We all know that some holiday gifts may end up in a drawer, regifted, or donated by February.
But travel? Travel sticks with you. The memories, the photos, the stories you tell for years—those don’t collect dust. Those are truly the gifts that keep on giving.
If you’re thinking about giving the gift of travel this year, we thought we’d throw together some suggestions on ways to do it creatively!
Why Travel Makes the Perfect Gift
It’s an experience, not stuff.
No clutter. No returns. Just memories that last longer than any physical gift.
It creates quality time together.
Whether you’re gifting a trip you’ll take together or sending someone off on their dream adventure, travel creates moments that matter.
It’s adaptable to any budget.
You can gift a weekend getaway or a two-week international adventure. The budget is up to you.
It shows you really know them.
A thoughtfully chosen trip says “I know what you love, and I want you to experience it.”
Types of Travel Gifts to Consider
The Romantic Getaway
A trip for two—whether it’s for an anniversary, just because, or a major milestone.
Ideas:
- Weekend escape – Wine country, historic cities, cozy mountain cabins
- Beach retreat – Caribbean, Mexico, coastal escapes
- European adventure – Paris, Rome, Barcelona—somewhere you’ve both been dreaming about
- Surprise destination – Book everything, reveal it Christmas morning
How to present it:
Create custom “boarding passes” or a travel itinerary. Put it in an envelope with a handwritten note. Make the reveal part of the experience.
The Relaxation Escape
Sometimes the best gift is permission to do absolutely nothing.
Ideas:
- All-inclusive resort – Beach or mountains, everything handled, just show up and unwind
- Spa retreat – Wellness-focused properties with treatments, yoga, healthy food
- Wine country weekend – Sonoma, Napa, Willamette Valley, Finger Lakes
- Secluded luxury – Remote lodge, private villa, somewhere peaceful
Why it works:
Everyone needs a break. This gift says “stop, breathe, relax—you’ve earned it.”
The Adventure Experience
For the person who’d rather climb a mountain than sit on a beach.
Ideas:
- Skiing or snowboarding trip – Colorado, Utah, Vermont, or head to the Alps
- Hiking adventure – National parks, Patagonia, the Dolomites
- Water sports – Diving, surfing, kayaking in exotic locations
- Bucket-list activity – Hot air ballooning, heli-skiing, safari
Perfect for: Active travelers who measure vacations in adrenaline, not umbrella drinks.
The Cultural Immersion
Travel that’s less about relaxation and more about experiencing something completely different.
Ideas:
- European city exploration – Art, architecture, history, food
- Food-focused trips – Culinary tours, cooking classes, wine regions
- Historical destinations – Egypt, Greece, Rome, Jerusalem
- Off-the-beaten-path – Morocco, Jordan, Vietnam, Peru
Why it matters:
These trips change perspectives. They’re educational, inspiring, and create stories worth telling.
The Group Experience
Whether it’s family, friends, or a mix of both—some trips are better together.
Ideas:
- Villa rental – Tuscany, Costa Rica, Caribbean—everyone under one roof
- All-inclusive resort – Easy coordination, activities for all ages
- Cruise – Multigenerational groups can do their own thing but come together for meals
- Destination celebration – Milestone birthday, reunion, or just “let’s do this while we can”
How to coordinate:
Announce with a save-the-date. Get input on activities but handle major logistics. Be clear about what’s covered and what’s not.
The Solo Adventure
Sometimes the best gift is supporting someone’s desire to travel alone.
Ideas:
- International solo trip – Help fund the Europe backpacking trip or Southeast Asia adventure they’ve been dreaming about
- Wellness retreat – Solo spa getaway or yoga retreat
- Personal challenge – Hiking the Camino, learning to surf, photography expedition
- City escape – Weekend in a new city with no agenda except exploring
Why it’s meaningful:
Solo travel builds confidence, independence, and self-discovery. Supporting that journey is a powerful gift.
The “Finally Do This” Trip
You know that destination someone’s been talking about for years but never pulls the trigger on? This is that gift.
Ideas:
- Bucket list destination – Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand—wherever they keep mentioning
- Dream experience – Northern Lights, African safari, Great Barrier Reef
- Milestone trip – The graduation trip, the retirement adventure, the “we’re finally doing this”
The key: Stop talking about it. Make it happen!
