4 Unforgettable Mother-Daughter Trips

Explorer Chick

July 30, 2024

I miss the days of raising my girls, but now that they’re young women I get to experience a totally different mother-daughter relationship with them where they’re both my children and my friends. We love having lots of adventures together whether it’s enjoying cocktails at the best rooftop bars in the city or chatting over afternoon tea.

And what better way to celebrate the mother-daughter relationship than with a bit of adventure?

Scroll through these mother-daughter trip ideas for a bit of inspiration. From day trips to far-away treks, let these trips give you and your best girl the perfect excuse for some fun together!

Why Take a Mother-Daughter Trip

mom and daughter on an adventure in Peru

When we’re off living our lives, time moves SO quickly. Which is why savoring the time between mom and daughter is that much more important.

Moms — whether you have a close relationship with your daughter or you struggle to relate to this new version of the baby you raised, there are many reasons to take a mother-daughter getaway. Use the planning stages of a mother-daughter trip to listen to and understand each other a little more before bonding during the perfect mother-daughter getaway.
Daughters — embrace the chance to get to know your mom properly. For years, she might have been your cook, cleaner, taxi driver, counselor, teacher, and more, but she is a unique person beyond that. If you can take the time to look beyond your historic relationship, you may find a new friend.

All you need is patience, a willingness to step out of your roles and comfort zones, and a few good ideas about where to go and what to do — those last two are where I come in! I’ll write from a mother’s perspective but daughters reading this, trust me, your mom will appreciate your suggestion of a mother-daughter getaway and you can have so much fun planning your mother-daughter trips together.

Ready to spice up your mother-daughter bonding with a dash of cheeky fun and adventure? Whether you’re squeezing in a weekend jaunt or diving headfirst into a grand escapade, these trips are your ticket to unforgettable memories and maybe a few laugh-out-loud moments.

For those quick weekend getaways, think less traditional, more extraordinary. How about a road trip with a twist? Sure, you can hit the usual spots – museums, boutiques, the works – but why not throw in something utterly bizarre like that giant rubber band ball you’ve always joked about? It’s time to turn those jokes into reality! Or, if you’re feeling a bit more luxe, ditch the mundane for a swanky resort. Indulge in spa treatments that’ll make you forget your name, and food so good you might consider changing careers to food critic. These weekends are less about where you go and more about the stories you’ll tell – the kind that start with, “Remember when we…”

And for those of you craving a longer, more daring adventure, let’s get real: life’s too short for just collecting stuff. We’re talking about collecting experiences that’ll make your friends green with envy. Ever thought of riding camels under the stars or road-tripping across the country with nothing but snacks and an epic playlist? Or how about gorilla trekking? Yes, it’s as cool as it sounds. These aren’t just trips; they’re the stories you’ll be bragging about for years.

Whether it’s a weekend of whimsy or a longer leap into the unknown, these mother-daughter trips are about breaking out of the everyday mold. It’s about finding the extraordinary in each other and the world around you. So, pack your bags (and maybe that sense of humor) and get ready for adventures that’ll have you both coming back with inside jokes, a she-pack of new friends, and maybe even a new trail name. Remember, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about the laughter, the stories, and those “you had to be there” moments that you’ll treasure forever.

1 Vegas, Baby!

Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: Monthly
Duration: 4 Days
Group Size: 12 Explorer Chicks
Who it’s for: Outdoorsy duos who like to moooove (think: rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, camping, hot springs)

This is top of my personal bucket list.

I would LOVE to party it up in Las Vegas, then make the drive to the Grand Canyon, a Unesco world heritage site. I drop hints every Mother’s Day but I have yet to land a visit to Nevada and Arizona.

Plan to visit between November and February for fewer crowds, lower room rates, and more availability (though you can also book with Explorer Chick during the shoulder seasons and not worry about any of the nitty gritty booking details). The weather will be cooler but should still be fine for hiking, helicopter rides, rock climbing, kayaking, and soaking in hot springs. You could stay in the city playing the slots and eating shrimp, but with world renowned red rock canyons just on the city limits and the Grand Canyon within a day’s drive, why would you?

Book Las Vegas Weekend Adventure

2 Trekking in Uganda

Where: Uganda
When: November
Duration: 10 Days
Group Size: 11 Explorer Chicks
Who it’s for: Literally everyone, just do it

Nature lovers will have all the feels when they get to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and more on an exciting safari in Uganda. It gets even more thrilling when treks take you safely close to wildlife under the guidance of local experts. Get the ultimate mom and daughter selfie with a gorilla family (at a safe distance!) and make lifelong memories with a multitude of wild animals.

Book Your Uganda Adventure

3 Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Adventure

Where: Peru
When: A few times a year
Duration: 8 Days
Group Size: 12 Explorer Chicks
Who it’s for: Super adventurous women who need adrenaline like they need oxygen

For women with an adventurous streak, how about hiking, zip lining, white water rafting, and mountain biking in the stunning natural beauty of the regions around Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain in Peru?

Get acclimatized in the historic Cusco city and check out the Sacred Valley or an ancient salt mine before taking in Macchu Picchu. Take lots of pictures with mom and make your Insta stand out — this has to be the queen of mother daughter trips.

Book Your Machu Picchu Hiking, Biking, And Rafting Adventure

A group of Explorer Chick women hiking in Yellowstone National Park

4 Best of Yellowstone

Where: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
When: Summer and Fall
Duration: 7 Days
Group Size: 10 Explorer Chicks
Who it’s for: Chicks who just want to marvel at how insane nature is together

Don’t pass up the chance to explore America’s first national park (and one of the most spectacular). Leave the city behind and book yourself a mother daughter trip to experience the best of Yellowstone.

Investigate every nook and cranny of this extraordinary destination complete with peaks, valleys, geysers, canyons, and lakes. This adventure is action-packed from the moment you pass under the spine tingling inscription “For the Benefit of the People.” Along with spending quality time with your mom/daughter, you’ll see epic wildlife, meet new gal pals, and experience some amazing hidden gems on and off trail.

Book Your Yellowstone Adventure

Unforgettable Shared Memories

The true value of a mother-daughter trip lies in the strengthening of your relationship. These shared experiences become cherished memories, enriching your bond. Whether exploring the urban landscapes of Las Vegas, the wilds of Uganda, the ancient wonders of Peru, or the natural beauty of Yellowstone, each trip promises a unique adventure, bringing you closer together.