funny ways to surprise visit someone

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13 Ways to Surprise Someone with a Trip

Last Updated: December 4, 2023 References

This article was reviewed by Seth Hall and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano . Seth T. Hall (ICF ACC, CLC, and MNLP) is a Certified Life Coach and Founder of Transformational Solutions, a Los Angeles-based life-coaching company that helps people achieve their toughest goals, find their own voice, and think outside the box. He has been a life coach for over 10 years, specializing in personal development, relationships, career and finance, and wellness. He has helped his clients break the negative cycles in their lives and replace them with a positive, proactive mindset. Seth believes that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling and rewarding life, and works passionately to help them reach their full potential. With a deep understanding of how our minds work and the power of positive thinking, he encourages his clients to find their unique paths in life and find success on their own terms. He is a certified master practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a featured co-author for WikiHow, and co-author of "The Mountain Method”, “The Happy Tiger”, and “The V.I.S.I.O.N.S. Program”. This article has been viewed 90,392 times.

Your loved one is going to be over the moon about the surprise vacation you’ve planned just for them, but how do you reveal the surprise? Luckily, there are tons of ways you can surprise someone with a trip and make the reveal unique to them! In this article, we’ll fill you in on the best, easiest, and most creative ways to gift your partner, parent, kids, or friend the trip of a lifetime. What are you waiting for? Keep reading because we have a trip to reveal!

Things You Should Know

• Create a scavenger hunt or play a balloon popping game to get kids excited about discovering their gift.
• Watch a movie featuring the surprise destination or dine at a restaurant specific to the culture they’ll be experiencing to surprise an adult.
• Reveal the secret at the airport the day of the trip to give kids the ultimate surprise.

• Order custom puzzles through sites like Shutterfly and Collage.
• Consider adding a message to your puzzle’s image like, “Surprise! You’re going to Hawaii!” or “Happy Birthday! Mickey’s waiting for you!”
• If the puzzle comes in a box with the puzzle’s image on it, put it in a blank box or bag, so your loved one won’t know what they’re revealing until the puzzle is complete.

Treasure hunt

• Theme your clues around the destination. For example, if they’re going to the beach, hide clues near a pair of sandals, under popsicles in the freezer, or beside the pool.
• Make the final clue their ticket or a message saying something like, “You’re going to Disney World!”
• Keep the clues age appropriate. If the vacation is for a younger child, help them read the clues or use pictures to describe where the next clue is.

Daily riddle

• Write the riddles on notes to stick randomly around the house for them to find.
• Text them a clue in the middle of the day to lift their spirits.
• Make the riddles as easy or difficult as you like; just keep your loved one’s age in mind.
• One of your riddle clues might be, “I measure time, I build castles, and I’m small enough to fit in a spoon. What am I?”

• Create a QR code easily on website like QR Code Generator , QRCode Monkey , or beconstac .
• If you don’t want to make a video yourself, no problem! Link the QR code to a travel brochure or documentary featuring the destination.

Box in a box in a box

• No boxes, no problem! Try this same idea but use various sizes of envelopes instead.

Hide the ticket in another gift

• Place the ticket in the fold of a piece of clothing, so they’ll have to unfold the item to find it.
• Slide the ticket in between the pages of a self-help book.
• Tape the ticket to the underside of a box of chocolates.

Write a message on a cake

• “Happy Birthday, Abby! P.S. You’re going to London!”
• “Pack your bags! The Eiffel Tower is waiting!”
• Consider theming the cake around the destination, even if it doesn’t go with the party’s theme.

Ask a friend or family member for help

• Try getting your loved one’s favorite celebrity or influencer involved using Cameo (a personalized video service). Simply pay the celebrity or influencer through the service, and ask them to reveal the trip in their message.

Gift a travel essential

• Try wrapping up a series of items for the trip separately but make the final present a note about how they’ll need everything for an upcoming getaway.

Cook a meal from the destination

• For instance, if you’re taking them to Italy, try making pasta from scratch and serving wine imported from the country.
• If cooking isn’t your thing, take them to a restaurant featuring the country or culture’s cuisine.

