the fixed file.

In a message to users , CrowdStrike detailed a few steps customers can take, one of which requires physical access to an affected system to remove the defective file. CrowdStrike says users should boot the computer into Safe Mode or Windows Recovery Environment, navigate to the CrowdStrike directory, and delete the faulty file “C-00000291*.sys.”

The wider problem with having to fix the file manually could be a major headache for companies and organizations with large numbers of computers, or Windows-powered servers in datacenters or locations that might be in another region, or an entirely different country.

CISA warns that malicious actors are ‘taking advantage’ of the outage

In a statement on Friday, CISA attributed the outages to the faulty CrowdStrike update and that the issue was not due to a cyberattack. CISA said that it was “working closely with CrowdStrike and federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners, as well as critical infrastructure and international partners to assess impacts and support remediation efforts.”

CISA did note, however, that it has “observed threat actors taking advantage of this incident for phishing and other malicious activity.” The cybersecurity agency did not provide more specifics, but warned organizations to stay vigilant.

Malicious actors can and will exploit confusion and chaos to carry out cyberattacks on their own. Rachel Tobac, a social engineering expert and founder of cybersecurity firm SocialProof Security, said in a series of posts on X to “verify people are who they say they are before taking sensitive actions.”

“Criminals will attempt to use this IT outage to pretend to be IT to you or you to IT to steal access, passwords, codes, etc.,” Tobac said.

What do we know about misinformation so far?

It’s easy to understand why some might have thought that this outage was a cyberattack. Sudden outages, blue screens at airports, office computers filled with error messages, and chaos and confusion. As you might expect, a fair amount of misinformation is already flying around , even as social media sites incorrectly flag trending topics like “cyberattack.”

Remember to check official sources of news and information, and if something seems too good to be true, it might just well be.

TechCrunch will keep this report updated throughout the day.

TechCrunch’s Ram Iyer contributed reporting.

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Watch CBS News

Southwest Airlines offers Amazon Prime Day deals. Here's how much you can save on flights.

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Alain Sherter

Updated on: July 16, 2024 / 10:58 AM EDT / CBS News

Amazon Prime members can get discounted fares from Southwest Airlines for  Amazon Prime Day . 

The discount airline is offering up to 30% off base fares on Prime Day, taking place July 16 and 17, Southwest said in a statement to CBS News. Southwest said it is the first airline to officially partner with Amazon to offer deals tied to the online retailer's shopping promotion. 

Travelers must be Prime members to take advantage of the discounts. A membership costs $14.99 per month, or $138 per year, according to Amazon.

"Amazon's Prime Day Event draws consumers looking for travel deals and inspiration, and we're inviting Prime Day members to enjoy Southwest's service with a discount on our already low fares as a way to win more Customers and drive bookings," Jennifer Bridie, Southwest vice president of marketing communications and strategy, said in a statement.

Consumers looking to get away can visit Southwest's website , where the promo code "PRIME" will earn them ticket discounts of up to 30% on select flights within the continental U.S. scheduled between August 6 and December 18, although some dates are blacked out. 

• 78 best Amazon Prime Day deals of 2024, handpicked from the hundreds of thousands of items on sale
• These 15 Prime Day warehouse deals are some of Amazon's deepest discounts of 2024

Travel to Hawaii and Puerto Rico can be booked on Prime Day for trips between August 13 and December 17, with some exclusions. Reservations must be made by July 17. 

Other travel companies, including Viator, a tour company, and cruise operator Carnival are also offering deals tied to Prime Day.

• Southwest Airlines
• Amazon Prime
• Amazon Prime Day

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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