This blog post is part of a paid project with partner Delta Vacations, but all words, thoughts and poorly chosen turns of phrase are entirely my own.
The holiday season is here and along with it buying gifts for those we love in our lives. While I personally love buying presents – and I’m pretty good at it too – I do know that it can be stressful. Maybe that’s why I enjoy giving trips as presents, especially if I can join them. With so many great deals in the travel world right now, it can be a little confusing so today I want to share a deal that I think is particularly great and some destinations where you can take advantage of this offer.
The Offer
If you book with Delta Vacations between now and December 15, 2019, SkyMiles Members can save up to $350 off OR earn up to 35,000 bonus miles per booking. (Terms Apply) If you’re not a SkyMiles Member, it’s free and easy to join, just check out their site. More than just flights, Delta Vacations also offers great deals on hotels, resorts, car rentals and more. I love this deal thanks mostly to the choice of being able to either save some cash or receive bonus miles in your account. Since I hoard miles, I know which one I’d choose, but it’s nice to have that option. SO, which destinations around the world do I think make for great gifts? Here are a few of my favorites.
Iceland
One of my favorite countries, I’ve been five times and I know I’ll be back many more. This makes a perfect gift for several reasons, namely its proximity to the U.S. From the East Coast it’s a short and easy flight, but even from other parts of the country it’s not bad at all. It’s also one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, so whoever is lucky enough to get this gift is sure to be thrilled. First time visitors should absolutely spend time in and around Reykjavik; it truly is an incredible city. After that though, rent a car and explore the more rural side of the country. The northern regions, particularly the Lake Mývatn area, are rich with natural wonders no matter the time of year, but in the winter months the landscapes are covered with sparkling snow and ice, very much turning it into a scene from Game of Thrones.
Walt Disney World
If you’re a frequent reader then this inclusion should in no way surprise you, but I also think that a trip to see the Mouse (either in Anaheim or Orlando) is a fantastic present. There is so much to see and do in the parks, that no one could ever possibly get bored and it’s one of those dream trips that most people enjoy. Whenever I’m in a Disney Park, for a brief few days I am able to forget almost everything challenging in life and instead just have fun. Maybe it’s because I didn’t have the real Disney experience as a kid, but I throw myself into the moment and am always richly rewarded as a result. The honest and wholesome enjoyment that is Disney isn’t kitsch or corny; it’s fun at a base level. I’ve been to every corner of the planet and while I enjoy most trips, that level of fun is unheard of. It goes well beyond the attractions though, it’s about a feeling. For a brief time I am able to be a kid again. I am able to have fun and to amuse myself without concern or fear. I think that’s what drives so many adults to visit in the first place, and most if not all are well rewarded as a result.
Islands of Tahiti
Now this is the dream gift for that very special someone in your life and will be an adventure they’ll never forget, I know I haven’t. The South Pacific has been on my own personal travel bucket list for as long as I can remember. Those crystal-clear waters and verdant green mountains called to me in the same way as the fictional Bali Hai called out in “South Pacific.” I braced myself for disappointment, to have my dreams dashed but that never happened. No, if anything Tahiti surpassed even my own lofty expectations. But Tahiti is Tahiti for a reason, and I realized that almost immediately upon arriving into Papeete. Over the course of a week my appreciation of how just idyllic and perfect the islands are grew, and the experiences I enjoyed there really were a dream come true. Visitors should go to enjoy hopping around the islands, spend the night (or 7) in an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora and take the time to look past the beach chairs and learn more about real Polynesian culture.
Stockholm, Sweden
I’m including this in my gift guide because it’s an unexpected choice, but also a gift that just about anyone will love. I first visited Sweden a few years ago and loved the experience, so I was pretty sure I’d enjoy my first trip to Stockholm. Much more than simply enjoy it though, I quickly fell in love with this colorful Scandinavian city and wished I had more time to explore. Although it was the middle of winter, the temperatures were cold but not extreme, allowing me plenty of opportunity to get out and see the best of the city. The museums all impressed me more than most others I’ve visited, and there’s nothing better than wandering around the Old Town, Gamla Stan, at night. Visitors to Stockholm should take a scenic boat cruise, visit the ABBA Museum, tour the City Hall (trust me) and eat a few meals in Gamla Stan.
Naturally I could have added many more spots to this list, but I think this is a great roundup of destinations that make the perfect present. Luckily, Delta Vacations offers more than 300 destinations and 5,000 hotels worldwide, so you can give the gift of travel to just about anywhere in the world. And don’t forget to take advantage of their special deal before 12/15 so you can either save some money or earn valuable miles while also making someone else very happy. (Terms Apply)
