Why Every Mom-to-Be Should Consider a Solo Trip (But Here’s What I’d Do Differently)

Have you ever dreamed of taking a solo trip while pregnant? It sounds bold—maybe even a little scary—but the truth is, it can be one of the most enriching and transformative experiences you’ll ever have. Recently, a brave mom-to-be shared her journey of traveling alone to London while expecting. Her story not only highlights the joys of solo pregnancy travel but also offers essential lessons she wishes she’d known before taking off.

If you’re wondering whether this is something you should consider, or if you’re in the midst of planning your own adventure, stick around. You might be surprised by what you learn.

The Unexpected Joy of Traveling Solo While Pregnant

Traveling alone while pregnant isn’t just about sightseeing or ticking destinations off a bucket list. It’s about self-discovery, empowerment, and reconnecting with yourself at a pivotal life moment.

Our inspiring traveler found that solo travel gave her space to reflect on the incredible journey ahead—motherhood. It was a moment of quiet confidence and freedom, one that allowed her to embrace her changing body and mind on her own terms.

But, as she candidly shared in her Business Insider article, there were a few things she wished she had done differently:

  • Taking more photos to capture every precious moment
  • Investing in extra legroom for comfort during long flights
  • Remembering to buy souvenirs as mementos of her special trip

Why These Details Matter More Than You Think

It’s easy to overlook these seemingly small details when you’re caught up in the excitement of travel or the anticipation of baby. But when you pause to consider how fleeting and precious these moments are, those photos and souvenirs become priceless memories to revisit, especially when you’re navigating the rollercoaster of pregnancy and early parenthood.

The Takeaway? Preparation is Everything

Just like any pregnancy journey, a solo trip requires thoughtful preparation. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

  • Comfort is key. Consider upgrading your travel experience where possible—extra legroom, frequent breaks, and comfortable accommodations can make a world of difference.
  • Capture your journey. Don’t hesitate to snap photos or journal your thoughts; these will be treasures in the years to come.
  • Plan for unexpected moments. Pack smart, stay hydrated, and keep your healthcare contacts handy.

Empower Your Fertility Journey with Confidence

Taking a solo trip during pregnancy can symbolize a new chapter—one filled with hope, strength, and self-love. And for those still on the path to conception, empowerment begins long before pregnancy. Tools that enable you to take control of your fertility journey at home can be just as transformative.

For example, innovative and reusable at-home insemination kits, like those from MakeAMom, offer a discreet and cost-effective way to pursue parenthood on your own terms. Whether you’re dealing with low sperm motility or sensitivity issues, these thoughtfully designed kits support your journey in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, already expectant, or simply dreaming of the day, the stories we share remind us that every journey is unique and worth celebrating. Solo travel during pregnancy might feel unconventional, but it’s a powerful way to nourish your mind, soul, and body.

It’s about embracing change with courage, carving out moments for yourself, and remembering that this is your adventure—one you deserve to enjoy fully.

Ready to Plan Your Own Journey?

If you’re considering a solo trip while pregnant, or taking steps towards conception at home, remember these words: preparation, self-love, and empowerment are your greatest allies.

Will you capture every moment? Will you prioritize your comfort? And most importantly, will you believe in your strength?

We’d love to hear about your own experiences or plans for solo travel during pregnancy or your fertility journey. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below—because every story adds light to this beautiful path we walk together.

Why Every Pregnant Mom-to-Be Should Consider a Solo Trip (And How to Nail It!)

Ever thought about taking a solo trip while pregnant? Sounds a bit wild, right? But before you shake your head and scroll away, hear me out. A recent candid piece on Business Insider titled “I went on a solo trip while pregnant. I'd recommend it to every mom-to-be, but I wish I'd done a few things differently.” has sparked a whole new conversation about how pregnancy doesn't have to mean giving up on adventure — in fact, it might be the perfect time to embrace it. And if you’re navigating your own fertility journey or expecting soon, this could be your new favorite idea. Intrigued? Let’s unpack this together.

The Pregnant Solo Trip: More Than Just a Getaway

When you think pregnancy and travel, the usual advice is “take it easy” and “don’t go too far.” But the author of the Business Insider article did the exact opposite — she went on a solo trip to London while pregnant. The experience? Life-changing. The catch? She wished she’d planned a few things differently (hello, extra legroom on the flight and more photos!).

Why does this matter? Because it challenges the stereotype that pregnancy is limiting. Instead, it introduces the idea that pregnancy can be a time to reconnect with yourself, and solo travel offers the perfect opportunity.

What Makes a Pregnant Solo Trip So Special?

