When people think about surrogacy, they often picture the emotional bonds, the medical milestones, and the life-changing impact it has on families. But there’s another important, and often overlooked, part of the journey: travel.
Whether it’s for medical screening, an embryo transfer, or the delivery itself, travel is often woven into the surrogacy experience for both surrogates and intended parents. And while it adds a layer of logistics, it also creates space for connection, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Why Travel Comes With the Territory
Surrogacy is rarely confined to just one zip code. Many intended parents match with surrogates who live in different states or even different countries. As a result, travel becomes part of the process at several key points:
- Medical screenings and initial appointments
- Embryo transfer at the intended parent’s fertility clinic
- In-person meetings with the agency or between surrogate and intended parents
- Delivery day – the baby is almost always born in the surrogate’s home state
Every journey looks a little different, but chances are, some suitcase-packing will be involved.
What Surrogates Can Expect When Traveling
For surrogates, the most common reason to travel is for medical screening and embryo transfer, which usually takes place at the intended parents’ chosen fertility clinic, not locally.
The good news? You’re never expected to navigate this alone. Agencies and intended parents typically cover all related travel costs, including:
- Flights or mileage
- Hotel accommodations
- Meals and incidental expenses
- Childcare and lost wages, if applicable
Many agencies will also help coordinate the logistics for you, making it as stress-free as possible. And if traveling solo isn’t ideal, you can often bring a support person along – just ask!
What Travel Looks Like for Intended Parents
For intended parents, travel can be equally meaningful. Many choose to be present for significant milestones, such as the embryo transfer, anatomy scan, or, of course, the birth of their child.
Depending on where your surrogate lives, this may involve a short flight or a longer journey. For international intended parents, travel may involve multiple trips and extended stays after the baby’s birth to finalize legal paperwork and obtain travel documents for the child.
While the logistics can be complex, many IPs say these moments — such as seeing their baby on an ultrasound, meeting their surrogate face-to-face, or being in the delivery room — are among the most meaningful in the entire journey.
Making Travel Work: Tips for a Smoother Experience
Whether you’re the one carrying the baby or the one waiting to meet them, here are a few tips to make travel feel a little easier (and more meaningful):
- Communicate early and often: Align on travel plans with your agency and each other. Clear expectations reduce stress.
- Build in breathing room: Appointments and legal steps can be draining. Give yourself time to rest and recharge.
- Document the journey: Take photos, write notes, or simply soak in the moments. These experiences often become some of the most cherished memories.
- Be flexible: Babies don’t always stick to the plan. Keeping an open mind can help when things shift unexpectedly.
A Journey That Goes Beyond Miles
Traveling for surrogacy is more than just getting from point A to point B — it’s about showing up for one another. It’s the hug at the airport, the shared nerves before a transfer, the long drive home with hearts full of hope. It’s where strangers become family and where the dream of parenthood becomes a reality.
Whether you’re a surrogate making a trip for a medical milestone, or an intended parent crossing the globe to meet your child, these moments matter. They are part of the story — and part of what makes this journey so deeply human.
Need help planning the travel side of your surrogacy journey? The Family Choice Surrogacy team is here to support you every step of the way — near or far.