Carrie Green-Zinn and her daughters at the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy

26 Unforgettable Mother Daughter Trips Around the World

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Are you looking for ideas for mother-daughter trips to take around the world?

I think we can agree that the family who travels together … has great stories to tell! There’s nothing quite like taking a mother daughter trip, it’s guaranteed to be full of wacky moments, lots of laughing, and creating special memories.

I always say you don’t need Mother’s Day or Daughter’s Day to have fun together!

I’ve made it a priority to share unforgettable trips with my girls. From the time they were very little, we packed up the car, or jumped onto planes together and started a great tradition of mother-daughter trips. And yes, sometimes we even invite my husband to come along!

This list will give you some awesome ideas for trips that moms and their girls will absolutely love. I’ve included some major cities and some small towns. I’ve curated this guide to be mostly outside of the US, with a few must-see US cities.

Click here for lots of ideas for mother-daughter trips in the US, including cities, small towns, and hiking adventures.

Let’s dive in for your big adventure!

Carrie’s Quick & Easy Links

🌍 Flights & Hotels: I recommend Expedia
🏠 Vacation rentals: I recommend VRBO
🚘 Car Rental: I recommend Hertz
🌐 Tours: I recommend Viator
🛍 Gear: Check out my Travel Stuff
📷 Create Your Travel Memory Books with MILK

Carrie Green-Zinn and her daughters at the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy

Here are 25 Unforgettable Mother Daughter Trips Around the World

These are listed in alphabetical order. Feel free to start packing now!

Side Note:
If I don’t like a place we’ve stayed, then I won’t recommend it and I’ll research other places to suggest for you. Also, you may want to check out VRBO choices vs hotels for your mother daughter trip around the world.

A view of the canal and flower markets in Amsterdam.

#1 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Closest Airports – Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Will you need a car – No — excellent trains, trams, and bikes!
Best Time of Year – April–May or September
Budget – $$$

Amsterdam is the capital city of The Netherlands and is one of our favorite European cities because of its 17th century architecture, the palace, history, and its amazing canals. Amsterdam is also a massive bicycling city. We loved walking and biking through the city along the canals. We dipped in and out of all the flower shops along the river. And found cute cafes for pastries. We explored the magnificent art museums – Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, and of course, the Anne Frank Museum

Please note: Amsterdam is known as the “Sin City” of The Netherlands because of its historic “Red Light District” and the sale of drugs in “coffeeshops.” I really encourage you not to let that deter you from a mother daughter visit because it’s a safe and friendly city and it’s very easy to avoid those venues.

Insider Tip: Take a canal cruise and a bike tour.

Where to Stay in AmsterdamThe Hotel Fita – This rec is hot off the press from my sister who just stayed here and LOVED it!

The Hotel Fita

  • $$$
  • Breakfast, parking, wifi, laundry
Carrie Green-Zinn's daughters walking down a street in Barcelona.

#2 Barcelona, Spain

Closest Airports – Barcelona–El Prat (BCN)
Will you need a car – No — walkable city, easy metro
Best Time of Year – Spring, Summer, Fall – honestly, its always great!
Budget – $$$$

Barcelona, Spain is an ideal place for a mother daughter trip because it will keep you busy every minute with things unique to only this city. The architecture in Barcelona features some of the most unusual works of Antoni Gaudi such as homes, the Park Güell, and of course the famous cathedral, Sagrada Família. You’ll also love the Gothic Quarter and all the shopping opportunities. One of our best memories of Barcelona is of the awesome food! Tapas restaurants everywhere. You can’t go wrong! Be sure to go to the beach while you’re there.

Insider Tip: Have tapas at Bar Canyi !

Where to Stay in BarcelonaCasa Fuster – This rec is from a very close friend who is a tour guide in Barcelona.

Casa Fuster

  • $$$$
  • Restaurant, breakfast, parking, pool, spa, fitness center, balcony, wifi
Carrie Green-Zinn at the Isablella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston

#3 Boston, Massachusetts

Closest Airports – Logan International (BOS)
Will you need a car – No — great public transport and walkability!
Best Time of Year – Late Spring, Late Summer, Fall
Budget – $$$$

Boston is on the mother daughter trips lists because it’s a great taste of New England culture. Boston is one of the most historic places in the US, but it’s also one of the most fun cities for dining, museums, and entertainment. Boston is full of colleges which make it a vibrant, young people’s town. Walk the Freedom Trail all day and go to Faneuil Hall, Beacon Hill or the North End, for dinner. Have lots of clam chowder for lunch and Italian food for dinner. Enjoy the Boston Commons and take a swan boat ride.

