Skip to content

Top Navigation

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Trip Inspiration
  • Travel Guides
  • Plan Your Trip
  • World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises
  • Travel Tips
  • News
  • Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Join T+L Club this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Join T+L Club this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Book Now
Pin FB

Explore Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Explore

    Explore

    • World's Best

      World's Best

      The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. Read More
    • The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

      The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

      Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2022. Read More
    • Let's Go Together Podcast

      Let's Go Together Podcast

      Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! Hosted by Kellee Edwards. Read More
  • Trip Inspiration

    Trip Inspiration

    • Trip Ideas
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Spring Travel
    • Summer Travel
    • Fall Travel
    • Winter Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Luxury Travel
    • Beach Vacations
    • Adventure Travel
    • Road Trips
    • Family Travel
    • National Parks
    • Holiday Travel
    • Travel Photography
    • Photo of the Day
    • Culture + Design
    • Like a Local
    • Travel To
    • 50 Years of Travel + Leisure
  • Travel Guides

    Travel Guides

    See All Travel Guides
    • Mexico City
    • Maui
    • Charleston
    • Tulum
    • New York City
    • London
    • Paris
    • Iceland
    • Los Cabos
    • See More Travel Guides
  • Plan Your Trip

    Plan Your Trip

    Norwegian Cruise Line Will Require Vaccinations for All Passengers and Crew

    Norwegian Cruise Line Will Require Vaccinations for All Passengers and Crew

    Norwegian Cruise Line hopes to resume sailing out of the U.S. on or around July 4.
    • Travel Deals
    • Attractions
    • Travel + Leisure GO
    • Amusement Parks
    • Festivals + Events
    • Bus and Train Travel
    • Flight Deals
    • Budget Travel
    • Hotels + Resorts
    • Disney Vacations
    • Airlines + Airports
    • Ground Transportation
    • Get Outside
    • Wanderlust
  • World's Best

    World's Best

    • Top Hotels
    • Top Cities
    • Top Islands
    • Domestic Airlines
    • International Airlines
    • Tours
    • Safaris
    • See All World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises

    Cruises

    • Find A Cruise
    • Caribbean Cruises
    • River Cruises
    • European Cruises
    • All-Inclusive Cruises
    • Family Cruises
    • Alaskan Cruises
    • Disney Cruises
    • See All Cruise Vacations
  • Travel Tips

    Travel Tips

    • Travel Trends
    • Packing Tips
    • Points + Miles
    • Budgeting + Currency
    • Customs + Immigration
    • Responsible Travel
    • Travel Etiquette
    • Travel Warnings
    • Weather
    • Mobile Apps
    • See All Travel Tips
  • News

    News

    • Wellness
    • Celebrity Travel
    • Animals
    • Jobs
    • Offbeat
    • See All News
  • Food + Drink

    Food + Drink

    • Restaurants
    • Wine
    • Beer
    • Cocktails + Spirits
    • Bars + Clubs
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Cooking + Entertaining
    • Food Fairs + Festivals
    • World's Best Restaurants
    • A Spirited Occasion
    • See All Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories

    Travel Accessories

    • Travel Bags
    • Shoes
    • Travel Tech
    • Shopping
    • Style
    • Gift Guides
    • See All Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Join T+L Club this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Join T+L Club this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes
Book Now

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Best Products
  3. Gift Guides
  4. 25 Vacations to Give for the Holidays

25 Vacations to Give for the Holidays

By Lindsey Campbell December 08, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Pin
25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Sabine Lubenow/Getty Images
As the holidays get closer, finding the perfect present for everyone on your list can seem like a daunting task.

Sure, there are items everyone wants this year, and stuffing stockings with the greatest travel products or best beauty buys are sure to delight, but the holidays are about much more than tangible items under the tree.

Enjoying time with friends and family is what this festive time of year is all about—not to mention spending money on experiences over products actually makes you a better person. So, wrap up a little rest and relaxation this season and give your loved ones the best gift possible: a vacation.

Not sure where to go? From walking on glaciers in Iceland to sipping wine in Sonoma, we’ve pulled together some of the best options from around the world to give you and your family the experience of a lifetime.
Start Slideshow

1 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Morocco

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

With endless exotic beauty and natural wonders, Morocco makes for an unforgettable journey. View UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Volubilis, Fes, Ouarzazate & Marrakech, travel into the High Atlas Mountains to stay at Sir Richard Branson's luxurious Kasbah Tamadot, or wander the mystical Djma el Fna Square in the Pink City of Marrakech. Looking for a little adventure? Enjoy a 4x4 desert adventure, looking for hidden kasbahs & secret gold mines.

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chile

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of Awasi Atacama

From the cultural hub of Santiago to the desolate Atacama Desert, Chile has something for everyone. Highlights include stargazing over the Andes Range, exploring the picturesque cliffs of Easter Island, and eating like a local through the popular food markets of Santiago.

