If you’re searching for a gift for the traveler in your life, skip the stuff that takes up suitcase space and give them something that they can carry with them forever without taking up space: an experience.
Whether they’re a frequent flyer, a road-trip wanderer, a foodie, or someone who dreams of their next adventure, experiential gifts create memories they’ll cherish long after a physical item is forgotten. From budget-friendly ideas to splurge-worthy surprises, here are 10 meaningful gift experiences for the explorer in your life.
Giving the gift of experience is perfect for travelers. SolStock/Getty Images
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1. National Park Pass
A classic and incredibly meaningful gift, the America the Beautiful National Park Pass unlocks entry to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites for an entire year. Perfect for hikers, photographers, or anyone craving fresh air and big scenery, this pass encourages road trips, new explorations, and time outdoors. It’s affordable, practical, and deeply memorable. The annual pass costs $80.
2. Airline gift card
If you want to give a traveler the ultimate freedom, an airline gift card is the way to go. Nearly all major airlines offer them, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, American, JetBlue, and they can be used for flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and even in-flight purchases. It’s a flexible, universally appreciated gift that can help someone take that trip they’ve been dreaming about. This also allows you to give a gift in any budget.
3. Cooking classes around the world
From fresh pasta-making workshops in Rome to Thai street-food classes in Chiang Mai, cooking classes are one of the most immersive ways to experience a culture. You can gift a specific class in a destination they’re planning to visit, or choose platforms like Airbnb Experiences or local culinary schools so they can enjoy a global cooking experience from home.
4. Museum Membership or City Pass
A CityPASS, museum membership, or cultural attraction pass gives travelers access to the museums, galleries, and attractions they love most. It’s especially great for travelers who visit major cities like New York, Chicago, London, or Paris. It’s experiential, educational, and can fit into any budget.
Related: 8 least-visited national parks that deserve your attention
5. Guided adventure excursion
Think: snorkeling with sea turtles, kayaking through mangroves, sunset sailing tours, rock-climbing sessions, zip-lining, or guided night hikes. Outdoor experiences like these create breathtaking memories and encourage travelers to connect with the natural world in new ways. These vary widely in cost, making it easy to find something budget-friendly or splurge-worthy.
6. Airport Lounge Day Pass
For the traveler who gets to the airport hours ahead of schedule, give them something worth spending time at the airport. A lounge day pass gives access to comfortable seating, free food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and showers. Options like Priority Pass or select credit-card lounges make this an affordable luxury that dramatically improves any travel day.
7. Travel photography workshop
If the traveler in your life loves taking photos, a photography class or guided photo walk makes for an inspiring gift. Many cities offer half-day tours led by professional photographers who show participants how to capture landmarks, landscapes, and candid moments in new ways.
8. Wellness experiences
Travel can be exhausting, sometimes the best gift is relaxation. Whether it’s a spa gift card, thermal hot spring ticket, sauna pass, or massage credit, wellness-focused experiences help travelers reset and recharge. This can be a small indulgence or a full luxury splurge depending on your budget.
Experience gifts can be nearly anything!AstroStar/Shutterstock
9. Local experiences
If the person you are giving a gift to already knows their next destination, you can gift them local experiences in the location they are visiting. Think outside the box with experiences like:
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A wine-tasting journey at a vineyard
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A pottery or artisan workshop
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A harbor cruise or fishing excursion
These gifts support local communities while offering unforgettable moments.
Paul McGuire, Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer at Grand Canyon Resort Corporation, a tour company out of Las Vegas, shared with TravelHost, “Experience gifts like a day tour to Grand Canyon West offer something no physical item can: lasting memories. Instead of giving more stuff, you’re giving the feeling of standing on the edge of a natural wonder, soaring through the sky on a zipline or sharing breathtaking views with someone you love. Those moments become stories, not clutter, and that’s what makes them the best kind of gift.”
10. A weekend getaway fund
For a major milestone gift, consider contributing toward a weekend escape, whether through a hotel gift card, Airbnb credit, or a prepaid stay. It’s personal, meaningful, and gives them the chance to disconnect and explore somewhere new.
Related: The one small southern city foodies are flocking to right now
Give memories
Travelers tend to value moments over materials, and gifting experiences helps them build richer, more meaningful journeys. Whether you’re choosing a small but thoughtful experience or going big on a splurge-worthy adventure, you’re giving something priceless: a memory they’ll carry long after the destination fades.
This story was originally published by TravelHost on Nov 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Shopping section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.