This year’s top picks for wonderful Mother’s Day trips are listed below.

Mother’s Day vacations used to be as simple as taking a short trip to a favorite neighborhood eatery. But that is no longer the case. The sky is practically the limit these days. You can be in the medieval cobblestone walkways of France or Italy in eight hours. In addition, you can spend 16 hours wandering the back alleyways of the Orient, looking for romantic surprises. Properties for sale in Doha

SOUTH AFRICA’S CAPTETOWN — Cape Town, located at the southernmost point of Africa and facing the Cape of Good Hope, is bordered on one side by the ocean and backed by the magnificent, flat-topped Table Mountain. It’s a popular choice among international travelers…and an excellent Mother’s Day gift. You may take Mom up to the top of Table Mountain on the cable car, where you can enjoy a leisurely supper while taking in the breathtaking sights. You can take her to the V&A Waterfront, where she can buy, eat, and see as much as she wants. You may take her on a sightseeing tour in one of the ubiquitous red double-decker buses. You may also take her to the lighthouse at Cape Point, Africa’s southernmost point, for a picnic lunch overlooking False Bay’s pounding surf. Then it’s back into town for dinner at one of the many excellent ethnic eateries.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — Vancouver is hard to top when it comes to breathtaking scenery. There are many beautiful hotels and fine restaurants in the city, many of which have views of the lake and mountains. There are also fantastic neighborhoods to explore, such as Gastown, which is full of eccentric boutiques, restaurants, and galleries, and Chinatown, which has a hundred entrances loaded with delicious fragrances. You might be able to catch the procession of cruise ships departing the harbor if you’re lucky. Take a trek in the nearby mountains, then stroll the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which stretches hundreds of feet above the Capilano River and is the world’s longest swinging bridge.

RED MOUNTAIN RESORT, UTAH, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA — This is the place to go if Mom would prefer spend Mother’s Day in the Great Outdoors than in a fancy outfit. Mom will be able to hike, cycle, horseback ride, kayak, and explore lava caves at Red Mountain, which is nestled among the red-rock cliffs and steep canyons in southern Utah. She can have treatments in one of America’s best spas (The Sagestone Spa & Salon), take yoga classes, and eat healthy foods to work out those tight muscles afterwards. Mom can also enjoy a romantic Mother’s Day meal at Canyon Breeze Restaurant at the end of her memorable weekend.

CALIFORNIA’S NAPA VALLEY WINE COUNTRY — Hundreds of world-class vineyards may be found in Napa Valley, located in northern California. You can meander through old stone buildings with Mediterranean archways and fountains, and sample the wines while eating a delicious lunch. Wine Country, however, is much more than just wine. There are lush highlands and hills, which are crisscrossed by twisting roads. There are some lovely historical towns to visit, such as St. Helena and Yountville. There are also old-fashioned bed-and-breakfasts to stay in, as well as intimate little restaurants serving inventive food.

HONG KONG, CHINA — Hong Kong is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. Take the Peak Tram to the top of the mountain, where you’ll discover romantic restaurants serving delicious food. Rent a junk for the afternoon and sit back with Mom as the boat weaves its way through the watery traffic beneath the huge buildings. Spend a day with her at one of the renowned spas. On the magnificent grounds of Hong Kong Park, pop a bottle of bubbly. And stay at The Peninsula, which has retained its Colonial beauty since the 1920s.

That concludes my top picks for Mother’s Day trips. As always, I welcome any feedback!