20 Best Travel Experiences to Give to Your Family for Christmas
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Are you ready to give experiences over more stuff for Christmas this year? Your children will long remember the things you do together, rather than the things they get. The best travel experiences to give your family will last far longer than presents, both in terms of when you use that experience and the memories it’ll create!
Over the years, my family and I have embarked on countless journeys, seeking out the most unforgettable moments and bonding over incredible adventures. Some of these were travel experience gifts I gave as Christmas presents. Last year, we snorkeled with turtles in Hawaii instead of giving gifts!
I’ve witnessed firsthand the magic of family bonding through travel. It’s in those shared adventures, the laughter, and the exploration of new horizons that we truly connect with one another.
What kinds of things does your family like to do when traveling? Of course, you can give the big vacation items, and I’ll review a couple of popular ones in a moment.
But what other experiences can you do that might not be a full vacation? Even if you take a day trip somewhere, or a weekend close to home, the following are some of the best travel experiences you can give.
The following list includes everything from big theme park annual passes to things like concert tickets.
Make this year a banner year and plan for the best travel experiences that you can give to your family.
Theme Park Travel Experiences to Give
1. Theme Park Adventures at Disney
Theme parks are family wonderlands where you can trade daily routines for roller coasters, cotton candy, and unforgettable bonding moments. Plus, these vacations are often magical bucket lists for kids who don’t even know what bucket lists are!
When your heart races together on thrilling rides, when you share laughter over goofy theme park characters, and when you conquer Space Mountain together, you’re not just making memories; you’re strengthening your family’s connection.
Perhaps the best travel experience to give to your family is a trip to Disney, whether Walt Disney World or Disneyland.
Plus, no matter how old your kids are, there’s truly something to do for the whole family. I even found that as my kids were older, Disney was more fun.
Get some ideas on How to Surprise Your Family here.
2. A Harry Potter Vacation
If your kids are more into magic than mouse ears, A Harry Potter theme park vacation may be just what you need.
Explore the magic of Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and the Ministry of Magic at each of the side-by-side theme parks at Universal Studios in Orlando. Drink butterbeer, cast spells, and shop for all your back-to-Hogwarts supplies.
Of course, you can combine the two with a trip to Orlando and visit Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. But there are 13 other Harry Potter Adventures to consider.
Want to Stay just at Universal Studios? Check out their hotels here.
3. Other theme Park or Amusement Parks ideas
Disney and Universal may be out of reach, or maybe this year you’re looking for something less expensive. There are plenty of other theme parks and amusement parks around the United States to consider.
- Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. If your family is into thrill rides and roller coasters, Cedar Point is the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. Even when I went as a teen, it seemed they had a never-ending supply of rides.
- Six Flags – multiple locations. If you’re near Six Flags, consider getting your family annual passes for a gift that gives for a whole year of adrenaline-fueled fun.
- Busch Gardens – multiple locations. The same goes for Busch Gardens. Consider annual passes for a year-round experience to give your family.
- Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Hersheypark is a fun blend of roller coasters and chocolate-themed attractions. If your family loves chocolate like mine does, this is a must-do.
Memberships & Passes to Give
Memberships to certain places like museums or zoos are also a great way to give a travel experience to your family. Read on for why.
4. Museum Annual Passes
Getting annual passes to your local museum is another type of travel you can give as a gift.
I’m big on day trips as one of the ways to spend more time as a family. Plus, many museums participate in a reciprocal program that allows you discounted or free admission to other museums across the country. Look for museums that participate in North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM).
Make it a mission to visit as many attractions as possible.
5. Museum Tours
Another option is to get a guided tour in a museum, either nearby or during your next vacation. Viator is a great place to start for behind-the-scenes, skip-the-lines, or guided tours. They also offer city explorer passes and other discounted tickets. Even searching for kid-friendly will net you a lot of options.
6. Zoo or Aquarium Annual Passes
A different but similar option is buying a membership to your nearby zoo or aquarium. These memberships are like golden tickets to the world of wildlife.
Zoos and aquariums also participate in reciprocal programs, like the AZA, Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Buying a membership to your local zoo may offer discounts when you travel to other zoos.
Your kids get to know the animals up close, and they’ll develop a deep appreciation for the incredible diversity of life on our planet.
Besides the joy of watching your kids giggle at penguins and gasp at sharks, you’re also supporting vital conservation efforts. It’s a win-win, memorable family moments, and a contribution to preserving our natural world.
7. National Park Pass
Speaking of passes, get outdoors more this year with the gift of travel to the National Parks. If you have a 4th grader, the National Park system has an Every Kid in a Park pass.
Even if you don’t have a 4th grader, passes are reasonably priced and cover a lot.
From the website, “A pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees (day-use fees) at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A pass covers entrance, standard amenity fees, and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas (or up to four adults at sites that charge per person). Children age 15 or under are admitted free.”
