My Daughter has spring break the first week of March (she is a college junior) and I am trying to think of some interesting ideas for a mom-daughter spring break trip (it will only be the two of us). We have crossed out a ski trip as she skis at a much higher level than I do and we want to spend the time together. Toying with the idea of flying into Miami and then driving down to Key West with stops along the way at interesting keys? Maybe an inclusive resort or spa? Any ideas will be appreciated. (one caveat–needs to be within the country–long complicated passport issue being worked out that will probably not be resolved by trip time…Deep sigh) Thanks in advance.
San Francisco Bay Area? New York City?
What about a spa/resort like Canyon Ranch–which has all kinds of wellness programs as well as regular spa stuff. There’s one in Arizona, and another in Massachusetts. There was one in Miami don’t know if it’s still there."
Puerto Rico is nice (just returned after recommendations from folks here) and you don’t need a passport.
Dh and I did the Miami to Key West drive and enjoyed it. In Key West, we liked Hemingway’s home and the Truman residence as an alternative to the bars and beaches. We also did an afternoon in the Everglades on our way back to the airport. I can dig out the details of our itinerary if you decide to go that route.
Nottelling-My D lived in NYC this past summer with an internship at Columbia. I visited several times so we have done that recently (we are however already planning a Christmas trip back to NYC next Dec!) I love San Fran (used to live there)…but think we might enjoy that trip --with a Napa tag on journey–in the fall as the weather will be so much nicer at that time?
Stradmom–I would love some details/suggestions for the Key West drive/sights/etc…also, I did not know that Puerto Rico did not require a passport…I may look into that as it sounds like another good option! Any hotel/sightseeing suggestions?
Thanks!
Broomfield–A spa like Canyon Ranch also sounds perfect. I am going to look into that option as well…I think we both could use some pampering!
I’m sure you’d have a great time going to Key West. Pretty drive and Key West is a fun walking town. Fun type shops and good dining options. Good for a relaxing time.
I suggest you take into consideration what type of travel will suit the two of you, and like you said, promote bonding with activities you both enjoy.
Would your daughter enjoy a road trip, or is she exhausted from school and in need of a few days of relaxation and pampering at a spa? Some kids would die of boredom sitting in one place and would rather be in a car seeing the world. What is her idea of fun, and can you build a trip around an idea or place that would provide fun and build precious memories?
Does she have a list of places she wants to travel to? Does she enjoy art museums or would she rather be hiking or having an outdoor adventure?
Sounds like you are going to have fun planning for a great week together.
I have several mother/daughter)S_ trips. Depending on budget: a cruise, Hawaii, touring the “old” south…
If you can take advantage of the inexpensive Southwest fares, you might consider one of the many upscale spa resorts in Scottdale AZ. The desert is gorgeous that time of year. Take a look at the Phoenician.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsList-Scottsdale-Spa-Resorts-zfp208492.html
My D and I had a spectacular weekend there two years ago.
If you pick the Canyon Ranch in Mass, just be aware that it is COLD here…
Canyon Ranch is amazing, but don’t think of it as a week long pampering, relaxation escape. My take-away is that it was amazingly educational. You want to take advantage of all the resources there, learn new exercise techniques, learn about new foods, talk to their RDs and trainers. Sure there is a spa with massages, facials etc but you won’t really get your money’s worth if you don’t take advantage of all the great talks and classes.
Santa Fe!
It’s beautiful, filled with art galleries, museums and great little eateries. A stop at Maria’s is a must for the very best margaritas you’ll ever have. There are fabulous spas in and around town, areas to hike and fascinating Indian pueblos to explore within an easy drive.
The best vacation I ever had with my daughter was a week in London, during which we went to a different play every evening, and some days, two. We chose our plays based on the half-price ticket booth sales. We did something similar in NYC a few years later and had a good time at that too. During the days we went to museums.
One of the best mom/daughter trips I did was a 7 night cruise to Bermuda (we cruised out of NYC, her home port). In fact my D had a mid-term exam due and got permission to e-mail it in (on time) from a port (could have been risky, but worked out) - so for the first 2 days she holed up doing her paper (came up for air to eat, and some gym time), and then was just able to relax and enjoy all the pampering a ship offers (you know, meals, clean room, sunshine, and some undisturbed “mommy” time). At night we would lay in bed listening to the waves and just talk. She was a sophomore and to this day she says it was a trip that gave her back her sanity. It wasn’t out of control expensive either.
Xcountry skiing.
Largest cross country trail system in the US.
http://www.methowtrails.org
http://www.northcascadesbasecamp.com/index.html
Cruises are great for mixed age groups as you can be together, but then easily separate when you need some space. Also, Seattle is a fun town. Haven’t been to key West, but that sounds good too!
Some of you missed the in country, no ski trip guidelines.
San Antonio is fun too!
I’ve posted before on key west b&bs, but if this becomes your designation, I’ll be pleased to offer suggestions.
There is skiing, and there is cross-country skiing… The latter can be combined with some bonding time and spa activities easily if you do it at the right place.
I’m going to suggest Arizona, too. Lots of things to do! Also, Palm Springs. It is always frowned upon as an old people’s town, but we had a ton of fun with baby kiddo when staying there. A guided (or self-driven) tour of the Joshua Tree park, a hike in the Indian Canyons, a trip to the top of the mountain on the tram, an afternoon of shopping at the Cabazon outlets, a visit to the Living Desert Zoo…
Since I assumed that OP’s D is not of legal drinking age, I decided that SF/Sonoma/Napa would not be a good option. (This was our 21st birthday gift to baby kiddo.)