As Mother’s Day approaches, many of us are faced with the daunting task of finding the perfect gift to show our moms just how much we love them. But what if the answer isn’t a material item, but rather an experience that can be shared together? That’s what experts discovered when they conducted a recent poll to find out what moms really want on their special day.

The results are in, and it turns out that 90% of those surveyed said mothers would prefer to travel with family over anyone else. This highlights the importance of creating new memories with loved ones, and what better way to do that than by embarking on a travel adventure together?

“Travel is a powerful tool for bonding and building memories together because it allows us to step out of our daily routines and experience new and exciting things with the people we care about. The shared experiences and challenges of travel can create a deep sense of connection and intimacy that is hard to replicate in any other setting,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa.

When it comes to experiences, hanging out at the beach, cruising the Mediterranean, and exploring cities all rank high on the list for poll participants. More than half of the respondents love the idea of a city trip, while beach holidays and Mediterranean cruises each received 24% of the votes.

In the poll, participants were asked about dream holiday destinations for mothers and Greece emerged as the top choice with 41% of respondents selecting it. Mauritius and Bali were also popular choices, with 29% and 24% of respondents respectively expressing their desire to travel to these destinations. Surprisingly, Miami was selected by 6% of the participants as the ultimate getaway.

“All moms are unique and have their own travel dreams. Spontaneity can be wonderful, but it can also make it difficult to plan a trip. A travel gift card is the ideal solution. It gives your mom the freedom to choose when, and where, she wants to travel to. She can add it to her savings kitty for a bucket-list trip or use it to book a trip for any time she wants to get away for some R&R,” says Turner.

Ocean views in Cape Town: The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

What better destination for the Mother’s Day weekend than the Mother City – Cape Town, South Africa? Surrounded by the stunning Twelve Apostles mountain range and a nature reserve, this boutique hotel offers a serene retreat with picturesque ocean views. Despite its proximity to lively Camps Bay and the V&A waterfront, the hotel’s luxurious amenities, including an A-list spa and exceptional in-house dining, make it a tempting weekend hideaway. Bonus treat? Book a High Tea by the Sea on Mother’s Day which combines sumptuous cakes and dainty sandwiches with epic views.

Majestic Magaliesberg: Mount Grace Hotel & Spa

From hot air balloon rides over untouched landscapes to hiking trails, the Magaliesberg in South Africa is a treasure chest of natural wonders just waiting to be explored. And what better way to experience it than with a rejuvenating country getaway with your mother? The Mount Grace Hotel & Spa is a destination in itself. Originally a private residence and farmhouse, the sprawling gardens span ten acres, and provides unspoiled views of the valley from its hillside location. Bonus treat? Book a Mount Delight Full Day Spa Package which includes a light lunch, bubbly, aromatherapy massage, facial and mani and pedi.

Wining and dining in Stellenbosch: The Spier Hotel

Why not spoil your mother with a relaxing getaway to the beautiful Winelands of the Western Cape of South Africa? The Spier Hotel, located in the Stellenbosch winelands, boasts a rich history as one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms. The hotel offers charming garden rooms that draw inspiration from traditional architecture. Bonus treat? Book a wine blending experience and try your hand at winemaking.

Ultimate luxury in Umhlanga: The Oyster Box Hotel

The Oyster Box Hotel, an iconic establishment widely regarded as one of the top hotels in the country, offers stunning views of Umhlanga Beach and the lighthouse. You and your mom can unwind by the pool, enjoy dolphin sightings from the terrace or bar, or indulge in the award-winning spa, featuring a Turkish Hammam, or even catch a movie in the 24-seat cinema. Bonus treat? Book a Mother’s Day High Tea serenaded by a pianist in the tranquil Palm Court restaurant.

Sun City royalty: The Palace of the Lost City

The Palace of the Lost City is nestled in the vibrant Sun City resort compound. Whether you prefer a laid-back or an adventurous weekend with your mother, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. The remarkable Valley of the Waves, two 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis and squash courts, a beauty salon, and numerous other amenities are on-tap for your pleasure. Bonus treat: Book the Palace Full High Tea Buffet and indulge in pastries, sandwiches, savoury bites, and cakes, all while enjoying a variety of teas in the luxurious African ambiance.

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