How to Actually Give Travel as a Gift
Option 1: Fully Planned and Booked
You handle everything—flights, hotels, activities, the works. The recipient just shows up.
Pros:
- Maximum surprise factor
- Shows you put serious thought and effort into it
- No decision fatigue for the recipient
Cons:
- Requires knowing their schedule and preferences pretty well
- Less flexibility if plans change
- Higher upfront cost
Best for: Partners, close family members whose schedules you know
Option 2: Booked Accommodations + Flexible Flights
You book the hotel or resort for specific dates, but let them book their own flights (or contribute toward flight costs).
Pros:
- They can choose flight times that work for them
- Easier to coordinate if they’re coming from different cities
- Still feels like a complete gift
Cons:
- Requires them to handle one piece of logistics
- Flight costs can add up if you’re not covering them
Best for: Adult children, friends, extended family
Option 3: Contribution Toward a Trip
You don’t book anything—you just contribute money toward a trip they’re already planning or dreaming about.
Pros:
- Totally flexible
- Takes financial pressure off their trip planning
- They get exactly what they want
Cons:
- Less “wow” factor on Christmas morning
- Feels more like cash than an experience gift
Best for: Anyone with a specific trip already in mind
Option 4: The Experience Package
Instead of a full trip, gift specific experiences—a hot air balloon ride, a cooking class, a spa day, concert tickets..any kind of experience you can think of that you know they’d enjoy.
Pros:
- Lower cost than a full trip
- Adds something special to a trip they’re already taking
- Feels more tangible than cash
Cons:
- None, really.
Best for: Adding magic to an existing trip, or giving them an experience you know they’d love but might not do for themselves.
Creative Ways to Present a Travel Gift
The reveal matters. Don’t just say “we’re going to Italy” over Christmas ham. Make it fun!!
Ideas:
- Custom puzzle – Create a puzzle that reveals the destination when completed
- Scratch-off map – Give them a scratch-off world map with the destination marked
- Fake boarding passes – Design custom boarding passes with their name and destination
- Destination-themed gift box – Include guidebooks, snacks from the destination, a phrasebook, etc.
- Countdown calendar – Give them a calendar counting down to the trip
- Scavenger hunt – Hide clues around the house that lead to the reveal
The key: Make the reveal an experience in itself. Build anticipation. Make it memorable.
What to Include When You Give Travel
If you’re fully planning the trip, put together a packet or folder with:
- Itinerary overview (dates, destination, key activities)
- Accommodation details (with confirmation numbers if booked)
- Flight information (if booked) or “flight budget” if they’re booking their own
- Suggested activities (but leave room for spontaneity)
- Packing suggestions
- Any pre-trip logistics (passport requirements, visa info, vaccination needs)
Make it visual:
Include photos of the destination, the hotel, activities. Make them excited about what’s coming.
Budget-Friendly Travel Gifts
You don’t need to book a two-week European vacation to give meaningful travel.
On the low-end:
- Weekend road trip to a nearby city
- Camping trip with all the gear included
- Spa weekend at a local resort
- Concert or sporting event in another city (include hotel)
A little bit more:
- Long weekend in a U.S. city (flights + hotel + some spending money)
- All-inclusive Caribbean resort for a few nights
- National park adventure with lodging and activities
Double or triple a little bit more:
- Week-long beach vacation
- European city break (flights + hotel for 4-5 days)
- Domestic adventure (Alaska, Hawaii, etc.)
Quite a bit more:
- Two-week international trip
- Luxury resort vacation
- Multi-country itinerary
- Once-in-a-lifetime adventure (safari, Antarctica, etc.)
Common Questions (And Honest Answers)
What if they can’t take time off work?
Build in flexibility. Book refundable accommodations if possible, or give the gift with the understanding that dates can shift.
What if they don’t like the destination?
This is why communication matters. Drop hints beforehand. Ask what’s on their bucket list. Pay attention to what excites them.
What if plans change?
Travel insurance. Seriously. For any trip that’s gifted, include travel insurance that covers cancellation, interruption, and medical emergencies.
Should I book everything or leave some flexibility?
Depends on the person. Control freaks want everything planned. Free spirits want options. Know your audience.
The best gifts aren’t things. They’re moments. Experiences. Stories you’ll tell forever.
