Forget the headphones, the fuzzy slippers and the espresso machine that cranks out a chilly brew.
Globally, three out of 4 Gen Zs and millennials said that slightly than a physical gift, they desire a fun experience or trip this holiday season, in line with an Amex Trendex survey.
Gift givers are listening too. Half of consumers said they plan to purchase a travel experience for somebody this 12 months, in line with Accenture’s 18th Annual Holiday Shopping Survey published Thursday.
But giving the gift of “travel” could also be easier said than done.
Chief amongst buyers’ complaints are needing to book exact dates (34%) and lacking details needed to book on behalf of one other (29%), in line with Accenture’s survey of greater than 6,050 consumers across 10 countries.
“Complex booking processes, coupled with the sheer variety of selections and decisions travelers are faced with, could lead on to lost revenue,” states Accenture’s report.
To inform — or to surprise?
Those skittish about locking in travel dates for an additional person can bypass the issue by surprising the gift recipient with the thought of the trip — and leaving the planning for later.
One poster on Reddit said, “My brother & I surprised our mom with a visit to Italy for her sixty fifth. We got her a Rick Steves Italy travel book, a travel purse and printed slightly ‘plane ticket.’ … When she opened the gift [we] explained we could be going together with her … on a date TBD but convenient for us all.”
But for many who wish to preserve the element of surprise, one other Redditor explained learn how to use a straightforward ruse to extract available dates from the recipient — the poster’s father and his wife.
Yet some caution against surprising anyone with a visit — and as a substitute recommend planning with them and announcing later than you are paying for all, or most of, the trip.
Cards and certificates
Still too complicated? Consider buying a present voucher from an airline, hotel, cruise line or travel agency.
Many firms sell gift cards directly from their web sites, allowing buyers to decide on physical or virtual cards — the latter ideal for last-minute shoppers — that the recipient can redeem at a later date.
American Airlines lets buyers purchase multiple cards to be mailed to different addresses. Delta Air Lines allows buyers to personalize gift cards with photos and is shipping gift cards at no cost through Dec. 13.
Marriott gift cards range from $25 to $2,000, and buyers can select a date for the corporate to email recipients their gifts. Hilton Honors members can buy or transfer points to others, which will be redeemed at no cost hotel stays, rental cars or rides on Lyft.
Independent hotels brands, including Naumi and Mandarin Oriental, also sell gift cards.
Royal Caribbean sells gift cards that will be redeemed for a cruise booking, but not pre-cruise purchases resembling shore excursions, beverage packages and web. Nonetheless, these “can be available within the near future,” in line with its website.
Intrepid Travel, which makes a speciality of sustainable tours for small groups, lets gift buyers purchase specific tours for an additional person. Road Scholar, a U.S. not-for-profit that plans educational trips for older travelers, sells gift certificates, ranging from $50.
Other web sites offer gift cards that are not tied to specific brands, but reviews are mixed on a few of those firms.
With any voucher or gift certificate, buyers should check the superb print for restrictions. For instance, Finnair gift cards expire in a single 12 months, while Airbnb gift cards aren’t available in every region.
Buying an ‘experience’
Somewhat than offsetting costs of a visit, buying a travel “experience” is a approach to upgrade someone’s vacation plans — while tapping right into a key trend in travel today.
When you’re buying for somebody who has already scheduled a visit in 2025, ask where they’re staying and take a look at the hotel’s website. Como Hotels and Resorts sells “gift experiences” in seven countries, from night snorkeling within the Maldives ($128) to truffle hunting in Tuscany ($324).
The luxurious 4 Seasons hotel brand also sells gift cards that will be redeemed for spa treatments, meals and experiences, resembling golfing in Costa Rica or chocolate-tasting in Istanbul — and you do not must be a guest of the hotel to redeem it.
Sleuthing for travel dates and a hotel name can open opportunities to work directly with the hotel too, to schedule airport transfers, a special dinner or to have a bottle of Champagne delivered to the room.
Travelers headed to Hawaii over Spring Break may not spring for a helicopter tour, but these will be purchased on their behalf on web sites like Viator and Klook.
For those with no plans, an experience closer to home could also be a greater option.
A cousin studying in Paris may enjoy a macaron-making class, and a nephew who just began college may enjoy a haunted pub crawl in Austin, Texas.
As for grandparents who will want to select their very own adventure, the web site GetYourGuide sells gift cards for greater than 60,000 tours and attractions worldwide.
“They’re are not any restrictions,” the company’s website reads. “Just select an amount and let the giftee pick their perfect experience.”
