6 Simple Ways to Gift Travel
Looking to give a more memorable holiday gift this year? According to data from Bank of America, travel was the fastest growing holiday spending category in the last year. More consumers say they value experiences over material gifts and are seeking ways to share them with friends and family. And it’s easier than you might think to gift the experience of travel. Here are six simple ways to do it right:
1. Gift Reward Points. If you’re a frequent traveler, gifting hotel or airlines reward points is one of the easiest ways to give a getaway, allowing the recipient the flexibility to plan on their own terms and timeline. One of the biggest benefits of signing up for a loyalty program with a major travel company is not just the ease of earning points, but the many options you have for redeeming them. Reward points with brands like Marriott Bonvoy can be used for experiences in vacation destinations, from helicopter tours to theme park tickets and stadium concerts. Keep in mind that there’s an incremental fee the more points you share, so analyzing what you’re spending to gift them is key, but the variety of ways to use them makes it a universal option that anyone can enjoy at their leisure.
2. Hotel Gift Cards. Let’s be real – we’ve all given and received our fair share of gift cards. Travel gift cards, however, are in another league compared to the standard forget-to-use retail plastic. Hotel gift cards are one of the easiest ways to share your love of travel, and in my opinion, one of the most exciting to receive. As a giver, no planning is required, just load the card with your gift amount, wrap it in a box with the latest issues of your favorite travel magazine and let inspiration do the rest. Whether it’s for a busy spouse who just needs an overnight staycation (and maybe a day at the spa), a new graduate planning their first solo trip or a teacher you know could use a big break over Spring Break, a travel gift card is one which everyone will appreciate, and no one will lose at the bottom of their wallet.
3. Airport Club Passes. Ever walked past the sliding door entrance to one of the airline lounges during a lengthy layover or delay just longing to step inside and relax with free wifi, dining, drinks and some respite from the crowds? Day passes to airport lounges are one of my favorite gifts for friends and family planning to travel in the coming year. You can purchase directly through many airlines themselves, ranging from $50-$60 for a daily pass, or if traveling internationally, look to LoungePass which sells passes to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide from $30-$60. And if you have a frequent traveler in your life, consider giving an annual pass that will have them silently cheering your name every time they step into a terminal.
4. Trip Under the Tree. If you’re gifting for your immediate family – like your spouse and kids – and you know you’re going to want to make a mid-winter escape in a month or two, use some of your holiday spending budget and plan your future family trip now. Bundle up a gift box with items that will help them guess where you’re going for the wow factor and quite literally…put a trip under the tree. My favorite part: you’re paying for it now, with something to look forward to later!
5. Pay for a Passport. Some things you can’t purchase directly for someone, like a passport, but getting creative can be the ticket to helping them make their dream trip a reality. Download and print out a passport application, include cash for the fee and bundle it with a globe or world atlas for inspiration. Passports are good for ten years and put a world of options at your feet.
6. Setup for Saving. If you know someone looking to save for a big trip – maybe it’s your kids, grandkids or sibling – get them set up with a platform that will help them save. Crowdfunding sites like Plumfund (sister to honeymoon site, Honeyfund) give future travelers the tools they need to get started, while giving friends and family the opportunity to gift towards their trip too. It can be as simple as setting up a profile, making the first contribution and sharing the site with other loved ones who are likely looking for gift giving ideas as well. The best part: you can start now and continue to contribute for other upcoming milestones, like birthdays and graduation, throughout the year.