Ultimate Vacations to Take with Your Mom

You could buy chocolates and flowers for this Sunday’s Mother’s Day. Perhaps you’ll celebrate the mom in your life with a favourite fragrance or bubble bath. Or is it time for the ultimate Mother’s Day gift that says, “I am grateful for where we’ve been together. Now let’s see where we can go ?” We think Moms deserve to travel, and a trip away with you is the perfect reward for all those nights she stayed up late to make sure you were safe, or sat by your bed to help you fell asleep. You once gave her macaroni necklaces and handprint art. Now it’s time for the ultimate getaway. Here are our picks for a great Mom and me getaway.

Hit the Fado Clubs of Portugal

This beautiful, welcoming country features the best of both worlds: the opportunity to lay by the beach and dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean, when you stay in the Algarve, and afternoons spent walking cobblestone streets steeped in history as you explore towns up the coast on your way to Lisbon, the heart of Portugal. Or try parts in the northern country, where you can enjoy the port wine this country is famous for. Spend your nights enjoying Fado, a musical genre begun in Portugal, in the famous Fado clubs.

Portugal is also well-paired with a trip to Spain, where you can continue your walk through rich history and cultural traditions that include ocean-inspired cuisine and a spicy take one life. Here is a 14-day tour of Spain and Portugal that you and your mom will surely enjoy.

Watch the Waves in Tofino, British Columbia

Tofino is a beautiful coastal town along the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island and a hot spot for surfers looking to catch a mean wave. Even if you and mom aren’t ready to hop on a board, you can find plenty of things to see, do (and eat!) in Tofino. Steeped in the culture of the island’s first inhabitants, Canada’s Aboriginal communities, Tofino features many art galleries and opportunities to meet artisans. For aboriginal art, visit the Himwitsa Native Art Gallery (and stay at the lodge there). There are also plenty of stores featuring unique specialty items, and restaurants offering west coast flavours.

For more about Tofino, read my article, which includes my recommendations for where to stay.

Hop on an Alaskan Cruise

Experience the amazing north with a cruise to Alaska. You and mom will enjoy the luxury of on-board amenities, with plenty of opportunities to relax, dine and indulge, but the scenery and wildlife you will meet along the way is what makes this experience truly amazing.

Princess Cruise offers a land and sea package that includes exploration once you arrive in Alaska, including Denali Park tours.

Find out more and pick your perfect package.

Tour Wine Country in the Finger Lakes, New York

And of course, in the ultimate adults only adventure, enjoy winery tours and beautiful scenery in New York’s wine country, the Finger Lakes. This is great for those travelling from Toronto with mom, as the drive is just over 3 hours. Once there you’ll enjoy more than 100 wineries, restaurants, farms and markets. There are plenty of relaxing hotels to rest up in. Head there during a festival, in food or music, and enjoy even more ways to relax.

Here’s a list of upcoming festivals.

Moms love everything that you give to them and your love and presence most of all. A trip away isn’t just an opportunity to see and experience something new, it’s a chance to settle into the usual – the comfort of just being together. Where will you take your mom?