Is your Christmas morning a blur of wrapping paper, boxes stacked high, and kids moving from one toy to the next? You’re not alone. Most people, especially parents and grandparents, feel like they’re just trying to keep up with the chaos during the holiday season. It’s such an effort in the weeks and months leading up to the holidays to purchase all those gifts, and within weeks (if not days), most get tucked away in closets, forgotten, or even broken. If you’re already dreading your holiday shopping list for this reason, you’re not alone!
So what if this year you traded some of that chaos for something more meaningful? Instead of giving more “stuff,” why not give your family the gift of travel? A family trip is an opportunity to create cherished family memories. It’s the kind of gift that lasts long after the holiday decorations are put away.
Why travel is the best gift
The excitement of a new gadget or toy tends to fade quickly. But travel is different. It doesn’t gather dust on a shelf because the moments you share on vacation turn into memories, stories, and traditions that last for years. Imagine how special it would be to surprise your family with a spring break cruise, a Disney trip, or even an epic summer vacation plan this holiday season. You are not just giving them a trip; you are giving them something to look forward to and talk about for months to come.
How to get the adults on board
Convincing grandparents, siblings, or other relatives to trade wrapped gifts for a group trip can feel like a big ask, but the key is showing them the value:
- Highlight the time together. Remind them of the quality time you’ll spend together, which is worth a lot more than a gift card.
- Show the cost savings. When everyone pools their holiday budgets toward travel, it often offsets most (or all) of the trip’s cost, making it easier for everyone to say yes.
- Select a destination that offers something for everyone. Cruises and all-inclusive resorts are perfect because they have activities for every age and energy level, from kids’ clubs to adult-only areas.
- Plan around everyone’s schedules. Give plenty of notice so work vacations, school breaks, and other commitments can be coordinated stress-free.
- Offer to do the planning. Most hesitation comes from the extensive planning required for a group trip. Let them know you’ll handle booking (or better yet, work with Creating Magic Vacations to do it for you) so all they have to do is pack.
Once everyone realizes that this gift is about creating memories, not just replacing presents, it becomes a much more meaningful and enjoyable gesture.
How to prep your children for a “Trip Instead of Toys” gift
If your kids are used to unwrapping a pile of presents, switching to an experience gift can feel different, but with a bit of holiday prep, it can be just as exciting:
- Build the anticipation early. Drop hints leading up to the holidays. Maybe wrap a small suitcase, matching t-shirts, or character-themed gear as part of the reveal.
- Get them involved. Show them where you’re going on a map, watch videos about the destination, or create a countdown calendar together.
- Make the experience tangible. Give them a travel journal or autograph book to use on the trip. This gives them something physical to hold and look forward to.
- Talk about the why. Explain that this gift is about time together, trying new things, and making memories and emphasize that it is something they’ll remember far longer than another toy.
Give the gift that lasts
This year, skip some of the extra shopping trips and give your family a gift that will outlast the season. Whether it’s a family cruise, a Disney vacation, a resort getaway, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you wouldn’t regret choosing to create memories that grow more meaningful over time and bring your family closer together.
So if you’re ready to start planning your holiday trip surprise, let Creating Magic Vacations handle everything so you can enjoy a stress-free planning experience from start to finish. Together, we can turn this year’s holiday gift into next year’s best family memory. https://rebeccacreatingmagicvacationscom.social5.net/
