20 Bucket-List Mother-Daughter Trips That Will Make You Two Even Closer

• Best For: activity-packed, all-inclusive stays; beach retreats
• Best Time to Visit: winter to early spring (dry season)
• Best Time to Save: May to June, September to November (shoulder season)
• How to Get There: Cancun International Airport
• Where to Stay: Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe (from $347/night), Cancun Treehouse (from $94/night), 360 Penthouse (from $258night)

I actually took a mother-daughter trip to Cancun this past November to bond with my tween daughter and enjoy some QT. After four days and three nights together on the beach, in the pool and on exciting outdoor excursions, I can say that our relationship felt stronger than ever.

Long story short, if you’re under the impression that Cancun is nothing more than a Girls Gone Wild spring break destination, you couldn’t be more mistaken. It’s actually incredibly easy to avoid that vibe and lean into all the natural beauty the region has to offer. Our itinerary included a thrilling ATV ride through a lush jungle (warning: be prepared to encounter tarantulas), a boating trip that featured snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities and, the best (i.e., do-not-miss-it) experience of all: ziplining over and into one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s most fascinating geological features—a limestone sinkhole with a practically bottomless pool of water known as a cenote.

As for accommodations, there is no shortage of luxury resorts in Cancun, but we stayed at the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe and couldn’t have been happier with our accommodations. Our all-inclusive stay provided direct access to a pristine and blessedly uncrowded beachfront, private pools with sweeping views and the best ceviche I’ve ever tasted. Let’s just say you’d be hard pressed to find a better home base for your Mexican adventure.

• Best For: beach lovers and art aficionados
• Best Time to Visit: spring and fall
• Best Time to Save: mid-August to November
• How to Get There: St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
• Where to Stay: The Hiatus (from $335/night), Sandpearl Resort (from $447/night), Indian Shores Cottage (from $431/night)

East Coasters know that once the cold rolls in, it's time to head on south. Florida is a quick flight away—but the distance yields weather much more mild. Clearwater beckons visitors with its pristine sand, calm waves and walkability, which is why PureWow Fashion and Beauty Director-at-Large Deena Campbell found it a great destination for a mother-daughter getaway.

"A few years ago, my mom and I booked a last-minute trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida—and it ended up being exactly what we needed," she says. "We spent our days lounging by the water, eating our weight in fresh seafood and wandering through the local art galleries and street art scene, which, apparently, is thriving (who knew?!)."

Think Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, Crabby’s Dockside and Jimmy’s Fish House & Iguana Bar for your seafood fix. And for the art lovers? Bet you didn't know you'd find a Dalí museum here. For a taste of local art, head to Marlene Rose Gallery (glass sculptures), Brenda McMahon Gallery (ceramics) and The Factory (contemporary curations).

• Best For: 21+
• Best Time to Visit: summer
• Best Time to Save: winter
• How to Get There: San Francisco International Airport; 1.5-hour drive
• Where to Stay: Harmon Guest House (from $419/night), Montage Healdsburg (from $1,363/night), The Dragonfly Villa (from $959/night)

Some of the funniest mama-daughter convos come after the vino starts to flow. Giggles aside, wine tasting is such a pleasant activity. In between sips of terroir-driven red, white and rosé, cherish those unfiltered chats and the chance to stare out at beautiful vine-covered scenery. A few of our favorite spots to swirl in Healdsburg include Aperture Cellars, Flowers Vineyards & Winery, Truett Hurst and Quivira Vineyards. We also love Bricoleur Vineyards in the nearby town of Windsor. Former PureWow executive editor Dara Katz shared that after visiting for a wedding in downtown Healdsburg, she's itching to get back: "The number of incredible restaurants per capita in this wine-country town is just kinda wild. I want to head back with my mom to shop, eat and wine taste."