  • Ultimate Me-Time: Pregnancy is beautiful but often filled with appointments, advice, and sometimes overwhelming emotional shifts. A solo trip lets you listen to your own rhythm.
  • Reclaiming Confidence: Navigating a foreign city on your terms while pregnant? Talk about a confidence booster!
  • Mindful Movement: Gentle walks, exploring new environments, and breathing fresh air — all of which can positively impact your mental wellness.

Sounds dreamy, right? But before you pack your bags, here are some lessons our fearless traveler learned — and what you should keep in mind.

3 Things You Absolutely Can’t Skip When Planning Your Trip

  1. Seat Selection Matters: Pregnant flights can be long and uncomfortable. Book an aisle seat with extra legroom to stretch and take bathroom breaks easily.

  2. Don’t Forget the Keepsakes: Whether it’s snap-happy moments or souvenirs, cherish these memories. You'll want to look back and smile at this unique chapter.

  3. Listen to Your Body: It’s not about proving anything — if you need rest, take it. If you feel great, explore confidently!

How This Adventure Connects to Your Fertility Journey

Speaking of listening to your body, if you’re on a home fertility journey, like many individuals and couples today, managing stress and mental wellness is incredibly important. That’s where companies like MakeAMom come in with their at-home insemination kits, designed to empower you with more control and comfort in your conception process.

Just like planning a solo trip with care, approaching your fertility path with tools and knowledge tailored to your unique situation can transform your experience from stressful to hopeful. Whether using their CryoBaby kit for frozen sperm or their BabyMaker kit for those with sensitivities, having the right support at your fingertips is key.

Ready to Take the Leap? Here Are Some Bonus Solo Trip Tips for Moms-to-Be

  • Pack Smart: Include pregnancy-safe snacks, a water bottle, prenatal vitamins, and your medical records.
  • Choose Your Destination Wisely: Opt for places with accessible healthcare facilities and comfortable climates.
  • Stay Connected: Let a friend or family member know your itinerary for peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: The Empowered Pregnant Traveler

Pregnancy doesn’t have to be a pause button on your life. If you’re considering a solo trip, know that it can be a deeply empowering experience — one that helps recalibrate your mind, prepare your heart, and celebrate your body's strength. Plus, you might just come back with some epic stories (and souvenirs)!

What do you think? Would you brave a solo trip during pregnancy? Or have you already done it? Share your experiences below — let’s get this conversation going! And if you’re curious about more ways to embrace your fertility journey with confidence, be sure to explore resources like the at-home insemination kits from MakeAMom — hope and empowerment are closer than you think.

Happy travels, mamas-to-be! 🌍👶✈️

The Surprising End of TSA Shoe Removal and What It Means for Your Next Flight

Imagine breezing through airport security without the usual shoe-removal shuffle. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, as of July 2025, that dream is officially a reality. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the end of the nearly two-decade TSA mandate requiring passengers to remove their shoes during airport screenings. This game-changing update is already shaking up travel routines nationwide. You can watch the announcement here.

If you've ever groaned at the thought of pulling off your shoes—especially when running tight on time or wearing complicated footwear—this change is set to revolutionize your airport experience. But why was the shoe removal rule in place for so long, and what prompted Homeland Security to put an end to it now? Let’s dive in.

The Shoe Removal Saga: Safety vs. Convenience

The TSA’s shoe removal policy was born out of a security scare after the infamous 2001 Richard Reid “shoe bomber” incident. Since then, passengers across the U.S. have routinely taken off their shoes to be screened separately, aiming to prevent similar threats. While the security aspect remained critical, the policy often added stress, delays, and discomfort to travelers’ journeys.

Fast forward 20 years, advancements in screening technology have dramatically improved. The new Full-Body Scanners and Explosives Trace Detection systems now offer more thorough inspections without requiring shoe removal. Homeland Security's decision reflects this technological leap, aiming to enhance security and streamline passenger flow.

What This Means for You at the Airport

Here’s what travelers can expect with this update:

  • Speedier Security Lines: Without the need to remove shoes, you’ll likely move through security checkpoints more quickly.
  • Less Hassle: No more balancing acts trying to juggle shoes, bags, and boarding passes.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Those tricky boots or elaborate footwear won’t be a burden anymore.

However, keep in mind that TSA agents still reserve the right to ask you to remove your shoes if a threat is detected or if your footwear sets off alarms. So, staying prepared is still key.

Beyond Travel: Embracing Innovations That Empower You

Speaking of innovations that empower, this TSA update reminds us of how technology can enhance deeply personal experiences. For individuals and couples on fertility journeys, advances in home-based options offer similar relief from traditional hurdles.

Take MakeAMom's at-home insemination kits for example. Just like improved airport scanners are easing travel stress, MakeAMom’s reusable kits are providing a more private, cost-effective, and comfortable alternative to clinical insemination procedures. Whether it’s the CryoBaby kit for low-volume sperm or the BabyMaker kit crafted for users facing sensitivities like vaginismus, these tools demonstrate how innovation meets real-life needs.

