BEST Mother-Daughter Trips in 2025

Looking for some amazing mother-daughter trip ideas? You’re in the right place.

I’m a mom of two daughters and the daughter of a mom who also likes to travel.

As a travel expert having visited almost 40 countries myself, and re-visited several of them, I have compiled what I truly believe is the list of the best mother-daughter trips.

A good mother-daughter travel destination has:

• a good mix of fun and adventure but also, relaxation
• scenic natural beauty, as well as quaint heritage buildings and a nice downtown core to stroll through
• great cuisine options
• can be visited in a weekend, or in several weeks

I’ve divided up the best mother-daughter trips by destinations:

• North America (US, Canada and Mexico)
• Europe
• Elsewhere in the world

Whether you only have 2 days or 2 weeks, there are fantastic ideas below that you can use to plan a perfect getaway with your mom or daughter.

So, let’s jump in – the best mother-daughter trip ideas!

17 Best Mother-Daughter Trips in North America

1. Lake Tahoe

Best for: natural beauty, outdoor adventure, year-round travel
How long to spend: Minimum of 3 days to up to 2 weeks

Lake Tahoe is great for people of all ages. Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, but there are lots of things to do there.

My brother lived in Lake Tahoe for years and welcomed by family (my mom, as well as myself, husband and kids to visit) and it is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen.

Unless you and your mom are into skiing or snowboarding, you’d probably appreciate Lake Tahoe more in the warm months (June through to October.)

Best mother-daughter things to do in Lake Tahoe:

• Go for hikes. There are both challenging and easy hikes in Lake Tahoe
• Take a boat cruise out into the water. The lake is crystal clear, and you can see all the way down to the bottom!
• Visit South Lake Tahoe, do some shopping, grab lunch and take a walk around Heavenly Village; ride the gondola to the top
• Visit beaches (they fill up in the summer quite early)
• Visit nearby historic small towns in the area, such as Truckee, Carson City and Virginia City

I recommend staying in South Lake Tahoe, to be closest to most of the fun things to do together as a mom and daughter. It would be nice to stay right in Heavenly Village.

2. Quebec City, Canada

Best for: quaint European feel, history, winter, summer or fall
How long to spend: anywhere from 3 days up to a week

Quebec City is without a doubt one of the prettiest cities in North America. It has a small old downtown core, with a river running through it, and special seasonal things to do all year round.

Quebec City has a lot of nice restaurants, buildings that date back hundreds of years, a beautiful waterfall nearby and a lot of special events and celebrations.

I’ve been to Quebec City a number of times, as well as my mom and kids, and its amazing – its definitely becoming more popular, but its a very worthwhile destination to visit.

Best mother-daughter things to do in Quebec City:

• Stroll through the cobbled streets of Old Town (Vieux Québec)
• Indulge in French Canadian cuisine, such as poutine, crepes, French onion soup, and baked goods like croissants.
• Take a river cruise (summer) or visit the only ice palace in North America (winter)
• Do a food tour
• Check out the only crypt in North America
• Do a ghost tour to learn stories from the city’s dark past
• Head to Montmorency Falls, which is only a 15-minute drive from Quebec City. (There are tours, or you can take a cab or even bike there!)

3. Bend, Oregon

Best for: nature, shopping, foodie adventures
How long to spend: 2-5 days

Bend, Oregon is a bucket-list destination to visit as a mom and daughter. It’s a tourist town near the Cascade Range, and there’s lots to do in the town itself, as well as outdoor activities nearby.

I’d say Bend is the perfect place to visit if you want a town to relax, shop and eat in, as well as some fun things to do nearby like hiking, and white water rafting.

The downtown core of Bend has a quaint small-town feel with lots of nice restaurants, shops and cafés.

Best mother-daughter things to do in and near Bend, Oregon

• Visit Tumalo Falls, just a 25-minute drive from downtown Bend
• Explore the foodie scene – Bend is known for having a variety of great restaurants
• Rent floating tubes and float along the Deschutes River
• Walk the Deschutes River Trail, which starts in the Old Mill District and is 12 miles (19 km) long in total
• Do wine-tasting at Viaggio Wine Bar
• See a concert at the Homes Amphitheater. Find the upcoming shows here

4. San Francisco

Best for: a mix of nature and city adventures, scenic beauty, history, museums, shopping, nightlife
How long to spend: 2-7 days

San Francisco is another dream destination in North America, and perfect for a mother-daughter duo.

It offers a great mix of city sightseeing, and spectacular natural beauty. There are also a lot of worthwhile day trips.

You could spend anywhere from a weekend to a full week in San Francisco depending on how many things you want to check off your list when you’re there.

My brother used to live in San Francisco, and my mom always loved visiting him here (and raved a lot about it afterwards.)