• Best For: Disney devotees
• Best Time to Visit: winter
• Best Time to Save: summer
• How to Get There: Orlando International Airport
• Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes (from $1,126/night), Tryp by Windham Orlando (from $162/night), Blue Heron Beach Resort Apartment (from $138/night)

"I grew up in a Disney family," says PureWow Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay. "Walt Disney World holds a special place in my heart! I love visiting now as an adult with my mom since we can reminisce on vacations past while making new memories—like drinking around the world in Epcot or enjoying some of the fine dining options Disney has to offer." For Disney lovers, it’s not a real vacation without screaming on Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror and snapping pics alongside costumed characters. Even if you and your mom disagree on whether or not to wait in the lengthy line for Avatar Flight Of Passage again (about that…do yourself a favor and book Disney Genie+ service, which includes Lightning Lane entry), that’s about as much conflict as is likely to go down at the Happiest Place on Earth.

• Best For: a weekend getaway
• Best Time to Visit: fall
• Best Time to Save: winter
• How to Get There: John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia International Airport
• Where to Stay: The Plaza Hotel (from $1,878/night), The Marlton (from $719/night), The Bowery Hotel (from $868/night)

New York City reigns supreme as the ultimate culture mecca with more museums, landmark buildings, parks, Broadway shows and unique pop-up experiences than you could possibly cover in a single trip. That means maximizing your time is key. Get Your Guide allows you to book a VIP pass to skip the line and gain access to the greatest hits in the Big Apple. There's nothing better than running around with your mom to see the Van Gogh exhibit, the Empire State Building and a box-office-smash-hit musical all in the same weekend.

"I still remember the mother-daughter trip I took with my mom to New York City. I was 16, and I still can't believe how much we got in—by foot, no less!" Katz reminisces. PureWow Editor, Marissa Wu, has similar memories: "I did a New York City trip with my mom in eighth grade and we did everything! Walked up (and down) 5th Ave., played the giant piano at FAO Schwartz (RIP), went to Central Park, ate soup dumplings at Joe's Shanghai and, her favorite, everything chocolate at Max Brenner." 

• Best For: rest and relaxation
• Best Time to Visit: winter to early spring (dry season)
• Best Time to Save: summer (rainy season)
• How to Get There: Sangster International Airport
• Where to Stay: Excellence Oyster Bay (from $506/night), Doctor's Cave Beach Condo (from $153/night), Soleil Residences Condo (from $479/night)

I’ve been to Montego Bay once on my way to Negril and am about to make a second visit for my honeymoon this month. What I can tell you is that the vibes in Jamaica are so overwhelmingly positive, and it might sound like a cliche but it’s actually true: Jamaicans are the funniest, friendliest and most welcoming people I have ever met on my travels. If you’re looking to share a joyful bonding experience as a mother-daughter duo, I can’t think of a better destination. And yes, there are other parts of the island to see, but a stay in Montego Bay ensures minimal time wasted on travel, since it’s home to one of the island’s international airports. 

I will be staying at Excellence Oyster Bay with my husband, and while I can’t personally vouch for it yet, I can tell you that I was swept away by the resort’s gorgeous location, which happens to be right next to the only bioluminescent lagoon in the Caribbean, as well as its Victorian design and luxury accommodations. As for other recommendations, I strongly suggest enjoying a meal at Rick’s Cafe where daredevils can jump off a cliff into the turquoise waters of the bay (and less adventurous types can watch the spectacle with margarita in hand).

• Best For: hikers
• Best Time to Visit: spring
• Best Time to Save: winter
• How to Get There: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport; 2-hour drive
• Where to Stay: Sedona Hilltop Haven (from $434/night), The Wilde Resort and Spa (from $233/night), Juniper Ranch Main House (from $412/night)

The scenery in Sedona is so breathtakingly beautiful that just stepping outside yields scenic reward. But, obviously, hiking around red-rock country is the best way to see all the formations and prettiest views. Since there are trails for every skill level, you won’t have to quarrel over the route being too easy or too challenging. To foster an even deeper spiritual connection, pick a path that passes an energy vortex.

"I went to Sedona last year with my whole family and it was insanely beautiful," Wu says. "If you're feeling adventurous, you have to climb up Cathedral Rock!! It's tricky in some places, but there were tons of amateurs going up and down—you just need a little gumption and you'll be rewarded with a view of the canyon."

