Unexpected Lessons from My Mom’s 70th Birthday Trip
Celebrating my mom’s 70th birthday in January 2018 called for something special. With Iceland and England as the backdrop, we embarked on a winter journey that not only created beautiful memories, but also surprised me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Here is why you should plan a mother-daughter adventure:
Embracing a Role Reversal:
As a self-proclaimed itinerary queen, my mom usually takes the lead in trip planning. After all, she’s traveled extensively, from Shanghai to Egypt to Brazil to Japan. She knows a thing or two about assembling the ideal itinerary. But this time, she surprised me by handing over the reins. She offered some must-see suggestions, then trusted me to craft the perfect adventure. I’m sure letting go of control was nerve-wracking, but she only showed her faith in my planning and that fueled a sense of independence and responsibility in me.
Mom Still Knows Best:
While allowing me to navigate on our trip, my mom’s nurturing instincts never took a vacation. One evening, after perhaps indulging a little too much (blame it on a unique London experience complete with a few too many cocktails – but that’s a story for another time), she sprang into action. From hailing a cab and then apologizing to the driver after I screamed at him to drop us off at our hotel front door instead of the end of the street, to emergency hair-holding duty (not ideal!), her unwavering support kicked right in. She even took care of packing everything up – and we did not exactly travel light this trip – because I was just not up to it. This experience reminded me that even when roles shift, the core of a mother’s love remains constant and that some things never change.
Deeper Connections & Unexpected Revelations:
Despite a close relationship, like any child there have been chapters of my mom’s life that I wasn’t privy to. While I thought I knew almost everything about her, the extended time together unlocked a treasure chest of untold stories. Candid conversations revealed a deeper understanding of her experiences and shaped my perspective on our shared journey.
A Mother-Daughter Must-Do:
Looking back, this trip was perfectly timed. My husband and I had been married for four years at that point and with future parenthood on the horizon, it felt like a precious window of carefree adventure. Now, a happy mom of two, I cherish that time even more. It solidified the importance of these special mother-daughter moments. I would love to take another mother-daughter trip with her once Arielle and Aurora are a little older. And then eventually I’d love to take a trip with my girls when they get older, just like my mom used to travel with her mom.
What I would do Differently Next Time:
Our Icelandic and English adventure celebrating Mom’s 70th was a blast, filled with unexpected lessons and deeper connections. However, every journey offers room for improvement. Here’s what I’d do differently next time:
- Tailor the pace: While Iceland’s landscapes are vast and awe-inspiring, extensive exploration can be tiring, especially since we were traveling in January and it was freezing. Next time, I’d incorporate more downtime or shorter excursions to ensure a leisurely pace for both of us.
- Capture the moments: It’s hard when you’re just traveling in a pair to get pictures of the two of you together! Looking back, I wish I’d been a bit bolder about asking locals and fellow tourists to grab a picture here and there of the two of us together.
- Prepare for the unexpected: While a little overindulgence was a funny anecdote, it could have been avoided. Next time, I need to remember my one drink limit.
Inspired to Create Your Own Mother-Daughter Adventure?
Here are some tips to get you started:
- Pick a Destination: Consider your mom’s interests – history buff, nature enthusiast, foodie? Choose a location that caters to both of you.
- Find Common Ground: Brainstorm together. Is it a childhood dream destination or somewhere entirely new?
- Set a Budget: Discuss spending limits and prioritize activities that fit your financial comfort zone.
- Embrace Flexibility: Leave room for spontaneity! Some of the best memories come from unexpected detours.
- Consider your mom’s preferences: Many people love to travel to try international cuisine, but my mom is not a foodie. She’s more of a sweets fan. So when I was researching fun things to do, I wasn’t looking at where to eat meals, but rather what places had the best desserts. Remember to consider possible mobility issues: While my mom is very youthful and still walks at a good pace, I understand that some older mothers may not be in the same shape. If your mom has trouble walking long distances or needs some type of assistance, make sure you take this into account when you are planning your mother-daughter trip.
- Cherish the Moments: Put away the devices and focus on creating lasting memories through shared experiences.
- Bonus Tip: Consider involving Mom in the planning process for the next trip. It could be a fun way to build excitement and create a collaborative adventure you both design together.
With these tips and a dash of spontaneity, your mother-daughter trip can blossom into an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to create lasting memories with the woman who deserves it most – your Mom!
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