Some may prefer LA to San Francisco, but my family and all feel that between the two – San Francisco offers a more relaxed, and trip.

Best mother-daughter things to do in San Francisco

• Ride one of the old-fashioned cable cars, which date back to the 1800s
• Walk over the Golden Gate Bridge, and admire the surrounding mountainous views
• Take the 15-minute ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, learn about its fascinating history
• Spend an afternoon at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 (see the sealions that lounge there in the summer months)
• Visit some of the sites that you’ve seen in many movies and TV shows, such as the homes from Mrs Doubtfire or Full House

5. Vancouver

Best for: nature lovers, incredible scenery, city
How long to spend: anywhere from 2-7 days

Vancouver is the place to go for mother-daughter pairs who want to experience some city life, but a lot of breathtaking nature as well.

Vancouver is surrounded by the Canadian rockies, and it’s very easy to get out to the mountains to enjoy the views.

The weather is pretty mild in Vancouver year-round, so it can be visited anytime of the year.

Vancouver can be visited in just 2-3 days, but easily longer too. There are many day trips out to the mountains and incredible scenery, so you could easily spend up to a week in the area exploring the city itself and the spectacular landscape that surrounds it.

Best mother-daughter things to do in Vancouver:

• Go whale-watching to see killer whales and humpbacks (between April to October only)
• Head out to Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is 460 feet long, and 230 feet high. You can also do the nearby Treetops adventure and Cliffwalk. (It’s a full day excursion, just 10 from downtown Vancouver!)
• Spend a day in Stanley Park: walk along the sea wall admiring the view of the ocean and the mountains in the background. See the famous totem poles
• Visit Gastown, the foodie neighbourhood. Lots of great restaurants and cafes, and you could do a food tour
• If you visit Vancouver in the winter, the weather is pretty mild, but there are plenty of ski resorts nearby for skiing and snowboarding

6. Banff, Canada

Best for: nature enthusiasts, mountain views people who love to hike
How long to spend: anywhere from 3-7 days

You’ve probably seen countless photos and videos of how gorgeous Banff is by now, so I don’t need to tell you how incredible it is.

Banff would be a spectacular place for a mom and daughter to visit together, especially if you prefer a trip that’s more nature oriented.

The town of Banff itself is small. It’s super popular in the summer, but summer is also the best time to take advantage of the weather.

Unless you and your mom/daughter are into skiing, then I would recommend heading to Banff sometime between June and September. (The lakes are often still frozen until mid to late June.)

Best mother-daughter things to do in Banff

• Ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for incredible views
• Take shuttles or tours out to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, the ‘must-see’ attractions in the area that made Banff famous
• Hike Johnson’s Canyon, and see the waterfalls
• Take a boat cruise in Lake Minnewanka (my personal favourite part of Banff)
• Take a stroll through the quaint small downtown area
• Drive through Columbia Icefields, likely the most scenic drive in all of North America (Jasper is not currently open for business, but would be an amazing place to visit in conjunction with Banff once possible.)

Check out my 3-5 day Banff itinerary for suggestions on structuring a trip to Banff that fits in all of the above. The itinerary can be used year-round, but is best for the warmer months.

7. Lake Placid, in upstate NY

Best for: nature, hiking, small town atmosphere
How long to spend: 2-4 days

Lake Placid, NY often gets forgotten when we talk about bucket list travel destinations, but I promise you – it deserves a special mention.

Lake Placid makes such a nice getaway in New England, with a small town on Mirror Lake, as well as lots of breathtaking hikes (both easy and hard) nearby.

My friend held her wedding in Lake Placid, and when I got there, I could see why. It’s a seriously underrated place, especially for somewhere that has hosted the Olympics twice!

Best mother-daughter things to do in Lake Placid, NY

• Go hiking in the Adirondack mountains. There are a bunch of mountain hikes ranging from easy to challenging.
• Go boutique shopping on the main strip by the lake. Grab some great seaside meals and ice cream
• Visit several wineries in the area
• Walk the ‘most breathtaking 30-minute walk’ at High Falls Gorge, with views of streams and waterfalls
• Learn about history of the area at the Olympic Center, or the John Brown Farm, who was a well-known abolitionist that lived in the area

8. Asheville, North Carolina

Best for: outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, year-round travel
How long to spend: Anywhere from 1-5 days

Asheville is recommended to me by my friend Tina from The Southern Travelista, who goes there very frequently with her mom and daughter.

Asheville is a cozy, charming city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It’s most known for being home to the famous Biltmore Estate.

Asheville is a nice place to visit in itself, but the reason it became a bucket-list destination for many is because of the Biltmore Estate.

You can stay at the Biltmore Estate, or you can get a day pass and visit for the day. Either way, visiting the Biltmore is a must when you’re in Asheville.

