The Perfect Solution to Your Summer Gift Needs

The Perfect Solution to Your Summer Gift Needs

Before winter holidays, people put a lot of thought into their gift giving.  The summer gift-giving season, however, tends to sneak up on us.  Suddenly, you may be faced with the dilemma of what to get your loved ones for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day – not to mention summer graduations, weddings, and wedding anniversaries and birthdays that are sure to bring party invitations your way.

                Fortunately, there’s a wonderful gift that’s great for all of these occasions, and always fits perfectly: TRAVEL.  There are many ways to give travel, and this flexibility means that you can find a travel gift that’s within your budget for just about anyone on your list.

                1^st Option is to give an airline gift certificate, which allows the recipient to choose a destination.  If you’re a traveler with a supply of frequent flyer miles, you may be able to convert some of your miles into a gift certificate.  Certificates are available in denominations as small as $10 or $25 dollars and can be as large as your budget allows.  One caution: make sure that you don’t create a dilemma by presenting a certificate that covers part of the cost of an airline ticket if the recipient can’t afford the rest.  If that’s the case, consider teaming up with family and friend to give enough certificates to purchase a round-trip ticket.

                2^nd Option is to provide a gift certificate for a hotel, resort or bed-and-breakfast that you know the recipient enjoys.  Again, make sure the recipient can afford to get there – or, ask another friend or family member to provide a gift of air, rail or ground transportation.

                3^rd Option if the recipient has already booked a trip, do some investigating to find out how you can add to it.  Once you know the destination, a gift certificate to a restaurant, spa or attraction there would make a great gift.

                4^th Option if you can afford to give a loved one a complete travel experience – perhaps a cruise, a tour of France or a stay at a tropical resort – your gift will be fabulous indeed. 

 Most local agencies have gift certificates to purchase and can be used on any of the options above.  And it is always good to sit down with an agent to get ideas of what they can use their certificate for.  When giving travel, as with other gifts, remember that the thought will count for more than the cost, especially when the memories you’ve helped to create will last a lifetime.                                                                                                                                                  Give the Gift of Travel!!