Give the gift of travel this Christmas

Why a family vacation beats anything you could ever fit under the tree.

The problem with more “stuff”

How many times have you bought the Lego set or the stuffed animal that gets played with for a couple of hours on Christmas morning—then lands on a shelf by New Year’s?

Yep… guilty.

For years, I was the mom buried under wrapping paper and Amazon boxes. I grew up as one of eleven kids, so our Christmases were minimalist, to put it kindly. When I had my own children, I swung the other direction. I counted presents to make sure all four of mine had the same number. It was out of control—complete holiday overwhelm every year.

The house looked like a toy store exploded, and by mid-January, most of those “perfect” gifts had vanished into closets or the basement.

So why do we keep doing it—fighting Black Friday crowds, clicking “Buy Now,” and over-stuffing stockings—just to have it all shoved away by spring?

It’s time to break free from the cycle of stuff and start giving something that lasts: the gift of travel.

Memories last longer than presents

When I was about 11 or 12, my brother, sister, and I won a trip to Disneyland through our paper route delivery contest. My parents somehow managed to take all of us that December.

And oh, it was magical. The twinkle lights, the hotel, the smell of churros—it was pure joy.

I couldn’t tell you what I got for Christmas that year, but I remember every second of that trip.

That’s the thing about family vacations. They light up your imagination and create memories that stay vivid long after toys break or batteries die. Even the hiccups—the lost luggage or the wrong turn—become family legends you laugh about for decades.

Travel is nostalgia in the making.

Experience gifts bring families closer

Giving the gift of travel isn’t just about the destination. It’s about connection.

There are a couple of ways to approach it: you can either get everyone in on the planning, or plan the trip beforehand and gift it to them for Christmas.

When you have their input for planning, everyone gets in on the magic. The excitement starts early—choosing where to go, counting down the days, packing together.

When you surprise them, it’s a magical Christmas morning, as the vacation anticipation begins.

Either way, it’s a shared experience that begins long before the plane takes off.

And let’s be honest: vacations eliminate about 90% of the holiday shopping stress. Instead of endless scrolling and shipping delays, you’re investing in quality time and genuine connection.

Experiential gifts don’t clutter your home—they fill your life with stories.

Family vacations can cost less than you think

Here’s a little-known truth: gifting a vacation can actually be more affordable than traditional holiday spending.

Between toys, gadgets, clothes, and stocking stuffers, the average family spends thousands every year. Redirecting that toward a weekend getaway, cruise, or national park adventure often adds up to less—and gives infinitely more value.

A trip is a gift that keeps on giving: before, during, and long after you return home.

Travel creates timeless traditions

The value of travel—especially for kids—can’t be overstated. Exploring a new place, tasting new foods, discovering different traditions… it all fuels curiosity and wonder.

And during the holidays, when the world already feels a little more magical, travel invites us to slow down, unplug, and focus on what matters most: each other.

Whether it’s a Christmas market in Europe, a Disney vacation, or a sun-filled beach escape, travel gives families something to anticipate, experience, and remember—together.

Make this Christmas unforgettable

This year, skip the wrapping paper and give your family a story they’ll tell forever.

Trade the stress of shopping for the joy of shared adventure. Because when it comes to holiday gifts, the best memories aren’t found under the tree—they’re made out in the world.

Christmas is a time to be with family and loved ones. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, having a vacation to look forward to is the perfect way to actually spend time with and celebrate each other!

Traveling encourages us to unplug from reality, let go of everyday life stressors, and enjoy meaningful time as a family. There’s truly no better way to get in the Christmas spirit.

It’s time to cross ‘shopping’ off of your holiday to-do list and make this Christmas a Christmas to remember with an unforgettable family vacation!

Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll talk about creating memories, and share some perfect vacation destinations and ideas!