Gift Better: Travel Experience Gifts Over Things (And How to Wrap Them)

This holiday season, are you searching for the perfect gift that won’t end up collecting dust? Instead of another gadget or sweater, consider giving something that creates lasting memories: a travel gift experience. These gifts offer adventure, connection, and stories your loved ones will cherish for a lifetime. The best part? You can still give them something to unwrap on Christmas Day. Travel experience gifts make memorable and personalized Christmas gifts, offering unique opportunities that go beyond traditional presents.

A gift experience can be the best gift because it enriches our lives in ways material objects can’t. Research shows that anticipating an experience brings more happiness than waiting for a physical item. From thrilling adventures to relaxing getaways, experience gift ideas are a wonderful way to show you care. They give the recipient something to look forward to and memories to look back on, truly making memories that last a lifetime.

Ready to find the perfect surprise? Our curated list of travel experience gifts is designed for every budget, personality, and occasion. Plus, we’ll show you how to “wrap” each one with a thoughtful accessory for a truly memorable gift.

Introduction to Experience Gifts

Experience gifts are a wonderful way to show you care, offering something far more meaningful than a traditional present. Instead of another item that might be forgotten, experience gifts create lasting memories for your loved ones—memories that can be cherished for a lifetime. Whether you’re gifting a food tour through a vibrant city, a hands-on cooking class, or a wine tasting at a local vineyard, these experiences invite your family and friends to explore new destinations, try exciting activities, and spend quality time together. As the holiday season approaches, experience gifts stand out as a thoughtful alternative to physical gifts, giving your loved ones the chance to make unforgettable memories with every adventure, meal, and shared laugh.

Why Experiences Are the Best Gifts

The joy of unwrapping a present is fleeting, but the happiness from an experience grows over time. It starts with the excitement as you plan the adventure, blossoms during the event itself, and lives on through cherished memories. Giving an experience is about more than just a moment; it’s about giving a memorable experience, a story, an adventure, and a new perspective.

This approach is perfect for the whole family, from kids to grandparents. Recipients benefit from these gifts by enjoying unique opportunities tailored to their interests. It encourages spending time together, exploring a new culture, or learning a new skill. Travel experiences, such as trips or adventure outings, are excellent examples of gifts that create lasting memories. Unlike a physical gift, an unforgettable experience doesn’t come with an expiration date on the joy it brings. It’s a great gift idea that helps create lasting memories.

12 Unforgettable Experience Gift Ideas (And How to Wrap Them)

Here is a curated list of unforgettable experience gifts, featuring great gifts and unique gift experiences for every type of traveler and recipients in your life. Some of these experiences are available around the world, ensuring a memorable option for everyone.

1. National Parks Annual Pass

• What It Is: A pass that grants access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country, including all U.S. national parks.
• Best For: The outdoor adventurer, the road-tripping family, and the nature photographer.
• How to Wrap It: Tuck the pass inside a Travel Fanatics National Parks Card Game. It’s the perfect duo for planning their next trip and enjoying downtime at the campsite.
• Quick Tip: Check the pass details to see how many people it covers. Most allow entry for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle.

2. Weekend City Break Stay

• What It Is: A pre-paid hotel stay or a gift card for a boutique hotel in a fun city destination. Think of a weekend exploring New Orleans or Chicago.
• Best For: The couple needing a getaway, the friend who loves exploring new cities, or a recent grad.
• How to Wrap It: Present the booking confirmation or gift card with a Wear Me Bag. This stylish and durable bag is perfect for packing everything they need for a quick trip.
• Quick Tip: Look for hotels with flexible booking dates and no blackout periods during the holiday season to give your recipient more freedom.

3. Local Food Tour

• What It Is: A guided walking tour that explores a neighborhood's culinary scene, with stops at multiple local businesses for tastings. A food tour is a fantastic way to experience a city's culture.
• Best For: The foodie, the curious traveler, and anyone new to a city.
• How to Wrap It: Pair the tour tickets with a Travel Fanatics Foldable Laundry Bag. It’s a practical gift for any traveler, keeping clean clothes separate from dirty ones on their adventures.
• Quick Tip: Many tours offer gift certificates that are delivered instantly via email, making it a great last-minute gift.

4. Hands-On Cooking Class

• What It Is: A class that teaches the art of making a specific cuisine, from Italian pasta to Thai curry. These immersive cooking classes offer a variety of hands-on culinary experiences and end with a delicious meal.
• Best For: The home chef, the culinary novice, and couples looking for a fun date night idea. Cooking classes are also perfect for anyone wanting to explore new cuisines or bond over food.
• How to Wrap It: Create a small physical gift box with the cooking class voucher and a set of Mesh Laundry Bags. These are great for washing aprons or delicate travel clothes.
• Quick Tip: Check if the class offers different skill levels and be mindful of any dietary restrictions your gift recipient may have.

5. Winery or Brewery Tour & Tasting

• What It Is: A guided tour through a local winery or brewery that explains the production process, often concluding with a flight of wine or beer tastings.
• Best For: The wine connoisseur, the craft beer enthusiast, or a group of friends.
• How to Wrap It: Give the tasting voucher along with a Travel Fanatics Foldable Laundry Basket. It’s lightweight and ideal for organizing a hotel room or Airbnb during a weekend trip.
• Quick Tip: Many wineries and breweries are located in scenic areas, so your gift could inspire a full day trip.

6. Museum or Art Gallery Membership

• What It Is: A year-long pass that offers unlimited entry to a specific museum, plus perks like early access to new exhibits, discounts, and members-only events.
• Best For: The art lover, the history buff, and families with curious kids.
• How to Wrap It: Place the membership card in a new wallet or attach it to a Travel Fanatics Silicone Luggage Tag. It’s a small, useful accessory that will remind them of your thoughtful gift on all their future travels.
• Quick Tip: Choose a museum that aligns with the recipient's interests, whether it’s modern art, natural history, or science.

