Forget about headphones, fluffy slippers, and an espresso machine that brews cold beer.
According to research from AmEx Trendex, three out of four Gen Z and Millennials around the world say they want fun experiences and travel rather than physical gifts this holiday season.
The giver is also listening. Half of consumers say they plan to purchase a travel experience for someone this year, according to Accenture’s 18th Annual Holiday Shopping Survey released Thursday..
However, giving the gift of travel may be easier said than done.
According to an Accenture survey of more than 6,050 consumers across 10 countries, the most common buyer complaints are the need to book on an exact date (34%) and the need to book on someone’s behalf. (29%) say they lack the detailed information necessary to do so.
“The number of choices and decisions travelers face and the complex booking process can lead to lost revenue,” the Accenture report said.
To inform or to surprise?
If you’re wary of fixing someone else’s travel itinerary, you can avoid the problem by surprising your gift recipient with a travel idea and putting your plans on the back burner.
One Reddit poster wrote, “My brother and I surprised my mom with a trip to Italy for her 65th birthday. We gave her the Rick Steves Italy travel book and a travel wallet. I then gave him a small printed ‘airline ticket’ as a gift.” …when she opens her present [we] I explained that I would be going with her…dates to be determined, but convenient for all of us. ”
But for those who want to keep the element of surprise, another Redditor explained how to use a simple trick to extract available dates from the recipients (the poster’s father and his wife).
But some people warn against surprising anyone with your trip. Instead, we recommend planning and announcing your trip late, before you have paid all or most of the trip.
cards and certificates
Is it still too complicated? Consider purchasing gift certificates from airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and travel agents.
Many companies sell gift cards directly from their websites, and buyers can choose between physical or virtual cards. The latter is perfect for last-minute shoppers and allows recipients to redeem at a later date.
American Airlines allows buyers to purchase multiple cards and have them mailed to different addresses. Delta Air Lines is allowing buyers to customize gift cards with photos and is shipping them free of charge through Dec. 13.
Marriott gift cards range in price from $25 to $2,000, and buyers can choose a date for the company to email the gift to the recipient. Hilton Honors members can purchase points or transfer them to others to redeem for free hotel nights, car rentals, Lyft rides, and more.
Independent hotel brands like Naumi and Mandarin Oriental also sell gift cards.
Royal Caribbean sells gift cards that can be redeemed toward cruise reservations, but not pre-cruise purchases such as shore excursions, drink packages, or internet. However, the website says these are “expected to be available in the near future.”
Intrepid Travel, which specializes in sustainable tours for small groups, allows gift buyers to purchase a specific tour for another person. Road Scholar, a US nonprofit organization that plans educational trips for older travelers, sells gift certificates starting at $50.
Other websites offer gift cards that are not tied to a specific brand, but some of those companies have mixed reviews.
For vouchers or gift certificates, purchasers should check the fine print for any restrictions. For example, Finnair gift cards are valid for one year, while Airbnb gift cards are not available in all regions.
Buy an “experience”
Purchasing travel “experiences” rather than offsetting the cost of travel is a way to upgrade someone’s vacation plans while taking advantage of today’s major travel trends.
If you’re buying for someone who’s already planning a 2025 trip, ask where they’re staying and check the hotel’s website. COMO Hotels and Resorts sells “gift experiences” in seven countries, from night snorkeling in the Maldives ($128) to truffle hunting in Tuscany ($324).
Luxury hotel brand Four Seasons also sells gift cards that can be redeemed for spa treatments, dining, and experiences like golf in Costa Rica or chocolate tasting in Istanbul. You do not need to be a hotel guest to redeem. that.
Knowing your travel dates and hotel name also gives you the opportunity to work directly with the hotel to arrange airport transfers, special dinners, champagne delivered to your room, and more.
Travelers headed to Hawaii for spring break may not jump on a helicopter tour, but they can buy one on their behalf on websites like Viator and Klook.
For those without a plan, an experience closer to home may be a better option.
Your cousin studying in Paris might enjoy a macaron-making class, or your nephew who just started college might enjoy haunted pub hopping in Austin, Texas.
For grandparents who want to choose their own adventures, the GetYourGuide website sells gift cards to more than 60,000 tours and attractions around the world.
“There are no restrictions,” the company’s website says. “Simply select the amount and choose the perfect experience for your gift recipient.”
