Let’s face it, if you’ve been tasked with finding a travel gift for a friend or member of your family then there are a fair few easy options that automatically spring to mind. Water bottles, inflatable pillows, maps and compasses, you know the type of thing. These sorts of formulaic tokens of travel have long been purchased in the hope that the recipient will A. use them whilst away from home or B. at least tuck them in their bags.
Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with searching for travel gift ideas that start and finish with an inanimate object but if you’re looking to see your globe trotter’s face light up with unashamed joy then why not consider getting something slightly more off centre?
More and more people are starting to realise that having an experience far outweighs material possessions and if you know someone who’s heading off into the wide blue yonder then check out the following reasons as to why standard travel gift ideas are fast-becoming a thing of the past.
Travel experiences form long lasting memories
No matter where you travel to in the world, you really want to remember as much of your time away from home as possible. By doing something special you’re really cementing thoughts inside your mind and there’s no better way to form happy and positive memories other than through experience. Gliding over a rainforest on a zip-line, splashing and crashing over white water rapids or taking your time to sit and stare over a mountain peak, there’s nothing that beats that moment where you remember that all-consuming feeling of elation.
Travel gifts should be special
When looking for travel gift ideas you want them to really speak volumes about how you feel about the recipient and there’s no better means of doing this other than buying something that is truly a break from the norm. Although travelling is certainly a special experience within itself, there’s a lot to be said for marking a moment with a unique activity and from dining in an awesome setting to Scuba diving beneath tropical ocean waves, if you really want to make your traveller feel special then don’t hold back when thinking outside of the box.
Be imaginative with travel gift ideas
Anyone can go to a store or stop off at an airport when looking for travel gift ideas but what about really using your imagination to come up with something just as unique as the person that you’re buying for? Being imaginative is all about how far you’re willing to push the boundaries of what constitutes a worthwhile experience and once you get started there will be no stopping you. Snowshoeing in Scandinavia, walking with a monk in Asia or diving with sharks off the coast of Africa, there really are no limits to your imagination so sit back, relax and let your mind begin to wonder.
How to find a really thoughtful travel gift
Buying a travel gift isn’t just about ticking a box and wishing someone bon voyage. No way! There needs to be a lot of thought added to the process just so the recipient knows how much you care for them. Finding an experience for your traveller to take part in whilst away from home is an extremely thoughtful way to pass on your good vibes and no matter whether they’re paddling through caves on a kayak or living with a local family in a remote hillside, the more thought you put into your gift, the more you’ll demonstrate how well you know and love your traveller.
Why travel experiences are more meaningful
When you watch your son, daughter, niece or nephew, head off on their travels you want them to have the time of their life. You want every experience to mean something and every moment to count which is why travel gift ideas that involve an actual activity are certainly an ideal way of allowing them to do just that. Meaningful moments are the ones that stick with us the longest and there are no times like those spent away from home that you’re going to wish that you could remember the most.
How to choose a really useful travel gift
Yes, getting an underwater watch or a glow in the dark pen might well come in handy whilst travelling however, if you’re looking for travel gift ideas that are really useful then look no further than some of the experiences to be had across the globe. Observing rare and protected species of wildlife, becoming part of a rural community or visiting some of the world’s most fascinating archaeological ruins, these sorts of experiences are useful for far more reasons than pure practicality and will definitely be remembered in countless ways for many years to come.
When was the last time you were inspired?
Anyone who’s travelled will tell you that not only does it broaden the mind but it also inspires you to be braver and do things differently in the future. Climbing mountains, trekking through jungles and getting up close as you watch how other people live their lives, there’s so much to be gained from travel that sources of inspiration are pretty much around every fascinating corner. Being inspired to do new things can be as simple as stepping out of your comfort zone and if you’re looking for inspirational travel gift ideas then look no further than the gift of experience.
The gift of travel is a once in a lifetime experience
More times than not, being away from home can be an out of this world experience and certainly one to remember for all time. If you can cap such an experience with providing just that little bit of extra magic then this is where things start to really get interesting. Imagine taking a hot air balloon over dusty desert lands or go-kart racing across frozen fjords or clambering over some of the world’s most iconic bridges. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable once in a lifetime moment then make sure you do your homework and find an experience to match.
Tinggly is proud to be able to offer really meaningful travel gifts across the globe with more than 80 countries providing the backdrop to hundreds of different experiences. If you’re looking for an extra special way to tell your traveller that you’re thinking of them then give them something that they’ll truly remember forever.