Los Angeles Times

No flowers. Send Mom packing!

- By Mary Forgione

Americans will spend more than $23 billion this year for Mother’s Day just to tell Mom how much they love her. Instead of flowers or brunch, why not spring for a travel adventure — and maybe even tag along? Here are five places Mom might like to experience.

Iceland

Ride through the wilds of southern Iceland on a weeklong (July 19-25) Mom and daughter horseback adventure. You’ll see volcanoes, geysers, the famed Gullfoss waterfall, and mountains and lakes in Thingvelli­r National Park. Girls must be 10 to 16 years old. $2,295 per person, excluding airfare. Info: lat.ms/ridingadve­nture

Belize

Sneak off with Mom to stay in a villa or over-water bungalow at Cayo Espanto, an island about 3 miles off Belize. Fly fish, scuba dive or just hang out. Book by May 20 to receive a seventh night free. All-inclusive stays from $1,495 a night. Info: aprivateis­land.com

California

Reward Mom with a surfing lesson from the pros at Malibu Surf Shack and a stay at the luxury Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalow in Santa Monica. Prices for two from $749 for the first night and $419 for the second night (two-night minimum required). May 25-Sept. 3. Info: lat.ms/miramarto malibu

Florida

Take Mom on a day of reef fishing; a seaplane trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, one of the most remote and least visited U.S. parks; and a jet ski tour of the Atlantic shore. Ocean Key Resort & Spa in Key West, Fla., offers the trip, which starts at $1,600 a night, with a threenight minimum stay. Available through Dec. 31, 2019. Info: lat.ms/oceankey adventures

California

Give Mom the gift of a girls weekend away (Sept. 28-30) with fitness instructor and author LaReine Chabut. The MomGevity Getaways are for moms looking to “revitalize and recharge” while bonding with other moms. The all-inclusive three-day stay at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, includes fitness and yoga instructio­n by Chabut as well as wine-tasting, spa treatments and hot tubs. $1,499 for a private room, $1,199 for a shared room. Info: www.momgevity.net/ retreats

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