Insider Tip: Have clam chowder at The Warren Tavern & Visit the beautiful Isabella Stewart Gardner Art Museum.

Where to Stay in BostonThe Copley Square Hotel – This spot has excellent reviews and is in an awesome neighborhood.

Carrie Green-Zinn at a canal in Bruges, Belgium which is one of the hidden gems of Europe

#4 Brugge (Flemish) Bruges (French), Belgium

Closest Airports – Brussels Airport (BRU)
Will you need a car – No — trains from Brussels are easy!
Best Time of Year – All Year
Budget – $$

We’ve spent a fair amount of time in Belgium as one of my daughters studied there, and Brugge stands out as a true gem. Brugge is known as Venice of the North, because of its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, all along a web of charming canals. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brugge offers fascinating historic sites, like the famous Belfry Tower, the Church of Our Lady, with a famous  Michelangelo sculpture, the Groeningemuseum, and the Minnewater Lake. Our favorite memory of Brugge is of a stormy day, when our umbrella broke and my daughter and I sat in a cafe along a canal for hours and hours having soup and coffees.

Insider Tip: Eat waffles, chocolate, cuberdon candy, and Waterzooi soup!

Where to Stay in Brugge Hotel De Orangerie – This rec is a highly rated boutique hotel on the canal.

A view of Cesky Krumlov from the castle

#5 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Closest Airports – Prague Václav Havel (PRG)
Will you need a car – No car needed in town – take a train from Prague to Cesky.
Best Time of Year – Spring, Summer (lovely but crowded), Fall
Budget – $$$

I think The Czech Republic is a beautiful trip to take as a mother daughter team because you get both the modern and progressive experiences like Prague along with the historic culture of medieval Europe like in Český Krumlov. This town is like walking right into a living history book that is actually an authentic ancient village. Český Krumlov is tucked into the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. Another UNESCO World Heritage site that is full of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Visit the castle, take a boat on the Vlatva River, and spend a lot of time wandering, shopping, and hanging out in outdoor cafes.

Insider Tip: Visit the castle early to avoid crowds & rent a boat on the Vltava river.

Where to Stay in Český KrumlovHotel Dvorak Cesky Krumlov – This is a highly rated historic hotel in the center of town.

A view of the river overlooking the buildings in Chicago which is a great place for a mother daughter trip.

#6 Chicago, Illinois

Closest Airports – O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW)
Will you need a car – No — city is walkable, good public transit.
Best Time of Year – Spring, Summer (very hot), Fall
Budget – $$$

I’ve been loving Chicago since early childhood, but nothing beats visiting there with my girls  – we had the absolute best time in the windy city! This cosmopolitan jewel of the midwest is walkable, clean, exciting, and very beautiful. Walk along the lake, shop at the luxury stores, and eat! The food in Chicago is extraordinary! Be sure to take an architectural boat tour – it’s a big highlight. And of course, the world famous Chicago Art Institute has one of my favorite permanent collections anywhere.

Insider Tip: Dine at Avli River North for Greek / Mediterranean & Quartino Ristorante for Old school Italian.

Where to Stay in Chicago The London House – This is the hotel we love to stay at when in Chicago and I highly recommend it for location, amenities, and price.

The London House

  • $$$
  • Parking, restaurants, fitness center, wifi
A view of the sea and the villages in Cinque Terre, Italy

#7 Cinque Terre, Italy

Closest Airports – Pisa (PSA) or Genoa (GOA)
Will you need a car – No — trains connect all five villages.
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$$

A mother daughter trip to Italy? Amazing! We all love Italy and could enjoy many regions and towns, but I want to suggest a girls trip to Cinque Terre.  Cinque Terre is the string of 5 charming seaside towns along Italy’s rugged Ligurian coast. You’ll love the pastel houses on the cliffside and swimming in the Mediterranean. Why is this great for a mother daughter trip? You can hike, swim, relax, and enjoy the views while having great wine and delicious risotto! Also the train will take you from village to village for day trips and shopping excursions.