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville offers:

• shopping
• spa treatments
• fine dining
• a winery
• beautiful gardens (especially stunning in the spring with blooming flowers)

Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to really enjoy all that the Biltmore has to offer whether you are visiting for just one day or planning a several-day trip.  

Best Mother-Daughter Things to Do in Asheville

• Visit the River Arts District, which is filled with studios and galleries where you can meet local artists and watch them work. It’s such a fun and inspiring experience.(Every time I visit, I end up finding a new favourite piece of art to bring home. My daughter loves exploring the studios with me, and we always have the best time meeting the artists.)
• Ride the hop-on, hop-off trolley tour. It’s a fully narrated tour of the city with the advantage of being able to hop off and shop, eat, and explore and then hop back on to the next location

If you’re planning a trip, my weekend in Asheville guide has even more ideas to help you plan.

My personal favourite times to visit are during the holiday season and in late spring, but you can visit Asheville (or the Biltmore) any time of year.

“Regardless of when you go to Asheville, I know you’ll love this city as much as we do! The friendly, laid-back atmosphere is one of the reasons Asheville has become so special to me and my own mom and daughter. Every visit feels like slowing down and having a true retreat to the mountains. The mountain views, step into history, arts scene, and warm hospitality make it the perfect mother-daughter destination.”
Tina, The Southern Travelista

9. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Best for: outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, year-round travel
How long to spend: Anywhere from

The Baja California Sur peninsula in west Mexico is famous for its sandy beaches on the Pacific coastline and distinctive rock formations.

It’s the least populated areas in Mexico, and generally one of the safest too. Cabo San Lucas (usually just referred to as “Los Cabos”) is right on the southernmost tip of the peninsula; offers sea views, adventure, relaxation and charm.

Fun fact about Los Cabos – the latest season of Love is Blind took contestants to a resort just east of Cabo San Lucus, so the area is proven to have a really good mix of adventure, fun and tranquil relaxation – perfect for moms and daughters to bond and have a memorable vacation!

Best mother-daughter things to do in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico:

• Go whale-watching (December through April only)
• Snorkelling in Santa Maria Bay
• Visit Flora Farms, a nearby organic farm, and try their delicious and nourishing farm-to-table food. You can book a free walking tour, cooking class or spa treatment at the farm here
• Have a beach day
• Take a day trip to nearby mining towns – El Triunfo and San Antonio
• Get 360 views of the surrounding area by hiking up the Pedregal mountain (called Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas Trail) views are incredible, but the hike can be a bit challenging. See other hikes in the area here

10. New Orleans, Louisiana

Best for: outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, culture, year-round travel
How long to spend: Anywhere from 2-5 days

New Orleans (called Nola by locals) is great for music lovers, festival-goers, and people who are looking for charm and culture.

New Orleans has a French flair with its Creole culture, great food, and colourful, bohemian neighbourhoods that are so charming to walk around.

Best mother-daughter things to do in New Orleans

• Explore the colourful and quirky Magazine Street, which runs along the Mississippi River. It dates back to the 1700s and has tons of vintage shops, cafes, restaurants and galleries
• Do a creepy Voodoo Doll Tour of the French Quarter
• See live music on Frenchman Street (this is a must for music lovers!)
• Get mouthwatering donuts at Cafe Beignet or Cafe Du Monde
• For a fancy upscale dinner with mom, try GW Fins

11. Seattle

Best for: fascinating museums and history, boat rides, scenic views
How long to spend: 2- 5 days

Seattle is another underrated city that makes a really nice getaway – especially if you and mom are fans of Starbucks!

My husband booked a trip to Seattle by himself a few years ago, and has raved about it since.

Similar to Vancouver, Seattle has that mix of city and outdoor beauty, and there are lots of really unique things to do that you can’t find anywhere else. Seattle definitely isn’t just ‘another city.’

Best mother-daughter things to do in Seattle

• Take a ferry to one of a few islands: Bremerton, or Bainbridge Island
• Visit the original Starbucks Roastery, do a tour and try some exclusive drinks that aren’t available anywhere but there
• Take an elevator up the 605-foot-tall Space Needle, for 360 views of the city
• Bond and share memories together at the Museum of Pop Culture (MPOP)
• Walk through the historic Pike Place Market
• Take a half-day trip to tour the Boeing Factory (this is a must for any trip to Seattle!)

12. Yucatán, Mexico

Best for: beach, resorts and spas, snorkelling and diving
How long to spend: 5 days to 2 or 3 weeks

The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is huge and diverse, and there is so much to see there (more than what people give it credit for.)

There are cenotes, waterfalls, spectacular beaches, ruins that date back thousands of years, and of course, mouthwatering Mexican food – its quite the place, and definitely worth visiting.