• Best For: celeb sightings and good weather
• Best Time to Visit: spring
• Best Time to Save: winter
• How to Get There: Los Angeles International Airport
• Where to Stay: Moxy Downtown LA (from $386/night), Silver Lake Oasis (from $371/night), Architectural Wonder Above Sunset Strip (from $571/night)

Love all the latest Hollywood gossip and seeing stars IRL? Los Angeles is called Tinseltown for good reason. It’s one of the few places your odds of seeing a celeb are actually better than not—well, as long as you’re in the right places. Kim Kardashian and Kate Upton frequent A-list hotspot Craig’s. Meanwhile, everyone from Justin Bieber to Channing Tatum has been spotted hiking Runyon Canyon. For down time and some privacy, there’s nothing like a rental in the Hollywood Hills. But if it’s (discreet) celeb-sightings and cinema history you’re after, Chateau Marmont is the storied castle on Sunset with many a glamorous secret to divulge.

"Personally, I love the Silver Lake and Larchmont neighborhoods, the former giving a distinctly Brooklyn vibe," Wu says. "After a drink at the Chateau, my ideal itinerary is breakfast at Max and Helen's (Selena Gomez and Laufey have been known to patronize the retro diner), book browsing at Chevalier Books, a pastry (or full-on lunch) at République (which my mom loved), thrifting at Wasteland, then a Taiwanese feast at Pine & Crane. (The burger joint next door, The Window, is also tasty, as is the Persian ice cream maker Mashti Malone's.) If I have time, a dip into the Academy Museum, film archives at UCLA or Keith Haring's pop art at The Broad are a good way to round out a visit."

• Best For: exploring the South
• Best Time to Visit: summer
• Best Time to Save: winter
• How to Get There: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
• Where to Stay: Hotel Monteleone (from $334/night), 1890s Carriage House (from $234/night), Bywater Beauty Victorian (from $190/night)

New Orleans is such a lively, fun city to visit—namely because its culture is so rich and its Southern charm so irresistible. There are museums aplenty and a culinary scene that can’t be missed. Indeed, a food crawl is an absolute must, and Café Du Monde (beignets), Cochon (Cajun) and Commander's Palace (Creole) are three that absolutely must be on your list. Be sure to also take a couple Po’boys from Domilise's to the banks of the Mississippi River where you can enjoy a scenic steamboat cruise. I highly recommended the immensely popular Natchez jazz cruise for a truly memorable experience that combines picturesque river views with vibrant music and an authentic taste of NOLA culture.

• Best For: peace and quiet
• Best Time to Visit: winter
• Best Time to Save: spring
• How to Get There: Reno-Tahoe International Airport
• Where to Stay: Emberglow (from $545/night), Beach Retreat and Lodge at Tahoe (inquire for rates), Echo View Chalet (from $345/night)

Maybe you live far away from your mom and don’t get to see each other that often or perhaps you’re besties who just love that quality solo time. For duos who want nothing more than each other’s undivided attention, hunkering down at a peaceful and cozy cabin in Lake Tahoe is just the ticket.

"As a kid, I took a yearly trip to South Lake Tahoe with my own mom, thanks to a regional ice skating competition that always took place at the lakeside rink," Wu recalls. "My family also used to spend winter breaks and summers camping in Tahoe, and it was the most magical feeling to wake up and be surrounded by forest—and in the right season, falling snow. Our favorites spots were Richardson's for ice cream scoops bigger than my fist, Harrah's for a debauched buffet on the last night of the trip, the myriad biking trails and crystal clear waters of the lake where we'd spend afternoons wading. As far as Heaven on Earth goes, you can't convince me that it would be anywhere else."

• Best For: tropical wellness retreat
• Best Time to Visit: December to March
• Best Time to Save: May to September
• How to Get There: Punta Cana International Airport
• Where to Stay: Zoetry Agua Punta Cana (from $562/night), Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort (from $282/night), Charming Beachfront Apartment (from $142/night)

Lagoons, waterfalls, forests, crystal clear open waters and loads of adventure await when you pay a visit to Punta Cana—a town in the Dominican Republic that’s known for its long stretches of pristine beach that border both the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. PureWow Senior Manager and Social Creator Kate Kesselman chose this as her mother-daughter vacation destination and had no regrets.

"We chose [Punta Cana] because it was well priced, close and warm," she says. "It was great because we could lounge at the beach all day. We also got to do adventurous activities in the DR such as hangout with monkeys at Monkey Land."