7. Concert or Theater Tickets

• What It Is: Tickets to see a favorite band, a Broadway show, or a local play. This is a classic experience gift that never disappoints.
• Best For: The music lover, the theater fan, and anyone who appreciates live performances.
• How to Wrap It: Print the concert tickets and present them with a Travel Fanatics Microbead Pillow. It’s the ultimate comfort accessory for the trip to the show or for relaxing at home.
• Quick Tip: If you're unsure of their schedule, a gift card for a ticketing service like Ticketmaster gives them the freedom to choose their own event.

8. Outdoor Adventure Experience

• What It Is: An activity that gets the adrenaline pumping, like zip lining through a forest, taking a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views, or a guided kayaking tour.
• Best For: The thrill-seeker, the adventurer, and anyone looking to step out of their comfort zone.
• How to Wrap It: A voucher for a thrilling adventure pairs perfectly with a Travel Fanatics Camping or Beach Themed Card Game for the downtime that follows.
• Quick Tip: Safety first! Ensure you book with a reputable company with excellent reviews and certified instructors.

9. Scenic Train Day Trip

• What It Is: A ticket for a journey on a scenic railway, offering stunning landscapes of mountains, coastlines, or fall foliage.
• Best For: The person who enjoys slow travel, photographers, and anyone who needs a relaxing day away.
• How to Wrap It: Tuck the train tickets inside a good book and include a Travel Fanatics Microbead Pillow to make their journey even more comfortable.
• Quick Tip: Look for routes that offer historical commentary or have a dining car to turn the trip into a truly special occasion.

10. Local History or Culture Tour

• What It Is: A guided tour focused on the history, architecture, or unique culture of a city or neighborhood.
• Best For: The lifelong learner, the history enthusiast, and travelers who want to connect deeply with a destination.
• How to Wrap It: Pair the tour confirmation with a Travel Fanatics Airplane Card Game, a great way to pass the time if their tour inspires them to book a flight to another historic city.
• Quick Tip: Seek out tours offered by local businesses or historical societies for an authentic and passionate perspective.

11. Family Pass to an Attraction

• What It Is: A day or annual pass for the whole family to a zoo, aquarium, or theme park.
• Best For: Families with kids of any age who are looking for fun ways to spend time together.
• How to Wrap It: A family pass is the perfect gift to bundle with a Travel Fanatics Road Trip Card Game, ensuring the fun starts the moment they get in the car.
• Quick Tip: Check for family package deals that might include food vouchers or other small perks.

12. Chocolate Making or Tasting Workshop

• What It Is: An indulgent workshop where a lucky recipient can learn about the history of chocolate and try their hand at creating their own confections.
• Best For: Anyone with a sweet tooth, a creative friend, or as a unique date idea.
• How to Wrap It: Present the workshop voucher with a Travel Fanatics Mesh Shoe Bag. While designed for shoes, it’s also great for organizing small items on any trip.
• Quick Tip: These workshops are popular during the holidays, so book in advance to secure a spot.

Gift Experiences for Special Occasions

Experience gifts are the perfect way to celebrate life’s biggest moments, from birthdays and anniversaries to Christmas and other special occasions. They offer a unique and memorable way to mark the day, ensuring your gift stands out and is remembered for years to come. Imagine surprising a foodie with a cooking class or wine tasting, or giving concert tickets to a music lover for an unforgettable night out. For families, thrilling adventures like hot air balloon rides or zip lining can create lasting memories that everyone will treasure. No matter the occasion, experience gifts can be tailored to suit any interest, making them a great gift idea for anyone on your list. With every experience, you’re not just giving a present—you’re helping to create cherished memories that last a lifetime.

How to Give Experience Gifts

Giving experience gifts is easier than ever, making it simple to create lasting memories for your loved ones. Many companies now offer experience gift cards that can be purchased online and delivered instantly to the recipient, so you never have to worry about shipping delays. These gift cards can be redeemed for a wide range of experiences, from food tours and wine tastings to driving experiences and more, allowing you to find the perfect fit for any recipient and budget. When purchasing an experience gift, think about what your recipient enjoys most—whether it’s exploring new foods, seeking adventure, or spending time with family. To make your gift even more special, consider presenting it in a physical gift box or including a heartfelt message. With experience gifts, you’re giving more than just a present—you’re giving the gift of memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Experience Gift Tips and Tricks

To make your experience gifts truly unforgettable, keep a few tips and tricks in mind. Start by considering the recipient’s interests and passions—choosing an experience that matches their personality ensures your gift will be both memorable and meaningful. Look for experiences that offer early access or exclusive perks, as these can add extra excitement and value. If you’re unsure which adventure to pick, opt for a flexible gift card that lets the recipient choose from a variety of experiences, from food tours to thrilling adventures. Don’t forget to add a personal touch, like a handwritten note or a physical gift box, to make your present feel even more special. By following these simple steps, you’ll give experience gifts that create lasting memories and are cherished for a lifetime.

Your Wrap-and-Send Checklist

Ready to give the gift of memories?

• Choose the Experience: Select an idea from our curated list that matches your loved one's personality.
• Purchase the Gift: Buy the tickets, voucher, or gift card. Many can be delivered instantly to your inbox.
• Select an Accessory: Pick a matching Travel Fanatics product to create a thoughtful physical gift box.
• Write a Note: Add a personal message explaining why you chose this special experience for them.

This holiday season, give more than just a gift. Give an unforgettable story, a thrilling adventure, and a memory that will last forever.

Ready to build your perfect travel experience gift bundle? Explore our collection of travel accessories and find the perfect partner for your chosen adventure.