Mother and daughter bonding

Often when we think of excursions, we think of journeys to faraway places. We think of people who traveled the world in one hundred and eighty days. We think of people who lived on house boats, visiting all the ports of call. We think of travelling via motor homes. And yes, we even think of people who accomplished all the firsts, such as the first person to fly over the Atlantic Ocean.

With that type of thinking, it’s no wonder we cannot come up with a single excursion to take our daughters on. After all, who has that kind of money or talent? Are excursions simply unrealistic dreams? And if they aren’t how can a mother, on a limited budget afford an excursion?

Here are a few mother and daughter excursions that are sure to make any girl’s dreams come alive:

1. An overnight trip to the local Spa, for a night filled with facial masks, massages, and mud baths. Pack all your bags and place them in the car before she arrives home from school. Let her know that you are taking her on a very special trip, but don’t let her know you have planned to stay in a hotel until you arrive at the hotel. In her suit case, place a card that says something to the effect, "Daughter, you are more precious to me now than the day you were born. Thank you for sharing my life with me."

2. An overnight stay in a bed and breakfast overlooking the ocean or the mountains. Usually there aren’t any televisions, so it would be advisable to pack a few board games and a deck of cards. And don’t forget that thank you card.

3. An overnight stay on the beach. You can get a room right on the beach, overlooking the ocean. Take a midnight stroll talking about boys and future plans, while you try to find the big dipper. The whole idea is to be able to bond, without any distractions. Bring along her favorite fingernail polish, foot massage lotion, and facial cleansers. And let’s not forget her favorite board game or deck of cards. Don’t forget to have a small gift packed in her suitcase that says something like, "Just because I love you."

4. An overnight shopping trip. Use this time when you are already going to have to purchase new school clothes, this way you aren’t having to bite off more than you can chew, financially. Ask around for the best places to get deals on clothes, then book a room at a nearby hotel. Pack a bag full of her favorite goodies, a few good movies, and portable VCR, just incase the hotel room doesn’t have one in the room.

5. What did she say her favorite band was? Are there tickets to upcoming concerts? How about that play she has been wanting to see? Book a hotel room, grab a few ear plugs, pack a few clothes and enjoy a night remembering what it was like to be a teenager.