As an official member of the expectant mom club, I can’t stop thinking about all the ways my life is about to change. From late night feedings and no sleep to baby proofing, there’s an expected amount of change that comes with being a mom-to-be. That’s why my 2013 trend of the year is the relaxing “babymoon” – otherwise known as that one last trip for couples. And, as an avid traveler I can’t stop thinking about where I might want to go!

While celebs visited destinations around the globe this past year, the babymoon is really about choosing a locations where you can relax, SLEEP, and enjoy the last trip before your bundle of joy arrives. Below, find some ideas on the top destinations within the US for a babymoon:

1)      California – Up and down the coast of California are some pretty stunning beaches and fabulous resorts. Plus California is pretty great all year round so you don’t have to worry about seasons. Check out The Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach, Montage Laguna Beach or try Carmel, California for a touch of seaside charm and quaint bed & breakfast spots.

2)      New York City – The “Big Apple Babymoon” is perfect for moms and dads-to-be that want the big city experience with loads to offer such as neighborhood walking, shopping, museums, culture, fine dining, theatre, etc. Plus New York hotels such as the 70 Park Avenue Hotel are perfect boutique spots that will pamper anyone.

3)      Vermont – For the outdoorsy types Stowe, Vermont is the perfect destination. Though skis are clearly off limits, hitting the slopes in spring, summer or fall isn’t. The Green Mountains are a beautiful backdrop to any hiking expeditions (tailored of course to the bump-bearing status), plus there is golf, swimming, great food and spas!

4)      British Virgin Islands – Alright this isn’t in the US, but these islands have become an extremely popular destination spot. With beautiful beaches and luxurious accommodations, this is the ultimate luxury getaway before the little nugget arrives. The Peter Island Resort offers a “Prepare for Baby Week” (upon request) which includes a course on how to relax and have your baby, his and her massages, nightly themed turndowns, and relaxation sessions. Sign me up!

Annie Block, Vice President

I was recently given the opportunity to travel to New York City with Zapwater client and incredibly talented photographer Andy Biggs for deskside appointments. While most of our time was spent darting from meeting to meeting, we did manage to break away for a bit and visit the museum at the International Center of Photography. On my previous visits to New York, I’d visited the Met and the MoMA, but the ICP museum was unfamiliar territory. Thankfully, I had a pro to show me the ropes!

My favorite exhibit at the museum was ‘Weegee: Murder Is My Business,’ a gallery of photographs by Weegee, a press photographer during the 1930s and ’40s. He worked mainly as a freelance photographer who documented the activity of New York’s police and fire departments, capturing graphic, grotesque, yet surprisingly captivating photos of crime scenes as well as photos of urban life in NYC. I was fascinated not only by his photographic techniques but also his relentlessness in the images he took … including horrific murder scenes.

I would definitely recommend anyone visiting New York to take a trip to the ICP museum and check out some of the exhibits. The museum offers a wonderful look into the world of photography with exclusive images you won’t find anywhere else!

The man behind the camera:

The scene at a New York City fire:

A hot summer day:

Brigid Parr

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has announced it will recognize Zapwater with three Adrian Awards for public relations excellence in the annual Adrian Awards Competition, the largest and most prestigious global travel marketing competition.

HSMAI will pay tribute to Zapwater during the HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala, a black-tie affair attended by more than 1,000 hospitality, travel and tourism public relations, advertising, and marketing executives on February 27, 2012 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Zapwater will be recognized for its work with clients The American Schools of Flower Design and Andy Biggs Photo Safaris. The agency received awards in the following categories:

Award: Gold Adrian Award
Client: American Schools of Flower Design
Campaign: Flower Power: Kathie Lee vs. Hoda
Category: PR – Feature Placement Television

Award: Bronze Adrian Award
Client: Andy Biggs Photo Safaris
Campaign: The Global Photographer Visits the Today Show
Category: PR – Feature Placement Television

Award: Bronze Adrian Award
Client: American Schools of Flower Design
Campaign: Flower Power: Coast to Coast
Category: PR – Campaign

This year’s contest attracted more than 1,000 entries from around the world, with entries judged by top executives from all sectors of the industry.

With the addition of the three Adrian Awards, Zapwater has now won 17 industry awards since 2008, including being named Modern Luxury Media’s “Lifestyle Agency of the Year – Midwest” in 2010. Other accolades include:

Platinum HSMAI Adrian Award
Three Gold HSMAI Adrian Awards
Two Bronze HSMAI Adrian Awards
Two Silver Bulldog Reporter Bulldog Awards
One Publicity Club of Chicago Gold Trumpet
Seven Publicity Club of Chicago Silver Trumpets