Why Staying Informed Matters

This recent shift in airport security policy is a reminder that being informed can transform potentially stressful situations into smoother, more manageable experiences. Whether you’re planning your next trip or embarking on a personal fertility journey, knowing your options and the latest advancements empowers you to take control.

So, What's Next?

Have you flown since this new TSA policy took effect? How did it change your airport experience? Or maybe you’re curious how other innovations like MakeAMom’s kits can make life’s big moments a little easier? Share your stories and questions in the comments below—because staying connected and informed makes all the difference.

Safe travels and best wishes on every journey, whether through airport terminals or towards parenthood!

Why America’s New TSA Shoe Policy Is a Game-Changer for Home Fertility Journeys

Imagine this: you’re at the airport, zipping through security with ease, and—wait for it—you don’t have to take off your shoes anymore. Sounds trivial? Well, it’s a small but symbolic shift in how America is moving away from cumbersome, anxiety-inducing security rituals that have lingered for nearly a quarter-century.

On July 8, 2025, the TSA announced that travelers no longer have to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints source. This might seem like just a convenience update, but it signals a much larger cultural and systemic change: from a posture of rigid, often frustrating control to a more thoughtful, user-focused approach. And this evolution has some surprising parallels with how fertility support is evolving right now—especially for people taking their family-building journeys into their own hands.

The Old Normal vs. A New Era of Empowerment

Since 9/11, airport security has been a source of stress, delays, and invasive procedures that feel anything but traveler-friendly. The shoe removal policy, for example, was one of those rituals that symbolized 'security theater'—actions designed to look tough but often producing more inconvenience than safety gain.

Now, fast forward to today: easing shoe removal is part of a broader reassessment of what truly enhances security without sacrificing personal dignity or convenience. This rethinking aligns with broader societal trends where people want more control, privacy, and streamlined experiences—no matter the context.

What Does This Have to Do with Fertility?

If you’re part of the home fertility community, this paradigm shift hits close to home. For years, fertility treatments required frequent clinic visits, invasive procedures, and significant emotional and financial stress. But innovations are breaking down those barriers. One shining example is the rise of at-home insemination kits.

Companies like MakeAMom (check out their BabyMaker kit here) empower individuals and couples to take charge of their conception process privately, conveniently, and cost-effectively—much like travelers reclaiming their time and dignity at the airport.

The Power of Convenience and Privacy in Fertility

MakeAMom’s kits aren’t just products—they’re expressions of autonomy. Designed for various fertility needs, including sensitivities such as vaginismus or challenges like low motility sperm, these kits are reusable and discreetly shipped, honoring client privacy.

  • CryoBaby handles low-volume or frozen sperm.
  • Impregnator supports low motility sperm.
  • BabyMaker caters to users with specific sensitivities.

This versatility and user-centric design reflect the same values underlying the TSA’s new policy: less hassle, more respect for individual needs, and smarter, evidence-based solutions.

Breaking Through Barriers: Emotional and Practical Wins

The emotional toll of fertility challenges is immense. When you add the stress of scheduling clinics, traveling long distances, and navigating complicated protocols, it can seem overwhelming.

Home insemination offers a pathway that fits into your life rather than the other way around. It lets you create your ideal environment, keep your process private, and often saves a considerable amount of money. MakeAMom reports an impressive average success rate of 67%, showing that convenience doesn’t mean compromising efficacy.

What Travelers and Fertility Seek: Freedom and Control

At first glance, airport security reforms and fertility kits might seem unrelated. But both are about moving away from one-size-fits-all, rigid systems toward personalized, respectful experiences.

The newfound freedom travelers enjoy by keeping their shoes on echoes the freedom fertility patients gain when they bring conception efforts into the home. Both represent a societal shift that values your time, privacy, and emotional well-being.

So, What’s Next?

We hope to see more industries embrace this shift—from health care to government services—prioritizing user-friendly innovations.

If you’re considering your options for starting or expanding your family, explore how home-based fertility solutions like MakeAMom’s insemination kits can fit into your lifestyle. They offer a path that’s not only scientifically sound but also deeply empowering.

And for those gearing up for summer travels or any trip, celebrate the small wins like keeping your shoes on—it’s a sign that big changes are on the horizon for more comfortable, humane experiences across the board.

Final Thought

Are you ready to reclaim control over your fertility journey like travelers are reclaiming their airport experience? Share your thoughts or questions below—we love hearing from our community!

Together, let’s embrace innovation that honors our time, privacy, and dreams.


References: - TSA’s new shoe policy: Vox article - MakeAMom official site: MakeAMom BabyMaker Kit