6 Destinations to Explore with Your Mom

Not sure what to get your mom for Mother’s Day? We’ve all been there!

While she would no doubt appreciate a massive bouquet of flowers or a cozy pair of slippers, there are also more fun ways to celebrate. You could, for example, go on a trip together! After all, she’s not just a mom — she’s your built-in travel buddy.

With that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of destinations that you can explore with your mom. Vacation time, quality time and adventure time wrapped up in a single present is bound to earn you the title of “favourite child” (whether you have siblings or not).

• Los Cabos, Mexico
• Lisbon and Porto, Portugal
• Jasper, Alberta
• Bali, Indonesia
• Morocco
• London, England

Do you have one of those moms who likes to keep busy? Does she somehow manage to work full time, babysit your kids, host a weekly book club, attend classes at the local pilates studio and cook dinner with your dad every night? Sounds like she could benefit from changing up her routine and ignoring all her responsibilities — so, consider treating her to a week in Los Cabos, Mexico.

This type of mother-son or mother-daughter trip is not only super easy to plan (hello, all-inclusive vacation packages), but will also encourage her to slow down and relax a bit… assuming you can keep her away from your resort’s daily activities and local excursions.

While there’s nothing wrong with exploring the area, encourage your mom to lounge by the pool, sip a refreshing cocktail and spend time at the spa, too. Los Cabos is the perfect place to rest and recharge, and you should make sure she takes advantage of it!

From packing school lunches to preparing special birthday meals, moms spend a lot of time providing their children with delicious and nutritious food. Well, it’s time for you to return the favour.

Whisk mom away to Portugal for an adventure that includes exploring vibrant cities and trying new cuisines. Lisbon will serve — pun intended — as a great base for your vacation, as it offers up plenty of spots to sample salt cod, arroz de marisco (seafood rice) and egg custard tarts.

Once you’ve had your fill of the capital, travel a few hours north by train to Porto. As the gateway to the Douro Valley, it gives you unparalleled access to some of Europe’s best vineyards and cellars. Discover how Port wine is made, try the ancient grape stomping technique for yourself and more!

In Portugal, you and your mom can eat all day and sip all night. Everything’s so tasty, you won’t even feel guilty about the extra calories you consume along the way.

You don’t have to travel around the world or across borders to show your mother how much you care — especially not if she’s the type of person who thrives on fresh air, mountain views and wildflower-lined trails. Exhibit A: Jasper, Alberta.

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies (and more specifically, Jasper National Park), this is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway with your nature-loving mom. From hiking past waterfalls in Maligne Canyon to kayaking on Pyramid Lake and spotting wildlife, you can fill up your itinerary with outdoor activities.

And though sleeping under the stars is certainly an option, you’d be silly not to treat her (and yourself!) to a night at the Forest Park Hotel or Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Both have rejuvenating spas where you can soothe your aching muscles after a long day of exploring.

Want to turn the adventure dial up a notch? Banff National Park and the stunning Lake Louise are just a scenic drive away, giving you even more ways to say thanks for everything… without the greeting card.

Skip the usual spa weekend and plan a mother-son or mother-daughter vacation in Bali, Indonesia instead. With its lush landscapes, calming energy and deep-rooted spirituality, it will set the scene for a truly special bonding experience.

Do yoga on the beach at sunrise, wander through sacred water gardens, explore ancient temples and join a sound bath to recharge your body and mind. Or hike through lush jungles, get up close to macaques at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud and learn to whip up Balinese dishes together (if you think your relationship can handle the chili heat). Whether you’re zenning out or basking in your scenic surroundings, you’ll forge a connection that you just can’t get at home.

Bali is more than a getaway — it’s a journey. This is one of the most relaxing, beautiful places where you can seek serenity and make unforgettable memories with your mom. 

Be honest: how many times have you heard your mom say, “I wish I travelled more” or “I’ve always wanted to try that”? Now, ask yourself why she hasn’t done it. Maybe she’s been too busy being the best mom around — or perhaps she’s been a little nervous to book a trip to an exotic country.

Whatever the reason, you can help her expand her travel boundaries with a guided tour through Morocco. A few of our favourite itineraries include:

• Highlights of Morocco with G Adventures: Explore the famous Fès medina, ride a camel into the sand dunes and take in amazing views of the Atlas Mountains before spending the night in a traditional gîte (a Berber-style mud-brick building).
• Best of Morocco with Trafalgar: Visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, travel across the Sahara in a 4x4 and enjoy a meal with a local imam.
• Morocco Encompassed with Intrepid: Wander the blue lanes of Chefchaouen, learn about the production of Argan oil at a local woman’s cooperative and watch the sunset over the plains of Volubilis.

Treat your mom like the queen she is with a trip to London, England. With iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, the city brims with charm and timeless elegance.

Stroll through Kensington Gardens or tour Westminster Abbey. Then, indulge in a luxurious high tea (complete with finger sandwiches and champagne) at either Claridge’s, Fortnum & Mason or The Ritz. You could even surprise your mom with tickets to a show in the West End, one of the world’s most iconic theatre districts, or a day trip to Windsor.

Of course, a royal vacation wouldn’t be complete without staying at a castle hotel. The 900-year-old Amberley Castle is approximately two hours from London, but the beautiful grounds and suites make the journey well worth it. Trust us, there’s no better way to celebrate the leading lady in your life.

You only have a few days left to get your mom the best present ever: a Flight Centre Gift Card. Visit your local store or pick one up online, and start planning your trip today! We can help you book flights, hotels, tours, cruises and more.