Insider Tip: Rent an apartment in Riomagiorre and take the train to the other villages.

Where to Stay in Cinque Terre Loft ll Con Terrazza sul Mare – We stayed in one of these apartments overlooking the beach and it was perfection!

Carrie Green-Zinn's daughters in Copenhagen

#8 Copenhagen, Denmark

Closest Airports -Copenhagen (CPH)
Will you need a car – No — walkable city, rent bikes, and use the metro system.
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$$

About a minute after we arrived in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark,my daughter declared that she wanted to live there! While that hasn’t happened, yet, this is why Copenhagen made for a great mother daughter trip – it’s a very walkable city, is super stylish, and is filled with boutiques and bakeries. Be sure to rent bikes to ride along the water, visit the crown jewels in the Rosenborg Castle, and explore the famous Tivoli Gardens. The colorful Nyhavn district is great fun and is a perfect example of the culture’s focus on “hygge” meaning comfort. make it a perfect place to slow down and connect. Be sure to eat at the outdoor food court and visit the famous Little Mermaid statue.

Insider Tip: If traveling during the holidays, visit the Tivoli Christmas Markets.

Where to Stay in CopenhagenThe Hotel Bethel – This highly rated hotel is very affordable, renovated, and in an excellent location.

Carrie Green-Zinn at Temple Bar in Dublin

#9 Dublin, Ireland

Closest Airports -Dublin (DUB)
Will you need a car – Not for the city, but yes if traveling to the countryside.
Best Time of Year – All year. Expect rain and mist at times.
Budget – $$$

Dublin is a such a fun mother daughter trip destination because it’s easy to get around on foot, has tons of cute cafes, and a crazy lively pub culture. We loved our historic walking tour, visiting museums and  Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. We loved the St. Stephen’s Green, and found excellent restaurants. Be sure to take an easy day trip by train to the seaside village of Howth for a hike on the cliffside and lunch by the water.

Insider Tip: Have Fish Chowder at Lennan’s Yard ! Don’t bother with the Guinness Storehouse “tour,” just drink some Guinness in any pub in town!

Where to Stay in DublinThe Green Hotel – We stayed here twice and found it very convenient, really nice rooms, across from the park, and affordable.

The Green Hotel

  • $$$
  • Parking, breakfast, bar, fitness center, wifi, elevator.
The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland

#10 Edinburgh, Scotland

Closest Airports -Edinburgh (EDI)
Will you need a car – Not in city, yes for a Highlands trip,
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$$

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a must on any mother daughter European tour. The city is perfect for young people because it’s like walking through a medieval fairy tale.The city is built around its magical castle, with cobbled streets, cozy pubs, and awesome views. Be sure to enjoy sunset on the hill at Arthur’s Seat and wander through Dean Village. Take your time with charming pubs and historic walking tours. You can even each make your own Scottish purses.

Insider Tip: Eat at Dishoom, take a walking tour, and tour Mary’s Close.

Where to Stay in EdinburghMotel One Edinburgh Royal – This hotel is in a historic set of buildings and is renovated nicely. We stayed here twice and had one excellent room and one that was too small and we asked to change. It’s a very nice hotel in a perfect location.

Motel One Edinburgh Royal

  • $$$
  • Parking, breakfast, fitness center, wifi
Carrie Green-Zinn in Evora, Portugal

#11 Évora, Portugal

Closest Airports – Lisbon (LIS)
Will you need a car – Arrive by car or train from Lisbon. No car needed in town.
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$

It’s hard to choose a favorite place in Portugal. The entire country is magnificent, but I want to share a special gem that you mothers and daughters should visit. Évora is the perfectly preserved medieval town in Portugal’s Alentejo region south of Lisbon. This little village is pristine and authentic. You’ll fall in love with the cobblestone streets, white and yellow buildings, and all the historic sites within the walled city. It’s perfect for long lunches, eating olives, sipping local wine, and buying hand crafted souvenirs. Be sure to visit the Chapel of Bones.

Insider Tip: Eat at Bistro Barão!!! A tiny restaurant run by a mother and son that is one of the most memorable meals we’ve ever had. Ask the hotel concierge to help you with lunch and dinner choices.

