If you’re a mother searching for something more exciting to do on Mother’s Day, or if you just need to do some female bonding, keep reading. Those of us who have traveled with children can attest that no matter how your plans turn out, you will never be sorry. We understand that traveling with children isn’t always simple.
However, these travels are not about comfort. They’re all about creating memories and bonding in a unique setting. These tours are designed to find out how you all experience life outside of your regular comfort zone. So, without further ado, here are the world’s 25 best mother-daughter adventures.
The World’s 25 Best Mother-Daughter Vacations
1. Monteverde & Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Do you enjoy adventure in a beautiful setting? Then this is the place for you! Monteverde is located in the Puntarenas province, in the spectacular Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range. It is one of the most popular ecotourism sites in the country.
The popular beach in the tiny town of Tamarindo is Playa Tamarindo. After you’ve had your fill of the beach, go ziplining in the cloud forest. For 5,000 feet, you’ll be flying through the clouds, unable to see the other side but hoping to make it. Visit the nature refuge as well!
2. Sedona, Arizona
In Sedona, Arizona, you may see the reddish red granite summits of the magnificent American Southwest. Famous for its vortexes, this is also said to be where you may pick up on the planet’s vibrations. Visit Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon for some easy vortex treks. You may either drive in from town or spend the night at Enchantment Resort within the canyon to get to the trailheads. If your daughter is at least 16, you can relax at the Mii Amo spa, incorporating some self-care into your holiday.
3. Puerto Rico, United States
Visit the US Territory of Puerto Rico and soak up the atmosphere of this Caribbean island. You may take tropical strolls in El Yunque National Forest on this Mother and Daughter excursion, packed with wild animals, lush greenery, and waterfalls. You may also cool yourself in a swimming hole or get your adrenaline pumping by enjoying a zip-line tour through the beautiful forest canopy. Visit one of the three exciting bioluminescent bays in the area: Fajardo, Lajas, or Vieques. You may go on a “illuminating” kayak ride here thanks to glowing dinoflagellates. Don’t forget about Old San Juan!
4. Lake Tahoe, United States
What about a mother-daughter vacation in California? Go to Lake Tahoe. Discover the notable namesake alpine lake, as well as coastlines with casinos, woodlands, hiking routes, and ski slopes.
In the winter, you may ski, snowboard, and ice skate here. After a few hours on the slopes, treat yourself to an après-ski drink, whether it’s an adult beverage or hot chocolate. In the summer, visitors can go tubing down the neighboring Truckee River.
Take natural walks among the woods. Pay a visit to Emerald Bay State Park. Picnic and play at well-known Pope or Kings Beaches. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also options.
5. Mendocino County, California, USA
Take in the amazing redwood forests of California, as well as the rough beauty of the state’s shoreline. Explore Glass Beach for sea glass, Mendocino Headlands State Park for spectacular views of the coast and colorful wildflowers, and Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve for a three-mile circular route. Finally, take a break from walking by riding the famous Skunk Train through the woods here. Take note of the scenery, since many movies have been shot in and around this location!
6. The North Shore of the United States
Visit the birthplace of your travelling writer, Oahu, Hawaii. Spend some time on Oahu’s famous North Shore, notably the stretch of coast between Kahuku and Ka’ena Point. Because much of this area is protected, there are no modern complexes or ultramodern shopping malls.
The Turtle Bay Resort is the only significant commercial hotel on the island, nestled near the gorgeous dunes of Kawela Bay. The fantastic waves here make it a surfer’s paradise. There are also more things to do here. Hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving are all optional activities.
7. The Mighty Five of the United States of America
Take a road vacation with your mother and daughter around Utah. Visit these five popular national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Lace up your hiking boots and head to Arches for the Broken Arch and Sand Dune Arch excursions. See the hoodoo formations along Bryce Canyon’s Queen’s Garden walk. In Canyonlands, see the huge Mesa Arch. See the sun set over the petroglyphs at Capitol Reef and hike the Emerald Pools or Watchman Trail in Zion.
8. Banff, Alberta, Canada
If you prefer Canada, Banff has walkable glaciers, blue-green mountain lakes, and warm geothermal springs. Some seasoned tourists recommend renting a room at the near-majestic, castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs. They compliment both the mattresses and the on-site restaurants.
