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She doesn’t quite understand TikTok and you’d rather text than talk on the phone. But generational differences aside, you and your mom have more in common than you think (and those dissimilarities just feel like bonding moments waiting to happen, anyway). Whether it’s motivating each other to keep slogging up the mountain or always being game to try a new vino varietal, you’ve got to admit that you two are pretty great travel companions. Need a little inspiration for your next vacay together? Scroll on for 19 mother-daughter trip ideas in the U.S. and beyond for a getaway that’s guaranteed to bring you closer than ever.
28 Life Changing Trips to Add to Your Bucket List
I actually took a mother-daughter trip to Cancun this past November to bond with my tween daughter and enjoy some QT. After four days and three nights together on the beach, in the pool and on exciting outdoor excursions, I can say that our relationship felt stronger than ever.
Long story short, if you’re under the impression that Cancun is nothing more than a Girls Gone Wild spring break destination, you couldn’t be more mistaken. It’s actually incredibly easy to avoid that vibe and lean into all the natural beauty the region has to offer. Our itinerary included a thrilling ATV ride through a lush jungle (warning: be prepared to encounter tarantulas), a boating trip that featured snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities and, the best (i.e., do-not-miss-it) experience of all: ziplining over and into one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s most fascinating geological features—a limestone sinkhole with a practically bottomless pool of water known as a cenote.
As for accommodations, there is no shortage of luxury resorts in Cancun, but we stayed at the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe and couldn’t have been happier with our accommodations. Our all-inclusive stay provided direct access to a pristine and blessedly uncrowded beachfront, private pools with sweeping views and the best ceviche I’ve ever tasted. Let’s just say you’d be hard pressed to find a better home base for your Mexican adventure.
Some of the funniest mama-daughter convos come after the vino starts to flow. Giggles aside, wine tasting is such a pleasant activity. In between sips of terroir-driven red, white and rosé, cherish those unfiltered chats and the chance to stare out at beautiful vine-covered scenery. A few of our favorite spots to swirl in Healdsburg include Aperture Cellars, Flowers Vineyards & Winery, Truett Hurst and Quivira Vineyards. We also love Bricoleur Vineyards in the nearby town of Windsor. Executive editor Dara Katz shared that after visiting for a wedding in downtown Healdsburg, she’s itching to get back: “The number of incredible restaurants per capita in this wine-country town is just kinda wild. I want to head back with my mom to shop, eat and wine taste.”
“I grew up in a Disney family,” says Catrina Yohay, PureWow Executive Managing Editor, “so Walt Disney World holds a special place in my heart! I love visiting now as an adult with my mom since we can reminisce on vacations past while making new memories—like drinking around the world in Epcot or enjoying some of the fine dining options Disney has to offer.” For Disney lovers, it’s not a real vacation without screaming on Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror and snapping pics alongside costumed characters. Even if you and your mom disagree on whether or not to wait in the lengthy line for Avatar Flight Of Passage again (about that…do yourself a favor and book Disney Genie+ service, which includes Lightning Lane entry), that’s about as much conflict as is likely to go down at the Happiest Place on Earth.
New York City reigns supreme as the ultimate culture mecca with more museums, landmark buildings, parks, Broadway shows and unique pop-up experiences that you could possibly cover in a single trip. That means maximizing your time is key. Get Your Guide allows you to book a VIP pass to skip the line and gain access to the greatest hits in the Big Apple. Because who better to see the Van Gogh exhibit, the Empire State Building and a box-office-smash-hit musical all in the same weekend than your mom? “I still remember the mother-daughter trip I took with my mom to New York City. I was 16, and I still can’t believe how much we got in—by foot, no less!” reminisces PureWow editor, Dara Katz. SEO Editor, Marissa Wu, has similar memories: “I did a New York City trip with my mom in eighth grade and we did everything! Walked up (and down) 5th Ave., played the giant piano at FAO Schwartz (RIP), went to Central Park, ate soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai and, her favorite, everything chocolate at Max Brenner.”
