Travel gift certificates

As the holidays rapidly approach many of us are faced with that daunting annual task of gift shopping. Browsing down aisle after aisle we are overwhelmed with the options of finding that something special for that special someone. Confused, dazed and defeated we return home cash in hand with a pledge that our next sojourn to the mall will be more successful.

Instead of once more battling the frenzied masses, fighting through traffic rule less parking lots to deal with clueless clerks and impatient customers I have decided on a new approach to gift giving.

Yes this guy is saying good bye to the malls and giant box stores at this time of the year. No I am not giving up on the practice of gift giving but am giving something that can be personalized and most appreciated by the recipient.

What magical gift have I settled on? Travel! Yes TRAVEL.

In today’s culture gift cards are everywhere and a gift of travel is no exception. You ask isn’t travel a big ticket item? The answer is both a yes and no.

If you know someone who is planning a cruise or land vacation you can purchase a cruise line or tour company specific gift card that can be applied towards their vacation. Imagine if all of their family and friends got together and purchased gift certificates/cards, the combined value of these gifts actually pay for most if not all of the trip. If you are the one receiving these gifts then you can finally go on that dream vacation that you thought you never could afford.

Here is a real world example. I polled my family and made the suggestion that we all give our mother who lives in Arizona gift cards on Southwest Airlines. After we reached an agreement on this option a few of my sisters in law breathed a sigh of relief as they admitted to me that they clueless as what to get Grandma and this bailed them out. Totaling up the reported amounts that were being purchased I calculated that we had funded 3 trips back east. I know that she will be more pleased with the gift of travel than any other gifts.

My family was lucky in that we knew what type of travel certificate to buy for our mom. If you are uncertain as to where someone wishes to go I suggest visiting a local travel and establishing a gift account for the traveler. All the traveler has to do is work with the agency on selecting a product and the gift amount will be applied to their purchase. The travel agency option gives your traveler maximum flexibility and does not lock them into a specific trip or supplier. Pick up a nice colorful travel brochure at the agency, gift wrap it and attach a catchy note. Now you’ve given a gift that is really going to be looked forwarded to.

Not the travel agency type then visit the website of just about any major travel product producer like Southwest Airlines, Carnival Cruise Lines or Marriott hotels and explore their gift certificate options. You should discover a world of options out there.

A point to remember is that travel gift certificates make wonderful options for many special occasions. Birthdays, graduations, retirements and don’t forget honeymoons. How many new couples really need another toaster? Give the gift of travel and help dreams become reality.