We asked the experts — You and our AIV moms!
May 8, 2025
One of my fondest (and funniest) memories of my mom is from Mother’s Day, 2002. Her birthday falls on April 29, and in this particular year she told us, emphatically, not to worry about gifts or doing anything for Mother’s Day, as it fell so soon after her birthday. The day came and we didn’t make a fuss as per her wishes. Oh, how very wrong we were. We didn’t read between the lines. She got very upset — and who can blame her? She did so much for us; she deserved to be appreciated.
So, we did what anyone would do in this situation. We pretended that we’d planned something all along, just for later in the day. My dad and I then rushed to the mall, speed walking Olympics-style through the shops, furiously trying to find a special gift. We settled on a rainstick — no judgment please, they were all the rage in the 2000s. We wrapped it, wrote a card, got balloons, and set up a tea party in the kitchen, defying the space-time continuum in managing to pull it together so quickly.
I’ll never forget her beaming smile when we presented everything to her.
We all have special “moms” in our lives, no matter what form they take — mom, aunty, godparent, the “text me when you get home” friend. And though Mother’s Day may have a bad rap as a greeting-card holiday, it’s actually a wonderful opportunity to show those emotional-support legends your appreciation.
But the question is, what do moms REALLY want for Mother’s Day? We asked the experts — our moms.
A day with my daughters, and wine tasting in the Cape Winelands (South Africa).
I would say Europe. I would love to visit the wine regions in France and Italy, and the Vatican City.
My perfect Mother’s Day would be having quality time with my family. We lead such busy lives, and I want the time to catch up, rest, eat good food, and have fun with them.
I agree with this quote: “What’s #1 on your bucket list? Everywhere!” I would say anywhere with my family or Mikael and Kevin! I’d love to have a Hallmark type Christmas in a village with snow and lots of Christmas events. Northern Italy, Switzerland, and Canada are also on my list, but my #1 wish is to see the Northern Lights, the sooner the better.
I’ve already gone on the Umbria and Provence trips, but I would put them at the top of anyone’s list for a Mother’s Day gift. Otherwise, Pearls of the Adriatic, Iceland at a Glance, Flavors of Sicily, and Morocco.
For Mother’s Day, I’m holding space for how much has changed over the years. I used to crave solitude on this day — everybody out of the house! — a quiet break, a chance to be alone and recharge from the chaos of motherhood. But time has a way of reshaping things. Somewhere along the way, what began to matter most is knowing my children are well and finding their way. If we spend the day together, great; if not, that’s okay too. It’s the knowing that all is right in the world — that is what I want today…and every day.
Rwanda to visit the gorillas.
Whiskey, Fire and Ice — no wait, Jetsetting Southeast Asia. I can’t possibly decide. All of them.
I would like to be able to spend at least part of the day with all my kids and grandkids and see our two kids get along with each other.
Italy, without a doubt.
Any journey in Italy!
I love my kids but a break from hearing “Mammmmaaaaa” 50 times a day is sometimes needed. So, it’s got to be a me-time spa day with lots of bubbly.
Zanzibar.
To spend one-on-one time with my son. I would love to visit him in Cape Town and go on some adventures together; I would be a very happy mother.
France, especially the wine region. Everyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for a good glass of white wine, especially somewhere beautiful.
It would have to be the Taste of Provence; it would be a dream come true.
Do your loved ones need a little help choosing a Mother’s Day gift — perhaps an Art In Voyage journey? Reply to this mail with the email address of the person you’d like us to nudge — and which journey you have in mind — and we’ll send them a hint.
Browse our Curated Journeys here, or have us tailor-make an adventure just for you.
