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For many of us, our moms were our original travel buddies. Whether it was a day trip to the amusement park or taking us on summer vacations as kids, our moms were the ones encouraging us to be brave, explore and see some world.
As adults, it’s a blessing to be able to travel the globe with the woman who sacrificed so much for you. This Mother’s Day, ESSENCE is giving a few women the chance to share why they love their jetsetting mommas, and say thank you for being dope, built-in besties who literally gave them the world.
From us to you – HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
01
Helen Nicholson and Alexandria Dotson
“I love traveling with my mom because she constantly reminds me to try something new, and enjoy the adventure. She is my ultimate ride or die.”
02
Tamika Rhodes and Thomasine Beck
“After years of my mom leading the way for so many firsts for me, it’s my turn to lead and I love it.”
03
Rachel Burris and Vickie Smith
“For the past 4 years, we have made it an annual tradition to take a vacation for her birthday in January. So far we have done Cartagena, Mexico, San Diego, and St. Maarten. Travel has taught both of us to be open and receptive to new things and experiences. This time together has helped us bond and get to know each other as women. We have created a true friendship outside of being mother and daughter.”
04
Brittni and Anita
“I first decided to move abroad because my Mother encouraged me to. She said, ‘Brittni, go see everything I’ve read about as a child,’ and I did. My first year I wanted to gift her something we could share together. So I surprised her with a trip to Paris and Rome. We went to the Louvre and laughed for about twenty minutes because the Mona Lisa, which my mom has waited to see forever, was so small. The last day of our trip she said, ‘I’m so blessed to share these things with my baby. Here I was dreaming about them and we are making them a reality.'”
05
Maya and Karen Oliver
“My mom has taught me many things about travel. One thing in particular is to always pack a small tote, just in case you purchase something or need to take out things because you’ve exceeded your luggage weight. Every time we travel she always pulls out a mystery tote to save the day.”
06
Chrishella and Rhonda Roche
“My mother is the most fearless woman I know. She has taught me, my sisters and her grand-daughter many things through travel, but the main thing that will stay with me forever is to ‘go for it and see as much of the world as you possibly can. There is so much more to the world than what’s around us and I want you to see it all!'”
07
Christen and Darlene McCluney
“My mom has always empowered me to travel. From road trips to Islands to African safaris, my mom is one of my favorite travel partners. She’s willing to explore and try new things, and we also understand when we need space from each other and respect that. All of my travels are because she and my dad empowered me to explore.”
08
Brittany and Charlotte Walters
“I love traveling with my mom because she is always down for an adventure, even if she has never heard of the location! She inspires me to be spontaneous and to live in the moment.”
09
Maya Williams and Veronica Shepard
“Almost all my travel has been with my mom. She has inspired me to explore and learn about different cultures around the world.”
10
Shavonne and Dawna Davis
“My mom had her 5th child by the age of 26. As a single mother most of the time you can imagine that there wasn’t much time or money for travel. But my mother is strong, resourceful and resilient, always finding ways to send us on trips or make adventures in our space. Traveling with her allows me to share the world with her. I love to see the look of wonderment on her face. Sometimes it’s a seems like a bit of a role reversal, but that I’m giving her the same experiences that she gave to me growing up. I’ve learned to push through from her and I hope to one day be a strong and beautiful as she is.”
11
JorDaChe’ and Kassie Atchison
“Not only do my mom and I travel together, but we both live in the Middle East. We call ourselves ‘The Mother-Daughter International Duo.’ I actually moved abroad first and at the young age of 50, my mom decided to pack up her things and embark on a new journey in life. I love traveling with her because she’s just a good time and she enjoys exploring the world as much as I do.”
12
Tee Williams and Tawanna Jones
“I love traveling with my mom because she’s the ultimate bestie. I love seeing her travel and marvel at things she’s never done before. I love seeing a woman with three degrees and a whole lot to say about everything, speechless because something is so beautiful, interesting or bizarre. She taught me to travel, fly away and see what I can because not everybody has the chance to. She’s my she-ro, my favorite, my everything!”
13
Nikita Lindsay and Jewel Williams
“As an only child, my mom has always been my best friend and travel buddy. We both have the same lust for new experiences. She encourages my travel by pushing me out the door and never clipping my wings.”
14
Angelica and Rose Ellis
“My mom cultivated my desire for exploration since I was a little girl. My childhood was full of memories of flying to Mexico, California, Vegas and everywhere in between. She always taught me about how big the world is and the value of travel. I love traveling with her because we push ourselves past our limits, try new cuisines, meet people from all over the world and build memories that last a lifetime.”