Enjoy a picturesque stroll to the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse and eat their biscuits and soup. After that, relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Kayak on Emerald or Moraine Lakes and shop at the many stores in Banff and Lake Louise Village.
9. Peru’s Machu Picchu
Yes, ascending the trail to the iconic Incan ruins of Machu Picchu is an adventure in and of itself. However, if you want to make it a mother-daughter trip, you should be prepared. The hike will be 26 miles long, with some tough sections.
(Some of us can and have done 20 miles in a day, but it’s difficult!) Hike for a few days and cover less ground. Even if you’re athletic and experienced, going on an expedition with a professional outfitter is an excellent idea.
10. Mexico’s Mayakoba
Mayakoba is well-known for its tropical eco-resorts. It is distinguished by crystal-clear water, thick vegetation, mangroves, clean lagoons, and beautiful white-sand beaches. There are four distinct luxury resorts to chose from when it comes to accommodations.
You can go birdwatching, take a boat excursion to one of the nearby hotels, or even have your concierge arrange for you to see a cenote. Do you require more? Make time to visit Tulum and see the well-known ancient Mayan ruins.
11. Sun Valley, California, USA
Sun Valley, Idaho, may not immediately come to mind when thinking about mother and daughter trips, but it is a mountain resort noted for its amazing winter activities. The fresh powder attracts snowboarders and ski bums of all skill levels. Cross-country skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides are additional options.
Summer activities include biking, hiking, rafting, and even fishing at adjacent Redfish Lake. In August, there is a free outdoor symphony. Grab a burger at Grumpy’s as well!
12. Nairobi, Kenya
The iconic Giraffe Manor is perhaps one of Nairobi’s most popular attractions. Giraffe Manor is a 12-room boutique hotel that also serves as a Rothschild giraffe sanctuary. It is located in a Nairobi neighbourhood where giraffes are known to poke their heads into your room windows in search of a bite. A multi-day safari adventure deep within the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve is also suggested. The many wildlife drives here frequently feature views of buffalo, elephants, and wildebeest.
13. East to West Ireland Cruise
This mother-daughter driving tour begins in Dublin. After seeing a genuine Irish dance and music extravaganza, cross the River Liffey on the Ha’penny Bridge and proceed into the stunning Irish countryside. Visit the Rock of Cashel, shop for souvenirs in Kilkenny, visit the popular Dromoland Castle in County Clare, and wander along the well-known Cliffs of Moher in search of puffins. At Rathbaun Farm, you can make your own biscuits, feed baby lambs, and eat a traditional home-cooked Irish dinner while listening to live music.
14. Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara
Japan has an outstanding rail system. Use it as frequently as possible. Train rides are fun for kids, and you avoid traffic.
Shibuya Crossing is a must-see when in Tokyo. If you like the artists Hayao Miyazaki and Yayoi Kusama, you should definitely visit both the Ghibli Museum and the Yayoi Kusama Museum. In Kyoto, you may visit the historic Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji temples as well as shop in “Teapot Lane,” also known as Chawan-zaka. Pay a visit to Nara Park and feed the sacred deer.
15. Portland, Oregon
After refueling at Pine State Biscuits, visit Powell’s City of Books. After you’ve had your fill of the city, hike the 2.6-mile out-and-back Multnomah Falls trek to the eponymous destination.
How about a four-plus-mile trip to Dry Creek Falls in the stunning Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area? If you need a break, take a ride on the famed 35-mile Hood River Fruit Loop. It will take you past vineyards and numerous farm stands, as well as provide spectacular views of Mount Hood. If everyone is of legal drinking age, go wine tasting in Willamette Valley.
16. London (United Kingdom)
See all of the famous tourist attractions! Take a walk across Tower Bridge, listen to Big Ben chime, see Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and ride the London Eye. Use the London Underground as well. Are you a fan of the theater?
Visit Shakespeare’s Globe and walk along the famed Thames. Visit Sketch, a teahouse with egg-shaped restroom pods, to catch your breath. Is anyone a Harry Potter fan? Take some photos of King’s Cross Station’s now-famous Platform 9 34. If you enjoy the Beatles, you should visit legendary Liverpool, the band’s birthplace, before returning home!