Balloon pop

• Fill the balloons with confetti or sparkles for extra fun.
• This game is best to play with children of elementary age and older as sitting on balloons could cause a few boo-boos.

Movie reveal

• Greece: Mamma Mia
• France: Ratatouille
• Scotland: Brave
• London: Love, Actually
• New York: West Side Story

Reveal the destination at the airport

• Consider keeping your kids guessing even after you get to the airport. This way, they’ll have to use context clues and observational skills to “crack the code.”

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.travelingmom.com/disney-surprise-children/
• ↑ https://momontheside.com/vacation-announcement-scavenger-hunts
• ↑ https://youtu.be/wSFi2iyvOCU?t=99
• ↑ https://aprilveralynntravels.com/planning-surprise-trip/#how-to-reveal-the-surprise
• ↑ https://youtu.be/yLqd3dQ1Y8w?t=80

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Life is Journey...

How to surprise someone with a trip and 20 Unique Ideas For Surprise Your Loved Ones

HOW TO PLAN A SURPRISE TRIP FOR SOMEONE 

The minute you hear the phrase “surprise trip,” your heart starts pounding with excitement. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, the element of surprise makes the experience all the more special.

But if you’re planning a surprise trip for someone, there’s a lot to consider. Here are a few tips to make sure your surprise trip is a success:

1. Do your research

Once you have an idea of where you want to go, start doing some research. Look up hotel accommodations, restaurants, and activities in the area. This will help you get a better sense of what your options are and allow you to narrow down your choices.

2. Make a budget

Surprise trips can be expensive, so it’s important to create a budget and stick to it. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on flights, hotels, food, and activities. This will help you stay on track when it comes time to book reservations and pay for things.

3. Book everything in advance

This is key to making sure everything goes smoothly. Once you have an itinerary planned out, book all of your travel arrangements and reservations. This way, you won’t have to worry about anything last-minute and can focus on enjoying the trip.

4. Pack their bags

This is a fun way to really surprise your travel buddy. Pack their bag for them with all of the essentials, including clothes, toiletries, and any other items they might need. Then, all they have to do is show up and enjoy the ride.

5. Keep it a secret

This is probably the most important part of planning a surprise trip. Once you have everything booked, don’t tell anyone about your plans. The element of surprise is what makes this type of trip so special, so make sure to keep it under wraps until the big day.

Are you looking for a way to surprise and delight someone special in your life? It can be as simple or as complicated as you like, and there are plenty of ways to make it extra special. Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Plan an itinerary that includes their favorite things.

2. Make sure to include plenty of time for relaxation and down time.

3. Add in some special activities or experiences that they wouldn’t normally get to do.

4. Pack their bags for them so they can just sit back and relax.

5. Plan everything out in advance so there are no surprises.

6. include a few personal touches to really make it extra special.

7. Most importantly, enjoy yourselves and make sure to take plenty of pictures!

Here is my boyfriend and I have spent a great time together on a trip to Las Vegas

My boyfriend and I have been dating for over two years, and I wanted to do something special for him to celebrate. So, I decided to surprise him with a trip to Las Vegas! I had been planning it for weeks, and I was so excited to see the look on his face when he found out.

I had been saving up my vacation days from work, and I was finally able to take the time off. I flew out on a Wednesday afternoon, and I took a taxi to the address that I had written down. When I arrived, I couldn’t believe my eyes. There in front of me was the most beautiful casino that I had ever seen.

I walked inside, and I immediately started looking for my boyfriend. I didn’t see him anywhere, so I decided to gamble a little bit. I played some slot machines, and I won a few hundred dollars. I was on a winning streak, so I kept playing.

After a while, I started to get tired, so I went to look for my boyfriend again. I finally found him, and he was sitting at a poker table. He looked so concentrated, and I didn’t want to disturb him. So, I sat down and watched him play.

I must have dozed off, because the next thing I knew, my boyfriend was shaking me awake. “Hey, sleepyhead,” he said. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I must have fallen asleep.”

“It’s okay,” he said. “I’m just glad you’re here.”

We hugged each other, and then we went to our room. I was so excited to surprise him, and I couldn’t wait to see the look on his face.

