Forget headphones, fuzzy slippers and espresso machines that make cold drinks.
Globally, three out of four Gen Z and millennials say that instead of physical gifts, they want fun experiences or travel this holiday season, according to an Amex Trendex survey.
The gift giver also listens. Half of consumers say they plan to buy a travel experience for someone this year, according to Accenture’s 18th Annual Vacation Spending Survey released Thursday.
But giving the gift of “travel” may be easier said than done.
The chief complaint of buyers is the need to give the book the exact date (34%) and the lack of details needed to book for other parties (29%), according to Accenture’s survey of more than 6,050 consumers in 10 countries.
“The complex booking process, coupled with the many choices and decisions travelers face, can lead to lost revenue,” the Accenture report said.
Speaking – or surprised?
Those who are skittish about locking in travel dates for others can bypass the problem by surprising the gift recipient with the idea of a trip – and leave the planning for later.
One poster on Reddit said, “My brother & I surprised our mom with a trip to Italy for her 65th. We got her a Rick Steves Italy travel book, a travel wallet and a little printed ‘plane ticket.’ … When he opened the gift (we explained) that we will go with him … on a date TBD but convenient for all of us.”
But for those who want to preserve the element of surprise, another Redditor explained how to use a simple ruse to extract the date available from the recipient – the poster’s father and his wife.
But be careful not to surprise anyone who is traveling – and instead recommend planning with them and announcing in advance that you are paying for all, or most, of the trip.
Cards and certificates
Still too complicated? Consider buying a gift voucher from an airline, hotel, cruise line or travel agency.
Many companies sell gift cards directly from their websites, allowing buyers to choose a physical or virtual card — best for last-minute shoppers — that the recipient can redeem at a later time.
American Airlines allows buyers to purchase multiple cards to ship to different addresses. Delta Air Lines allows shoppers to create a gift card with a photo and send the gift card for free until December 13th.
Marriott gift cards range from $25 to $2,000, and buyers can choose a date for the company to email gift recipients. Hilton Honors members can purchase or transfer points to others, which can be redeemed for free hotel stays, car rentals or Lyft rides.
Independent hotel brands, including Naumi and Mandarin Oriental, also sell gift cards.
Royal Caribbean sells gift cards that can be redeemed for cruise bookings, but not for pre-cruise purchases such as shore excursions, beverage and internet packages. However, this “will be available in the near future,” according to the website.
Intrepid Travel, which specializes in sustainable tours for small groups, allows gift buyers to purchase custom tours for others. Road Scholar, a US non-profit that designs educational trips for older travelers, sells gift certificates, starting at $50.
Other websites offer gift cards that aren’t tied to specific brands, but reviews are mixed on some of these companies.
With vouchers or gift certificates, buyers should check the fine print for restrictions. For example, Finnair gift cards expire within a year, while Airbnb gift cards are not available in every region.
Buy an ‘experience’
Instead of offsetting the cost of travel, buying travel “experiences” is a way to upgrade other people’s vacation plans – while keeping up with major trends in travel today.
If you are buying for someone who has a trip planned in 2025, ask where they are staying and look at the hotel’s website. Como Hotels and Resorts is selling “gift experiences” in seven countries, from night snorkeling in the Maldives ($128) to truffle hunting in Tuscany ($324).
The luxurious Four Seasons hotel brand also sells gift cards that can be redeemed for spa treatments, meals and experiences, such as golf in Costa Rica or chocolate tasting in Istanbul – and you don’t have to be a hotel guest to redeem them. that.
Sleuthing for travel dates and hotel names can also open up opportunities to work directly with the hotel, to schedule airport transfers, special dinners or to deliver a bottle of Champagne to the room.
Travelers to Hawaii over Spring Break may not come for helicopter tours, but these can be purchased on websites like Viator and Klook.
For those who don’t have plans, an experience closer to home may be a better option.
A cousin studying in Paris might enjoy a macaron-making class, and a nephew 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 for more than 60,000 tours and attractions around the world.
“They are unlimited,” the company’s website reads. “Just choose the amount and let the giftee choose the perfect experience.”
