Forget the headphones, the fluffy slippers, and the espresso machine making a chilly brew.
According to a survey by Amex Trendex, three-quarters of Gen Z and Millennials globally said they need a fun experience or trip as a substitute of a physical gift this holiday season.
Gift givers listen too. Half of consumers said they plan to treat someone to a travel experience this yr, in accordance with Accenture's 18th annual holiday shopping survey released Thursday.
But giving the gift of “travel” could also be easier said than done.
According to an Accenture survey of greater than 6,050 consumers in 10 countries, top complaints from buyers include the necessity to book accurate dates (34%) and the lack of expertise required to book on behalf of another person (29%) .
“Complex booking processes, coupled with the sheer number of choices and decisions travelers face, could lead to lost revenue,” Accenture’s report said.
Tell – or surprise?
If you're hesitant about setting travel dates for another person, you possibly can get around the issue by surprising the recipient with the concept of the trip – and postponing the planning until later.
One Posters on Reddit said: “My brother and I surprised our mother with a visit to Italy for her sixty fifth birthday. We got her a Rick Steves Italy travel book, a travel handbag and printed out a little bit 'airplane ticket.'” …As she opened the gift [we] explained that we would go with her…at a date that is still open but is convenient for all of us.”
But for those who want to maintain the element of surprise, another Redditor explained how to use a simple ruse to extract available data from the recipient – the poster's father and his wife.
Still, some caution against surprising anyone with a trip — and instead recommend planning with them and announcing later when you'll pay for all or most of the trip.
Cards and certificates
Still too complicated? Consider purchasing a gift certificate from an airline, hotel, cruise line, or travel agency.
Many companies sell gift cards directly through their websites, allowing buyers to choose between physical or virtual cards—the latter ideal for last-minute shoppers—that the recipient can redeem at a later date.
American Airlines allows buyers to purchase multiple cards to ship to different addresses. Delta Air Lines allows shoppers to personalize gift cards with photos and ships gift cards free through December 13th.
Marriott gift cards Prices range from $25 to $2,000, and buyers can select a date for the company to email recipients their gifts. Hilton Honors members can Buy or transfer points to others that can be redeemed for free hotel stays, rental cars or Lyft rides.
Independent hotel brands like Naumi and Mandarin Oriental also sell gift cards.
Royal Caribbean sells gift cards that can be redeemed toward a cruise booking, but not toward pre-cruise purchases such as shore excursions, beverage packages and internet. However, these “will be available in the near future,” the website says.
Intrepid travelwhich specializes in sustainable tours for small groups, allows gift buyers to purchase specific tours for another person. Street Scholara U.S. nonprofit that plans educational trips for senior travelers is selling gift cards starting at $50.
Other sites offer gift cards that are not tied to specific brands. However, reviews of some of these companies are mixed.
With any voucher or gift certificate, buyers should check the fine print for restrictions. For example, Finnair gift cards expire in a year, while Airbnb gift cards are not available in every region.
Buy an “experience”.
Rather than offsetting the cost of a trip, purchasing a travel “experience” is a way to enhance a person’s vacation plans — while still taking advantage of one Key trend in today's travel.
If you're buying for someone who already has a trip planned in 2025, ask about that person's accommodations and check the hotel's website. Como Hotels and Resorts sells “gift experiences” in seven countries 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, meals and experiences like golfing in Costa Rica or chocolate tasting in Istanbul – and you don't have to be a hotel guest to redeem it.
Searching by travel dates and a hotel name can also open up opportunities to work directly with the hotel, plan airport transfers, a special dinner, or have a bottle of champagne delivered to your room.
Travelers heading to Hawaii during spring break may not be taking a helicopter tour, but they can purchase one on their behalf on sites like Viator and Klook.
For those without plans, an experience close to home may be a better option.
A cousin studying in Paris might enjoy a macaron-making class, and a nephew who just started college might enjoy a spooky bar 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 worldwide.
“There are no restrictions,” he said Company website reads. “Simply choose an amount and let the recipient choose their perfect experience.”
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