I’ve been to Montego Bay once on my way to Negril and am about to make a second visit for my honeymoon this month. What I can tell you is that the vibes in Jamaica are so overwhelmingly positive, and it might sound like a cliche but it’s actually true: Jamaicans are the funniest, friendliest and most welcoming people I have ever met on my travels. If you’re looking to share a joyful bonding experience as a mother-daughter duo, I can’t think of a better destination. And yes, there are other parts of the island to see, but a stay in Montego Bay ensures minimal time wasted on travel, since it’s home to one of the island’s international airports.
I will be staying at Excellence Oyster Bay with my husband, and while I can’t personally vouch for it yet, I can tell you that I was swept away by the resort’s gorgeous location, which happens to be right next to the only bioluminescent lagoon in the Caribbean, as well as its Victorian design and luxury accommodations. As for other recommendations, I strongly suggest enjoying a meal at Rick’s Cafe where daredevils can jump off a cliff into the turquoise waters of the bay (and less adventurous types can watch the spectacle with margarita in hand).
The Hudson Valley is truly a breath of fresh air for NYC residents looking to escape the hubbub of the Big Apple, and it’s also a worthy destination for mother-daughter duos visiting the Empire State. There’s natural beauty to behold all over the region, but our favorite place to kick back and enjoy the idyllic scenery is Mohonk Mountain House,—an impressive Victorian castle and Historic National Landmark that sits atop a mountain at the edge of Lake Mohonk, surrounded by forest. In addition to the breathtaking natural beauty of the property’s location, the resort offers guests an all-inclusive experience that features enough activities to fill an entire itinerary. There’s rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming and a wide range of seasonal activities to enjoy. The opportunity for mother daughter pampering at the stellar spa should not be missed and special events like the Spring Wellness Weekend, Tulip Festival and Mother’s Day weekend set the perfect tone for bonding.
The scenery in Sedona is so breathtakingly beautiful that just stepping outside yields scenic reward. But, obviously, hiking around red-rock country is the best way to see all the formations and prettiest views. Since there are trails for every skill level, you won’t have to quarrel over the route being too easy or too challenging. To foster an even deeper spiritual connection, pick a path that passes an energy vortex. Says PureWow SEO Editor Marissa Wu, “I went to Sedona last year with my whole family and it was insanely beautiful….If you’re feeling adventurous, you have to climb up Cathedral Rock!! It’s tricky in some places, but there were tons of amateurs going up and down—you just need a little gumption and you’ll be rewarded with a view of the canyon.”
Are you and your mom big foodies? Why not plan an entire trip around your meals? Chicago has long been known for its hot dogs, beef sandwiches and deep dish pizza, but it’s also long solidified its status as a major gourmet capital. Plan your journey one bite at a time through an organized tour or pick a few spots and do a DIY culinary crawl. Maybe even book a cooking class to learn how to make deep dish pizza and bring your newfound skills back home.
You inherited your love of nature from your mama. Nothing recharges you more than sleeping under the stars, waking up to the rising sun and breathing in the fresh mountain air. That said, you’d still appreciate some creature comforts. Glamping means you can commune with nature in Great Smoky Mountain National Park and still have a hot shower and cozy bed.
Whether it’s because everyone is binge-watching Yellowstone or because we’ve all been cooped up in the house for too long, but the idea of a Western-inspired dude ranch vacation just sounds oh-so appealing. Especially since you can go horseback riding, learn to skeet shoot, try out archery, eat real-deal cowboy cuisine, sing campfire songs, fall asleep to the sounds of crickets and let your inner Annie Oakley run wild with your OG ride-or-die.
Love all the latest Hollywood gossip and seeing stars IRL? Los Angeles is called Tinseltown for good reason. It’s one of the few places your odds of seeing a celeb are actually better than not—well, as long as you’re in the right places. Kim Kardashian and Kate Upton frequent A-list hotspot Craig’s. While everyone from Justin Bieber to Channing Tatum has been spotted hiking Runyon Canyon. For down time and some privacy, there’s nothing like a rental in the Hollywood Hills. But if it’s celeb-sightings you’re after, Pendry West Hollywood isn’t just a posh place to stay, it’s also popular among the red-carpet crowd.