The cost? $80. For your whole family. There is bound to be something nearby you can visit.
Get Your America the Beautiful Pass here.
Note: if you have a former military member, apply for a FREE annual pass. While my husband has a free annual pass, I often buy one for myself if I’m traveling without him.
Outdoor and Nature Adventures to Give Your Family
Speaking of the great outdoors, why not give your family a travel experience that gets them outdoors more? These adventures are great for physical, mental, and family relationships.
8. REI Adventures
REI, the outdoor clothing store, has REI Adventures, both across the US and internationally. Think guided hikes, kayaking, biking, and more. And if you really want to treat that special somebody, consider splurging on a multi-sport expedition, something they’ll never forget!
Not only do REI Adventures offer amazing outdoor activities, but they also include cultural and historical immersion experiences so you can learn about the places and people you visit.
REI Adventures has trips for travelers of all interests and physical abilities, so no matter who you are buying the gift for, or what type of experience you are looking for, they will have something perfect!
9. Camping Gear
Instead of gathering more stuff, invest in quality camping gear. Yes, technically, this is giving stuff over experiences. But it is giving stuff that can lead to more experiences.
Take your family on outdoor adventures where you bond over setting up tents, roasting marshmallows, and telling stories around the campfire. It’s about unplugging and immersing yourselves in the beauty of nature.
REI is a great place to find camping gear. But also check out your local Dick’s Sporting Goods store, especially during the holidays.
10. Botanical Garden Memberships
Botanical gardens offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With memberships, you’re giving your family access to an oasis of tranquility.
You’ll have picnics among fragrant blooms, explore winding pathways, and connect with nature in a way that declutters the mind and reduces stress.
11. Ski Trips
A ski trip is another incredible gift experience to give, as you can take advantage of it shortly after the holiday season. Plus, as you did with camping gear, you can give ski gear as part of the present.
Maybe you’re like us and live in a warmer climate. A ski trip gets you out of your normal element and gives your family something to talk about for years. I’d recommend some of the best ski resorts, from Vail, Colorado, to Aspen, Utah.
Each resort offers something unique, terrain for every skill level, breathtaking views of the mountainside, and nearby activities like snowshoeing or ice skating. There’s nothing quite like breathing in the crisp mountain air and enjoying a day on the slopes.
12. Go to a Dude Ranch
Get away from screens with a Dude Ranch Vacation. Not your typical vacation experience, a dude or guest ranch is more than just heading out west. There are ranches all over the United States.
When you give your family a dude ranch vacation, you’re giving them the best experiences with horseback riding, hiking, fishing, swimming, cycling, zip-lining, white water rafting, rodeos, campfire sing-a-longs, western dancing, and fine dining.
13. Stay in a Tree House
Or a boat, or a cave, or a train car. When you search Airbnb, you can find incredible and unique experiences and vacation homes to give as a gift to your family. Here’s how to book an Airbnb.
Indoor Adventures to Give
14. Concert Tickets
Concert tickets may not seem like a travel experience, but what if you traveled to another city or even country to see your favorite artist? Make a weekend of it and take your teen to see her favorite artist.
If you have older kids or young adults, seek out some music festivals that they want to see. Sometimes these can be costly, so they’ll appreciate you footing the bill for these amazing experiences.
Not only will you have a great time at the concert, but you can also explore the city and try some of its unique restaurants. The excitement of exploring a new place can be just as thrilling as being in the audience for your favorite artist.
Whether it’s an outdoor venue or one of the local arenas, a live music experience is something that should not be missed on any trip.
Go to Superstar tickets for popular and trending concerts across the nation. Superstar has no service fees.
15. Theatre Tickets
In the same vein as concert tickets, if your family loves live theatre, give the best gift of a show this year.
While NYC is the ultimate for Broadway tickets, fantastic shows tour all over the country. Think both popular shows and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but don’t miss out on revivals or Off-Broadway smaller productions.
TodayTix and the TodayTix app are hands down my favorite way to get theatre tickets. So maybe you didn’t get those Hamilton tickets at your local theater, instead, search for Chicago and make a special trip there this year!
One of our favorite presents for the family was getting tickets to see The Cursed Child on Broadway. We made it a whole adventure to explore New York City.
And if your family is a fan of the musical Hamilton, check out where to see Hamilton on Broadway and beyond.
16. Sporting Events
Maybe you have a sports nut in your family? Superstar tickets have college ball Bowl Games, NCAA Final Four, MLS Soccer, and so much more.
Just like with theater and concert tickets, make it one of the best travel experiences you can give by taking your family to watch their favorite team in another city.
City Explorations
If you’re looking for the best travel experiences to give that treat your family to culture, great food, history, and so much more, consider a trip to a bigger city as a gift. This often has something for everyone, and if you go someplace new, the sense of adventure is intact.
See more of a city for less with these city exploration cards. These package deals are often better than the price of individual attraction tickets. Plan an adventure to cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and so much more.