You could stay at a resort with mom and be pampered, or you can go exploring – or ideally, a little bit of both!

Best mother-daughter things to do in the Yucatan peninsula

• Go snorkelling with whale sharks (June through August only)
• Snorkel or dive the MUSA underwater museum, off the coast of Cancun
• Visit countless ruins, such as the Chichen Itza or the Tulum Ruins
• Have a beach day, with traditional tiki huts, fancy drinks, white sand and spectacular views

13. Prince Edward Island, Canada

Best for: beaches, seafood, lighthouses, Anne of Green Gables fans, scenic beauty, small-town vibes
How long to spend: about a week

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is a beautiful province in eastern Canada known for its red sand beaches, and being the birthplace of Anne of Green Gables.

If you and your mom like seafood, beaches, lighthouses, road trips, and natural beauty, then you might love PEI.

I went to PEI with my mom, and she loved the red-sand beaches, the lighthouses and all the seafood restaurants. It’s a quieter trip for people who value nature and calm.

Best mother-daughter things to do in PEI:

• See the Anne of Green Gables–The Musical in Charlottetown. I watched it with my mom and it was a special experience. It only plays biannually now though, so you’d have to make sure it’s playing when you visit
• Take a road trip around the entire island, which can be done in a day or over a few days.
• Visit beaches, and even swim in them in July or August. One of the most popular is Singing Sands Beach in Basin Head Provincial Park
• Do many special Anne of Green Gables heritage sites – Avonlea Village, carriage rides, lighthouses and more. This article has many great ideas for a mother-daughter Anne of Green Gables trip

17. Florida

Best for: Beaches, Disney, amusement parks, wildlife, islands, snorkelling and diving, boat cruises
How long to spend: at least a week

I don’t need to tell you what makes Florida so famous, but there may be a whole bunch of fun mother-daughter activities there that you hadn’t thought of yet.

Things to Do in Florida for an amazing mother-daughter trip:

• Relive your childhood by going to Disney World, or taking a Disney Cruise
• If you’re both into space, buy a 2-day pass at the Kennedy Space Center (1 day isn’t enough, especially if you’re fascinated by space.)
• Head down to the Florida Keys, for the Floridian island atmosphere – tiki huts, key lime pie, waterfront restaurants, resorts, the quirky neighbourhoods of Key West.
• Take a ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park from Key West
• See crocodiles in Everglades National Park

14. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada

Best for: summer travel, scenic views, hiking, seeing wildlife, small towns
How long to spend: 3-7 days

Cape Breton is an iconic Canadian island, and likely why it is the set of many books that take place in Canada.

It isn’t the kind of place where there’s lots of things to do, but it’s perfect if you and your mom are looking for a quiet, relaxing and most importantly – scenic destination.

Best mother-daughter things to do in Cape Breton

• Drive the Cabot Trail (298 km or 185 miles) which looks out onto the ocean, and is likely one of the most scenic drives in Canada. This is the main draw to Cape Breton Island
• Go hiking and spot moose (you’re almost guaranteed to spot a moose, especially if you’re there in the spring through fall.) There are hikes ranging from easy to more challenging. I recommend the Skyline Trail – the views are amazing, it’s easy – and yes, we saw moose.
• Go whale watching to see humpbacks (from late spring to autumn)
• See the famous lighthouse in Neil’s Harbour
• Visit the cute town of Baddeck (where you’ll find the start of the Cabot Trail)
• See live music, which plays in many small towns in Cape Breton

15. Oaxaca, Mexico

Best for: foodies, cultural exploration, history
How long to spend: at least 3 days

Oaxaca, Mexico would be a really fun trip for a more adventurous mother-daughter pair who are looking to try exciting foods and explore another culture.

If you follow any big traveller influencers, the chances are, you’ve heard of Oaxaca. Some of them, such as Blonde Abroad or Nomaddic Matt, have made this small city (of less than 1 million) a bucket list spot for many.

I was lucky to visit Oaxaca a bit before it started to become really famous, and it stood out to me as so unique in all the months I spent in Mexico. I

Oaxaca is known for medieval buildings (its downtown core is a UNESCO World Heritage Site,) rich food and culture, and of course – its regional cheese, queso de Oaxaca.

Oaxaca is, without a doubt, one of the best cities to visit in Mexico.

Things to do in Oaxaca for an amazing mother-daughter vacation

• Admire the intricate gold ceiling inside the main temple
• Explore the area’s rich cuisine. You can visit food markets, or do a food tour with Oaxacking
• Visit the Monte Albon ruins, which date back to thousands of years. (It’s also a UNSCO World Heritage Site.)
• Go see a 3,000 year old tree – I’m not kidding – called Arbol del Tule, known for being the widest tree in the world. You can easily get to Arbol del Tule from a tour bus from Oaxaca, and its only about a 10 minute drive

You can easily get to Oaxaca by flying into the Oaxaca International Airport.