17. Paris, France
Veteran visitors agree that you must see the iconic Eiffel Tower, the world-renowned Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay to appreciate the works of Van Gogh, Renoir, and Monet. Are you hungry? While strolling the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, take a food tour and sample cheeses, chocolates, pastries, and, if you’re of legal drinking age, even wine.
Take a Seine River cruise. You’ll get a different perspective on Paris. Do you want to go on a day trip? Take a stroll through Versailles. Explore Monet’s garden at Giverny and the castles of the Loire Valley.
18. Beijing, China
Yes, contrary to popular belief, China is once again open for business. If you and your daughter are foodies, you will definitely appreciate simply watching the chefs at work through the windows and glass walls. After you’ve had your fill of dumplings, be sure to soak up some history by visiting the iconic Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and the obligatory Great Wall. However, the greatest site to explore the Great Wall is around an hour’s drive from Mutianyu.
19. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City has an attractive urban scene and is ideal for art lovers. You can visit Frida Kahlo’s house, the National Palace, and the Palace of Fine Arts to see Diego Rivera’s magnificent murals. Museo Jumex and the Museum of Modern Art are two further artistic attractions.
But don’t forget about the tacos! Club Tengo Hambre offers a scrumptious taco tour, as well as churros at the well-known Churreria El Moro. Visit the Aztec remains in the ancient city of Teotihuacan as well.
20. New York City, United States of America
There is no better spot to see a show in the United States than New York City, New York. Stretch your legs and take in some nature at the High Line and Central Park. Climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty, people-watch in Washington Square Park, and view Times Square and the Empire State Building. Explore the Strand Book Store, go on a delicious pizza tour, and don’t forget to grab a huge cookie from the Levain Bakery before you go.
21. Vancouver, Canada
At picturesque Stanley Park, mingle with both residents and other travelers. There is enough to do with your children here. The renowned miniature train at Stanley Park Railway will appeal to younger children.
You may also take your children to the Vancouver Aquarium, let them run wild in the numerous splash areas and playgrounds, and swim in the large public pool. It includes water slides. Cross the suspension bridges at Lynn Canyon and Capilano Suspension Bridge Parks before taking the ferry to Granville Island’s food hall.
22. Venice, Italy
What person does not enjoy gelato, spaghetti, and pizza? Take a gondola ride around the city’s famous canals. Explore Burano’s small, colorful streets. Examine the architecture of the Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Teatro La Fenice (also known as the Phoenix Theatre).
Visit the Jewish Ghetto, the Academy Gallery, and the Correr Civic Museum. You can even take an authentic family-friendly Italian cooking class here! If you pay attention, every night at your house will eventually feel like a gastronomic tour of Italy.
23. Copenhagen, Denmark
The best way to see this wonderful coastal city is by bike. Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation in this town. An 11-kilometer bike ride will take you around the entire port. Visit the historic canal neighborhood of Nyhavn.
If you’re still not exhausted, try the nearly 31-kilometer Six Forgotten Giants course. You may look for distinctive wooden sculptures by Copenhagen’s own sculptor Thomas Dambo here. Set aside a day to enjoy the unique entertainment attraction Tivoli Gardens. It’s lovely, entertaining, and even historic, having been open since 1843.
24. Seattle and Whidbey Island, Washington, USA
This Pacific Northwest duo in Washington State offers both natural attractions and urban activities to mothers and daughters. View Seattle from the Space Needle’s observation deck, and then nibble your way through Pike Place Market. Those in the know recommend Piroshky Piroshky for portable pies, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for cheese, and Ellenos for Greek yogurt.
In the summer, you may get wet and wild at Jefferson Park’s splash area or the iconic Seattle Center International Fountain. Spend a weekend on Whidbey Island, where you can walk, gather berries, see whales, relax on the beach, and eat delicious seafood.
25. Austin, Texas, USA
Travel to the state of Texas. Take a look at the pink granite state capitol building. If you plan your trip correctly, you will be able to attend the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Metropolitan Park.
Cool down in Barton Springs Pool, ride the miniature electric train, and explore the lovely Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum. Search for peacocks at Mayfield Park. Stop at beautiful Lady Bird Lake for some canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or even a river cruise. Tex-Mex cuisine is also available.