Additionally, there is horseback riding, ziplining safaris, snorkeling and plenty of other opportunities to lounge on the beach with a cocktail when you vacay on this beautiful island. When it comes to lodgings for a mother-daughter trip, Kesselman tells me she and her mom recommend Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort. The waterfront property on Cabeza de Toro Beach is all-inclusive, with four snack bars and six restaurants. Fare ranges from an international buffet to Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean and grill.

• Best For: activity-packed, all-inclusive stays
• Best Time to Visit: April and May
• Best Time to Save: mid-week bookings
• How to Get There: John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia International Airport; 2-hour drive
• Where to Stay: Mohonk Mountain House (inquire for rates), Tarrytown House Estate (from $269/night), The Tower House (from $733/night)

The Hudson Valley is truly a breath of fresh air for NYC residents looking to escape the hubbub of the Big Apple, and it’s also a worthy destination for mother-daughter duos visiting the Empire State. There’s natural beauty to behold all over the region, but our favorite place to kick back and enjoy the idyllic scenery is Mohonk Mountain House, an impressive Victorian castle and Historic National Landmark that sits atop a mountain at the edge of Lake Mohonk, surrounded by forest. In addition to the breathtaking natural beauty of the property’s location, the resort offers guests an all-inclusive experience that features enough activities to fill an entire itinerary. There’s rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming and a wide range of seasonal activities to enjoy. The opportunity for mother-daughter pampering at the stellar spa should not be missed and special events like the Spring Wellness Weekend, Tulip Festival and Mother’s Day weekend set the perfect tone for bonding.

• Best For: foodies
• Best Time to Visit: summer
• Best Time to Save: winter
• How to Get There: O'Hare International Airport
• Where to Stay: Viceroy Chicago (from $470/night), Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile (from $389night), The Rectory (from $288/night)

Are you and your mom big foodies? Why not plan an entire trip around your meals? Chicago has long been known for its hot dogs, beef sandwiches and deep dish pizza, but it's also solidified its status as a major gourmet capital. Plan your journey one bite at a time through an organized tour or pick a few spots and do a DIY culinary crawl. Summer House Santa Monica, Blackwood BBQ, Yolk and Tavern on Rush are just a handful of local favorites. Maybe you'll even book a cooking class to learn how to make deep dish pizza and bring your newfound skills back home.

• Best For: nature lovers
• Best Time to Visit: summer
• Best Time to Save: winter
• How to Get There: McGhee Tyson Airport; 1-hour drive
• Where to Stay: Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains (from $179/night),
  Bear Mountain Overlook (from $243/night), Heaven’s Edge Cabin (from $231/night)

You inherited your love of nature from your mama. Nothing recharges you more than sleeping under the stars, waking up to the rising sun and breathing in the fresh mountain air. That said, you’d still appreciate some creature comforts. Glamping means you can commune with nature in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. That includes driving the 11-mile Cades Cove for animal sightings, hiking to Laurel Falls, enjoying views from Clingmans Dome and, of course, a stop at Dollywood. And when you've returned from a day in the great outdoors, you still have a hot shower and cozy bed.

• Best For: aspiring cowboys and guided activities
• Best Time to Visit: summer
• Best Time to Save: winter
• How to Get There: Missoula Montana Airport; 1.5-hour drive
• Where to Stay: The Ranch at Rock Creek (inquire for rates), Triple Creek Ranch (inquire for rates), Willow Ridge Lodge (from $557/night)

Whether it’s because you loved Paramount's hit TV show Yellowstone or because you live in a concrete jungle, the idea of a Western-inspired dude ranch vacation never fails to sound oh-so appealing. Especially since you can go horseback riding, learn to skeet shoot, try out archery, eat real-deal cowboy cuisine, sing campfire songs, fall asleep to the sounds of crickets and let your inner Annie Oakley run wild with your OG ride-or-die.

• Best For: sun worshippers
• Best Time to Visit: winter
• Best Time to Save: fall
• How to Get There: Owen Roberts International Airport
• Where to Stay: Palm Heights (from $1,334/night), Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach (from $303/night), Kaibo Kai Hacienda (from $359/night)

Sometimes it just takes a little natural vitamin D, the ocean and your mama to make all your stress feel like it’s many miles away—which it will be when you're sipping pina coladas, eating fresh-caught seafood, sunbathing, snorkeling and posting up in an ocean-view suite at a five-star resort. We’d recommend Palm Heights, a posh and endlessly chic property that’s perched on white sands of Seven Mile Beach. As far as activities go, you're sure to enjoy snorkeling in Stingray City, exploring the Crystal Caves and going for a swim with the turtles at the Cayman Turtle Centre.