The next morning, I woke up early and got dressed. I put on my best dress and did my hair and makeup. Then, I went to wake up my boyfriend.

“Wake up, sleepyhead,” I said as I shook him.

“What? What’s going on?” he said, rubbing his eyes.

“I have a surprise for you,” I said. “Get up and get dressed.”

He got out of bed and got dressed, and then we went downstairs. I took him by the hand and walked him into the casino.

“This is amazing,” he said. “I can’t believe you did all this for me.”

“I wanted to do something special for you,” I said. “Happy anniversary.”

We hugged each other, and then we went to gamble. We played some slot machines and poker, and we had a great time. We even won a little bit of money.

At the end of the night, we went back to our room and collapsed into bed. We were both exhausted, but we had a great time. I was so happy that I was able to surprise him with a trip to Las Vegas. It was definitely a birthday that he would never forget.

20 Unique Ideas For Surprise Your Loved Ones

20 best ideas for surprising your loved ones:

• 1. Arrange a special dinner with their favorite food and drinks.
• 2. Get tickets to their favorite show or band.
• 3. Make a personalized coupon book with things you know they’ll love.
• 4. Plan a weekend getaway to their favorite destination.
• 5. Put together a care package with their favorite things.
• 6. Make a photo collage or album with pictures of your time together.
• 7. Write them a heartfelt letter expressing your love and appreciation.
• 8. Get them a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant.
• 9. Give them the day off from work or chores, and spend time together doing things they love.
• 10. Buy them flowers or another small token of your affection.
• 11. Plan a scavenger hunt leading up to their present.
• 12. Cook their favorite meal and serve it in an unusual way (e.g., candlelight dinner in the living room).
• 13. Do something that is outside of your comfort zone that you know they would love – it shows how much you care!
• 14. Go on an adventure together – something new that neither of you have done before such as rock climbing, sky diving, etc..
• 15. Give them a massage or spa treatment.
• 16. Put together a basket of their favorite things – food, books, movies, etc..
• 17. Plan a party to celebrate them – invite all their friends and family and make it a special event.
• 18. Go on a road trip together and explore new places.
• 19. Take them on a shopping spree – let them buy whatever they want! Whatever you do, make sure it is thoughtful and tailored to the person you are surprising – it’ll make the gesture that much more special.
• 20. Show him/her our video that includes our history of the timeline.

HOW TO REVEAL THE SURPRISE

There are a number of ways to let someone know about a surprise trip. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Tell them in person

This is the most direct way to let someone know about your surprise trip. When the time is right, tell them in person and let them know all of the details.

This is a great way to build up the anticipation and really get them excited for the trip.

2. Send them a postcard

A postcard is a fun and unexpected way to let someone know about your surprise trip. Send one from your destination with all of the details of the trip. This is sure to get them excited and curious about what’s in store.

3. Give them a call

If you’re short on time, a phone call is a great way to let someone know about your surprise trip. Just give them a call and fill them in on all of the details. This is a quick and easy way to let them know what’s going on.

4. Send them an email

An email is a great way to deliver all of the details of your surprise trip. Just write up an email with all of the information and send it their way. This is a simple and convenient way to let them know what’s going on.

5. Leave them a note

If you’re really short on time, a note is a great way to let someone know about your surprise trip. Just jot down all of the details and leave it for them to find. This is a quick and easy way to give them a heads up.

These are just a few of the ways you can let someone know about a surprise trip. Choose the method that works best for you and your situation. Whatever you do, make sure to keep the element of surprise intact. This is key to making the trip a success.

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BLIND EXPERIENCES

Blind Experience Blog 

• Blind Experiences
• Sep 7, 2020

7 creative ways to reveal a surprise vacation

Updated: Dec 14, 2023

The surprise vacation has been planned. The itinerary is fixed. The flight tickets and hotels have been booked. And now you just cannot wait to reveal it to your family/ parents/ partner or whoever you are gifting this surprise trip! Planning a secret holiday is a lot of hard work (don’t we know that!), and so the surprise trip reveal deserves to be as fantastic as the holiday you’ve planned. And trust us, if you are planning a week-long vacation, it is ideal to announce the vacation a few days or even weeks in advance, to give enough time to your loved ones to plan their schedule around the given dates. So here are some creative vacation reveal ideas that will be as fun as the actual trip!

