Forget headphones, fuzzy slippers, and cold brew coffee makers.
Globally, three-quarters of Gen Z and Millennials say they want not physical gifts but fun experiences or travel this holiday season, according to a survey by Amex Trendex.
The giver is listening, too. Half of consumers say they plan to buy a travel experience for someone this year, according to Accenture’s 18th annual Holiday Shopping Survey released Thursday.
But giving the gift of “travel” can be easier said than done.
According to Accenture’s survey of more than 6,050 consumers in 10 countries, the top buyer complaints are the need to book for exact dates (34%) and the lack of details needed to book on behalf of others (29%).
“Complex booking processes, combined with the multitude of choices and decisions faced by travelers, can result in lost revenue,” Accenture’s report states.
Narration – or surprise?
Those who feel uneasy about locking in another person’s travel dates can get around this problem by surprising the gift recipient with the idea of traveling and leaving the planning until later.
one Poster on Reddit “My brother and I surprised our mom with a trip to Italy for her 65th birthday. We bought her a Rick Steves Italy travel book, a travel wallet and a printed Tickets’. … As she opened the gift (we) explained that we would be going with her… the date was to be determined, but would be convenient for all of us.
But for those who want to keep the element of surprise, another Reddit user explained how to extract available dates from the recipients (the poster’s father and his wife) using a simple trick.
However, some warn against surprising anyone on your trip, instead recommending planning with them and announcing it before you pay all or most of the trip.
Cards and certificates
Still too complicated? Consider purchasing gift certificates from airlines, restaurants, cruise lines, or travel agents.
Many companies sell gift cards directly from their websites, allowing buyers to choose between physical or virtual cards (the latter perfect for last-minute shoppers) that the recipient can redeem later.
American Airlines Ask buyers to purchase multiple cards and mail them to different addresses. Delta Air Lines Allows buyers to personalize gift cards with photos and ship them for free through December 13th.
Marriott gift card Prices range from $25 to $2,000, and buyers can choose a date when the company will email the gift to the recipient. Hilton Honors members can Buy or transfer points Give it to someone else and redeem it for a free hotel stay, car rental, or Lyft ride.
Independent hotel brands including Naumi and Mandarin Oriental also sell gift cards.
Royal Caribbean sells gift cards that are redeemable for cruise bookings but do not include pre-cruise purchases such as shore excursions, beverage packages and internet. However, according to its website, these “will be launched in the near future.”
Travel fearlesslySpecialize in sustainable tours for small groups, allowing gift buyers to purchase a specific tour for another person. road scholaris an American non-profit organization that plans educational trips for senior travelers and sells gift certificates starting at $50.
Other sites offer gift cards that are not tied to a specific brand, but reviews for some of these companies are mixed.
As with any coupon or gift certificate, buyers should check the fine print for restrictions. For example, Finnair gift card Expires after one year, at the same time Airbnb gift card Not available in every region.
Buy “experience”
Purchasing travel “experiences” is not about offsetting travel costs, but a way to upgrade someone’s vacation plans – while taking advantage of The main trends in travel today.
If you’re buying for someone who has a trip scheduled for 2025, ask them where they’re staying and check the hotel’s website. Como Hotels & Resorts sells “gift experiences” in seven countries, from Maldives night snorkeling ($128) Truffle hunting in Tuscany ($324).
The luxury Four Seasons hotel brand also sells gift cards that can be redeemed for spa treatments, dining and experiences, such as golfing in Costa Rica or chocolate tasting in Istanbul – and you don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to redeem it.
Researching travel dates and hotel names can also provide opportunities to work directly with the hotel to arrange airport transfers, special dinners or a bottle of champagne delivered to the room.
Travelers heading to Hawaii during spring break may not opt for a helicopter tour, but they can be purchased on their behalf on sites like Viator and Klook.
For those without plans, an experience closer to home may be a better option.
A cousin studying in Paris might enjoy a macaron-making class, while a nephew just starting college might enjoy a haunted pub crawl in Austin, Texas.
For grandparents who want to choose their own adventure, the GetYourGuide website sells gift cards to more than 60,000 tours and attractions around the world.
“They don’t have any restrictions,” Company website read. “Simply select an amount and let recipients choose their perfect experience.”