Where to Stay in ÉvoraHotel Albergaria do Calvário – We loved this hotel so much! The rooms were large and lovely, the hotel staff were incredible and the breakfast was amazing.

Hallstatt, Austria church steeple

#12 Hallstatt, Austria

Closest Airports – Salzburg (SZG) or Vienna (VIE)
Will you need a car – Arrive by train from Salzburg or Vienna and then ferry across from eh train station.
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$$

Hallstatt is another favorite fairytale mountain town. Think Arendell from the animated film Frozen.This 7000 year old village tucked along the Hallstättersee is just east of Salzburg. Known for its charming 16th Century Alpine cottages and plenty of summer and winter activities, Hallstatt will be a big hit for your mother daughter trip. It’s not just us, but lots of people consider Hallstatt one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic places, thus its a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to take a boat ride on the lake, visit the oldest working salt mine, the glacier of Dachstein, and the prehistoric burial site, and the Bone House.

Insider Tip: Rent a small motorboat to take a ride on the lake. Take the bus up to the Dachstein Glacier and watch the hang gliders fly above the lake.

Where to Stay in HallstattSeehotel Grüner Baum – This 4 star hotel is on the lake, with panoramic views. It’s a historic spot, featured in many movies, and has a great restaurant! 

Seehotel Grüner Baum 

  • Pet friendly, sauna, terrace, wifi, laundry service
Carrie Green-Zinn's daughters peeking out behind the lampposts of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

#13 Los Angeles (L.A.), California

Closest Airports – Los Angeles International (LAX) Burbank (BUR)
Will you need a car – Yes
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$$

A mother daughter visit to L.A. is nothing less than an epic adventure! This is a trip my girls and I have enjoyed more times than I can count. It’s unique among US and European cities. L.A. is the ideal girls’ trip to take when you’re in the mood for a high energy getaway. There is so much to do! We always have an awesome time. Choose from beaches, to Hollywood, to hiking to chopping. The museums are amazing, and the food scene is unparalleled. You can shop in Beverly Hills, see mansions of the stars, and even ride a rollercoaster in Santa Monica! Be sure to visit the Venice Beach Canal district. Go any time of the year – it’s always festive!

Insider Tip: Visit the Melrose Trading Post on a Sunday. Eat at The Butcher The Baker The Cappuccino Maker and Gracias Madre. Visit the Broad Museum, for free!

Where to Stay in L.A. –  The Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel – Why do we only stay at this hotel when we visit Los Angeles? Because it is in a central location for all the things we love to do. We can park and then uber if we don’t want to deal with parking and traffic, and there’s a lovely pool!

The Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel

  • $$$
  • Breakfast available, parking available, fitness center, wifi, laundry service, pool
Kayaking through the caves in Lagos, Portugal

#14 Lagos, Portugal

Closest Airports – Faro (FAO)
Will you need a car – Yes — for exploring the Algarve coast.
Best Time of Year – All year, but don’t expect the water to be very warm!
Budget – $$

Lagos is an unusually beautiful spot on the Algarve coast in Southern Portugal. I love this spot for a mother daughter getaway because you can add it to a busier trip through Portugal and then take a relaxing few days on the beach and in the water. Lagos has the combination of cliffs overlooking the rock formations and caves and the medieval walled city filled with great restaurants and shops. You can relax and hike in the day and then stroll the cobblestone streets in the evening. Don’t miss the opportunity to kayak through the caves as an unforgettable mother daughter adventure.

Insider Tip: Stay near the beach, park at the hotel and uber into the old city in the evening. Eat at Ol’ Bastard’s for Fish & Chips in the old town. Definitely take a kayak tour through the caves – magical! Rent beach chairs and an umbrella for 25 euro p/day on Dona Ana Beach. There might be a lot of seaweed along the shore, but you can swim past it.

Where to Stay in LagosCarvi Beach Hotel Lagos – This is a fine hotel in an excellent location on Dona Ana Beach. Enjoy the rooftop pool after a day on the beach. The breakfast is mediocre but is served in the rooftop restaurant with gorgeous views.

