Celebrating Mother’s Day with travel experiences and activities

Moms truly are superheroes, effortlessly balancing multiple roles and being there for us every step of the way. Growing up, my mum would be a constant in every new experience and every major trip that shaped me to be who I am today, and this resonates with mothers and their children worldwide. With Mother's Day coming up, why not show appreciation by treating them to an experience or a trip? Whether she loves the beach, the city, or adventure, our ultimate Mother's Day travel guide has you covered. Pack your bags, hold your mom's hand, and get ready for an unforgettable trip fit for the queen she truly is. We've compiled a travel guide with the best activities and experiences for a perfect Mother's Day vacation.

For the culture-loving mum

Art Museums

Does your mom light up in the presence of timeless masterpieces and centuries-old sculptures? Is she the type who can easily spend hours gazing at art (we mean all sorts!) and appreciating creative expression? If so, art museums will be her paradise, where she can bask in the elegance of Renaissance paintings or lose herself in the energy of modern art.

🎁 Perfect Picks

• Louvre Museum, Paris: Take her to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile up close and the Venus de Milo’s grace. Trust us, it’s worth it!
• The Met, New York: A visit to the Met promises an eclectic mix of global biggies, from ancient Egypt to Impressionist masterpieces, where she can explore works by Monet Van Gogh, to name a few.
• Uffizi Gallery, Florence: At the Uffizi, she’ll get to walk through the golden age of the Renaissance with Botticelli’s "The Birth of Venus," Michelangelo’s paintings, and a treasure trove of other Italian masterpieces.

Cultural Museums

If being endlessly fascinated by ancient societies and their secrets is something mother dearest has always found fascinating, you’re in the right place - cultural museums are the perfect ticket. They’re filled with artifacts, stories, and relics that shed light on how the world evolved, allowing her to travel through history without leaving the room.

🎁 Perfect Picks

• British Museum, London: The vast collection at the British Museum, where she can gaze at the Rosetta Stone, come face to face with Egyptian mummies, and look at treasures from Mesopotamia is the perfect place to begin.
• Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.: From vintage fighter jets to space shuttles and dinosaur bones, the Smithsonian has a network of museums that will keep her captivated for days.
• Acropolis Museum, Athens: Give her the gift of ancient Greek culture at the Acropolis Museum, where perfectly chiseled statues and architectural pieces align with the Parthenon itself.

History Museums

If your mother’s a history buff who loves the drama of medieval knights and the espionage of Cold War spies, she’s in for a treat. Treat her to a day of time-traveling through exhibits!

🎁 Perfect Picks

• Anne Frank House, Amsterdam: Step into the hidden annex where Anne Frank wrote her poignant diary, and experience a deeply moving tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.
• Invalides Museum, Paris: The Invalides Museum will give her a comprehensive look at France’s military history, from Napoleon’s tomb to extensive collections of armor and weaponry.
• Imperial War Museum, London: Britain’s wartime history comes alive at the Imperial War Museum, from the trenches of WWI to the nuclear worry of the Cold War.

For the lovers of all things live!

Theatre performances and musicals

If your mom encouraged you to join theater or musicals as a kid, chances are she loves them too! And even if you weren't initially into them, you might find yourself appreciating them more as you grow up – it's just one of those grown-up things, I suppose. Whether she's a die-hard fan or not, classic theater and musicals are experiences worth sharing. Treat her to a timeless show this Mother's Day – she'll surely appreciate it!

🎁 Perfect Picks

• "Phantom of the Opera" captivates with its haunting melodies, beautiful set design, and timeless love story. It’s an all-time classic loved by everyone!
• "The Lion King" with its stunning costumes, puppetry, and iconic songs will be sure to take your breath away no matter how many times you’ve seen the film.
• "A Beautiful Noise" The Neil Diamond Musical" celebrates the legendary singer-songwriter's iconic music and inspiring journey.