Pro Tip: Oaxaca doesn’t have a beach, so if a beach is part of what you look for in Mexico then it will not deliver. However, Puerto Escondido is about a 3-hour bus ride that only costs the equivalent of $30 USD.

16. Sedona, Arizona

Best for: heat lovers, hiking, scenic beauty,
How long to spend: 3-5 days

Sedona’s one of those places that you’ve heard of, but unless you’ve been there, you don’t realize how epic of a trip it would be – especially for a mom and daughter pair.

How to have an amazing mother-daughter trip to Sedona

• Take a hike to one of the four Sedona Vortexes. I recommend the Boynton Canyon (pictured above) – its a relatively easy hike and has amazing views
• Go shopping in the cute Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (‘the art and soul of Sedona’)
• Take a ride through the desert in a pink jeep – how fun, feminine and unique is that? They’ve been running since the 1960s
• Cool off by swimming in Oak Creek
• Go see the iconic Chapel of the Cross
• Take a tour to Antelope Canyon (about 3 hours away) but very worth seeing while you’re in the area
• Take a detour by driving out to the Grand Canyon if you haven’t seen it yet (113 miles/181 km – just over a 2-hour drive from Sedona)

17. Newfoundland

Best for: nature lovers, ocean views, whale watching, bird watching, seafood
How long to spend: 5-7 days

Similar to PEI and Nova Scotia, Newfoundland is another amazing island in the Canadian Maritimes.

It offers scenic drives, whale watching, bird watching (you can even see puffins), seafood, lighthouses and other amazing things to do.

Best things to do in Newfoundland for a mother-daughter trip

• Spend time on the Avonlea Peninsula to see 550-million year-old fossils, and admire lots of puffins, among other birds. (Book a tour with Bird The Rock NL for the best chance at spotting them)
• Go whale watching (between May and September)
• Go to Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America
• Get a photo in front of the Dildo sign (there’s a town named Dildo – worth going to if you and your mom have a sense of humour)
• See ice burgs, between June and September

To get to Newfoundland, you would fly into the St. John’s airport. You would stay in St. John’s, and either rent a car or book day trips. There are so many more fascinating ideas of things to do in Newfoundland here.

9 Best European Mother-Daughter Trips

The ideas below are designed to be a longer trip; a minimum of one week (especially if you’re coming from outside of mainland Europe.)

1. Ireland

Best for: history, rugged coastline, scenic drives, rolling greens, Irish hospitality, comfort food
How long to spend: 7 days up to several weeks!

If you haven’t been to Ireland yet, I can guarantee that you and your mom will love it. Much of it feels like walking into a storybook.

Things to do in Ireland for an amazing mother-daughter trip

• Spend a couple days in Dublin, seeing museums, visiting the Guinness Brewery and some of the oldest churches in the country
• Be pampered like queens in a castle hotel – there are tons to choose from to book a stay in all over the country
• See the Cliffs of Moher, which are the most famous attraction in Ireland. A bonus would be to do yoga at sunset at the Cliffs
• Visit some of the cutest Irish small towns that make you feel like you’re in a storybook – Adare, Clifden, Cong, and several others
• Watch buskers perform in any of the cities you visit.
• Do a scenic road trip on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry, or the Dingle Peninsula

2. Norway

Best for: stunning views of fjords, quaint seaside villages, northern lights, oceanviews
How long to spend: 5 days to 2 weeks

Norway has been called one of the most beautiful, and also the happiest, places on the planet.

Norway is safe, calm and rich with majestic, stunning scenery. Great if you want to see epic landscapes.

If you want to see the fjords and experience the untouched beauty of Norway, (which is what I recommend doing) then its best to fly into a city called Bergen, on the southwest coast.

Best things to do in Norway as a mother-daughter duo

• Take funicular up the mountain in Bergen
• Take a fjords cruise. There are several to choose from out of Bergen
• A very popular thing to do is to take a 5-day cruise up to Tromsø, in northern Norway. It’s apart of the Arctic Circle, and its a great place to see the northern lights (if you go in the fall) but offers different things at different times of year

3. Italy

Best for: foodies, history, scenery,
How long to spend: no amount of time is enough to see everything in Italy. I recommend at least 2 weeks

Italy is almost an iconic place for mother-daugther trips. In fact, there are several books and movies about mother-daughter trips to Italy.

Italy offers warm weather, at most points of the year – great food and wine, stunning coastline, beautiful historic cities, and so much.

Italy has several areas that are basically a trip in themselves. Choosing where to go in Italy is about choosing what kind of mother daughter trip you want to have, and what kinds of things you’ll do.