Save up to 55% with a Go City Card
Consider some of these themed ideas.
17. Culinary experiences
Food is a universal language, and what better way to explore it than through a family cooking class or a food tour? These hands-on experiences allow you to savor the local cuisine, learn new culinary skills, and bond over the joy of food.
Check Viator for various food tours as a way of getting both an overview of the area, as well as the opportunity to try a lot of different foods you (or your family) may not try on their own.
One of my favorite places for exploring a culinary adventure outside the norm is New Orleans, Lafayette, Louisiana, and the many different neighborhoods of New York City. You could even take cooking classes in the places you visit, too.
18. Language Immersion Trip
Imagine taking the family to an area where they don’t speak the language. It’s often touted as the best way to learn the language. While overseas and international are the obvious options, there are places where you can practice your new language even in the United States.
- French in Lafayette, Louisiana
- Chinese in Chinatown neighborhoods in Philadelphia, New York, or San Francisco
- Spanish in Little Havana, Miami, El Paso, Texas
- Dutch in Holland, Michigan
There are hundreds of ethnic enclaves in the US where you might be able to experience both language and cultural immersion, listed here. Consider visits to Native American centers or various neighborhoods to start your journey.
Of course, if you want to start learning the language before the trip, invest in a membership to Duolingo or Rosetta Stone to get started.
Cultural Travel Experiences
19. Volunteering
Have you ever considered volunteering as one of the types of travel you can give as a gift? Some organizations have programs where you can volunteer as a family, while others can send your middle or high schooler off to have an adventure on their own.
Start your research at these sites
Travel Surprises
20. Pack Up and Go
Really want to surprise your family and yourself? Pack Up and Go is a really cool travel experience for weekend getaways.
Simply pick dates, your budget per person, and some travel preferences, and they take care of the rest. You won’t know where you’re going until the day you travel. A week before, they’ll send you the weather forecast and recommended items to pack. You can select one for your family, or gift a trip for someone you love.
Travel Tips for Making the Experience Special
it’s hard not to give stuff for Christmas. You want that thrill of tearing into a present with reckless abandon. There are a couple of ways to combat that, however.
1. Plan the trip for Christmas Day
If you can plan something that happens on Christmas Day, you maximize the experience. You can tell your family they are in for a surprise, load up the car, and off you go. You can keep the destination a secret until you arrive. For example, maybe you can book a cruise that leaves on Christmas Day and the surprise is pulling up to the port.
Alternatively, especially if you don’t want to fly on Christmas Day, you could take a number of road trips to nearby towns or cities and make an off-the-beaten-track vacation.
2. Plan Together
On the other hand, you can surprise them with tickets to a destination. You can purchase some cute editable boarding passes on Etsy, so the family has something to open. Then spend the day as a family planning the rest of your adventure.
3. Progressive gifting
Another idea is to give gifts that relate to the trip you’re taking.
Think of things that relate to your destination. For example, maybe you give a mini Statue of Liberty, a bagel-making kit, and a stuffed Lion King plush, and ask them what do those things have in common. A trip to New York City, of course!
This can be one of the fun ways to give a trip as a gift.
4. Document the journey
Creating keepsakes from the travel experience also makes a great gift that goes beyond Christmas day.
Keep ticket stubs, programs, or playbills as mementos of the best places you’ve visited and the shows you’ve seen.
Capture the moments with photographs or maintain travel journals. Encourage your kids to express their thoughts and feelings about the places you visit. These will become cherished memories in the years to come.
Spend a day after you get back Scrapbooking. Create a family travel experiences scrapbook together. Compile photos, ticket stubs, and any other memorabilia from your journey. It’s a creative way to revisit your travels and relive the memories.
What are the benefits of giving travel experiences over material gifts?
Travel experiences create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds, making them more valuable than material possessions.
How can I choose the right travel experience for my family’s interests?
Consider your family’s interests and preferences when choosing travel experiences, ensuring everyone has a fantastic time.
Are there affordable travel experiences for families on a budget?
Yes, there are budget-friendly options like camping trips or visiting local attractions that can be just as memorable.
What if I have kids of different ages with varying interests?
Find destinations and activities that offer something for everyone. Mix educational experiences with adventure to keep all ages engaged.
How can I make a travel experience more personalized?
Tailor the experience to your family’s interests, whether it’s cultural immersion, nature exploration, or culinary delights.
What’s the best way to document our travel experiences?
Consider keeping a travel journal and taking photos to capture the moments, or create a scrapbook after your trip.
How do I keep the adventure alive after the trip is over?
Share stories, create themed family dinners, and plan activities inspired by your travels to relive the experience together.
Final Thoughts: Best Travel Experiences to Give
What are your thoughts? Do you have one of the best travel experiences that you gave your family this year? I’d love to hear. Please leave a comment below.
Keep Reading – How to Give the Gift of Travel to your Family