Live concerts

Attending a live concert is an unparalleled experience. Hearing an artist you've admired for years on CDs and now streaming, and witnessing their brilliance in person, is truly magical. With today's accessibility to live concerts, gifting your mom tickets to see her favorite artist for Mother's Day is a fantastic idea. It's a chance to create unforgettable memories and show her just how much she means to you.

For the nature lovers

Botanic Gardens

Visiting a botanical garden is an great Mother's Day experience for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a serene setting where you and your mum can unwind and reconnect with nature. It’s also a thoughtful way to show appreciation for your mom's nurturing nature, as botanical gardens symbolize growth, beauty, and the enduring bond between parent and child.

🎁 Perfect Picks

• The Royal Botanic Gardens, established in 1759, offer a peaceful retreat in the heart of the London. With over 50,000 plant species, it's a haven for nature lovers and a must-visit destination for everyone.
• The Botanical Garden of Rome, founded in 1883, showcases Italy's rich botanical heritage. Nestled within Villa Corsini, it boasts a diverse collection of plants from around the world, as well as a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• The Versailles Gardens near Paris impresses visitors with it grandeur and elegance. Designed by André Le Nôtre in the 17th century, these meticulously manicured gardens feature ornate fountains, sculpted hedges, and sprawling lawns, reflecting the opulence of the Palace of Versailles.

National Parks

If your mom has a love for nature and wildlife, a visit to a National Park is a perfect Mother's Day activity. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, you can go on scenic hikes, have peaceful picnics by lakes, and admire majestic wildlife together. It's an ideal way to bond and create lasting memories.

🎁 Perfect Picks

• Yosemite National Park, located in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, boasts ancient sequoia trees and iconic vistas like Tunnel View, offering glimpses of Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome's granite cliffs.
• Fiordland National Park, situated in New Zealand's South Island, showcases glacier-carved fiords like Doubtful and Milford Sounds. Visitors can explore beech forest trails along the sandy Milford shore, offering stunning views of towering Mitre Peak.
• Komodo National Park, found within Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands, encompasses islands like Komodo, Padar, and Rinca. Known for its diverse marine life and Komodo dragons, it offers opportunities for adventurous exploration and stunning natural beauty.

For the food and wine connoisseurs

Cooking classes

Cooking and feeding loved ones is truly a mother’s love language. We’ve all witnessed the glow on our mum’s faces when they are cooking up a feast for us! For this Mother’s Day, why not participate in a Cooking class with your mum? It’s the perfect activity for quality time while whipping up a delicious dish too!

🎁 Perfect Picks

• Pasta-making class with Gelato demonstration, Florence: Learn how to make authentic pasta and gelato within 3 hours! Oh, and take back a booklet of recipes too!
• Thai-cooking class, Bangkok: A hands-on experience from exploring the local market to cooking dishes like Tom Yum Goong to Pad Thai, learn how to cook a full-course meal from Thai cuisine.
• Pizza-making cooking class, Naples: Everyone loves pizza! What makes it even better is learning how to make the perfect pizza, in the city it originated from! Learn how to create a traditional pizza from scratch in Naples!

Wine tasting

For the mother with an exquisite penchant for wine, we promise you a wine-tasting experience in some of the most sophisticated vineyards and wine cellars in the world. It is an unmatched experience, especially on Mother’s Day!

🎁 Perfect Picks

• Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour, Chianti: Indulge in a half-day guided tour tasting the best wine there is to exist in the heart of Chianti and explore the nearby Tuscan region! A low-key but exquisite experience to gift your mother, for sure!
• Wine Tasting Tour, Barcelona: Time to try out 6 signature Catalan flavors with snacks to munch along the way! This 6-hour wine-tasting experience is a guided tour of the iconic Can Ràfols dels Caus and Llopart wineries in Barcelona.
• Wine Tasting + Lunch, Brisbane: How about wine and dine? Brisbane’s oldest winery is perfect to do both! Sip on 4 exclusive wines and have a scrumptious 2-course meal for lunch!