Places to go in Italy on a mother-daughter trip

• Almafi Coast in southern Italy- has luxury accommodations and spas, and you can visit Pompeii, Naples, the island of Capri
• Florence, Rome or Venice – they’re popular, but for a good reason. If you can go during shoulder season, it will be less busy
• Sicily – Italy’s largest island south of mainland that has a distinct culture and history from the rest of Italy. Historic small towns. (Sicily is a trip in itself that you could easily spend 2 weeks in)
• Sardinia Island – Italy’s 2nd largest island, has its own unique culture, amazing beaches, scenic hiking, ruins that date back 1,000 years (recommend at least a week, maybe 2 to get a good experience here)
• Puglia – another region in southern Italy, charming cobbled roads and medieval buildings, Carribean-style beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (Need a minimum of 5 days up to 2 weeks to see and experience everything.)
• Cinque Terre, in northern Italy. Small villages along the coastline, which are charming and very photogenic.

4. Portugal

Best for: coastal seaside cliffs,
How long to spend: 1-3 weeks

Portugal has become so much more popular in recent years, and similar to Spain and Italy, is a popular for honeymoons, mother-daugher trips, family vacations, and more.

Portugal is known for having the southwesternmost tip of Europe, which is popular for people to get their photo in front of.

Best mother-daugher things to do in Portugal

• Tour the beautiful capital city of Lisbon, and see the Belém Tower, a UNSECO World Heritage Site
• Ride the 30-min train to Sintra, where you can see some beautiful fairytale-like castles
• Take a 3-hour train ride to Porto, the 2nd largest city in Portugal after Lisbon
• Visit the Algarve, 3 hours south of Lisbon, which has the beaches, nature trails, unique rocky coastline, amazing photo opportunities. (This is also where you’ll find the Cape Saint Vincent, Sagres – the southwesternmost tip of Europe.)

5. Iceland

Best for: northern lights, hot springs, quaint seaside villages, Scandinavian culture, scenic drives, wildlife
How long to spend: minimum of 5 days up to 2 weeks

Iceland is a place to marvel at really unusual landscapes that you wouldn’t see anywhere else.

Most people rent a car and do roadtrips around the famous Ring Road, making stops along the way. Or, you can stay in Reykjavik and do day-trips.

Epic things to do in Iceland for a mother-daughter trip

• See waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and lava-tunnels that formed millions of years ago
• Soak in hot-springs
• Hike a glacier
• Hike the inside of an ice cave (different from a glacier – winter only)
• Take a boat tour to see puffins in their natural habitat (May through August only)
• Go whale watching (April through October)
• Try to see the northern lights (they’re most easily seen in the winter, although summer is possible too.) We saw them in on a trip to Iceland February

6. Spain

Best for: culture, wineries, beaches, stunning coastline, practicing Spanish,
How long to spend: 1-3 weeks

Spain is an amazing trip, that offers many of the same things that Portugal does – in fact, they can often be combined into one trip (but you’d probably want to give it at least 2 weeks to see the best of both of them.)

If you want to go to just Spain, I’d recommend no less than a week. The main international airport is Madrid.

Things to do on a mother-daughter trip to Spain

• Spend time in Barcelona, arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world
• Indulge in food and wine everywhere you go
• Walk through the white villages of Andalucía
• Stay overnight in a fortresses, castle or monastery – several have been converted into luxury accommodations where you can be pampered and feel like a queen
• Walk the King’s Path (Camino del Rey) to see spectacular caves, architecture and history
• Visit local almazaras (olive mills) to try some of the best olives and olive oil produced in the area!

7. France

Best for: food, wine, culture, history, castles,
How long to spend: 1-2 weeks

France is by far, one of my favourite countries in Europe, and not only because I speak French and I love the people.

Even though Paris has become a little overtouristed, its one of those places I believe you have to see once, and do all the iconic things. Plus, there’s so much more to France besides Paris.

Mother-daughter things to do en France

• Visit the Mont St. Michel, a monastery – I lived in France briefly, and this was the most memorable thing that I ever did there. So unique, different, and beautiful. Plus, there were great restaurants inside
• Spend a few days in Paris; visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, art museums, Champs Elysees and the Sacre Coeur. (Books tickets far in advance for the Eiffel tower, it sells out.)
• Visit the medieval castles in the Loire Valley. Some of the best ones are Chenonceau, and Chateau Chambord
• If you enjoy beaches, southern France (Toulouse) has a warm and almost tropical feel
• Similar the Spain and Ireland, there are also many castles that have been turned into hotels!

8. Austria

Best for: mountains, quaint towns, history
How long to spend: 1-2 weeks

Austria is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, in my opinion – even though it isn’t typically called that. Read some of the amazing ideas below to find out why it would make one of the best mother daughter trips.

