Mother’s Day is here: 4 Key Travel Tips for Going Abroad with Mom — Red-eye Flights Are a Must

Reported by You T-Ru / Compiled Report
 
Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Have you prepared a gift for Mom yet? According to observations from an international hotel booking website, traveling abroad has become the Mother’s Day gift that Taiwanese moms most hope to receive. However, there are many details to be mindful of when seniors travel, from choosing accommodations to planning itineraries. The 4 key “tips” cover flights, accommodations, and transportation, providing a reference for travelers planning their first “parental appreciation trip.”

%Planning to take Mom abroad for Mother’s Day? There are several “little tips” to keep in mind. (Taiwan, photo by You T-Ru)

1. [Tip One] Choose a Destination in Nearby Asia
For first-time overseas trips with Mom, it’s recommended to stick to Asian countries. Not only are the flight distances moderate, but the culture is also more familiar, allowing Mom to enjoy the trip with the most relaxed mindset. Kyoto, beloved by Taiwanese travelers for its rich cultural heritage and serene atmosphere, has become a top choice. You can even stay at one of the many famous traditional Japanese inns in the Arashiyama area, enjoying the beauty of Arashiyama in a tranquil space away from the hustle and bustle.

2. [Tip Two] Avoid Red-eye Flights
Red-eye flights — leaving early and arriving late at night to start playing immediately — may seem to offer the best value, but they’re not necessarily suitable for Mom. When choosing flights, prioritize Mom’s stamina to avoid exhausting her while rushing to catch a flight at dawn, which could affect her enjoyment for the rest of the trip. Opting for a hotel that offers airport transfer service can also save Mom the trouble of hauling luggage.

3. [Tip Three] Choose Hotels with Convenient Transportation
Hotel booking website Hotels.com suggests that a five-star rating isn’t necessarily essential for a good hotel, but selecting one with convenient location, proximity to the subway, and that is clean and comfortable is absolutely key to a perfect trip. In addition to trying to avoid constantly changing hotels during the journey — which can cause extra fatigue — as a child, you definitely don’t want to hear your parent complain about sore feet and not being able to walk back to the hotel after a day of shopping or sightseeing.

4. [Tip Four] Plan Attractions: Focus on Two Major Spots Per Day
Popular major attractions are a must, but it’s recommended to focus on two main spots per day to avoid a rushed, sightseeing-only itinerary, and to allow enough flexibility for Mom to enjoy the little unexpected moments of independent travel. Seniors value “sharing” the most, especially moms traveling abroad for the first time — they’ll definitely want to take photos and share them with family and friends via messaging apps or on social media. Additionally, prepare a few off-the-beaten-path private recommendations, such as places to enjoy afternoon tea and a romantic, elegant afternoon — these are topics Mom will love to boast about to family and friends when she returns home.