Oh, the holidays. That time of year when you have to browse through all the novelty kiosks to find the perfect gift for your quirky uncle or the in-laws.
But what if there was an easier gift to give? One that doesn’t involve fighting over mall parking and still gets the whole family talking?
Well today is your special day because we have the perfect gift idea that will wow anyone and never be tossed in the giveaway box.
It is the gift of travel! And not only is it a unique and lasting gift, it’s more affordable than you may think.
So find out what destinations are on your family’s bucket list and see if you can’t make their dream become a reality this Christmas.
Purchasing a surprise ticket for your loved one can be tricky, unless they visit the same destination every year or they love surprises.
But this option of ultimate surprise is sure to capture that epic, jaw-dropping moment.
If you know they go to Florida every second week of July, you could even book a nice hotel or pay for a family attraction that adds new flair to their yearly vacation.
And if need be, most major airlines do offer refund or exchange options for an additional charge.
Giving the promise of a ticket is another option and one that allows the recipient more flexibility to plan their trip when it’s convenient for their schedule.
If you are giving the promise of a ticket, be sure to make it special. Scribbling down some vague ideas on a piece of notebook paper won’t make your gift of travel seem all that real.
Try making a faux “airline ticket” with a destination listed on the front and place it in a travel bag or decorated box. You want them to be able to envision their perfect getaway in that very moment.
Planning a trip with your loved one’s input can be a fun bonding experience and makes your gift that much more meaningful and personal.
Plus, we all know those family members who have to be in control of the vacation planning process.
Some just don’t do well with surprises, so opening an envelope that says, “Surprise! I’m sending you off on a faraway trip at a moment’s notice,” may induce more grief than gusto.
Buying a gift card for a popular airline, hotel, or train is another exciting, yet wise, option.
They work just like any other gift card and ensures that your loved one actually takes a well-deserved vacation.
Then they can start the chatter about all the places they’d been hoping to visit, but didn’t have the opportunity until now.
It will be fun to hear everyone’s dream destination as you gather around the fire after the gifts have been opened.
Offering cash tucked into a Christmas card or small decorative box with brochures of exotic places lets the recipient know you were thinking they could take a fun trip with that dough you stuffed inside.
There is always the chance they’ll use the money on something else, but at least you’ll know you did your part to encourage a vacation of a lifetime.
Giving the gift of a romantic getaway instead of a new vacuum cleaner this year will definitely get you on your spouse’s good list!
And you don’t have to travel across an ocean to make it special, either. Booking a Bed & Breakfast or catching a last minute deal to a popular spot is the perfect dose of spontaneity that’s so irresistible in a marriage.
And remember, when purchasing the gift of travel, there are more options than just airfare. Look into getting tickets for a cruise or a cross-country train ride—giving your loved ones a new travel experience along the way.
USA Today also suggests using any earned air miles or cash-back rewards to purchase their flight or travel accommodations too.
Hey, there is no reason both parties can’t benefit from this season of giving!
And before you hit that “purchase now” button, check out our money saving tricks and tips to the hottest destinations—like booking trips in between peak times.
It’s so easy for us to get lost in the material frenzy of this time of year, so opting out of the mad rush may be just what the doctor ordered for you and your gift recipients.
Feeling pressured to buy useless stuff for every family member is par for the course most holidays, but giving the gift of travel will place you a step above the rest.
And think how exciting it will be to look through all the memories you helped make happen, all because you thought a little outside the box.
Please let us know if you have ever given or received the gift of travel and if it was the best gift ever!