New Orleans is such a lively, fun city to visit—namely because its culture is so rich and its Southern charm so irresistible. There are museums aplenty and a culinary scene that can’t be missed. Indeed, a food crawl is an absolute must—and be sure to take a couple Po’boys to the banks of the Mississippi River where you can enjoy a scenic steamboat cruise. I highly recommended the immensely popular Natchez jazz cruise (pictured above) for a truly memorable experience that combines picturesque river views with vibrant music and an authentic taste of NOLA culture.
Sometimes it just takes a little natural vitamin D, the ocean and your mama to make all your stress feel like it’s many miles away—which it will be when you’re sipping pina coladas, eat fresh-caught seafood, sunbathing, snorkeling and posting up in an ocean-view suite at a five-star resort. We’d recommend Palm Heights, a posh and endlessly chic property that’s perched on white sands of Seven Mile Beach.
If you’ve already done (and loved) the whole spa weekend thing, take your wellness and relationship to the next level with a holistic getaway at Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa that cleanse the mind, body and spirit, expands your horizons and deepens your connection to one and other. The 400-acre property is a well-being-oriented paradise with serene desert scenery, one-of-a-kind wellness experiences, spa treatments and a robust schedule of daily activities, so you can decide what wellness means to you (and your mom) and tailor your trip accordingly.
Maybe you live far away from your mom and don’t get to see each other that often or perhaps you’re besties who just love that quality solo time. For duos who want nothing more than each other’s undivided attention, hunkering down at a peaceful and cozy cabin in Carnelian Bay is just the ticket. Be sure to keep the place stocked with plenty of food, booze and board games because you can’t just call Postmates to pick up any last-minute necessities.
If your mom has an eye for exploration and a strong desire to peep elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, wildebeests and rhinos in their natural habitat, she’ll have no qualms about taking a long-haul flight to Cape Town (and then boarding a small plane to Hoedspruit) to traipse through the bush for a few days. And don’t worry about jet lag…it’s no match for the excitement of game drives and sundowner G&Ts at Saseka Tented Camp. Plus, there will be plenty of time to unwind in your luxury tent complete with a private deck, outdoor shower and pool.
Sometimes you just need a few words of encouragement to keep going. And who better to be your hype woman than your mama (and, obvs, you’ll do the same for her). Emory Peak is the highest in the Chisos Mountains and Big Bend National Park (which earns our vote as one the most beautiful places to visit in Texas). The trek up to the top isn’t easy, but the gorgeous views, the amazing summit selfies, the tales of fortitude you’ll be telling for years to come and the fact that you accomplished this epic thing with your mom make it all worth it.
Warm weather all year round, pristine beaches and the (relatively) warm Pacific Ocean—what’s not to love about San Diego? The family-friendly attractions are well-known (think: Sea World, the World Famous San Diego Zoo and Belmont Park, to name a few) but this SoCal city also has a ton of other things to offer mom-and-daughter duos. Oceanside, La Jolla and Pacific Beach are favorite spots for enjoying some sand and surf. Torrey Pines State Preserve is a beautiful place to take a hike and admire the scenic ocean views. Plus, there’s an excellent food scene, featuring top-notch seafood joints, authentic Mexican spots and all that Little Italy has to offer. (Our favorites in each category include Point Loma Seafoods, Roberto’s Taco Shop and Barbusa.)
Lagoons, waterfalls, forests, crystal clear open waters and loads of adventure await when you pay a visit to Punta Cana—a town in the Dominican Republic that’s known for its long stretches of pristine beach that border both the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. There’s horseback riding, ziplining safaris, snorkeling and plenty of opportunities to just lounge on the beach with a cocktail when you vacay on this beautiful island. When it comes to lodgings for a mother-daughter trip, the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is our top recommendation, as the luxe property boasts breathtaking ocean views and a ton of wellness-oriented amenities, including top-notch spa treatments and amazing yoga classes, to boot.
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