Travel Inspirations for Today's Modern Mother on Her Day
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
April 14, 2004
There may be single Moms, but there is no single kind of Mom. There are Soccer Moms, working Moms, Urban-Chic Moms, Yoga Moms, Moms-on-the-go, and stay-at-home Moms. And then there’s you–an individual Mom so unique, you defy categorization. No matter what kind of Mom you are, your day is coming. Literally, Mother’s Day is in a matter of days (not that you're counting!).
Mother’s Day is all about recognizing the importance of Moms. The fact is, in the eyes of everyone from politicians to travel marketers, Moms are extremely important year round, because more than ever, it’s Mom who holds the purse strings.
Did you know that women book the majority of family vacations? Women have also started a trend of vacationing together. Whether it's a girls’ escape from the family, a sister trip, or a golf getaway, the travel industry is knocking on Mom’s door with candy and flowers. More and more, I'm seeing packages geared towards women and their interests--and this phenomenon goes way beyond your typical day at the spa. Don’t get me wrong; the spa is always a great treat. But like I said, everyone’s different. A hot stone massage or seaweed wrap isn’t for everyone, so it's nice to see other options.
Female travelers list going to the beach, spa days, and shopping as their preferred leisure activities. With Mother's Day coming up, I thought I'd put together an appropriate round-up of ideas for the woman in your life – whether she's an escape artist, nature lover, or trend-follower.
(And guys, don't you worry, your day is coming up soon enough. With Father's day around the corner, I know your priorities are different. More on golf and fishing later!) For now, it's all about the females, so let us indulge. Even better yet, indulge us!
Below are a few offerings around North America:
- Whistler, British Columbia is hip to women. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is offering the "pedal and pamper" package, which is available on specific dates this spring and summer, encouraging women to press their metal and learn more about mountain biking. The two-day "spokeswoman" camp teaches technique and maintenance on mountain biking, but packs riding around an included massage and pedicure. Prices start at $724 per person, based on double occupancy. The new Solarice Wellness Centre and Spa in Whistler is offering a three-night "Ladies Night” Package through June, which includes a bottle of wine, cheese platter, spa gift, popcorn, and movie, as well as a one-hour massage and either a yoga, Pilates, or tai-chi class at the spa. Accommodations are at one of the Platinum Whistler's vacation homes, with 24-hour concierge, located in the village. Prices start at $242 per person, per night.
- Consider a last-minute surprise gift for her. You can save a bundle by buying at the last minute and traveling spontaneously. These packages are only available 14 days to three hours before your plane leaves and include airfare and hotel. Try a shopping weekend in Las Vegas. If you think of Vegas as a totally male-oriented spot, you may want to think again. There's no other destination with more shopping at your fingertips. From galleries to Gucci, you can buy just about anything there. Plus, you may get lucky at the slots and have a little extra to spend. Make it a girls trip, after all, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. (You can also go for a deal that's all beach, spa or golf…whatever works for your Mom.)
- Select Loews hotels offer a way for you to surprise her. Take one of their "Mama's Boy Cooking Classes" and turn the tables on Mom this year. For example, New York’s Loews Regency hotel’s Executive Chef John Iachetti will lead the Mama's Boy session by teaching an impressive, yet simple, meal and the hotel's Etiquette Concierge will lend a hand by imparting tips on the art of table setting and dinning etiquette. (Other participating Loews hotels include: the Coronado Bay in San Diego, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Beach, Don CeSar Beach Resort in St. Pete, and the Loews Annapolis.)
- If it's too much to prep yourself, you can always just take her out to a great brunch. It's important to remember that even when you can't get out of town or if you can't afford a big getaway, there's always a way to make someone feel special. Other ways to keep it local include a spa experience at a hotel or day spa near you, treating her to a night off at a nearby hotel or inn, or going for a scenic drive and packing a picnic. Break her routine, pick her flowers, and write her a card. Need I remind you that every woman appreciates the consideration? I guarantee you'll find that a little thought goes a long, long way.
For all she does, celebrate her this Mother's Day. That's May 9th, in case you need a reminder!
If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!
|
|
Holiday & Seasonal Travel
Tips & Advice
|
Summer Is Here – It's Time for Vacation!
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
It's a Ho-Ho Holiday Gift Guide
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Halloween Graveyards
By Natasha Carvell, Editor
Call Me Crazy, But I'm Ready to Talk Holiday
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Why Traveling This Winter Holiday Will Be Different!
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Over the River and Through the Woods for Thanksgiving We Go (and Go!)
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
'Tis the Season for Gifts--and I Have All the Inspiration You Need!
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Driving Smarter This Season
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
The Hottest Holiday Buy This Season Is a TotalTrip
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
It's a Day for Dad (and It's Coming Soon!)
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
A Beach Is a Beach--Or Is It?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Travel Inspirations for Today's Modern Mother on Her Day
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Make a Break for It
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Valentine's Day Vows Anyone?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Where Will You Ring in the New Year?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Holiday Gift Guide For Travelers
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Red Hot Trouble Spots This Holiday Season: Predicting Delays
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Travelers Want to Know What To Expect This Holiday Season
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Getting Into the Spirit
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Getting Into the Spirit
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Time to Rethink that Holiday Buying Strategy. Starting Now.
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Autumnal Outings
by Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Barbecue is a Big-Time American Tradition: Why Not Take a Bite This Summer?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
What Have You Done for Her Lately?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Take a Break While Playing it Safe
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Father's Day Top 10 Golf Resort Picks
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Getting Away for Romance or Just Getting Away?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
Holiday Travel Can Be a Breeze!
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
|
|