Things to do on a mother-daughter trip to Scotland:

• Do the original Sound of Music Tour out of Innsbruck (especially if you’re fans of the movie!)
• Have an upscale meal at the world’s oldest restaurant, which is said to be serving people since 803! It’s called the St. Peter and it’s in Salzburg
• Visit the town of Innsbruck, a little mountain city with great views of the alps
• Go skiing in the alps (typically just December through April)
• Visit beautiful, fairy-tale like libraries, located inside monasteries
• Go for breathtaking hikes. The Asitz Mountain offers amazing trails in the summer that will provide those glamourous ‘up in the mountains’ views

9. Scotland

Best for: nature, medieval castles, cute coastal towns, Harry Potter fans, Outlander fans
How long to spend: 1-2 weeks

I love all the rich cities and medieval buildings that mainland Europe provides, but there’s something mysteriously alluring about the vastness of Scotland; particularly in the Scottish highlands.

Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful coastal cities in the UK, such as Edinburgh, and Inverness.

From Inverness, you can explore the Scottish Highlands.

Things to do on a mother-daughter trip to Scotland:

• Visit Edinburgh, climb Arther’s Seat, do the Harry Potter trail,
• Tour the castles that were used in Outlander (if either of you are Outlander fans.) They are located with an hour from Edinburgh, there are many day tours from both Edinburgh and Glasglow
• Take photos of adorable Highland Cows (but be careful, as they aren’t always friendly)
• Head to Inverness, do the Dolphin Spirit Cruise (yes, you can see dolphins!), learn about Scotland’s history at the Culloden Battlefield, and tour the Scottish Highlands
• Visit the Isle of Skye, stay in a small bunkie where you can experience the darkest sky

Mother-Daughter Trips Elsewhere in the World

See yourself heading outside the bounds of North America and Europe – to somewhere far away like Australia, Asia, or even Africa? Here are some great ideas for mother-daughter trips in these areas

1. Costa Rica

Best for: beaches, rainforest, wildlife, exotic fruits, waterfalls, volcanoes, scenic beauty, hot springs, outdoor adventure activities
How long to spend: between 1 week to 2 weeks

Costa Rica can be a beach vacation, or it can be a rainforest, hot springs and outdoor adventure trip – or a bit of both.

It’s a unique and diverse country, and a place that will surely leave you and your mom in awe.

Things to do in Costa Rica for a mother-daughter trip

• Visit La Fortuna, soak in the hot springs, see the Arenal volcano, and visit Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
• Visit several rainforests with hanging suspension bridges that give you a bird’s eye view of the jungle
• Head to the Guanacaste region, in northern Costa Rica if resorts and beaches are what you’re looking for (there are some amazing day trips and activities up there too)
• Visit one of the only cloud forests in the world, in the high mountains of Monteverde
• Visit coffee, fruit and chocolate farms (often family-owned and sustainably produced!)
• Tour San Jose, do a food tour, visit the museum of Gold, and do a day trip to the Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall

My 10 day Costa Rica itinerary fits in almost all of the above (except for Guanacaste as its too far away)

2. New Zealand

Best for: scenic drives, mountains, hot springs, volcanoes, Lord of the Rings, getting to know Maori culture
How long to spend: at least 2 weeks

New Zeland is divided into two islands – south island and north island.

South Island is the one you most want to visit, although there are some gems up in the north too.

Mother daughter things to do in New Zealand:

• Go on a Milford Sound overnight boat cruise (the views of the canyon are absolutely stunning)
• If you’tre Lord of the Rings fan, do the Hobbiton, Waitomo and Rotura tour out of Auckland
• Go on a number of scenic drives through the mountainous terrain, there are so many to choose from.
• Visit Franz Josef Glacier
• Go bungee-jumping (it was invented in New Zealand!)
• Do the gondola in Queenstown

When I was planning my honeymoon to New Zeland (which was sadly cancelled due to covid, I found this blog post extremely thorough and helpful.)

3. Australia

Best for: desert, ocean, seaside cliffs, beaches, road trips, warm weather
How long to spend: at least 2 weeks (the more, the better)

Australia is a dream destination for many, and I’d recommend it as a mother-daughter trip – but I will say, its a HUGE country, and you will have a tough time choosing which part of it to explore.

To see even a fraction of the amazingness in Australia, you would need to have months there. I know, because I spent a year living there.

My mom visited me while I was living in Australia, so I did some mom and daughter trips with her there.

