Oftentimes the phrase "mother-daughter" calls to mind matching outfits: one for a young woman and one miniature version for her toddler offspring. Or perhaps it draws up images of a high tea, set up by a PTA committee at a suburban middle school.
I found this to be especially accurate on the aforementioned couple's trip. Never did I ever think I'd end up at a Sandals honeymoon-style trip with my mom, getting couples massages, eating at romantic restaurants, and lounging on the beach side-by-side reading novels. But what surprised me the most was how an intimate setting intended to intensify romantic relationships actually allowed for more emotional development within a familial friendship, too. We were able to talk about things we hadn't brought up in decades. I got to see my mom, who I've known for literally my entire life, in a whole new light. I'm shook.
Then, of course, there are the life lessons. There's so much we, as children, can learn from our parents that we aren't even aware of—and sometimes you won't get those lessons until you're in unique (sometimes crazy) situations in brand-new places.
And to be honest, I think we have a lot to teach our moms, too. (Not just about Instagram, either!) I find that our generation of millennial women is much more gracious when it comes to talking about our bodies and appearance (though obviously we still have miles to go). There have been countless times when I’ve reminded my mom to celebrate how she looks in her bikini rather than berate herself for the natural wear and tear of age and childbearing.
And while my mom bequeaths her wisdom of proper wine pairings (not "literally any wine with literally any food," per millennial style) and how to drive a stick-shift in a foreign country, I've had fun teaching her about which iconic designer boutique we needed to visit in each destination, and how to say different—very crucial—phrases in French, like "nous voudrions plus de vin, s'il vous plaît" (translation: more wine).
The result of our shared travels has been enriching and enlightening, and it's such a joy to get to experience and learn new things together. And embracing the unexpected, weird, hilarious, and sometimes scary and challenging parts of traveling together has been a gift, both of self-discovery and of discovering each other. We've grown closer, grown up, stayed young, connected to the world around us and to our true selves, and created memories that are worth more than any single souvenir we've ever brought home. I wouldn't trade these "girls trips" for anything.
Call your mom. Pack your bags. It's time to bond like you've never bonded before.
