How-To GuidesJanuary 14, 2025By TravelGiftList Team7 min read

How to Gift Travel Experiences: Complete Guide

Learn the best platforms and strategies for gifting travel experiences. From flight vouchers to adventure activities.

Why Experiences Beat Physical Gifts

Travel experiences create lasting memories in ways physical items rarely do. When you gift an experience—whether it's a cooking class in Italy, a safari in Kenya, or a wine tasting in Napa—you're giving someone something truly unique.

Many people won't purchase premium experiences for themselves, making them perfect gifts that create unforgettable memories.

Types of Travel Experiences to Gift

  • Adventure activities (skydiving, rock climbing, surfing)
  • Cultural experiences (cooking classes, language lessons, guided tours)
  • Wellness retreats (yoga sessions, spa days, meditation workshops)
  • Food experiences (tasting menus, food tours, wine tastings)
  • Photography tours and workshops
  • Wildlife experiences (safari tours, whale watching)

Best Platforms for Booking Experiences

Viator

Thousands of tours and experiences in destinations worldwide. You can purchase gift cards and book with flexible cancellation.

Airbnb Experiences

Host-led experiences in hundreds of cities. Easy to gift via gift card and cancel if plans change.

GetYourGuide

Global marketplace for activities and tours with flexible booking and generous cancellation policies.

Klook

Asia-Pacific focused platform, excellent for Asian travel destinations with competitive pricing.

How to Present an Experience Gift

Purchase a gift card from the platform or book the experience directly and give them a beautiful printed confirmation. Include details about what the experience includes, best time to visit, and your reason for choosing this specific gift.

Pro Tips

  • Choose experiences that match their interests and travel style
  • Consider physical gifts that complement the experience (camera gear for a photography tour)
  • Give enough notice so they can plan around the experience
  • Check cancellation policies in case plans change

Recommended Products

Away The Large Suitcase

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Premium hard-shell luggage with compression system

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Apple AirPods Max

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Premium over-ear headphones with spatial audio

  • Exceptional sound quality
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Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

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Gold standard for carry-on travel backpacks

  • Lifetime warranty
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  • Lockable zippers

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find more gift ideas?

Check out our complete gift guide for 200+ product recommendations across all categories and price points.

Do you have gifts for specific occasions?

Yes! We have specialized guides for wedding gifts, business travel, and more.

What's your most popular gift?

Noise-canceling headphones are consistently the most appreciated travel gift. Check out our headphone comparison to find the right pair.

Can I get help finding a specific gift?

Take our gift finder quiz (takes 60 seconds) to get personalized recommendations based on your budget and the recipient's travel style.

Need more gift inspiration?

Explore our gift guides and recommendations.

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