Why Mum & Daughter Trips Are The New Travel Trend

Mum-and-daughter trips are on the upswing, with more and more opting to share the experience together. When my mum and I took our first mum-and-daughter holiday to Dubai over ten years ago, and then again five years ago, we realised how uncommon it was. In recent years (2-3 years), we’ve met more mums and daughters travelling together and recognised this was the new trend!

There are many reasons why this is a new thing. Personally, I love a solo trip. I love the freedom and spontaneity it brings and being out of my comfort zone. However, going on a mum-and-daughter trip is my new number one type of buzz.

In this blog, I’ll discuss why mum-and-daughter trips are becoming the new travel thing in today’s generation.

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Mum-and-daughter trip to Bali & Panama

1. Strengthening Bonds

Mother-and-daughter trips provide a unique opportunity to strengthen bonds and deepen relations. In our fast-paced lives, everyday responsibilities like work and having our own lives can leave little time to interact and build bonds. A dedicated trip forces mums and daughters to focus solely on each other, creating a space and happy environment to connect on a deeper level.

Many would be surprised by watching us today online, but my mum and I haven’t always been close. From running away from home and falling out badly with each other multiple times, our relationship needed much work. After years of solo travel and time for deep reflection (and growing up), we rebuilt our foundations for a relationship. Then, by going on mum-and-daughter trips, our bond rapidly grew, and we are now in a much healthier place.

Holidays are a happy place, and doing a mother-daughter trip provides the environment, time, and space to allow both parties to connect and strengthen bonds. If you already have a strong bond with one another, you’ll be surprised just how much more the bond can grow; there’s always room for improvement.

Mum-and-daughter trip to Bali

2. Building Strength & Independence

For daughters, travelling with their mums can be incredibly empowering. This shared experience offers daughters a unique opportunity to witness their mothers in different environments. Watch how your mum handles a situation and problem-solves, highlight their strength, their own independence, and how they have fun. Seeing how they act under pressure is inspiring and can be quite motivating.

We often forget that our parents once had their own lives—a life without kids. They, too, were teenagers and young women in their 20s, 30s, etc., before we were old enough to understand life. This perspective can shift a daughter’s view of her mother from simply a parental figure to a role model and a source of strength. This exposure reinforces the idea that women can be independent and capable in various aspects of life. It teaches you much about your mother, something you might have never recognised.

The same goes for mothers watching their daughters. Watching how your little girl has grown into her own woman and how she deals with situations and people can be a relief (or, uh-oh, got to keep an eye on her, haha). As daughters get older, what once was their life they shared every detail about is now secretive; mum-and-daughter trips are the perfect way to learn more, build strength, and become more independent individually, although together.

Mum-and-daughter trip to Kenya for a wedding!

3. Quality Time

Spending quality time together on mum-and-daughter trips without the distractions of daily life fosters an environment where meaningful conversations can flourish. Whether discussing life goals, sharing personal stories, or simply enjoying each other’s company, these moments help build a stronger emotional connection. This dedicated time allows both mothers and daughters to see each other in a new light, away from the usual roles and routines, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Travelling together offers many shared experiences, from exploring new destinations to trying out new activities. These shared adventures create lasting memories that both can cherish. Whether hiking through scenic trails, enjoying local cuisine, or simply relaxing on a beach, these experiences become treasured stories that can be recounted and enjoyed long after the trip has ended. These memories of spending quality time together are a foundation for a stronger relationship, providing common ground and shared joy.

4. Escape Together

Chances are, if you need a break, your mum does too. Breaking away from the usual environment and routine allows both mothers and daughters to relax and de-stress. This relaxation can lead to a more open and positive interaction as both parties are more present and engaged. The escape from everyday stressors provides a mental and emotional break, making room for more positive interactions and a refreshed connection upon returning to everyday life.

Escaping from the realities of life is something you’d both love doing, so why not do it together? I find running away from the UK the most therapeutic, making me more motivated and pumped to do it again when I return. It is the same with my mum; having an escape together gives us something to look forward to and refreshes us when we return. This fuels more productivity to do it again soon.

Mum-and-daughter trip to Bali & Jamaica

5. Shared Interests

You may be surprised to learn you share more interests than you realise. Mother-daughter trips are often shaped around shared interests such as shopping, spa days, adventure sports, or culinary experiences. This focus on mutual hobbies and passions makes the trip more enjoyable and fulfilling for both.

My mum and I liked chilled holidays at first when sunbathing was our priority, and rest was our priority. Now, we’ve escalated into multi-city breaks, where adventure and new cultural experiences are our priority. When we went to Morocco, we did many first-time things, like pottery and a cooking class, which we greatly enjoyed! We also had a hiking experience. Although I’ve trekked Mt.Tongiroro in New Zealand and loved the hiking experience, my mum never did it because she fears heights. She gave it a go, and although proud of herself, she would never do it again.

Without this holiday, she may or may not have had an experience like this. Going on a mum-and-daughter trip has allowed us to try new activities we might not have tried alone or with friends and figure out what we enjoy and don’t.

Mum-and-daughter trip to Cape Verde

6. Transferrable Skills

What you’ve learnt together will contribute to you as a person and undoubtedly carry you through life going forward. It may not be noticeable or a small skill you’ve learned, but you’ll never stop learning and growing in life if you go through experiences.

For example, if you asked my mum ten years ago if she would get on a plane, with a transfer stop, and go on holiday by herself, she would tell you not in her wildest dreams. However, ten years later, with over ten mum and daughter trips in her pocket, she has soaked up all skills and confidence for travelling. She made her first-ever solo trip three days in Greece before I joined her on an island-hopping holiday, and then, in 2024, she made the journey alone to join me at the end of my solo Bali trip.

I’m talking about travelling on three planes, having two stopovers, and having transfers to join me in Bali. I was so proud of her when she came through the airport. She would have NEVER done that without the skills and confidence she had gained travelling together.

Moments like that make you realise just how life-changing travelling together is. To grow together is to win together, and who doesn’t want that?

Mum-and-daughter trip to Cuba

7. Reliable Circle

So many times, people say they want to travel but are waiting on their friends. If you are waiting on your friends, you’ll be waiting forever! I really suggest you try a solo trip or a mum-and-daughter trip. Everyone’s relationships with their parents differ, but it is safe to say your mum will want the best for you and have your back. It’s unlikely that your mum will pull out of the trip at the last minute.

This is another reason I enjoy planning trips with my mum, as I find it hard to plan a trip with all my friends. Everyone has different availability, and by the time you get around to it, years have gone by! With my mum, we plan and book, and then we are good to go; there are no dramas.

Going on holiday with the right people is crucial also. Nothing is worse than being in a different country with someone who doesn’t match your vibe and energy! Some friends you may never look at the same, but your mum is your mum; you already know her better than anyone else.