The 8 Best Mother-Daughter Trips, According to Travel Advisors
Celebrate mom more than once a year with these curated trips!
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so it’s time to consider the best ways to commemorate the special occasion. We know, because Harvard tells us, that there are legitimate health benefits, like a decreased chance of heart disease and lower stress, from strong relationship ties. We also know that experiences, like travel, make the best gifts. So why not improve your health while gifting Mom the ultimate win-win...travel somewhere fabulous with you.
For the best mother-daughter trips in the U.S. and beyond, we tapped two seasoned travel veterans: Brianna Glenn, owner and travel designer at Milk+ Honey Travels, and Abbie Synan, full-time globetrotting writer and travel advisor for Fora. Get ready to add to your wander list with these luxurious destinations, perfect for exploring with every type of mom traveler!
San Sebastian, Spain
According to Synan, this stellar Spanish city is an ideal spot for a food-focused family trip. She adds, “Take your mom to Basque country where the Michelin stars are as plentiful as celestial bodies in the night sky. Known as the food capital of Spain, San Sebastian is a perfect destination for delicious lengthy dinners and long conversations. Not only is this a great destination for a food-loving mama, but the production of txakoli wines in the region is another way to carry on celebrating.” Cheers to that!
Newport, Rhode Island
Take to the New England seaside with a breathtaking beach trip to Newport, Rhode Island. Synan recommends the so-called "City by the Sea" and "Queen of Summer Resorts," adding, "With the picturesque oceanfront architecture, a weekend in Newport is just the way to experience the historic homes along the coastline. And, if you time your vacation for Mother's Day weekend, there's no better way to celebrate than by reserving a table for Mother's Day brunch at the Chanler, complete with unmatched views of the manicured gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.”
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Glenn recommends the central American gem of Costa Rica if you and your mom appreciate a little adventure on your travels. She explains, “There is a wide range of activities like whitewater rafting, surfing, and snorkeling to enjoy, and these give you a chance to experience the thrill of adventure while enjoying the natural beauty of the country.” Beyond the adrenaline rush, Glenn shares that this is also an excellent destination for those seeking relaxation and wellness, with a slew of meditation classes, yoga retreats, and world-class spas available.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Colorado Springs is a beautiful Front Range city that's conveniently located about an hour and a half from the Denver airport. Consider traveling in the spring, since it's the perfect time to head to the Rockies, hike the Garden of the Gods National Landmark or take the Cog Rail up through the Bristlepine atop Pikes Peak. For the best accommodations, a grande dame hotel, the Broadmoor, ups the luxury ante for moms in the mountains and offers activities like fly fishing, hiking to waterfalls, and a famous brunch. Synan suggests, “After you recharge in nature, be sure to set aside a few hours to enjoy their five-star spa on the property.”
Cape Town, South Africa
Glenn also loves Cape Town as a mother-daughter trip since it provides a little of everything. She says, "Cape Town offers a unique blend of history, culture, food, and adventure, making it a great getaway for anyone who appreciates an unforgettable travel experience. This destination is known for its stunning natural beauty, including Table Mountain, beaches, and beautiful coastal drives." The culinary scene is also impressive, with diverse cuisine and excellent local wines. "A favorite activity of mine in the area is doing a wine tour in the nearby Stellenbosch or Franschhoek regions, where you can sample some of South Africa's world-renowned wines," shares Glenn.
Barnard, Vermont, U.S.
The quiet Barnard countryside hides a world-class hotel, Twin Farms. Vermont's only Relais & Chateaux property shines all year long with hiking, biking, Japanese Furo baths, and stellar cuisine. Synan says, "Visiting the 300-acre pastoral landscapes of Twin Farms is a relaxing way to spend time all year long. The all-inclusive philosophy is a great way to showcase the locally sourced and seasonally grown ingredients that grace their menus. Staying at the 18th-century farmhouse or one of their ten cottages on the property provides a respite that only rural Vermont can genuinely offer." And with the isolated location comes a surprising benefit—poor cell service, making this unplugged vacation the perfect time to bond with mom.
London, England, U.K.
Bypass Broadway and take your show-loving mother to the West End theater district in London. Synan suggests that you can splurge on lodging and theater tickets and then take advantage of many of the free museums throughout the city. She adds, "Don't head across the pond without setting up tea time. High tea at iconic Harrods or the Biltmore Mayfair are two of my favorite spots." Pro tip: For Biltmore guests, the hotel can coordinate a Penhaligon's Fragrance Profiling Experience, a journey to finding your signature scent with expert guidance from the storied British perfume house. That means mom could take home an incredibly cool souvenir!
Santa Barbara, California, U.S.
The Santa Barbara area is an excellent choice for a mother-daughter trip offering a combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, wine tasting, and shopping and dining options. Glenn points to this central coast region as an "idyllic stretch of coastline sheltered by the foothills of the Santa Ynez mountains." Beyond the city itself, oenophiles should head to the Santa Ynez Valley to enjoy some of California's best wineries and beautiful scenery—a perfect way to treat your mom to a trip full of relaxation and indulgence.
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