15
Sierra Robinson and Pamela King
“I love traveling with my mom because she’s just as easy going as I am! We know what each other likes and we have similar travel styles. She’s taught me to ‘go with the flow’ and to always be open to getting to know someone, especially when traveling.”
16
Amber and Debora Mack
“I love traveling with my mom because she is so spontaneous. I admire her open-mindedness, love of history, and adventurous spirit. I also thank her for all of the things she exposed me to as a child. Those experiences helped me recognize how big the world is and encouraged me to explore more as an adult. We look forward to making more memories together as she enters retirement.”
17
Ayana and Loretta Bryan
“I love traveling with my mom because she has taught me how to be bold and fearless!”
18
Juliette and Brigitte Napo
“I love traveling with my mom because she pushes me to get out of my comfort zone and be more adventurous. Traveling with her has taught me to go for what I want and not let fear stop me from enjoying life. She is my favorite travel partner.”
19
Donna and Toni Philp
“She can hang and is down to rough it with little to no complaints. We have memories we will cherish forever.”
20
Andrea and Arlene Wiley
“I’m the one who got her into traveling, but she taught me love and acceptance of everyone. Thus my love of travel was born from her life lessons. Plus now that she does travel, she’s up for almost anything and the quality time we get is invaluable.”
21
Ivory and Dianne Jones
“My mom is one of my best friends. This was her first time out of the country at the age of 65 even though she had gotten her passport long before I had gotten mine. Initially, she was supposed to go on a cruise with her sister, but my aunt passed unexpectedly in 2014. Then she planned on traveling with my father after she retired, but then he passed unexpectedly in 2016, just five months before her retirement date. So I consider the fact that I got to finally help her get her first stamp an honor and a privilege. She deserves the world and I’m working my hardest to give it to her.”
22
Shervonne and Sheryl Bufford
“I love traveling with my mom because she’s the best travel partner there is. She’s always down to go and is never disappointed with our wild excursions. Living in different states doesn’t give us a lot of time together, but when we’re traveling we have 24-hour access to one another, and that’s the absolute best thing I love about traveling with my mom.”
23
Tiffany Hutchinson and Joan Cox
“I love traveling with my mom because she loves to drink wine, dance, and be the center of attention. Ha! She taught me to accept everyone no matter where they are from because though we may be on different paths we are all on the same road of life.”
24
Tiffany and Sybil McDowell
“I love traveling with my mom. My love for travel comes from her. She values every experience, as long as we’re together. So now instead of gifts, we travel!”
25
Brandie Davis and Ozell Cobb
“I love traveling with my mom because of her energy. She’s the kind of person everyone wants to know. People are drawn to her and it makes traveling with her a warm and inviting experience. What I’ve learned from my mother about travel is to enjoy the moments. Every day can be an adventure if you appreciate the little things and all of the moments that come with them.”
26
Tranisha and Teresa
“This was my mom’s first trip out of the country. She was hesitant about going but she was open-minded and stepped out of her comfort zone. That’s what I love about traveling with my mom, she let’s loose a little and tries new things. Being able to share those moments with her are priceless.”
27
Amber Atkins and Carla Walters
“I love traveling with my mom because she’s truly my best friend! I love sharing new experiences and different cultures with her, and seeing the happiness in her eyes that she has always looked for in my eyes. She has always stressed that I see the world before I settle down unlike she did, so to share these experiences with her is priceless because it makes me feel like I’m helping her enjoy a part of life she felt she would never experience.”
28
LaKeya Jones and Pamela Jones Lighten
“I watched my mother care for my grandmother until her last day on Earth. She never complained and handled all affairs with grace and care, even though I know she was hurting. After experiencing that, I vowed that I would do everything in my power to give my mom her flowers while she’s still here to smell them. She always wanted to see the world, but life would get in the way. I made it my business to change that. We take a Mommy & Me trip every year. It’s my way of celebrating her, and it’s so awesome watching her enjoy every moment of every trip!”
29
Sendja and Myrlene Luzincourt
“Traveling with her has definitely taught me patience, not rushing through things, stopping and enjoying the moment. It’s an honor to be able to see the world with her!”
30
Princess and Marie M. Francois
“My mom is an immigrant from Haiti and has taught me the love and value of traveling. Growing up we did not have the means to go beyond the tri-state area. Since I started working, I travel with her every summer and Christmas break, on me, paying it forward for the wanderlust she instilled in me. It warms my heart to see her eyes light up as we travel to new cities and she asks the question, ‘where to next?’ Our trips are extra special because she does not travel by plane so we always go by bus or train. I hope one day she can see all 50 states.”
31
Kasani Bell, April Waheed, Najiyyah Waheed, and Adreinne Waheed
“I actually learned my love for travel from my mom, grandma, and auntie because since I was 5 years old we have traveled together for Mother’s Day. Our travels have taken us both domestically and internationally and I can’t wait until I have a daughter so we can bring her along.”