Here are the Australia trips I’d recommend for a mother-daughter trip:

• Melbourne, Philip Island and the Great Ocean Road (7 day trip)
• Sydney, plus all of the above (10 days)
• Perth, Fremantle and other parts of Western Australia (2 week trip)
• Darwin, Alice Springs and visit Uluru (2 week trip)
• Visit Cairns and go snorkelling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef (3-5 days)
• Road trip from Cairns to down the east coast Sydney, visiting the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and many gems along the way (2 week trip)

Want to do it all? You would need at least a month. Australia is amazing, just very big. There are trains offered between some cities, or you can rent a car (you would need to drive ‘on the other side’ if you’re North American) or you can fly from place to place.

4. Japan

Best for: beautiful architecture, foodies, cherry blossoms, efficient and easy transportation between places,
How long to spend: 1 week minimum (it would barely be enough – 2 would be ideal)

Japan is safe, has great food, beautiful architecture and an interesting culture that you can’t help but want to immerse with and learn more of.

It’s pretty easy to get around Japan using their high-speed train system. The Japanese are efficient, and they keep their cities and their forests clean.

Best mother-daughter activities in Japan:

• Visit the Island of Miyajima (which means “shrine island” in Japanese) see the beautiful orange gates that pop against the blue water
• Visit temples in Kyoto (there are over 1600 of them in the city alone!)
• Explore authentic Japanese foods (which can differ from the kinds you’ve tried at home.) Sushi is less common here than you’d think. Try authentic sushi, ramen, and many other noodle dishes
• Explore the vibrant culture and pace of life of Tokyo.
• If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli movies, visit the museum in Tokyo
• See the cherry blossoms (spring only)

6. Namibia

Best for: adventure seekers, desert, safari, mountains, canyons
How long to spend: 2 weeks

I have yet to go to Namibia, but have always been drawn to it – its known as being one of the most peaceful countries in Africa (and the world.)

There are canyons, dessert against ocean beaches, mountains, exotic wildlife, and warm and friendly people.

Best mother-daughter activities in Namibia:

• Go star-gazing in the darkest sky in Africa in oldest desert in the world. (Tip: stay at the Rooisand Desert Ranch)
• Do a safari in Etosha National Park to see wildlife like elephants, lions, cheetahs, hippos
• Visit the Sossusvlei sand dune
• Get views of the Fish River Canyon, one of the most amazing natural wonders in Africa
• Go to Damaraland, Skeleton Coast, and traditional Himba villages

7. St. Lucia

Best for: mountains, snorkeling, hiking
How long to spend: 1 week

St. Lucia is undoubtedly, one of the prettiest islands in the Carribean. It’s mountainous terrain means that getting anywhere around the island is an adventure.

Best mother-daughter activities in St. Lucia:

• Take a water taxi to different parts of the island (sometimes this is easier than taking a cab through the mountains) and catch beautiful views of the island from the water
• Visit the town of Soufriere, on the west coast – try the mudbaths, see waterfalls, or do the Tet Paul nature trail which has incredible views
• Visit a sustainable cocoa farm (Fond Doux Estate) and make your own chocolate. Fun fact: If you visit in August, it’s chocolate heritage month!
• Go see the bubbling crater of the drive-in volcano
• Soak in Sulphur Hot Springs (just across from the drive-in volcano)
• Try local cuisine and delicacies, such as roti, bouyon, and cocoa tea
• Go snorkeling or diving to see coral reefs, and lots of wildlife. You can do this in either Soufriere Marine Reserve or the Pigeon Island National Park

Personal Note: The world is big, and there are more amazing mother-daughter trip ideas than I could possibly name. This list may change overtime; likely getting longer. I can’t guarantee that I’ve listed all the amazing mother-daughter trips in the world, but I do know that each and every place on this list is a worthwhile gem that could make an amazing trip. I am so happy to be apart of helping moms and daughter create lasting memories together. If you’ve gotten this far, thank you so much for your time in reading!

Mother-Daughter Trips FAQ

Here are the most commonly asked questions about mother-daughter trips

Where is the best place for a mother-daughter trip?

The best place for a mother-daughter trip really depends on your interests. Are you ladies into outdoor adventures, like skiing and hiking, or do you prefer spas, and being pampered? I think the ideal places for a mother-daughter trip have a little bit of both.

Where is the best place to go with your mom?

The best place to go with your mom is a place where you can connect and bond as mom and daughter – a place that offers some fun, but also some pampered relaxation too.

How to plan a mother-daughter trip?

To plan a mother-daughter trip, the first thing to consider is how much time you have, and your approximate budget. Next, think of what you want in a holiday (beaches, natural beauty, hiking, mountains, rainforest, historic buildings, shopping, museums?) Visualize a perfect day in your dream destination to figure out what kinds of places you’d like to go!

Final Thoughts on Mother-Daughter Trip Ideas

I’ve poured my heart and soul into this list which I think will give you great ideas of places you can go with your mom or daughter. I hope that you’ve found some ideas that are inspiring and useful that will get you started on planning an amazing vacation with your mom or daughter!