How To Gift a Holiday

Can You Gift Someone a Holiday?

The short answer is yes - you absolutely can. Covering the cost of flights, hotels, or experiences all count as a holiday gift, and it’s one that goes far beyond the ordinary. A trip feels personal and exciting, whether it’s a full package you’ve booked or just the starting point of an adventure.

That said, there are a few practical details to think about. Airline tickets usually need to be booked in the traveller’s name, so double-checking spellings is essential. Travel insurance is another must, as it protects your loved one if plans change unexpectedly. Dates also need a bit of careful planning - make sure the timing works with their calendar before locking anything in.

If you’d prefer to keep things flexible, there are alternatives that still feel just as thoughtful. Gift cards, holiday vouchers, or open-date bookings let your loved one choose when to travel, while you still get the joy of surprising them with the idea of a holiday. It’s the best of both worlds - freedom and excitement wrapped up in one gift.

How To Plan a Surprise Holiday Gift

Planning a surprise holiday might sound like a big task, but with a bit of thought, it can be one of the most exciting gifts you ever put together. The first step is choosing the right destination. Think about what your loved one truly enjoys - are they into beaches, city breaks, spa days, or mountain adventures? A trip that reflects their interests will feel instantly more personal and meaningful.

Timing is another key piece of the puzzle. Even the most amazing holiday can fall flat if it clashes with work schedules, school terms or other commitments. Try to do a bit of subtle digging - maybe ask a colleague or family member if you’re unsure - so you can pick dates that work smoothly without spoiling the surprise.

And of course, it’s always worth setting a budget early on. Decide how much you’re happy to spend and stick to it - there are great options at every price point, especially when you look for deals or packages. If the trip involves others, like family or close friends, consider bringing them in on the plan. They can help keep the secret, offer ideas or even be part of the big reveal, making the whole surprise even more special.

Creative Ways to Reveal a Surprise Holiday

The magic of gifting a holiday is in the reveal. After all, this isn’t something you can simply pop in a gift bag with tissue paper. Here are some creative ideas for wrapping and revealing a holiday gift.

1. Gift box reveal: Nothing beats the excitement of opening a box and discovering plane tickets, a printed itinerary or even a cheeky fake boarding pass tucked inside. You can add little touches like sunglasses, sun cream or a mini travel-sized item, that hint at what’s to come. It’s a simple yet effective way to give the recipient something tangible to unwrap while building up anticipation for the trip.
2. Puzzle or scavenger hunt: Turn the reveal into an adventure of its own by setting up a puzzle, riddle or scavenger hunt that leads to the big surprise. Each clue could point towards the destination, with the final hint unveiling the holiday itself. It adds an extra layer of fun, especially for children or anyone who enjoys a playful challenge.
3. Travel-themed gifts: Another clever way to wrap a holiday is by giving a practical travel item that doubles as a hint. You might present a suitcase with the destination printed inside, tuck a guidebook into a gift bag, or wrap up some local currency from where they’ll be headed. These props make the holiday reveal both practical and exciting.
4. Photo album or postcard clues: For a more sentimental touch, create a small photo album or collect postcards that gradually hint at the destination. Imagine flipping through pages of sandy beaches or iconic landmarks before turning to the final page that says, “We’re going here!” It’s a lovely way to build suspense and tug at the heartstrings.
5. Digital surprise: If you want something modern and unexpected, a digital reveal can work wonders. You could send an email with a fun “Your trip is booked!” design, schedule a message to pop up on their phone, or even create a short video with destination clips that ends with the reveal. It’s a simple option, but one that can feel just as exciting as an in-person gift.

No matter which approach you choose, the reveal is your chance to add creativity and emotional impact to the gift. It’s not just about telling someone they’re going away - it’s about crafting a moment they’ll never forget, long before the holiday even begins.

Ideas for Different Recipients

The way you reveal a holiday can feel even more special when it’s tailored to the person receiving it. A thoughtful reveal makes the surprise feel personal, meaningful, and perfectly suited to the relationship you share. Here are some creative ideas for different recipients.

For a partner: If you’re wondering how to surprise her with a gift - or him, for that matter - a romantic holiday reveal is a perfect choice. Destinations like Paris or Venice lend themselves beautifully to anniversaries or special occasions. You could reveal the trip during a candlelit dinner, slip a boarding pass into a bouquet of flowers, or even surprise them with a note tucked inside a keepsake box.

For children: Making the reveal playful and magical is the best way to surprise a child with a holiday. Try using a treasure map that leads them to the destination, balloons filled with little hints, or even an advent calendar counting down to the big trip. These touches turn the holiday into an adventure before it even begins.

For parents or family: A family holiday can be revealed in a way that brings everyone together. Hosting a dinner and unveiling the destination with a toast or a printed menu styled after the location creates a warm, shared moment. It’s a heartfelt way to say thank you and give the gift of time spent together.