Surprise birthday trip reveal

You could choose a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary to make the grand announcement. For instance, if you are planning to send your parents on a surprise vacation to celebrate their 50th golden wedding anniversary, you could pick one of their birthdays to reveal the upcoming trip. The birthday gift would be a clue to where they are going! 1. A customized cake You can bake or arrange a cake based on the theme of your destination. If your secret is a safari holiday to Kenya or Namibia, how about a jungle or safari-theme cake ? Or you could plan a “photo rolling” or “pull-out” cake where the birthday boy or girl gets to pull out a roll of photos or clues from the cake that will reveal the big surprise!

2. Gift a travel essential Birthdays by default involve gifting. So, a creative way to reveal your surprise trip is to gift a travel essential that would also double up as a hint towards your chosen destination. How about gifting a travel wallet ? You could slip in a calendar card, with the dates of the trip crossed out to indicate that those days are “booked for a vacation”. If you are planning an adventurous trip with your partner that may include camping out, how about you gift a camping tent and leave your beloved guessing about the destination 😉 Also read: Best way to plan a surprise trip: 4 tips to gift the perfect holiday !

Cool ideas to reveal a surprise trip to your husband/ wife

There is nothing cooler than planning a surprise to reveal a surprise trip! And when you’re planning a secret vacation for your spouse, you have so many interesting ways to announce your surprise.

3. Let a movie reveal the surprise Plan a comfortable Friday evening movie night at home with your husband/ wife andpick a movie that has been shot in or around your secret holiday destination! If your destination is Italy, you can build up the suspense to your reveal, by watching the beautiful movie, Under the Tuscan Sun , that showcase the beautiful landscape of rural Tuscany and the charming Italian lifestyle. If your secret destination is Iceland, how about you watch The Secret Life of Walter Mitty that puts the best of this Nordic country on display. You can place a note at the bottom of your popcorn tub, that reads, “Isn’t the movie storyline and location fantastic? How about we shoot our story there?” or something equally cheesy like a surprise trip reveal poem 😉

“Fun-tastic” ways to announce a surprise family trip to your kids

Some of our favourite surprise trip reveal ideas involve announcing the holiday to the little ones. It does not take a lot of effort to keep a surprise from them, yet it is incredibly gratifying to see their starry eyes light up with joy when they get to know!

4. Send them on a treasure hunt Make your children earn their surprise gift by scattering treasures (clues) all over the house that will lead them to the final clue that reveals the destination or the fact that they will soon go on a trip! You can draft each clue in such a way that their theme is in sync with the holiday place. For instance, if you are planning to take the family to Disney world or any other amusement theme park, you could write your clues accordingly: “ Brace yourself for a bumpy ride. Find your next clue where eggs are fried! ” (Hide the clue in the kitchen near the cooking stove) “ An adventure awaits, are you ready? Find your next clue where you study! ” (Hide the clue in the kids’ room near their study table/ school stuff) 5. Make them solve a surprise trip reveal puzzle Let the kids rack their brains a little to discover the surprise holiday that awaits them! You can draw or print out a picture that either gives a clue or announces your vacation destination directly. Now cut this up into smaller pieces – the more pieces, the more puzzling! Let them put together the entire puzzle and watch the delight on their faces!

Romantic ways to reveal a surprise beach vacation to your boyfriend/ girlfriend

The initial days of dating are a whirlwind of romance and grand gestures. So if you’ve planned a surprise vacation for your girlfriend or boyfriend, it definitely needs to be announced in a special way!

6. Set his/ her heart racing with a special evening full of “reveals” If you are headed to a beach destination, how about you plan a tropical meal at home (seafood) with some fresh fruits, some punch or pina colada with those cute umbrellas. You can also dress up to set the mood – flip-flops and a flowery dress/ shorts and let them get the hint!

