By Jerry Vaughn, Travel Talk
Every year at the holidays, many people struggle with what to buy that special someone. Often, the person really does have everything he or she needs, or the person is really hard to please and nothing seems to be right.
Giving the gift of travel is always very special and meaningful. It is sure to be appreciated and provides a great opportunity to learn about different people and places. Best of all, you may accompany the recipient(s) as well and benefit from the experience.
Well, I’ve consulted with Santa and here are a few suggestions that may help if you want to “think outside the box.”
Recipient: Husband who is a great outdoorsman who loves nature.
Giver: Wife who also enjoys the outdoors and wants to really give him something to remember.
The gift: Voyage of the Bering Sea. Bears, bears and birds. This trip will take you from Anchorage to Homer through the Bering Sea. You will visit Kodiak, Katmai National Park, Dutch Harbor, the Pribilof and Shumagin Islands as well as two ports of call in Russia. This is the ultimate Alaska experience.
2. Klondike Yukon Explorer cruise tour. This trip will give you a three-day cruise allowing you to visit spectacular Glacier Bay. You will then embark on a seven- to 11-day land journey following the trail of the gold miners through the Yukon Territory where you will visit White Horse, Dawson, Eagle and Tok. You will arrive in Fairbanks then down to Denali National Park, Talkeetna and conclude your adventure in Anchorage.
3. Alaska fishing trip. OK, so you want to get rid of him for a while. Send him to Alaska’s Bearclaw Lodge in Aleknagik, located in the famous Bristol Bay, gateway to remote world class fishing — all five species of Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, arctic char, grayling and pike. The modern lodge with all amenities has a cozy atmosphere, outstanding views, great food and experienced, licensed fishing guides and friendly staff.
Recipient: Wife who really likes to be pampered.
Giver: Husband who really wants to please his wife but also likes the idea of going to warm weather where he might get in a round or two of golf.
The gift: 1. Spa package. Canyon Ranch in Tucson Arizona. More than just a great vacation, Canyon Ranch is an experience. This is the place where it all comes together and you realize how great you can feel when you’re living healthy. The Life Enhancement program is world renowned.
2. Luxury cruise. A cruise aboard a SilverSea ship will pamper her in exceptional ways. The Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper each host an Elemis Spa on board. Voted the world’s best spa at sea, Elemis offers a variety of therapies and fitness options.
Recipient: Family with kids.
Giver: Parents looking for a fun and exciting family experience.
The gift: 1. Tauck Tours — Bridges Family Program. A collection of vacations dedicated to family travel, bridging generations through the experience of traveling together. Bridges adventures are designed to engage every member of the family, from school-age children to grandparents. The journeys combine the enjoyment of seeing, doing and learning as a family with ample opportunity for just plain family fun.
2. Caribbean cruise. A Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s new Freedom or Liberty of the Seas will provide something for everyone. The ships are a destination unto themselves and are a great value for a really exciting vacation experience. Carnival Cruise Lines is also a good choice because of their Camp Carnival program.
Recipient: College kids who are maturing nicely.
Giver: Parents who want to give their kids the opportunity to experience other lands and cultures to help them become more well-rounded individuals.
The gift: 1. Contiki Europe Tour. Contiki Tours are restricted to those under 35 years old and are structured to fit the lifestyle and preferences of that age group while keeping costs down. These trips can be very educational and enjoyable and is truly a gift that keeps on giving.
Recipient: Kids between ages 6 and 16.
Giver: Single parent on a budget who wants good value.
The gift: All-inclusive resort in Mexico on a “kids fly free” promotion. Most of the all-inclusives have substantial reductions for kids and often do promotions where kids are free. With all your food, beverages and most entertainment included, these can give you a lot for the money, particularly if you have teenagers with a voracious appetite.
Recipients: Empty nesters who will be alone for the holidays.
The Givers: Each other.
The gift: 1. A seven-day cruise of the Hawaiian Islands on Norwegians Pride of America. This is an outstanding ship and itinerary, giving you the opportunity to visit each of the four major islands with enough time to really experience what each has to offer.
Travel gifts can either be in the form of a prepaid specific trip with set dates and itinerary, or may be a travel gift certificate in any denomination to be used at a time and for a trip of the recipients’ choosing. These are sometimes a better choice because of the flexibility it affords.
Have a great holiday season and more than ever, wish for peace.
Jerry Vaughn is president of World Voyager Vacations in Federal Way and can be reached at jvaughn@worldvoyagervacations.com.
