Holiday Travel Gift Ideas: Give the Gift of Experiences This Year! 

The holidays are just around the corner, and if you’re like most of us, you might be searching for something special—something that goes beyond the usual gift cards or gadgets. This year, why not give a gift that creates lasting memories? Travel experiences are a thoughtful, unique way to show your loved ones you care. Whether you’re shopping for an adventure enthusiast, an art lover, or someone who just needs a relaxing getaway, we’ve rounded up the best travel experience gift ideas to inspire your holiday shopping.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We recommend products we have personally used or verified. Read the full disclosure here.

If you don’t have time to read this now, pin it for later!

1. A Scenic Train Journey

There’s something magical about a train journey—watching the world go by from the comfort of your seat. Gift an unforgettable ride on the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, Switzerland’s GlacierExpress, or the Bergen Line in Norway. Scenic train trips make for a relaxing and immersive way to experience breathtaking landscapes.

Bonus Tip: Add a travel journal so they can document their adventure.

Travel Journal for Women, Men with Prompts – Travel Scrapbook, Diary, Bucketlist, Roadtrip & Adventure Journal, Travel Planner Gift, Undated World Travel Journal, Couples, Teens (Ocean)

2. Culinary Tours & Foodie Experiences

For the food lovers in your life, a culinary tour is a delicious way to explore a destination. Consider gifting a walking food tour of Rome, a tapas crawl in Madrid, or a sushi-making workshop in Tokyo. Small group and private food tours offer a taste of local culture and history, and allow you to connect with locals. What’s better than being able to make those wonderful foods that you tried when you get back home?

How to Gift It: Platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide offer flexible gift cards so they can choose their perfect experience.

3. Spa and Wellness Retreats

Everyone needs a little R&R, and a wellness retreat is the ultimate gift for relaxation. Treat someone special to a spa weekend in the French Alps, a hot springs experience in Ouray, or a yoga retreat in a beautiful destination. Many wellness resorts offer gift certificates, making it easy to give the gift of self-care.

Pair It With: A cozy spa robe or travel-friendly essential oil set.

Plush Lined Microfiber Bath Robe for Women or Men – Super Soft, Durable Luxury Spa, Resort & Hotel Bathrobe, Generously Sized

Essential Oils Set – 10pc Aromatherapy Oil in Portable Bag – Diffusers, Humidifiers, Yoga Room, Massages, Candle Making, Soaps – Peppermint, Tea Tree, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass (10mL)

4. Adventures for Thrill Seekers

For the adrenaline junkies, there’s no better gift than adventure. Give the gift of adventure with experiences like hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, waterfall rappelling in Costa Rica, or whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon. For winter lovers, a dog sledding tour in Alaska or a guided ice climbing adventure could be the perfect choice.

Pro Tip: Many adventure companies offer vouchers with flexible scheduling.

5. Outdoor and Guided Hiking Tours

Give the gift of the great outdoors with a hiking experience. Consider booking a guided or independent hike on Portugal’s Fisherman’s Trail, a walking holiday in Brighton and South Downs National Park, a wildlife safari in Custer State Park, or a guided or self-guided bike tour around Lake Constance. 

Gift Idea: Pair this experience with high-quality hiking clothes from Coaltree, a lightweight travel backpack from Osprey, or a Hiking Logbook to record hikes and adventures.

The Hiking Logbook

6. Cultural Performances and Festivals

A night out filled with culture is always a thoughtful gift. Think about gifting a Mozart concert in Vienna, a tango show in Buenos Aires, or a Fado performance in Porto. For music lovers, a festival pass to events like Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland or Telluride Jazz Festival in Colorado, could be the perfect gift.

Add-On: Include a dinner reservation at a top local restaurant to complete the experience.

7. Unique Stays for Memorable Nights

For someone who loves unique accommodations, gift a stay somewhere truly unforgettable. Book a night in a treehouse in Costa Rica, a houseboat rental in Amsterdam, or a glamping experience in Moab. These unique lodgings transform a simple trip into an extraordinary experience.
Perfect Pairing: A guidebook or travel magazine featuring the destination.

50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do

8. Photography and Creative Art Tours

For the artist in your life, an art-focused experience could be the perfect gift. A photography tour is a classic choice, offering opportunities like a night photography session under the Northern Lights in Finland. But why stop at photography? Consider other hands-on art experiences, like a tile-making workshop in Lisbon, a glass-blowing session in Murano, Italy, or a calligraphy class in Kyoto, Japan. Learn from local artisans, create something beautiful, and take home a tangible memory.

Pro Tip: Pair this with a portable camera accessory or a stylish sketchbook cover.

3 Legged Thing LEO 2.0 Carbon Fibre Tripod System – Metallic Slate Grey (LEOGREY2)

Robrasim Handmade Leather Sketchbook Cover, Artist Sketch Pad Holder for 9″X12″ Sketchbook, Drawing Book and Pencil Case, Journal Notebook Portfolio with Shoulder Strap, Artist Gifts, Brown

9. Wine and Vineyard Tours

For wine enthusiasts, a tour of world-renowned vineyards is a dream gift. From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the charming wineries of Napa Valley, or a port wine tour in Porto, these experiences offer a chance to sip and savor in stunning settings. Many wineries also offer private tastings, making the experience even more special.

Gift Idea: Add a wine-tasting notebook or a set of travel-friendly wine glasses.

Legend Wine Tasting Journal – Wine Guide & Diary – Unique Accessories & Gifts for Wine Lovers, Women & Men, Eco Leather Notebook (Dark Terraсotta)

THILY Stainless Steel Stemless Wine Tumbler 4 Pack Vacuum Insulated Travel Wine Glasses with Sliding Lids and Straws, 12 oz, Keep Cold for Juice, Coffee, Beer, 4 Different Marbles Set

10. Volunteer Travel Experiences

For the philanthropist on your list, a volunteer travel experience is a gift with a purpose. Opportunities include marine conservation in Thailand, wildlife rescue in South Africa, or teaching English in Central America. Not only do these experiences offer a chance to explore new places, but they also allow participants to make a meaningful impact.

Important Note: Do your research to ensure that you are working with a reputable organizations that prioritize ethical and sustainable travel practices.

Why Give Travel Experiences?

Travel experiences go beyond material gifts—they create memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s an adventure-packed day, a relaxing retreat, or an artistic workshop, these gifts offer something truly special. Plus, many travel providers offer gift cards or vouchers, so your loved one can choose the perfect time to enjoy their experience.

If you enjoyed this post, pin it for later!