32
Netanya Edokpa and Vivian Hutchinson
“My mom has taught me to always be myself and stay open to new experiences.”
33
Tatianna and Vivien Mott
“My mom taught me that there’s so much more to life than just the block I grew up on and the culture that I was raised in. Never stop learning.”
34
Brittany Morgan and Gwendolyn Jeffery
“Growing up she always wanted my sister and I to dream big and see the world. Last September she got the courage to fly for the first time and we traveled to New York, Paris, and Madrid.”
35
Adinah and Lynne Juliet
“I love traveling with my mom because she has always displayed an appreciation for learning through exploration. She taught me from an early age about the beauty of learning about others and their traditions, regardless if we are on a domestic or international trip.”
36
Shone Jemmott and Larshone Williams
“My mom and I basically grew up together and because she had so many responsibilities so young, she didn’t get to travel much. Currently, I’m blessed to be able to see the far corners of the world, so when possible, I love for her to have the same opportunities.”
37
Marlisha and Marisa McDaniels
“I love traveling with my mom because she has such an open and curious perspective of the world. We have taken trips every year, just the two of us, since I was in high school. Even if it was just a few states over on the Greyhound, she always wanted me to have the opportunity to see and learn things in different surroundings. As an adult, I’ve learned how valuable that exposure has and continues to be.”
38
Allison and Nicole Terry
“My mom is the reason I love to travel, she taught me from an early age that the world is bigger than my surroundings and I should explore it. She also taught me through travel not to fear exploration even if it means going alone.”
39
Melissa and Paulimer Williams
“She’s taught me to appreciate the moments and to create impactful memories. As she’s aged, our trips have moved from chasing cheap fares into the bucket list stage and I’m forever grateful for these moments.”
40
Pamela and Arleta Craig
“I love traveling with my Mom because she gets so excited and asks 1000 questions! She definitely gave me the travel bug at 17 when she took me to The Bahamas for my HS graduation. She and I both love taking pictures and trying new foods when we travel. We have traveled to over 10 countries together on 4 continents. Looking forward to many more adventures with her!”
41
Tunicia and Dee Walker
“I enjoy traveling with my mom because she teaches me how to truly relax and enjoy my vacation. She brings the chill spirit.”
42
Beatrice, Melanie, and Germina
“Our mother has lived a life where her family took precedence above all. So much so, that there is much in life that she hasn’t seen or experienced because of her sacrifices. Now that her children are grown, we have the privilege to expose her to different places and experience with her all the adventures life has to offer. We enjoy traveling with her because we get to experience, through her eyes, how the world is so big yet so small.”
43
LaTia and Marilyn Powell
“I love traveling with my mom because she really is my best girl. She knows how to have fun and stays moving when I don’t mind posting up and relaxing LOL. My mom taught me to KEEP GOING. She has seen more places and more continents than I have and that makes me proud. She’s determined to see the world no matter what life brings her. She’s my greatest hero.”
44
Ashley and Sonya Sherrise Lewis
“I love traveling with my mother because it’s like a bonding experience for me. It’s a time where we can truly focus on us, relax, and just enjoy the moments. My mother is the reason I love to travel and she’s taught me everything about safe and efficient traveling. My mom is my rock and we will forever be bonded, it’s a plus that she’s the funniest person and the best travel partner.”
45
Whitney Beatty and Toni Spencer Beatty
“I got the pleasure of taking my mom on her first trip out of the country — an 8-day cruise and tour of Europe. I got the chance to see her as a person, instead of just my mom, as we got to experience people, places, and cultures she said she couldn’t have dreamed of visiting. It was amazing to give back to someone who has poured so much into me.”
46
Alexis and Joyce James
“We stopped exchanging gifts at Christmas a few years ago and now go on yearly trips. My mom introduced me to travel when we moved to France when I was 9. I love traveling with her because we both love experiencing new things.”
47
Tyra Hughley Smith and Danna Hughley
“My mom died a year and a half ago and this picture was actually taken while traveling and celebrating what would be her last Mother’s Day. What I’ve learned about travel is that life is short so enjoy it and travel now while you can. And make the most of every moment.”
48
Alana and Jeanette Gardner
“My mom is little in stature and big in spirit. She took me everywhere as a child and young adult including places like Malta, cruising through the Panama Canal at the Crack of dawn, and waking up on the Amalfi Coast. I saw the world with my mom long before social media and cell phones. I love traveling with my mom because she likes to experience all that the world has to offer the same way I do. My mom lives her best life and I enjoy watching her do it.”