Our personal favourite way to reveal a surprise trip

7. Surprise within a surprise within a surprise... When the Blind Experiences team plans a "blind travel experience" for our customers, we put together a bunch of envelopes - anywhere between 5 to 10 envelopes depending on the duration of your vacation! We allow you to open only the first envelope so that you can discover where you’re heading on your blind experience! Then, you have to simply enjoy and savour every moment of your trip. As your vacation proceeds, you get to open one envelope every other day, so that you know what's next. This way, every other day you get a small surprise as each letter reveals a new experience/ activity/ destination!

You can get inspired from these ideas and add your unique touch to reveal your surprise holiday. And if you need help with planning the entire surprise travel, we are here for you !

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If you’ve ever wanted to gift someone an experience or trip, odds are you’ve dealt with the following first world problem… how exactly to give the gift of travel in a fun way that preserves the wanderlusty magic.

Because honestly? The actual process of gifting experiences can often feel… a little lame. Anyone who has anticlimactically emailed someone a voucher will know this to be so. The gift might be exciting, but the experience, not so much.

… Well that changes today! If you’re looking for fun ways to gift travel, whether that’s a surprise trip, an experience voucher or just a gift card for them to enjoy on their next trip abroad, this post is full of fun, unique, and creative ideas that are much more exciting than a lukewarm email. To sweeten the deal, I’ve even included some free printables for you too!

So keep scrolling. Your next genius gift idea awaits!

Save this List of Ways to Give Travel as a Gift for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Make the reveal a fun little surprise

Alright, let’s start with an easy one!

Honestly, one of the best ways to give travel as a gift is simply by making the reveal a bit more exciting through packaging. These days, there are tons of fun options, from an adorable little premade suitcase box that comes with a passport scratch card to a cool explosion box you can fill with photos and on-theme details.

The cutest way to gift a surprise trip! This travel-themed set allows you to write down your destination and turn it into a scratchcard... all housed in a tiny suitcase.

Want a gift reveal with wow factor? Hide your travel surprise inside this explosion box (decorated with cute details about your destination) and watch their eyes light up.

Looking for an adorable, memorable and low-effort way to surprise someone with a trip? This pop-up box card is perfect, with tons of cool options for the world's most popular vacation spots (just check their shop for the full selection).

Ever wished you could rig a scratch card to win...? Here's your chance! This clever product allows you to fill in a custom prize for a scratch card that looks otherwise like an average one you'd grab from the shops!

2. Get them a Tinggly Box

Looking for something even easier? A Tinggly Box can help with that. They offer thousands of unique experience gifts worldwide, all of which can come in a nice giftable box for a small extra fee. If you’re undecided on what experience to gift them exactly, they also have their classic boxes which include thousands of potential options. Perfect if you’re looking for an easy option!

The simplest way to gift experiences! This nifty gift box is filled with hundreds of potential travel experiences that the recipient can choose for themselves, taking the guesswork out of knowing what experience to buy. Until June 16 - Use the code WANDER20 for 20% off!

3. Gift them a mockup boarding pass

If you’re being the ultimate gift giver and surprising someone with a flight or full-on trip, then another cute idea would be to print out a mock boarding pass that announces all the details (or some vague details, if you don’t have the whole thing figured out yet).

There are a lot of great options for this these days. On the fancier end of the spectrum, there’s places you can get thick ones printed with elaborate gold leaf details, or if you wanna save some money (gifting flights isn’t cheap after all), then you can just use my free printable here.

For a classy keepsake that's ideal for gifting someone with a travel experience, look no further than these customizable boarding passes lined with gold details and beautiful design!

4. Hide the reveal in a fun card

If you want a way to gift travel that’s a bit more low-key, another easy idea is simply announcing the surprise in a card.

But as you can imagine, I’m not someone that simply does “normal cards”. I’d strongly suggest a cool travel-themed card, whether it’s a free one you print online (like the one below) or a cool one you buy. As usual, the more personal the better!

Definitely a more low-key option for gifting travel, but an adorable one nonetheless that makes a great keepsake. This pop-up card is perfect for revealing an experience gift - just write it inside the card alongside the opening suitcase.

5. Fake them out with a decoy gift

Admittedly, this one is kind of diabolical, but I do think it’s a fun idea. As an oft-diabolical person, this may be one of my favourite ways to gift travel.

