I never thought I would say this, but my parents are way ahead of their time. They jumped on the bandwagon of Swedish Death Cleaning long before I or anyone else even knew there was a wagon or a band. (My dad is Swedish, so maybe it's just in his blood.) They have always lived simply, and only bought things they really needed—plus all the jokes about my sister and I not having to work to hard to clean out their house after they are gone.
While it's admirable that they don't have closets and drawers full of things that never get used, it has made gift-giving occasions difficult. My sister and I finally decided to stop trying to buy them things and instead start buying them memories.
That can mean a lot of things: tickets to plays and concerts or a subscription to Audible for their morning walks. But this Mother's Day, we're going bigger. We planned a girls' weekend to whisk our mom away. But big gifts like this require planning and budgeting, which is where Groupon Coupons comes in. They have teamed up with Orbitz and CheapTickets to offer 10%–16% off hotels for Mother's Day weekend in top destinations like Portland and San Diego. Take a peek at some of the best savings:
San Francisco
Home to tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, San Francisco and the Bay Area are perfect for a weekend getaway. There's world-class art and science museums, stunning views from the Presidio and Golden Gate Park, and some of the best dim sum you will ever taste in Chinatown. Plus, you're just a few hours from destinations like Napa Valley and Monterey.
Portland
If a funky weekend getaway is what you had in mind, Portland could be the destination for you. The city is jam-packed with street art, breweries, live music, and great food (Voodoo Doughnut, we're talking about you!). And if that gets overwhelming for you, clear your head in nature by hiking some of Forest Park's more than 70 miles of trails or visit Mt. Hood.
San Diego
Considered the birthplace of California, San Diego is a hopping metropolis with tons to do and see. (Plus the weather is universally great!) For tourist attractions, there are the many stunning beaches, the world-famous zoo, breweries, history, and art. Stroll through Old Town to see preserved missions other historic buildings or visit Balboa Park for what's left of the Panama California Exposition of 1915.
Las Vegas
Ever heard of it? This oasis in the desert isn't just about gambling—though if that's what you want to do, you'll find it here in spades. Any night of the week, you can find top-notch concerts and shows, get a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or see the fountains at the Bellagio.
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
4 stars
Starting at $184 per night
Close to: Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and the Alcatraz ferry
