Disclosure: This informative travel blog is written by me, TravelCharlee, & all opinions and suggestions are my own. Included are affiliate links, meaning if you choose to click or purchase, I may receive a small commission.
Mother’s Day is approaching & why not surprise her with the gift of TRAVEL? Show her how much she means to you by taking her on an unforgettable journey together. Whether it’s exploring the vibrant city life of Key West, admiring the fall foliage along a scenic road trip, or uncovering the history and culture of Santa Fe, there are countless opportunities to make this Mother’s Day a truly special one. Travel is the perfect way to connect with your Mother and create lasting memories! I love it these trips!
Here are a few of my favorites that I explored with my Mother over the last few years.
Key West, Florida
When it comes to Mother’s Day weekend getaways, Key West, Florida, is a perfect destination for relaxation with a bit of fun-filled excitement. My Mother and I enjoyed our time basking by the pool while sipping cocktails (well, she drinks Dr. Pepper & I drink sweet tea) ha! The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory was a highlight of our trip, where we got to witness the beauty of different butterfly species up close. It’s a great spot for Mothers/Daughters. Shopping on Duval Street was a fun activity as we discovered unique boutiques & people-watching was even better. One of our favorite finds was Kino Sandals, handmade sandals that are both stylish and comfortable. Watching sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico is a must-see experience. Key West can be quite hot in the summer, BE PREPARED, but that didn’t stop us from having FUN in the heat. We found it relaxing to chill by the pool and soak up the laid-back vibe of the city. We also opted to rent a short-term rental which allowed us to have more privacy and comfort during our stay. We stayed a few blocks away from all the action. To explore the area, we rented a golf cart for the day and drove around to different attractions and shopping, of course! 😉 For those who are into history, visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a MUST! We got to see the place where the legendary writer lived and worked on his masterpiece novels. Key West is a great laid-back chill vibe for a Mother/Daughter trip.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
If you’re looking for a luxury location for your Mother/Daughter trip, look no further than Santa Fe, New Mexico. We stayed at the Inn of the Five Graces, a beautiful and indulgent property that offers impeccable service and a serene atmosphere. Plus, the rooms are decorated beautifully! The property is easy to explore the city within walking distance of the square. Start with a visit to the Loretta Chapel, which is as beautiful as it is magical. Its spiral staircase is a stunning feat of engineering and has fascinated visitors for years. Then head to the Canyon Road Arts district, where you’ll find plenty of galleries and shops selling beautiful art and handmade crafts. We took a rickshaw! It was a fun way to see the art for us, maybe not for our driver, ha! For some relaxation time, book a spa session at Inn of the Five Graces, which offers a range of treatments designed to soothe the mind, body, and soul. Santa Fe has plenty of museums and exhibitions that showcase the city’s fascinating history. One of the city’s best finds is its silver jewelry, which can be found in many shops downtown. The intricate designs and high-quality craftsmanship make them a unique and thoughtful souvenir to take home. Yes, we found a few 😉 Of course, no visit to Santa Fe is complete without a stroll through the Santa Fe Plaza. This bustling area is full of great shopping and people-watching opportunities. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat, soak up some culture, and maybe even find a unique find or two. We loved Santa Fe! Would go back again in a heartbeat, maybe in the wintertime.
New England Road Trip Fall Foliage
If you’re looking for a perfect Mother/Daughter trip, you can’t go wrong with a road trip through the beautiful New England countryside. The fall foliage is breathtaking, and the small towns are so quaint & charming. My mother and I had the best time driving through four states: Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Yes, I did the driving! 😉We flew into Boston, rented a car, and drove to Portland, Maine, where we spent the night in the adorable town of Ogunquit. Portland is a foodie’s dream city with a thriving cultural scene and stunning scenery. We enjoyed some lobster for lunch with incredible views and were blessed with amazing weather, visiting in early October. Take a scenic tour of the area, taking in all the highlights of Portland. Driving across Vermont was an absolute delight with the stunning fall foliage, covered bridges, and fields of corn husks and pumpkins. We particularly loved Stowe, Vermont, and stayed at the Stowe Mountain Resort. We stayed in hotels along the way for our seven-day journey of pure bliss with the sole mission to leaf peep, which was accomplished! Mother-daughter trips are a great way to bond and share new experiences. This drive is highly recommended for anyone who loves breathtaking natural scenery and charming small towns.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is an amazing destination for a Mother/Daughter trip, especially during the Christmas holiday season. If you are unaware, the highlight is visiting the Biltmore Estate for their incredible Christmas decorations. The house is amazing anytime, but the holidays are really magical. It’s a must-see, so be sure to schedule your tour time in advance! Book directly through the Biltmore. We stayed downtown at Renaissance Asheville Downtown and found that taking the trolley was a fun and an easy way to see the sights. There are also plenty of cute shops and delicious Southern food to enjoy. YUMMY! We highly recommend spending a full day at the Biltmore and taking advantage of everything the property has to offer. This was a great 3-day weekend getaway for us, and we can’t wait to plan another trip to Asheville.
Fredricksburg, Texas
If you’re looking for a charming and unique destination for a Mother/Daughter trip, look no further than the German town of Fredricksburg, Texas. Springtime is the absolute best time to visit this quaint town, as it is wildflower season. Be sure to visit Wildflower Farms, a must-see destination with over 200 acres of fields covered in beautiful wildflowers. If you’re interested in history, the National Museum of the Pacific War features exhibits on the history of the war in the Pacific. Don’t forget to make reservations at some of the amazing restaurants in town. Our favorite was Hill & Vine. No visit to Fredricksburg is complete without a stop by Circle E Candles, which has a huge showroom selection. Their candles are my FAV! During our Mother/Daughter’s trip to Fredricksburg, we stayed in a short-term rental very close to the downtown area, which was a great way to experience the town like a local. We highly recommend this destination for anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable Mother’s Day weekend getaway.
Christmas Markets River Cruise
Another fabulous option for a Mother/Daughter Trip is a Christmas Markets River Cruise along the Danube. This is truly an experience like no other. There are several luxury boutique cruise lines that offer Christmas Markets River Cruises, but one great choice is AmaWaterways. Their 7-day cruise itinerary takes you through several enchanting cities, including Vienna, Budapest, and Salzburg, each boasting its own unique Christmas markets. At each stop, there are optional excursions that allow you to explore the local culture and history. With AmaWaterways, you can even choose to indulge in culinary experiences, like wine and chocolate tasting or an authentic strudel-making demonstration. Planning ours for November of this year. Stay tuned for more details. You are welcome to join us. Contact me for more details!