Give Memories, Not More Stuff: The Gift of Travel This Holiday Season

The wrapping paper. The shipping deadlines. The endless scroll for just one more thing.

We’ve all been there.

But if you stop and think about it… how many of last year’s gifts can you actually remember?
Now think about the trips you’ve taken—the places you saw, the laughter you shared, the inside jokes that are still going strong.

Those memories? They stick.

Because travel isn’t just a trip. It’s time together, unplugged and fully present. It’s the kind of gift that keeps giving long after the decorations come down—and one that can become a family tradition all its own.

The Gift That Lasts Long After the Tree Comes Down

Things break, get lost, or pile up in the closet. But experiences? They live on in your stories, your photos, and your family conversations around the table.

That’s why gifting travel is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the holidays. It’s not just about the destination—it’s about gifting moments your family will replay for years to come.

And here’s the thing: gifting travel doesn’t mean you have to travel during the holidays (although that’s always an option). The trip can happen months later—spring break, summer vacation, or next year’s big adventure. The excitement starts with the idea, and the anticipation is half the fun.

And once you do it? You might find you’ve started something new: a tradition of giving time together instead of more stuff. Maybe it’s one big family trip every few years, a winter weekend getaway, or a “just us” adventure before the next school semester starts. Whatever it looks like, it’s a tradition that brings your family closer.

Who Really Needs More Stuff?

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t.

Our homes are full, our calendars are packed, and yet the one thing we all crave more of is time together.

A trip gives you exactly that.
Whether it’s a family adventure in Costa Rica, a long weekend on the slopes in Québec, or a sun-soaked beach escape somewhere warm, travel fills your memory bank, not your toy bin.

It’s the kind of gift that brings everyone closer—and doesn’t need batteries.

Creative Ways to “Wrap” the Gift of Travel

You don’t need a gift certificate to make travel feel special under the tree. The fun is in the reveal.

Here are a few of my favorite ideas for families:

• The Clue Hunt: Wrap a series of hints that lead to the big reveal—sunscreen, a guidebook, or even a photo of your destination.

• The Map Reveal: Mark your destination on a map or globe, then wrap it up with a note that says, “Pack your bags—we’re going here!”

• The Puzzle: Print a destination photo, cut it into pieces, and let the kids put it together to reveal where they’re headed.

• For Older Kids – The “We’re Not Going To…” Game:
  Have each family member write a dream destination on a slip of paper and place them all in a hat. Draw one at a time, saying, “We’re not going to…” until one remains—the real destination! It’s a fun, memorable way to involve everyone in the reveal and add a little friendly suspense.

• The Countdown Box: Fill small boxes or envelopes with daily clues leading up to departure.

The Season of Giving (and Giving Back)

For families who want their gift to mean even more, consider weaving a little giving back into your travels.

Maybe that means choosing an excursion that supports a local community, visiting a wildlife rescue, or donating to a cause connected to your destination.

It’s a beautiful way to teach kids that travel isn’t just about what we see—it’s about how we connect, contribute, and carry those experiences forward.

And if you’re looking to keep that spirit close to home, you could even “match” part of your travel budget with a small family donation to a cause you care about. It’s a meaningful reminder that generosity doesn’t have to end once the wrapping paper is gone.

The Best Gifts Don’t Fit in a Box

At the end of the day, the toys and gadgets fade—but the laughter, the sunsets, and the shared adventures are what stay.

And if your family decides to make that your new tradition—giving memories instead of more things—you’ll have a gift that keeps giving long after the season’s over.

Ready to wrap up something unforgettable?

Let’s plan a trip your family will still be talking about next Christmas.