Why I loved Traveling with my Mom

I have been traveling for the better part of two years now, most of which I would define as “solo traveling.” However, most backpackers understand that you are really never alone. It is the people you meet in each place that define your experience the most. I have seen incredible waterfalls, pristine beaches, and impressive mountains, but it is always the company I share the experience with that leaves the biggest impact. When my mom expressed interest in joining me for a couple weeks in Peru, I was really excited to share this part of the world with her. I really loved traveling with my mom. The two weeks we shared are a highlight of the time I spent abroad.

My Mom is the Best Travel Buddy

I definitely lucked out in the parent department. My mom is very adventurous, loves the outdoors, is excited to try new things, and shreds on a surfboard. It was incredibly easy to weave her into my travel plans; and also funny because most people think she could be my sister. I also really appreciated the break from the 10-bed hostel dorms and tuna avocado sandwiches while she was with me! Thanks for being my sugar momma, mom.

I got to spend 2 awesome weeks in Peru traveling with my mom. We ate and drank our way around Lima, survived the beautiful and wild Amazon jungle, and ended the trip with a relaxing week surfing and soaking up the sun in Mancora. I was really sad when I had to say good-bye; the time flew by too quickly.

I hope to make traveling with my mom a consistent activity in my life and I look forward to our next trip together

6 Reasons You Should Go Traveling with your Mom

1. She understands you really well

Your mom made you, and watched you grow so she probably understands you pretty well which is helpful while traveling. My mom is a very understanding, patient and easy-going person. She knows my passions, dislikes, different moods and can understand me very well. It was really easy to travel with her because we were always on the same page. We enjoy a lot of the same things like eating local food, spending time at the beach, and immersing ourselves in the local culture. I was happy she favored Pisco Sours as much as I did. We made it a point to taste all the various offerings. Although I was playing “tour guide,” I was so excited to be doing it with my mom because she was so enthusiastic to be there. It was great to see what Peru looked like through her eyes and the way she was absorbing everything around her.

Mom Catching Piranhas and other Fish!

2. You both get to live outside of our comfort zone

Navigating a different country, language and culture is always an adventure. Everyday you experience situations that can test you and push you outside your comfort zone. This is my favorite aspect of traveling and it was really cool to see my mom embrace getting outside her comfort zone as well. She loved trying all the different food, practicing her Spanish and even rubbed a bunch of termites all over her skin as a natural bug repellent. We definitely strengthened our relationship during this trip because we had to support each other in new ways.

3. She will be the perfect adventure buddy

Sometimes it is hard for me to find travel buddies that are as adventurous as me. The phrase “I got it from my momma” really rings true to me when it comes to seeking out adventure and living life to the fullest! We caught Piranhas (actually my mom caught all the Piranhas; she was the amazon jungle fishing pro), found crocodiles, swam in the amazon jungle and surfed new waves. My mom was always enthusiastic to join the adventure.

4. Traveling with your mom makes foreign places feel like home

After a long time on the road, the comforts of home always weigh heavier in your mind. Having my mom visit brought a big slice of home to me in Peru. To have a familiar face, a warm hug and a strong tie to home really erased any ounce of homesickness. I am so lucky that I got to experience traveling with my mom.

Cruisin on the Amazon

5. You get to create amazing new memories together

We will definitely remember this trip forever! Traveling with my mom in Peru was not our first experience abroad together, but usually we have the rest of our family with us. It was really special to have this one on one time with my mom and create new memories that only we will share. I think this trip strengthened our relationship and allowed us to connect on a deeper level. Visiting the Amazon rainforest and spending 3 days at a jungle village lodge is a once in a lifetime experience that I am happy I will always share with my mom.

Mom with the kids in the village at Libertad Jungle Lodge

6. Traveling with your mom is good for your health

I read a cute article the other day that claimed traveling with your mom or daughter is good for your health. The article referenced a Harvard Health Newsletter, which claimed that good connections and social support could improve health and increase longevity. Strengthening my relationship with my mom definitely made me happier. If we can continue to make these trips maybe we will live forever (hehe). Traveling allows you and your mom to break out of your normal routine, connect on a deeper level and strengthen your relationship. It feels good to be more connected and understood – especially when trying to show your mom why you love traveling so much!

Sunsets on the Amazon

Just Make the Trip!

If you are on the fence about taking a trip with your mom, I highly recommend to just do it! You won’t want to look back and regret not traveling with your mom. Whether your relationship with your mom is close or distant, I think traveling can only help to strengthen your bond. Sure you may fight and disagree, but in the end you will have this incredible experience to remember for the rest of your lives.

Do you have a good travel story with your mom?