Carvi Beach Hotel Lagos

  • $$$
  • Breakfast included, parking available, gym & pool, beach towels available, wifi
Carrie Green-Zinn in Lisbon, Portugal

#15 Lisbon, Portugal 

Closest Airports – Lisbon (LIS)
Will you need a car – No – walkable and great tram service.
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$

Lisbon can be part of a larger Portugal adventure or can be a stand alone mother daughter destination if you’re short on time. Lisbon is the happening capital of Portugal and is known for its ancient tiled architecture, hilly tiled streets, pastel colors, and fascinating history. Why its a great place for a girls’ adventures is because of the charming yellow trams to tour the city, long walks up and down the hills, listening to the traditional Fado music, and eating the famous pastéis de nata. You can visit the castle high in the hills of Alfama or shop on the streets by the river. You and the ladies will love the photo ops! Be sure to take a day trip to Sintra and Cascais.

Insider Tip: Dine and listen to Fado at San Miguel D’ Alfama

Where to Stay in LisbonPousada Alfama – What we loved about this hotel was the location, the staff, and the breakfast – also the cocktail in the evening! However, the rooms are incredibly small. Be sure not to select a “cozy” room or a room with a slanted ceiling. We had to request room changes due to the very small space.

A View of the river and dragon bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

#16 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Closest Airports – Ljubljana Jože Pučnik (LJU)
Will you need a car – Optional — for day trips to Lake Bled or countryside.
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, a small country tucked into Central Europe. This beautiful city will remind you of magical fairytales, complete with a winding river, a castle on a hill, and ancient bridges with dragons. There are parts of the city that are modern and very artsy and then the old world charm of cafes, shops, and cobblestone streets as well. Be sure to take a river cruise and ride the funicular to the castle. And take a day trip to the gorgeous turquoise water of Lake Bled with a church on an island that’s only accessible by traditional boats.

Insider Tip: Take a river boat ride under the bridges. For sure take a day trip to Lake Bled and ring the bell in the church for good luck!

Where to Stay in LjubljanaHotel Lev – I really liked the location of this hotel and the breakfast was out of this world! The rooms were spacious and staff were great.

Hotel Lev

  • $$$
  • Pet friendly, breakfast available, parking available, fitness center, wifi, laundry service
Carrie Green-Zinn's daughters in London overlooking the Tower Bridge

#17 London, England

Closest Airports – Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW)
Will you need a car – No — amazing Tube system.
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$$

The girls and I love London in a big way! It’s chic, exciting, classy, and filled with so much history and iconic sites. We love to explore all the neighborhoods. There are shows to see, shopping to do, and museums to visit. Westminster is a must because it has the most historical monuments and landmarks. Central London is where you’ll find museums and shopping, The South Bank is my favorite area along the River Thames, and the West End is the famous theater district. We also love neighborhoods like Portobello Road and Marylebone for shopping, and cafes. 

Insider Tip: See a show in the West End or in the open air theater at Regent Park in summer time.

Where to Stay in LondonThe Londoner – This luxury treat for the mother daughter trip is right in Westminster with 4 restaurants, a full spa facility, and great reviews!

The Londoner

  • $$$$
  • Breakfast available, parking available, restaurant, fitness center, wifi, laundry service,
The Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland

#18 Lucerne, Switzerland

Closest Airports – Zurich (ZRH)
Will you need a car – No — trains are scenic and reliable.
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$$

Our visit to Lucerne was part of a larger Switzerland adventure. We wished we had stayed in this picturesque Swiss city a bit longer.  Lucerne is on Lake Lucerne against the backdrop of the snow capped mountains. It’s a charming town with the historic wooden Chapel Bridge. Lucerne is a very walkable city, perfect for taking your time enjoying the views. You can even ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train up to Mt. Pilatus, or take the famous Lucerne-Interlaken-Express for a ride with magnificent scenery.

Insider Tip: Walk on the Chapel Bridge built in 1333. Take a ride on the little trolly train around the village!

Where to Stay in LucerneHotel Des Alps – This hotel is on the Reuss River in the old town of Lucerne right next to the world-famous Chapel Bridge.