• Best For: 360 wellness
• Best Time to Visit: spring
• Best Time to Save: summer
• How to Get There: Tucson International Airport
• Where to Stay: Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa (inquire for rates), The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain (from $412/night), The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa (from $249/night)

If you’ve already done (and loved) the whole spa weekend thing, take your wellness and relationship to the next level with a holistic getaway to Tucson, a town with no shortage of wellness spas in its vicinity. Three that I found enticing? Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain (with starting rates below $500!) and The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa.

Miraval, sitting on a 400-acre property, is a well-being-oriented paradise with serene desert scenery, one-of-a-kind wellness experiences, spa treatments and a robust schedule of daily activities. The Ritz is tucked away in the secluded Sonoran Desert, with a 235-foot water slide and access to 26 miles of trails. But, importantly, the spa program is also top-notch, incorporating indigenous practices and foraged desert plants into treatments. Meanwhile, The Westin, sitting at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains, is still within the city limits and has a robust spa menu, from manicures and facials to massages and full-body treatments.

• Best For: wildlife lovers
• Best Time to Visit: summer (dry season)
• Best Time to Save: winter
• How to Get There: Cape Town International Airport, transfer to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
• Where to Stay: Saseka Tented Camp, Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge (from $796/night), Ubuntu Luxury Villa (from $346/night)

If your mom has an eye for exploration and a strong desire to peep elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, wildebeests and rhinos in their natural habitat, she’ll have no qualms about taking a long-haul flight to Cape Town (and then boarding a small plane to Hoedspruit) to traipse through the bush for a few days. And don’t worry about jet lag…it’s no match for the excitement of game drives and sundowner G&Ts at Saseka Tented Camp. Plus, there will be plenty of time to unwind in your luxury tent complete with a private deck, outdoor shower and pool.

• Best For: adventurers
• Best Time to Visit: spring
• Best Time to Save: summer
• How to Get There: Midland Airport; 4-hour drive
• Where to Stay: Chisos Mountains Lodge (inquire for rates), Terlingua Ranch Lodge (from $129/night), Big Bend Vista Home (from $332/night)

Big Bend is a legendary (and underrated) national park, with dark skies prime for stargazing and mountains that seem to reach for the heavens. (It's no wonder that it's one of the most beautiful places in Texas.) The park holds the entirety of the Chisos Mountain Range, among which Emory Peak is the highest. If you've always dreamed of climbing a mountain, then doing it with your mom in a place so majestic might just be the perfect setup. Because you know that when you want to quit, she'll be there to hype you up—and vice versa.

While the trek up to the top isn’t easy, the gorgeous views, amazing summit selfies, the tales of fortitude you’ll be telling for years to come and the fact that you accomplished this epic thing with your mom make it all worth it.

• Best For: beach bums
• Best Time to Visit: summer
• Best Time to Save: winter
• How to Get There: San Diego International Airport
• Where to Stay: Mission Pacific Beach Resort (from $528/night), San Diego Mission Bay Resort (from $316/night), Cardiff Beach Cottage (from $502/night)

Warm weather all year round, pristine beaches and the (relatively) warm Pacific Ocean—what’s not to love about San Diego? The family-friendly attractions are well-known (think: Sea World, the World Famous San Diego Zoo and Belmont Park, to name a few) but this SoCal city also has a ton of other things to offer mom-and-daughter duos. Oceanside, La Jolla and Pacific Beach are favorite spots for enjoying some sand and surf. Torrey Pines State Preserve is a beautiful place to take a hike and admire the scenic ocean views. Plus, there’s an excellent food scene, featuring top-notch seafood joints, authentic Mexican spots (Wu's family recommends Tacos El Gordo in the Gaslamp district) and all that Little Italy has to offer. (Our favorites in each category include Point Loma Seafoods, Roberto’s Taco Shop and Barbusa.)