The idea is simple: wrap up and gift them something MUCH less exciting than your travel/experience gift, then pull a switch and reveal your true gift after they’ve lowered their expectations.

Some ideas include…

• A gift box with goodies from the place you’re travelling to, making them think THAT’S the whole gift when at the bottom there’s a boarding pass/trip announcement
• Taking them out to dinner at a restaurant with the cuisine of your destination, saying it’s because they’ve always wanted to go, then surprising them with the fact that you ARE going in the future
• Hide the voucher in a diversion safe and make them think you got them a crappy gift, like a can of corn or a lint roller

Hide your gift in this and watch the confusion unfold. BONUS: it serves a practical purpose after the ruse is done - it can be used to conceal valuables in a discrete way!

6. Reveal the answer to them in a puzzle

For an added element of suspense to the travel gift reveal, consider making them work for it by hiding the destination in a puzzle.

A lot of online makers these days sell cool customizable puzzles that you can get printed with your destination of choice.

For a lower-cost solution though, you can just print or write out the destination/surprise on a piece of paper, then cut it up in a few pieces and throw them in an envelope.

If you want to reveal your travel gift in the form of a puzzle, this done-for-you solution is the ideal choice if you're low on time and want impressive results.

7. Make a scavenger hunt that leads to the surprise

And on the note of “making them work for it”, you could even take things a step further and organize a full-on scavenger hunt before the grand reveal. This idea could be combined with some of the other options on this list, making a cool boarding pass or card the final prize after they solve all the clues …. or if you want to go full nerd with it, you could even hide the surprise in a Cryptex, and make them hunt for letters that spell out the key to opening it!

Conceal your surprise voucher, boarding pass, etc. in this Cryptex for optimal mystery points.

8. Gift them a guidebook… with a ticket as the bookmark

Or okay, maybe a more practical solution than a random Cryptex would be to gift them a guidebook or travel journal instead. Then, when they seem surprised by the gesture, you reveal there’s a bookmark in there too, with a gifty boarding pass or voucher in there acting as the bookmark. Genius.

9. Buy them something they’ll need for the trip

In a similar way, you could also buy them something useful and practical that they’ll need for your surprise trip/experience, from packing cubes to hanging toiletry bags … then when they thank you for the gift, casually mention that they’ll be needing them for their trip to _____.

Stuck on what to gift them for this practical decoy? My list of travel gifts might be able to help!

I adore packing cubes because they keep everything organized and can help you save space by squishing and condensing all your stuff. I've tested a bunch of the top brands and this set is my favourite.

10. Give them options to choose from

I’m stealing this idea on how to gift travel from my boyfriend, who has started gifting me with getaway options as my Christmas present each year, which I love because it makes me feel like I’m on a game show or something with different prize packages!

The idea is simple: pick 3 (or more) options for fun getaways or experiences you think they’d like, put them in fun envelopes (the more glam and dramatic the better) and then have them open each one and decide which of the options they’d like to choose.

This idea for gifting travel is most ideal if you want to make sure your experience/trip is 100% something they want, and also great if you’re indecisive and can’t commit to one particular getaway.

If you want an impressive way to dress up printed vouchers or a non-physical gift, these colourful and adorable ribbon-tied envelopes add the perfect touch of elegance and whimsy.

11. Pair a Gift Card with an Itinerary/Recommendations

Lastly, I have a cute recommendation if you want to give the gift of travel or an experience, but don’t necessarily have the budget to pay for an entire trip or big activity.

Remember: not every travel experience gift needs to be a hot air balloon ride in Bora Bora.

Even something like a prepaid Visa for twenty bucks can be thoughtful if you dress it up with a card that has cafe recommendations for the next place they travel, or suggested things for them to spend it on.

Some ideas might include…

• Recommendations for a cool cafe, restaurant, etc. to visit with your gift card (either based on personal experience or research)
• A suggested mini-itinerary for a day in their trip
• Give them options on things to spend it on (like a choice of detours on the Amazing Race)

I Hope You Enjoyed This Roundup of Ways to Give the Gift of Travel!

