Mother’s Day in the UK is this Sunday and it’s always a poignant reminder, having lost my Mum back in 1999 (before I turned 30). I would have loved the chance to take her with me on some adventures but have amazing memories of the time we were visiting my sister in Sydney, Australia and got to sail around in the harbour in a friend’s boat. I didn’t realise then how important activities like this would become in my precious memory bank of our time together.
Mother’s Day is a time to honour the love, strength, and wisdom of all our mothers. But it’s also an opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and embark on a transformative travel experience. Whether it’s creating lasting memories with your children, embracing solo adventures, or crafting a dream travel bucket list, Mother’s Day can be a powerful reminder that travel is a gift—to yourself and to those you love.
This week, I’m sharing three different ways you can honour the day, either with or without the ones you love by your side.
Mother-Daughter (or Mother-Son) Getaways to Remember
There’s something magical about travelling with your adult child—whether it’s a mother-daughter spa retreat in Bali or a cultural adventure in Rome. At this stage in life, relationships evolve, and travel offers a unique way to strengthen bonds, create new memories, and truly enjoy each other’s company as equals.
Great Destinations for Mother-Child Trips:
- Wellness Retreats – Enjoy relaxation and mindfulness together at a luxury spa in Thailand or yoga retreat in Iceland.
- Historic Cities – Walk through centuries of history in Rome, Kyoto, or London, sharing the experience of past and present.
- Adventure Escapes – Take on an unforgettable challenge together, like hiking in Machu Picchu or sailing the Greek Islands.
I am obsessed with the TV show Race Across the World and last year featured a mother and daughter team, Eugenie and Isabel. Although I am not suggesting you go quite so extreme, here is what they said about travelling together,“It’s inevitable that (the experience) brought us closer together. We’ve got more of an understanding of each other’s personalities and boundaries. What is so beautiful is that we’ve got memories that no one else has, it’s just between the two of us.”
Mother-child trips offer a chance to celebrate each other outside the usual roles of caretaker and child, creating a new dynamic based on shared experiences and adventure.
Solo Travel: A Gift to Yourself This Mother’s Day
Midlife is often when women realize they’ve spent years prioritising family and others over themselves. This Mother’s Day, why not celebrate YOU? Solo travel is an empowering way to rediscover your independence, embrace self-care, and set off on an adventure designed entirely around your desires.
Great Solo Travel Destinations for Women in Midlife:
- Iceland – One of the safest destinations in the world, with dramatic landscapes, geothermal spas, and a strong solo travel culture, making it easy to explore with confidence.
- New Zealand – Perfect for nature lovers, with breathtaking scenery and easy solo travel logistics.
- Scotland – A country rich in history, rugged landscapes, and warm hospitality, ideal for solo road trips, castle visits, and enjoying the charm of cities like Edinburgh.
- Canada – A diverse and welcoming country offering stunning landscapes, safe cities, and endless outdoor adventures from coast to coast.
Remember, as an experienced solo traveller, that travelling alone isn’t about being lonely. It’s about giving yourself the freedom to explore, reflect, and celebrate who you are outside of your roles as a mother, partner, or caregiver. Check out my summary of the joys of solo travel via THIS LINK.
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Bucket List: Travel Edition
For many women, travel dreams have been put on hold due to responsibilities. This Mother’s Day, start making them a reality! Creating a Mother’s Day Travel Bucket List is a fun and inspiring way to set intentions for future adventures.
Dream-Worthy Bucket List Ideas:
- See the Northern Lights in Iceland
- Take a solo road trip through Scotland’s North Coast 500
- Go on a mother-daughter African safari
- Explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu
- Stay in an Ice Hotel in Canada
- Experience sunrise in a hot air balloon floating above Cappadocia in Turkey
Want to start planning? Download my free Mother’s Day 201 Inspirational Travel Bucket List via THIS LINK, write a list of your dream destinations and take the first step toward making them happen!
A bucket list isn’t just a wish list—it’s a declaration of your future adventures and a commitment to making time for what truly brings you joy. I call mine my Life List and if this is how you are planning to celebrate Mother’s Day then you have come to the right place! Check out my video HERE with my Top 10 Epic Bucket List Destinations.
Whether you’re celebrating with your children, taking time for yourself, or dreaming up future adventures, Mother’s Day is the perfect reminder that travel is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves.
So, which of these travel experiences speaks loudest to you? Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
This week, over on YouTube I take you with me on my wildest African adventure! Ever wondered what it’s like to volunteer and get up close with wildlife? Join me at Na’ankuse Wildlife Sanctuary in Namibia as I experience the adventure of a lifetime. From caring for rescued animals to hands-on conservation work, this journey was wild in every way. Check it out for yourself HERE.
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Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
DOWNLOAD: FREE 201 Inspirational Bucket List Ideas
Video – Volunteer Africa Crazy Animal Encounters!
Video – Best Bucket List Travel Destinations for Women over 40
🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
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