Treat Mom to the Gift of Travel

This Mother’s Day, treat your mom to an experience she'll love. Whether her idea of a great vacation involves hiking boots, art galleries or snorkeling gear, get inspired by these five unforgettable destinations tailored to her tastes.

The Outdoor Mom

If your mom loves fresh air and stunning scenery, Yellowstone National Park is a perfect Mother’s Day getaway. Yellowstone has nearly 3,500 square miles of wilderness, including eerily beautiful volcanic hot spots. The park straddles the borders of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, so there’s no shortage of things to see. Your mom will be wowed by dramatic canyons, waterfalls, wildlife—including bison herds and bears—and geysers, like the famous Old Faithful.

The Shop-Until-You-Drop Mom

Many folks leave more than just their hearts in San Francisco—they leave big chunks of their wallets. For moms who love shopping, the City by the Bay offers endless options. Start at Union Square, a central area filled with high-end shops like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Then, stroll to the Westfield San Francisco Centre mall to browse dozens of popular brands. You can also explore the one-of-a-kind shops in various San Francisco neighborhoods, each with its own flavor. Good spots for unique stuff include Haight-Ashbury, the Mission District and Chinatown.

The Culture Connoisseur Mom

If your childhood memories are filled with museums, plays and poetry readings, now's your chance to thank mom for sharing her love of the arts. A visit to New York City offers a chance to explore iconic architecture, culture and history. Wander the famous “Museum Mile,” a stretch of 5th Avenue where you'll find the Solomon R. Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. (Check out our guide to the top museums in NYC for more inspiration.) Also pay a visit to one of Broadway’s dozens of historic theatres to catch a show starring some of the most talented performers in the world.

The Music-Loving Mom

Nashville holds the title “Music City, USA,” and with good reason. Few places in the country offer such a variety of incredible live performances, plus music history on every corner. Catch a show and take a tour of the famous Grand Ole Opry, then stroll past the many record studios and publishing houses on Music Row. If your mom is a country fan, be sure to spend an afternoon admiring the galleries at the 350,000-square-foot Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Make reservations to snag a seat at the intimate, 90-seat Bluebird Café, where you’ll see up-close performances from star songwriters.

The Beach-bum Mom

Every great mom deserves an escape to paradise. With endless stretches of white sand, colorful reefs and calm, clear waters, the Caribbean is bliss for beach-lovers. Off the beach, check out the stunning views from the historic Hope Town Lighthouse in the Bahamas, encounter marine life at Stingray City in Grand Cayman or take a tour of lively and historic Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, on a free trolley. Plus, with so many budget-friendly attractions, treating your mom to island life doesn’t have to break the bank.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Yellowstone National Park, San Francisco, New York, Nashville, Caribbean islands.