Dining

All of us fancy a lavish dining experience from time to time, right? Mothers are no exception and they certainly deserve it! Pamper your mum and take her out for an extravagant full-course meal – from appetizers to main course and dessert, we’re talking about the whole deal.

🎁 Perfect Picks

• 7 Paintings Immersive Dining Show, Dubai: Watch art and food come alive in this one-of-a-kind immersive show The 7-course meal will be brought to you in a 2-hour dineamation and storytelling experience. From the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci to Vincent van Gogh, it’s a package deal for Art lover mums!
• 3-Course Dine and Wine at Revolving Panorama Restaurant, Berlin: Not only do you get to see spectacular views of Berlin, but you also get to indulge in a 3-course meal at the Sphere restaurant.
• Omakase Sushi Course at Sushi Kurusu, Tokyo: If your mum is a fan of sushi, head to Sushi Kurusu for a meal. Experience a delightful sushi dinner indulging in traditional Japanese dishes and lovely ambience on Mother’s Day! The best part? There will be an all-you-can-drink menu with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

For those who deserve a relaxing break

Spa

An all-paid spa retreat. Tempting, isn’t it? That’s why you must indulge in an ultimate pampering experience by opting for a full spa day to treat your mother on Mother’s Day! It’s relaxing, it’s rejuvenating and it’s enjoyable too! Best way to break away from the hustle and bustle.

🎁 Perfect Picks

• Széchenyi Spa, Budapest: Széchenyi Spa in Budapest is a perfect spot for a Mother’s Day spa retreat! It's located right in the heart of the city and has natural hot spring baths, which are known for their healing properties. You can unwind and pamper yourselves with a variety of pools and services, including massages and saunas.
• Beer Spa, Prague: Ever heard of a Beer Spa? If you haven’t, well now you have! Celebrate Mother's Day in a unique way by taking your mom to a Beer Spa in Prague! While you’re at it, why not enjoy a cold beer as well?

Hot Springs/Thermal Baths

A spa retreat isn’t the only refreshing option. You can opt for a Hot Spring/Thermal Bath for Mother’s Day, as well. Hot springs have healing properties that can soothe muscles, improve blood flow, and promote relaxation. It’s not every day you get to experience some quality time in a Hot Spring with your mum! Don’t jump the opportunity to indulge and get going.

🎁 Perfect Picks

• Arima Onsen Taikou-no-yu Spa, Kobe: The Gold and Silver hot spring baths will surely make it a relaxing experience for your dearest mum. You can spend the whole day and even indulge in a meal as well.
• Gellert Thermal Bath, Budapest: If you’re in Budapest, you can’t miss the Gellert Thermal Bath. Take a dip in the geothermal bath and then be ready for a massage. Or just head to one of the many pools located there – indoor, outdoor or wave pool.
• Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik: The Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland is one of the most well-known places in the world. Instagram-worthy too! But it’s also a cool experience to gift your mother. Unwind in the geothermal seawaters amidst picturesque views.

Spirituality

Your mother’s into spirituality? No problem, there’s something for everyone! Whether it's through meditation, mindfulness exercises, or other forms of physical activities, there's always something that can help one achieve inner peace and tranquility.

🎁 Perfect Picks

• Beach Yoga, Lobos Island: A 90-minute yoga session amidst nature with gorgeous views of the ocean! Seems surreal? Then this is the best way to treat your mum on Mother’s Day!

For the adventurous mother

Outdoor activities

Was your childhood full of hikes bobbing in a baby carrier on your Mum’s back? Or did you learn to swim, cycle and skate before you could walk? Nodding yes? Then clearly your mum craves excitement and thrives on exploration, whether trekking through rugged landscapes, conquering heights, or embracing new challenges! No time like now to bring more of that to her life! Surprise her this Mother's Day and indulge her love of adventure and curiosity. Celebrate her daring spirit with experiences that tap into her bold personality with a proper adrenaline rush for her and you!