2 of 25

3 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Croatia

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Sabine Lubenow/Getty Images

Discover Croatia's rich history in the town of Split before taking a cruise on its crystal-clear waters to the stunning Dalmation coast.

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Canada

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Grant Harder

Travel from West to East in this 16-night adventure across Canada's best cities and breathtaking landscapes.

4 of 25

5 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Australia

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

Experience everything Australia has to offer: head to the spiritual site of Uluru to see one of the world's best sunsets, explore the wineries of Barossa Valley and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef.

5 of 25

6 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ireland

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

Incredible vistas, rich history and ornate castles make Ireland a trip to remember. Visiting Dublin, Kissing the Blarney Stone and experiencing the 40-mile drive along the Ring of Kerry are all activities not to miss.

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Iceland

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

It's no secret Iceland is having a bit of a moment. Its breathtaking glaciers, waterfalls and geothermal regions make it a must-see destination this year.

7 of 25

8 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Colombia

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: David Nicolas

Vibrant cities, historical settlements and lush rain forest make this South American gem perfect for every traveler.

8 of 25

9 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ecuador

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

Head to Ecuador for Summer 2017 where you'll enjoy a scenic drive along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" and El Cajas National Park, as well as the iconic train journey aboard the Devil's Nose Train.

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Italy

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

Live the Italian dream on an 8-day luxury guided tour where you'll savor Montepulciano and explore the sites of Rome, Florence, Bologna and Venice.

10 of 25

11 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Galapagos

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

See all the Galapagos has to offer with a Galapagos Safari Camp adventure. Search for giant tortoises, go scuba diving and visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

11 of 25

12 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

India

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

Treat yourself to amazing dining, beautiful hotels and dynamic cities while exploring Amber Fort, Rathambore, Agra and Jaipur.

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Myanmar

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Frédéric Lagrange

On the cusp of a major change, this Southeast Asian country is still pure. Visit the enchanting cities of Yangon, Kalaw and more.

13 of 25

14 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Laos

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

Sit back and relax in Laos. Learn about bamboo weaving, dining and experience a traditional Lao blessing in a local family home.

14 of 25

15 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Zealand

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

Make the most of your New Zealand adventure with a tour of Auckland, a cruise on Milford Sound, and fall in love with the waterfalls of Mt. Cook.

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mexico

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

Journey into the heart of Mexico to experience its rich history and unchanged traditions.

16 of 25

17 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peru

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

Love food? This is the trip for you. Cruise the Amazon and enjoy the delicious tastes of Peru before meeting locals and heading to the Picaya National reserve for close encounters with monkeys, manatees and more.

17 of 25

18 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Palm Springs

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Jakob N. Layman/Photo courtesy of Avalon Hotel

Take in the design, culture and sun with a with a trip to Palm Springs.

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

San Francisco

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

Sip it all in this season with a trip through wine country.

19 of 25

20 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spain

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

High fashion, art and delicious food come together in this trip of a lifetime to Spain. Experience Madrid, Seville and so much more with this experience infused with local flavors and traditions.

20 of 25

21 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Nicaragua

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

Visit the land of lakes and volcanoes in Nicaragua. Adventure lovers, get ready to explore lava-made tunnels and caves before tasting local rum and sweet chocolate.

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Dennis Sabo/Getty Images

Enjoy beautiful beaches, clear waters and unspoiled nature with an off-the-radar vacation in the Caribbean with a trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadine islands.

22 of 25

23 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vietnam

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of AdventureLink

Tour bustling Ho Chi Minh City on a vespa before visiting My Son Holy land and going on a UNESCO Halong overnight cruise.

23 of 25

24 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tennessee

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Andrew Hetherington

Head to Tennessee for great music and great food as you visit music city and the food mecca of Walland.

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mongolia

25 Trip Gift Guide 2016
Credit: Courtesy of Black Tomato

Fly half-way across the world to experience the best horseback riding and glamping in Mongolia.

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Lindsey Campbell

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 25 Morocco
    2 of 25 Chile
    3 of 25 Croatia
    4 of 25 Canada
    5 of 25 Australia
    6 of 25 Ireland
    7 of 25 Iceland
    8 of 25 Colombia
    9 of 25 Ecuador
    10 of 25 Italy
    11 of 25 Galapagos
    12 of 25 India
    13 of 25 Myanmar
    14 of 25 Laos
    15 of 25 New Zealand
    16 of 25 Mexico
    17 of 25 Peru
    18 of 25 Palm Springs
    19 of 25 San Francisco
    20 of 25 Spain
    21 of 25 Nicaragua
    22 of 25 St. Vincent and the Grenadines
    23 of 25 Vietnam
    24 of 25 Tennessee
    25 of 25 Mongolia

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel + Leisure Wine this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    MeredithTravel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Travel + Leisure. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.travelandleisure.com

    View image

    25 Vacations to Give for the Holidays
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.