You are out of present ideas and the person you want to spoil already has everything. Instead of gifting material things, it is time for an experience. And here at Start Adventure we all know that the best experience of all is traveling.

It has become quite common to offer trips, as we now have at our disposition travel packs thought out by travel companies in partnership with hotels and other tourism agencies.

However, it is not that simple to gift a trip, which may be somewhat expensive and which may take up a lot of your time. Follow these Dos and Don’ts before making an impact with that special someone (either in a positive or in a negative way):

Dos

• Be mindful of what the other person loves. Some people don’t like the cold and the rain, other don’t want anything else but just that. Some love the hustle and bustle of cities, but nature lovers would enjoy a different type of destination. Fortunately, there is something for everybody;
• Consider the limitations that person may face. Not everyone is physically able to ride a horse, just like not everyone is at home with traveling by plane;
• Watch and learn. You probably already know your special person’s dream destination, since they have been saving hundreds of reindeer pictures from Norway;
• Plan it well. If you already know that the company they work for closes for the summer, this is your chance. Matching schedules and getting enough free time can be a challenge, and so the solution may well be purchasing a travel package that you can book later;
• Make sure that this isn’t an excessive gift and that it fits in with your relationship;
• Allow the person to pick what they want to see and do as well;
• You don’t have to go abroad or even a stay at a hotel. It’s easier and perhaps more exciting to rent a camper van.

Don’ts

• Don’t gift a solo trip unless you know that person would love one. Some people don’t enjoy solo travel;
• Don’t book a trip if you’re not sure everyone will be available!
• Don’t use shared payment methods, or they’ll think you’re planning on hitting the road;
• Don’t plan last minute;
• Don’t tell everyone what you’re up to, because someone will give you away one way or another;
• Don’t say no to travel insurance. Think of the places you’ll visit and the activities you’re planning, and learn about what your options;
• Don’t ask them where they’d like to go… at least get an accomplice to ask them subtly;
• Don’t go and print the tickets in front of them unless you want it to be a surprise.

Bonus, creative ways to gift a trip

• Offer them a guidebook to the place you’re visiting;
• Offer them an agenda and mark the trip;
• Offer them a clue;
• Pack for them, put the tickets inside and leave the suitcase in sight;
• Hide their toothbrush and, when they ask you if you’ve seen it, say you’ve already packed it for the trip;
• Show up wearing a local outfit, like a swimming costume and flowers around your neck;
• Say you are going for the trip, but don’t say where;
• Use something different, like a QR code;
• Hide the tickets inside another small, boring gift;
• Put the tickets in the mail box;
• Offer them a puzzle of the destination.

Gift them a Start Adventure expedition

• Namíbia
• Costa Rica
• Botswana
• Rota das Serras

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