🎁 Perfect Picks

• Dubai Desert Safari: For an exhilarating safari where she can try dune bashing or camel riding.
• If she's always dreamed of soaring through the sky, take her skydiving in Dubai, Interlaken, over the Great Ocean Road in Australia.
• All that too much for her? How about a classic theme park? You can’t go wrong with Disneyland Paris, Universal Studios or unleash your inner children at Dubai Parks and Resorts with the option of four theme parks!

Guided Tours: Historical Sites

Exploring historical sites together on Mother's Day is a wonderful way to bond over shared interests and create lasting memories. Your mom will appreciate the thoughtfulness of planning a day that caters to her love of history. As you walk through ancient ruins, grand palaces, or significant battlefields, you'll have the opportunity to discuss the stories and events that shaped our world.

🎁 Perfect Picks

• Pompeii Guided Tour: Step back in time as you explore the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, preserved by volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius. Your guide will bring the city's fascinating history to life, sharing stories of daily life and the tragic events that unfolded during the eruption.
• Colosseum in Rome: Colosseum is the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire. Learn about the gladiatorial contests and public spectacles that took place within its walls, and marvel at the engineering prowess of the ancient Romans.

Cultural Festivals

Immersing yourself in the culture of a destination is a unique and enriching experience, and attending local festivals is one of the best ways to do so. The anticipation and excitement surrounding these events are palpable, and our world is brimming with countless celebrations waiting to be discovered. Just around Mother’s Day there are numerous cultural festivals that offer a delightful blend of history, tradition, and festivity. Perfect Picks

🎁 Perfect Picks

• Vivid Sydney: Vivid Sydney is a dazzling annual festival of light, music, and ideas held in Sydney , Australia. The city comes alive with mesmerizing light installations, projections, and performances. Attend thought-provoking talks and workshops, and enjoy live music from local and international artists.
• Madeira Island Flower Festival: The Madeira Island Flower Festival, held in Funchal, Portugal, is a vibrant celebration of spring and the island's stunning botanical beauty. Witness colorful parades featuring elaborate floral floats, dancers in traditional costumes, and music filling the streets. Visit the Flower Market at Praça do Povo, where you can admire and purchase a wide variety of exotic flowers.

For the Cruise life

River Cruises:

If your mom is a history enthusiast who loves to explore new places, a river cruise might be the perfect Mother's Day surprise. River cruises offer a unique and intimate perspective on a city's history and culture, allowing you to discover hidden gems and learn fascinating stories along the way. With educational commentary from knowledgeable guides, your mom will be thrilled to delve into the rich past of these historic waterways. Plus, the relaxed pace and luxurious amenities on board will make her feel truly pampered and appreciated on this special day.

🎁 Perfect Picks

• Dubai Dhow Cruise: Embark on a traditional wooden dhow boat and sail along Dubai Creek, taking in the city's stunning skyline and historic landmarks. Enjoy a delicious dinner buffet featuring Arabic and international cuisine, accompanied by live entertainment and traditional Tanura dancing.
• Seine River Cruise in Paris: Glide past iconic Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum on a scenic Seine River cruise,while learning about the city's fascinating history from an expert guide.
• Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise: Discover the enchanting beauty of Istanbul on a Bosphorus cruise, as you sail between Europe and Asia. Marvel at the city's stunning architecture, including the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Rumeli Fortress, while learning about the Ottoman Empire's rich history.

Harbor Tours

Harbor cruises offer a different perspective on a city's history and culture, focusing on the maritime heritage and coastal landmarks. These cruises often provide stunning views of the city skyline, iconic bridges, and historic port facilities. It's a perfect way to spend quality time together while enjoying the fresh sea breeze and picturesque scenery.

🎁 Perfect Picks

• Sydney Harbour Cruise: Embark on a captivating journey through Sydney's iconic harbor, taking in the breathtaking views of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Learn about the city's rich maritime history and the role of the harbor in shaping Sydney's development.
• Hamburg Harbour Cruise: Discover the bustling port of Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany, on a fascinating harbor cruise with your mom. You’ll see impressive container terminals, historic warehouses, and modern architecture that showcase the city's maritime heritage.