6 Affordable Types of Trips To Buy Instead of Holiday Gifts
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
If you’re over the whole commercial aspect of the holidays and ready to give meaningful experiences instead, consider purchasing travel experiences for your loved ones instead to build meaningful memories together.
While travel itself is not always cheap, there are many experiences that are low cost or even free, and you can determine the most affordable way to get there (car, plane, train or other). Look to places that are near-ish to you to make the most of your money and still give a meaningful time.
Check out the following types of trips that make excellent holiday gifts and which you can customize to the desires and location of your friend or loved one.
Landmarks and Monuments
If you live near a local landmark, there’s a good chance you never visit it because you think it’s too touristy. From things like the Statue of Liberty to a local seaside lighthouse, landmarks are often steeped in interesting history and educational information that can be as illuminating as they are lovely. Most landmarks have nominal entry fees, if any, and likely offer senior and student discounts, too. Depending on your proximity you may be able to make it a day trip, a road trip or a low-cost plane trip.
National Parks
National Parks include some of the most beautiful and dramatic sites in the entire United States and there are hundreds to choose from, 431, to be precise, which the National Parks System manages in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.
If you’ve ever wanted to backpack in the Joshua Tree Desert, bison watch at Yellowstone or hike to Vernal Falls at Yosemite, to name a few, this would be a great way to bring a fellow nature lover along for a perfect trip at a low cost.
Traveling Art Exhibits
While a lot of art remains where it lives at one museum or gallery or another, many big important exhibits will travel. In 2024, famous artists like Matisse and Yayoi Kusama had traveling exhibits in different U.S. cities. You can either check out what’s coming to a museum or art center near you, or search up the artist or type of art you’re interested in and locations you’re willing to visit. You’d be amazed what may be heading your way.
Stargazing and Meteor Shower Watching
Most of us live in cities rife with “light pollution” — where it never gets dark enough to truly see the stars. Build a trip to a natural setting that’s dark enough and open enough to really see the true expanse of the sky in all its shimmery, starry glory with a stargazing trip. Bonus if you can pick a time and location when one of the regular meteor showers passes overhead. The National Meteor Society can help you with timing and best places to see them.
Music Festivals and Events
Give the gift of travel and music by picking a favorite music festival and arranging tickets in advance somewhere near to you. While big-name festivals like Coachella can be expensive, local music festivals often come with a smaller price tag and less overwhelming turnout. Local radio stations as well as sites like Jambase and Songkick can help you narrow down your search. The further in advance you purchase, the better price you can get, as well as cheaper prices on accommodations.
Sporting Events
Sports lovers in your life will appreciate tickets to a game they’re super excited about, and even better if you can arrange a surprising travel experience to an iconic sports venue. While games like the Super Bowl may be out of reach, your baseball fan would probably love a trip to Wrigley Field or the like. If tickets for a game are out of reach, consider a famous sports museum or hall of fame.
Remember that gift giving is the most meaningful when it’s personal, so think about what lights up those you love and fun, affordable trips shouldn’t be hard to put together.
More From GOBankingRates
