This Black Friday, Why Not Give the Gift of Travel? Mandy Voisin December 22, 2017 Black Friday, Family Travel, Travel Tips The holiday season is often associated with consumerism and materialism, but lately we’ve been seeing a noteworthy transformation. Instead of giving conventional presents, an increasing number of families are opting to bestow the gift of travel upon their loved ones. This shift is driven by a variety of factors, including the accessibility of travel rewards, the allure of Black Friday travel deals, and the influence of social media igniting travel FOMO (fear of missing out). However, at its core, this trend reflects a shift in mindset, particularly among millennials and member of Gen-Z, who tend to prioritize experiences over possessions. Join us as we delve into the multifaceted reasons behind this change and its profound impact on both givers and recipients. Putting Memories Before Things The decision to gift travel experiences rather than traditional presents reflects a deliberate choice to place greater value on moments rather than things. This shift is particularly noticeable among younger generations, who are increasingly embracing the idea that experiences enrich life in ways that material goods cannot. And, as millennials and Gen Z continue to shape the holiday season, this trend is expected to gain momentum. This transition is also driven by the desire to counteract conspicuous consumption. Younger generations are more concerned about the environment and the negative effects of consumer culture, both in terms of the production and the disposal of more and more consumer goods. Also, by opting for the gift of travel, individuals acknowledge that the memories and shared adventures created during these experiences hold a more profound and lasting significance than any physical item. It’s a choice that not only underscores the importance of making memories but also aligns with a growing cultural shift towards prioritizing the intangible and the extraordinary over the tangible and the mundane. Beginning New Traditions The transition to gifting travel also coincides with changes in family dynamics and values. Younger generations are leaving the nest later and later as the economy and job market make it harder to strike out on their own. But the benefit here is that families are expanding to include new members such as in-laws and grandchildren. The shift towards experiential giving is about more than just the destination; it’s a deliberate choice to build meaningful holiday traditions. For instance, in some families, a tradition of giving and receiving trips emerges as the next generation comes into play. Instead of focusing solely on material gifts, parents surprise everyone on Christmas morning with token presents that unveil the year’s upcoming adventure. This adds an element of excitement and anticipation to the holiday celebrations, creating cherished memories that endure long after the holiday season has passed. Improving Mindfulness The gift of travel also aligns with the growing importance of mindfulness in our lives. Research shows that embarking on a vacation provides a profound opportunity to enhance personal mindfulness. When individuals travel, they step away from their daily routines, enabling them to fully immerse themselves in the present moment, leaving behind concerns about the future and regrets from the past. Whether it’s a journey nearby or to distant lands, travel disrupts the predictability of everyday life. It naturally widens one’s mental horizons, nurturing mindfulness by encouraging travelers to fully embrace the present. Practicing mindfulness while traveling becomes an effective way to promote relaxation and rejuvenation, offering vital benefits that contribute to a fulfilling vacation experience. Strengthening Family Bonds Gifting travel can also be a catalyst for strengthening family bonds and creating enduring connections. When families embark on a shared adventure, they share experiences that extend far beyond the trip itself, forming lasting memories that bind them together. The gift of travel underscores the importance of quality time spent with loved ones, making it a profound and cherished gesture for family and friends alike. Whether these connections are rooted in familial ties, friendship, or romance, the shared journey nurtures them. Traveling together fosters effective communication, collaboration, and the ability to enjoy each other’s company in new and exciting environments. These newfound skills enrich relationships, leaving a lasting impact long after the return home. Educational Benefits When you bestow the gift of travel, you open doors to immersive educational experiences that extend far beyond traditional classrooms or workplaces. Whether your journey takes you to international destinations teeming with cultural diversity or closer to home, the opportunities for learning are abundant. Exploring museums, navigating local transportation, savoring authentic cuisine, and engaging with communities at bustling markets are just a glimpse of the educational avenues that travel offers. These immersive experiences allow travelers to gain a deeper understanding of the world’s rich tapestry of cultures, broadening their perspectives in the process. For parents traveling with children, it’s an invaluable chance to impart knowledge and instill a lifelong love of learning and being curious about the world. By exposing young mind to different cultures and traditions, travel becomes a powerful educational tool. The gift of travel creates enriching experiences, nourishing the minds and souls of both the young and the young at heart. You Might Also Enjoy: Why Winter Travel is the New Family Vacay Saving Money When it comes to holiday spending, gifting travel can be a surprisingly cost-effective choice. In fact, it often proves to be more economical than purchasing individual gifts for everyone on your list. Moreover, there are numerous opportunities to save, especially when you time your travel purchases strategically. Black Friday, for instance, is not just a day for scoring deals on electronics and clothing; it’s also an excellent time to secure travel bargains. Alongside Black Friday, Travel Tuesday also offers exclusive travel promotions, making it the perfect occasion to lock in your holiday travel plans at a fraction of the cost. To compare the costs, tally up the expenses you’d incur while buying traditional gifts for each person on your list. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that booking a family trip doesn’t significantly exceed your budget. Plus, the memories created during a vacation far outlast the fleeting joy of material gifts, making travel a savvy choice for both your wallet and the lasting happiness of your loved ones. FAQs: Q: How can I surprise my family with a travel gift? A: Consider wrapping up a relevant travel guidebook, a souvenir from the location, or a heartfelt letter announcing your intention to cover airfare or accommodations. Q: What are some creative ways to reveal a travel gift to loved ones? A: Consider a scavenger hunt with clues leading to the destination reveal. Scavenger hunts are not only fun activities on their own, but they become even more exciting when the prize at the end is a trip to someplace fun. Q: How can gift travel as a gift when family members have busy schedules? A: While coordinating schedules can be challenging, open communication is key. Plan the trip around a time when everyone can get time off work or school. Engage in discussions and involve everyone in the planning process to ensure a convenient timeframe. Q: How do I pick a destination when booking a trip as a gift for my family? A: Consider the preferences and interests of your family members when choosing the destination and activities. Also, think about the travel logistics, such as travel insurance, visas, and any special requirements, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for everyone. Q: How can I find the best Black Friday travel deals for gifting? A: To find the best Black Friday travel deals, start before the big day by monitoring airlines, travel agencies, and booking platforms for announcements and promotions. Sign up for email newsletters and follow them on social media for exclusive offers. What are your thoughts on the gift of travel? Tell us in the comments section below!
