Genoa “à la carte”: the best experiences for every type of traveller

Settling yourself for a week or a weekend on a car-free island can come with unexpected benefits: the joy of getting around via bicycle, the conversations that happen while walking from one place to another, the hilarity of golfcart transportation.  But while we all love a good road trip, sometimes the car is just a means to getting from point a to point b. On these islands, even the getting around is part of the fun. Not to mention its stress-free and incredibly freeing for everyone coming along on the trip. 

Moms are always active, but usually their energy goes toward taking care of other people. Whether you have an active beach mom or one who enjoys attending fitness classes or playing a sport, when they’re on vacation, they deserve to take care of themselves. Here are my picks for exercise and wellness gifts that travel well and meet all of mom’s vacation needs.

The Netherlands is a treasure chest of exquisite art-filled cities and towns, canals, windmills and tulip fields, along with shiny-new sustainable urban environments, and glorious natural landscapes, coastlines and islands. While it’s one of Europe’s smaller nations (you can cross the entire country in a handful of hours), choosing where to spend your time takes planning.

Mother’s Day is a good holiday to choose something you know your mom loves yet also get a little adventurous with what you give. If your mom is a frequent traveler who loves perfume, here are some fragrances that may inspire even more trips, and they’ll be well-suited for taking along on planes, trains, and cars. These perfumes all offer something special and unique that make them thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts.

In many ways, the Netherlands is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own charms. Spring sees fields full of tulips in bloom. Summer spells long days at sandy beaches along the coast and on the Wadden Sea islands, and as autumn turns to winter, the darkening chill invites you to embrace the Dutch quality of gezelligheid (conviviality, coziness) at atmospheric cafes. Cycling is a Dutch way of life, while festivals fill the calendar throughout the year.

With snowy winters, hot summers and plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to fit all seasons, Munich has something to appeal to visitors throughout the year.

An amazing part of traveling is discovering a new place, but there’s something special about returning to a beloved destination—which also speaks volumes about what makes a place stand out as one of the best.

That hottest club in town is Cookbook Club! And whether mom is in one right now, thinking or starting one or joining one, these gifts will help her prep for the most delicious social gathering of the 2020s. Prepare to be lauded as the best child (or spouse) of this cookbook club member, because these gifts are perfect.

Puerto Rico, known for its rich culture and stunning landscapes, is a favorite destination for families.

The traditional foods of Indonesia never quite get the credit they deserve. Thousands of islands spread across three time zones ensure a culinary diversity like no other nation.

If mom’s idea of a great getaway is using someone else’s kitchen to prepare lavish feasts, well, celebrate that. Especially if you’re invited on the trip! Rental properties are notorious for having dangerously dull knives, a lack of specialty kitchen equipment and often a selection of essentially much more stark than what was promised. Help mom feel prepared and pampered in any kitchen with these great gifts for cooks who love to chef it up at an Airbnb, VRBO or any rental home away from home.

Packing healthy and nutritious snacks for the road helps travelers to avoid high-sodium and high-fat food often sold in airports. From snacks to supplements, beating jet lag and keeping a wellness routine going on the road are easier with the right diet and exercise. These products make great gifts for the frequent-traveling moms in your life.