Better than what, you ask?
Well, better than the traditional articles you’ll read in most travel venues when the holidays roll around and writers tell you about the latest GPS units, cell phones, and PDAs that can be of use for travelers.
I want to talk about a few travel gifts for the December holidays that might be a bit more creative.
Let’s get right down to it.
• Miles. Almost every major airline will let you buy miles that you can gift a loved one. It’s difficult to surprise anyone with an airline ticket (unless you’re buying a full-fare or premium class ticket that can be changed for no fee) because you probably don’t know where they really want to go or when. If you gift them with miles, recipients can cash those miles in for the trip of their choice. (I know, I know—it’s almost impossible to get award tickets to Europe in the summer or Hawaii in December. But there are lots of other desirable destinations, and with many airlines now offering grids showing seekers of award tickets what cities and dates are available, it’s easier than ever to score a “free” ticket.)
• Club memberships. If you’re really inclined to splash out for a frequent traveler, consider a membership in an airline club. Make sure you know what airline the recipient usually travels. This will cost you $300 or more, by the way.
• A hotel amenity. My junior high grammar teacher, Col. Ferguson-Warren, would tell me that’s supposed to read “an hotel amenity,” but I just can’t get behind that. OK, so you know your relative or friend will be going to a particular hotel or resort sometime in the next couple of months. Why not gift them with a certificate for a massage at the hotel? Or a dinner for two? Or even a bottle of special wine? Or a bottle of Champagne on ice when they check into their room? Any good hotel or resort can arrange any of those niceties for you with a simple phone call.
• One of my show DVDs. Hah! I couldn’t resist slipping this one in. I’ve done public television shows on 65 destinations Just click here to choose one appropriate to the destination you’re planning to visit with someone. Or give a DVD to someone about to embark on a journey.
• A trip. Surprise someone with a mystery trip. Quietly make the arrangements, tell him or her to pack a bag for two, three or however many nights, tell them whether to pack warm or cold weather clothes, and wisk ‘em off to the airport. This works every time with spouses and lovers.
• A basket o’ love, with a travel theme. Can’t afford a trip to France just now? Put together a big basket of all-things French. French wine, cheese, pate, sausage, foie gras, honey, jams. You get the idea. Then have a feast while watching a travel show on France. I don’t care if it’s one of Rick Steve’s shows—it’s the mood that counts. Is it almost like being there? Well, no. But it beats a TV dinner while watching Seinfeld re-runs.
Snow Globes a no-no
Sure, a snow globe may make an appropriate gift to bring home, especially during the winter holidays. But remember, a snow globe falls into the category of a liquid, and that’s not allowed in carry-on luggage if you’re flying. I expect to see bins filled with snow globes at airports this holiday season—don’t let yours be one of them. Pack ‘em in your checked luggage or surrender them to a TSA honcho.