For friends: If you’re surprising friends with a getaway, a party makes the perfect backdrop. Imagine the fun of handing out themed props - like sunglasses or cocktails - and then revealing the trip to everyone at once. The group setting heightens the excitement and sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Different Holidays to Gift

A holiday gift doesn’t always mean booking flights to somewhere far-flung. Sometimes, the best surprises are closer to home, tailored to your loved one’s style and interests. Here are a few different types of holidays you can turn into unforgettable gifts.

Hotel stay gift: If you’re wondering how to gift someone a hotel stay, think about pairing it with a little extra indulgence. A spa voucher tucked inside a card, or a weekend at a luxury hotel wrapped up in a keepsake box, makes the surprise feel tangible and thoughtful. It’s a versatile choice too, perfect for couples, parents, or anyone who deserves a relaxing break.

Cruise gift: To surprise someone with a cruise, you can get creative with the presentation. Imagine wrapping up a small anchor charm or placing the cruise tickets inside a decorative bottle - it immediately hints at what’s to come while keeping the reveal playful. A cruise gift feels unique and adventurous, making it an ideal choice for milestone celebrations.

Experience days: Not every holiday has to mean overnight stays. You can also give the gift of an experience - like a city tour, a cultural workshop, or an adventure activity. The best way to give an experience as a gift is by packaging it in a way that feels personal, such as including a themed prop or a little guidebook alongside the voucher. These kinds of gifts are especially memorable because they offer something exciting to do, rather than something to own.

What To Say in a Surprise Holiday Gift

The words you use to reveal a holiday are just as important as the gift itself. Whether you’re writing on a card, slipping a note into a gift box or sending a digital reveal, the right message can set the tone and make the surprise even more heartfelt.

Simple phrases like “Pack your bags - we’re off on an adventure!” or “Your holiday starts here” instantly capture excitement. You can also play with destination hints, such as “Hope you’re ready for gelato, because we’re heading to Rome”. Short, punchy lines often work best when paired with the reveal itself.

The right words can turn your reveal into something truly memorable. Here are some wording ideas you can use or adapt depending on who you’re surprising.

For a partner:

• “I can’t wait to make memories with you in Paris.”
• “Pack your bags, love - we’re off to Venice!”
• “Here’s to sunsets, adventures, and us - your holiday is waiting.”

For family:

• “Time for us to relax together - get ready for a seaside escape.”
• “You’ve looked after us, now it’s your turn to be spoiled - enjoy your holiday.”
• “Family time, no chores, just fun - bags packed for a getaway!”

For friends:

• “Sun, cocktails, and no alarm clocks - your holiday is booked!”
• “Ready for an adventure? Grab your passport - we’re off!”
• “From nights out to new cities, the fun continues on holiday.”

For anyone:

• “Your next adventure starts here.”
• “The best memories aren’t things - they’re trips. Get ready to make some.”
• “This holiday is my way of saying thank you for being you.”

The best messages are personal. Think about the tone that suits your relationship - romantic for a partner, warm for parents, and upbeat for friends. Adding an inside joke, a shared memory or even a playful clue about the destination makes the wording feel unique and more meaningful than a generic phrase.

Final Tips

Before you wrap up your holiday gift, a few thoughtful checks can make sure everything goes smoothly. These final touches will help your surprise feel not only exciting but stress-free too.

1. Double-check travel documents: Make sure passports are valid, and look into visas or travel restrictions well in advance. Nothing spoils a surprise faster than discovering paperwork isn’t in order.
2. Confirm the recipient’s availability: Even if you’re keeping the holiday a secret, discreetly check with colleagues, family or close friends to ensure the recipient is free during the chosen dates. It avoids awkward clashes with work or personal plans.
3. Include travel insurance: Adding travel insurance as part of the gift is both thoughtful and practical. It gives peace of mind that the trip is protected against unexpected changes.
4. Add personal touches: Consider creating a simple itinerary, printing a map with marked highlights, or gifting small travel accessories to make the holiday feel even more personal. Little extras can make the experience feel curated just for them.
5. Plan the practicalities: Think about airport transfers, baggage allowance or even local transport cards. Covering these little details makes the holiday feel seamless from the start.

Gifting a holiday is more than just booking a trip - it’s about creating a moment that sparks excitement, strengthens connections, and leaves behind memories far more lasting than any physical present. With a little planning, the right words, and a creative reveal, you can transform a holiday into a gift that feels deeply personal and unforgettable. Whether it’s a weekend hotel stay, an adventurous cruise, or a cultural experience, the thought and care you put into it will mean the world to your loved one.

For more inspiration, or to explore a wider range of holidays and getaways, take a look at the travel guides below.