Travel Gift Cards

While they may feel a bit impersonal, gift cards can be more personalized than money and allow travelers to use them for things they will actually do.

It is a great way to help a traveler you love reduce expenses, or splurge on something before or during their trip.

Travel and Leisure put out a list of their 2024 “The 50 Best Gift Cards for Travel Lovers” that has some great (and some head scratching) ideas and suggestions, but these are my tired and true, most useful gift card recommendations for any traveler.

Personalized airline gift cards perfect for the travel lover in your life. Redeemable for 400+ major airlines to over 980 destinations, Flightgift offers a seamless travel experience with 24/7 customer service

Flight Gift cards are a great option for flyers who are not committed to one airline, or those you are unsure have loyalty to a particular airline.

Perfect for globe-trotters, road-trippers and even staycationers, this gift will be at the top of their packing list with the option to spend on airfare, fuel, food or lodging

Formerly, the ‘Pack & Go’ gift card, this is one of my favorite gift cards both to receive and give because there are so many ways to use it, and it really is a “one-size-fits-all” gift. With so many ways to use it, it is impossible for this not to be a useful and much appreciated gift for anyone on your gift list.

Airbnb gift cards can be used for both accommodations and experiences (such as cooking classes, tours, boat rides, etc) so it is a great option for any traveler.

With a huge inventory of hotels and accommodations, a hotels.com gift card gives the recipient endless options for stays.

This is also a great gift card to have on hand in the event of emergency, delays, or other unplanned stays.

Often the ride to and from the airport is a significant additional cost to a trip or travelers, also great to use at one’s destination.

⭐If you are gifting to a traveler heading to the UK or EU, a Bolt gift card is also a great option to help save on those rides.

These, and many, many more useful travel gift cards are available directly through the sites, Amazon, Target, Walmart, Etc.

When to Buy

Prime Day and Cyber Monday often have cash back or promotions on gift cards.

Costco and Sam’s Club often have travel gift cards at a slightly discounted rate.

AARP members can be privy to discounted travel gift cards though the AARP site as well.

Before You Buy

For international travelers, be sure the card can be used outside of the country. Many gift cards that are redeemed locally (ie: in a store or restaurant) cannot be used abroad as they can only be redeemed in the currency they are purchased in.

Most pre-paid Visa and Master Cards cannot be used abroad, unless they are specifically international gift cards or purchased in the local currency.

⭐A work around to this is to purchase gift cards via a site abroad (such as Amazon Spain/UK/etc)

Be sure to read the fine print when purchasing any gift card and keep the receipt!