Hotel Des Alps

  • Parking , restaurant, wifi, laundry service.
Carrie Green-Zinn in a pool overlooking the rain forest and ocean in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

#19 Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Closest Airports – San José (SJO)
Will you need a car – Optional – You can hire drivers and tour guides.
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$$

If you’re an outdoor and adventurous mother daughter team, then a trip to Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica is the ultimate destination. The cities of Manuel Antonio and Quepos, are tucked into the western coastline of Costa Rica. Think  lush rainforests, jungle wildlife, and picture perfect beaches.  The water is warm, the activities and adventures are exciting, and the weather is ideal much of the year. You can hike to waterfalls, tour the national park and see sloths and monkeys, and eat ceviche on the beach. Choose from snorkeling to zip lining – and then collapse by the pool at the end of each day.

Insider Tip: Take the Nauyaca Falls hike with an experienced guide.

Where to Stay in Manuel AntonioShana By the Beach Manuel Antonio – This resort hotel is 5 mins from the beach and 10mins from the National Park.

Shana By the Beach

  • Parking , restaurants, pools, wifi, laundry service.
A view of the beach in Wailea, Maui, HI

#20 Maui, Hawaii

Closest Airports – Kahului Airport (OGG)
Will you need a car – Yes – essential for exploring beaches, waterfalls, and upcountry.
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$$

For obvious reasons, a mother daughter trip to anywhere in Hawaii is a great idea! We visited Maui, and I would go back in a minute! This trip has everything you could want in a relaxing and memorable vacation. Beautiful beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, snorkeling, surfing, over 275 days of sunshine per year, great food, and really lovely people. The accommodation choices are awesome and between the rainbows and warm waves, we were in heaven.

Insider Tip: Go to the Hula show at South Maui Gardens with the food trucks. Dine at the famous Mama’s Fish House and plan to drive the Road to Hana and hike the Pipiwai Trail.

Where to Stay in Maui Mana Kai Wailea – What we loved about this spot was the 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in a building on the most pristine beach. Beach chairs and umbrellas are supplied, a full kitchen, and a short drive to many restaurants and shops.

Mana Kai Wailea

  • $$$
  • Parking , restaurants, pool, wifi, laundry service.
Carrie Green-Zinn and her daughters in a Shooter Jet boat in Queensland, New Zealand

#21 New Zealand

Closest Airports – Auckland (AKL) or Queenstown (ZQN) depending on route
Will you need a car – Yes – road trips are essential!
Best Time of Year – November–May
Budget – $$

One of the most incredible mother daughter trips we’ve ever taken was to New Zealand while my oldest was studying there. We spent a couple of weeks touring both the north and the south islands. Epic doesn’t even begin to describe this trip! This is an adventure for girls who are up for a lot of exceptional outdoor activities – bucket list kinds of things like seeing the falls of Milford Sound, or riding a Shotover Jet in Queenstown, and paddling through glowworm caves in Waitomo. Be sure to stop in Hobbiton and visit the coast in Dunedin.

Insider Tip: Visit the authentic Maori Village Whakarewarewa in Rotorua, go Zorbing, and absolutely visit Milford Sound. And don’t miss the Wanaka Tree!

Where to Stay in New Zealand If you visit the North Island and the South Island, then you’ll be looking at multiple stays. Check the recommendations on this post about 10 Days in New Zealand. One place I really recommend is where we stayed in Rotorua. The Sudima Hotel – This spot is on the banks of Lake Rotorua. There is an onsite restaurant and it’s next to the Polynesian Spa!

The Sudima Hotel

  • $$$
  • Parking , restaurants, pool, wifi, laundry service.
Carrie Green-Zinn's daughters having a mother daughter picnic in Central Park, NYC

#22 New York City, New York

Closest Airports – JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark (EWR)
Will you need a car – No — use the subway and ride shares.
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$$

New York City is our home away from home and still has staying power to be one of the best mother daughter destinations ever. It would be impossible not to have fun in this city, unless of course you’re not a city gal. Plan on walking a ton, eating a lot, and staying out late! The must-see list is long, but please start with Central Park, lunch at the Plaza, a walk down Fifth Avenue, a sunset visit to the Empire State Building, a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty,  a walk on the High Line, and a Broadway show. I could go on and on…

Insider Tip: Rent a row boat on the lake in Central Park!

