Dec 15, 2014

Give the Gift of Travel

We all have people who are very difficult to find the perfect gift for be it a grandchild or an adult. There are those people who seem to have everything.  Gifting travel creates unforgettable memories. At first thought it may seem like travel is an expensive gift but it doesn’t have to be. There are inexpensive gifts of travel and the more expensive ones can be affordable if people/family make it a group gift.  Keep in mind that off season travel is usually much less expensive. Unused air miles or points at a hotel can be used to create a special gift at little expense.  We were gifted with three nights at the Venetian in Vegas with points from our son-in-law. It was wonderful. Many times our children have given us theater tickets which were much appreciated and enjoyed. Most places offer gift certificates so the gift of travel can be used any time. If a gift certificate is not available then a gift certificate can be created on the computer. Travel does not have to take place immediately. Anticipating travel in the months to come is always something to look forward to. 

For the hard to buy for person consider creating a package with tickets to an SU game or theater tickets for a play at the Landmark or Syracuse Stage with an overnight at the Genesee Grande or Skyler Hotel. Both are close to the dome and Syracuse Stage. Parking is free. Make it even more special with a dinner at the Genesee Grande or another Syracuse fine dining establishment. For those who enjoy the theater another package idea would include tickets for Merry-Go-Round Theater possibly with an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn in Auburn or dining at a local establishment. 

I love the Erie Canal and a gift that includes a day on the canal with
Mid-Lakes is an excellent opportunity for people to relax and learn about the canal while traveling in the slow lane; and, tickets are reasonable with some including a meal. The speed limit on the canal is five miles an hour. Another great water trip is aboard one of Uncle Sam’s Boat Tours. Tours include stop at the castles, there are two – the well-known Boldt Castle and Singer Castle which is completely furnished. 

 A great anniversary or wedding gift could be a night at the Best Western Plus Captains Quarters in Oswego where their King Suite has an in-room whirlpool spa. This would be great for a couple with children if it was accompanied a promise to babysit making it the perfect romantic getaway without going far from home. 

As a high school graduation gift for our grandson we gifted him
with a trip to Cleveland. He was majoring in music so he really enjoyed the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and in the evening we took him to dinner at Nighttown which included great jazz music.  Before heading home we had lunch at the Hard Rock CafĂ©.  We enjoyed it as much as him because we did things that we would not have done if he had not been with us.   

There are a multitude of travel experiences that make great gifts.  Need to get a gift for a snow mobiler or a cross-country skier?  How about a night at Tailwater in Altmar and include dinner? Think local: keep in mind that the gift of travel helps the economy.