Where to Stay in New York City The Lucerne Hotel – I recommend the Lucerne Hotel because it’s a grand hotel with affordable prices, in a treasured landmark building built in 1904. Perfect for a mother daughter trip, the amenities include a lovely French Mediterranean restaurant, Nice Matin.

The Lucern Hotel

  • $$$
  • Parking , restaurants, pool, wifi, laundry service.
Carrie Green-Zinn's daughters in Paris in front of La Maison Rose.

#23 Paris, France

Closest Airports – Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY)
Will you need a car – No — walk and use the metro.
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$$

If you haven’t thought of it yet, let me tell you that the dream mother daughter trip is to Paris. Think of walking the streets of Paris together and sitting in cafes sipping wine. I’m sure you know that spending time at the Louvre, climbing the Eiffel Tower, walking on the Champs D’Elysee, and taking a cruise on the Seine is nothing short of perfection. Be sure to visit Île Saint-Louis and the rebuilt Notre Dame.

Insider Tip: I insist you dine at Le Coupe-Chou!

Where to Stay in ParisHotel des Grandes Ecole – This lovely gem is highly recommended by my daughter who just stayed there and raved about it! We’ve had 2 unfortunate bedbug Airbnb stays in Paris previously, so we are happy to have found a lovely and affordable hotel. Close to Notre Dame, the Opera, and the Louvre!

The harbor with boats in Portland, Maine

#24 Portland, Maine

Closest Airports – Portland International Jetport (PWM)
Will you need a car – Yes — for drives to the coast.
Best Time of Year – Spring, Summer, Fall
Budget – $$

As a native New Englander, I have taken my girls to the East Coast since they were babies. We love visiting friends and family in the Portland area. As the girls have grown, Portland has become a favorite stop. This coastal town is hopping with cute shops and great restaurants. Nearby hiking, skiing, beaches and a young people vibe make it a great getaway destination.

Insider Tip: If you’ve lobster like I do, then Maine is your dream!

Where to Stay in PortlandThe AC Hotel Portland Downtown – They waterfront hotel in the historic old town of Portland has excellent reviews.

The AC Hotel Portland Downtown

  • Breakfast, restaurant, parking, views, wifi.
A Venice, Italy canal scene.

#25 Venice, Italy

Closest Airports – Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
Will you need a car – No — gondolas only!
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$$

When my then much younger daughter sat in a lovely cafe by the canal in Venice, she famously said,”this isn’t a vacation, it’s a sophistication!” we loved getting lost on the streets, enjoyed a gondola ride, saw glass blowing in Murano, and just felt great with all the water flowing around us. I know it can get very crowded at times, but you’ll be having so much fun together, it shouldn’t matter!

Insider Tip: Dine at Cipriani on Torcello in Murano after touring a glass blowing demonstration.

Where to Stay in VeniceHotel Palazzo Priuli – This hotel is in a 14th century renovated building with all the charm of old world Venice, including canal views!

Carrie Green-Zinn's daughters and niece  at the Strudel Show in Vienna with the pastry chef.

#26 Vienna, Austria

Closest Airports – Vienna International (VIE)
Will you need a car – No — walk and use the excellent public transportation.
Best Time of Year – All year
Budget – $$$

Vienna is a classic trip for you moms and daughters. This city is so easy to walk around and has some of the best museums and beautiful architecture. Don’t pass up any opportunity to eat strudel! Visit the imperial palaces, go to the opera, and shop at the outdoor market. You can even see the famous Lippizaner horses at the Spanish Riding School.

Insider Tip: Dine at Cafe Central and go to the Strudel Show at the Schloss Schönbrunn Palace.

Where to Stay in VeniceArcotel Wimberer Wien – We loved this beautiful hotel in an excellent location near all the main sites and the public transportation. The breakfast was amazing, the rooms have balconies, and are beautifully appointed.

Carrie Green-Zinn's daughters in a cafe in Paris

When will you take a Mother Daughter Trip Around the World?

In a nutshell…

No matter where you go, a mother daughter trip is about more than the destination — it’s about the laughter, stories, and moments you’ll share along the way. I know you get how special a mother daughter trip can be.

Whether you’re wandering cobblestone streets in Europe, relaxing on a beach, or exploring a new city together, these adventures create memories that last a lifetime.

So start planning, pack your bags, and get ready for your next unforgettable trip together.

xx,
Carrie