Let me know in the comments if you have more ideas to add to the list.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

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How to surprise someone with a trip or event

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All the creative trip reveal surprise ideas - plus creative concert reveal ideas that are perfect if you are wanting to surprise your recipient with a special event! Whether that's a surprise trip reveal for your boyfriend, your family, your grandparents or you want to surprise someone with some very exciting tickets, here are a ton of ideas for any surprise trip announcement you could want to make, from how to surprise someone with a trip to New York to surprising someone with a concert, and everything in between!

Creative ways to surprise someone with an event or trip!

Golden ticket scratch surprise reveal   👈🏻

Personalised concert surprise scratch reveal   👈🏻

Personalised show surprise scratch reveal   👈🏻

Personalised boarding pass scratch reveal   👈🏻

Passport surprise destination scratch reveal   👈🏻

Surprise trip scratch to reveal   👈🏻

Secret message in a pendant reveal   👈🏻

Top secret message reveal   👈🏻

Surprise message reveal card   👈🏻

Adorable elegant surprise ticket announcement   👈🏻

Travel gemstone bracelet (the best hint!)   👈🏻

1. Gift them a few special essentials to take on the trip  

This is such a cute way to reveal the surprise!

2. Surprise trip scavenger hunt

Where your family or loved ones have to follow a trail of surprise clues that will lead them to the main surprise, the trip reveal! For example, clues for a surprise trip to Dublin in Ireland could be the Irish harp symbol, a clover leaf, the celtic spiral, a castle... so many ideas! A fun thing to do is write the surprise trip location with a secret pen and hide the lights around the room that would reveal the message!

3. Set your screensaver or homescreen

On all your devices to a picture of the location or a sneaky emblem that points to your surprise vacation or a clue regarding the concert they are going to! This is a great way to surprise your partner or loved one.

4. Change text autocorrect on their phone

Change a common phrase they're always using to 'we're going to (vacation place)' or 'we're going to see (music artist) in concert' or some similar phrase, to surprise them when they use it.

5. Put a surprise keyring on their keys

Car keys or house keys, secretly pop one of those vacation keyrings you can find, or souvenir keyrings, on their keys. It's one of the most fun ways to announce a holiday and the fact that this is so discreet builds anticipation for the best surprise ever!

6. Secretly hide little emblems around the house

For a concert, think of little objects or motifs that represent the music artist's album. Drop hints all over the place and see if your recipient notices! 

7. Deck the whole room out like the place you are going

This is such an exciting and fun idea for a holiday announcement. You could create palm trees, leaf garlands and vines out of paper - all the balloons and streamers too for a surprise birthday trip! You could even put together a special themed meal with mocktails or mugs of hot cocoa, depending on where you are going!

8. An amazing fun letterbox brownie announcement

When in doubt, write it on a brownie! This makes the best surprise for your recipient - you could bake it yourself or order one ready made. The letterbox size means this is perfect to send through the post, so they will get an amazing surprise at their doorstep.

Alternatively, you could bake them a cute bento cake, decorated with a funny quote about the location they're going to, or iced with a lyric from the music artist they're going to see - the best surprise ever!

9. Write them new lyrics to a song with a hidden message

Hide hints throughout and see if your loved one guesses! 

10. Pack a mini suitcase for them

Full of things they might need when going to that location, like suncream, sunglasses, a sun hat etc. For a concert you could make them a funny gift of a 'vocal repair kit' - to hint that they will be needing some RnR for their vocal cords very soon! 

11. Plant the trip reveal inside a wrapped up 'gift'  

Wrap the trip reveal, it could be a slip of paper or a postcard of where you are going, up in several layers of boxes and paper (try to make sure they are recyclable!) to make it look like you are giving them a huge gift. They will be confused as they unravel layer after layer and the gift gets smaller and smaller - until they receive the epic surprise at the bottom. This is the perfect time to try this trick as you can guarantee your recepient will be getting more and more disappointed as they continue and see the present getting smaller and smaller - only to be given a huge surprise at the end! A rollercoaster of emotions and so much fun for the whole family!

12. Sneakily plant a postcard of where you are going on the family fridge  

You could even subtly add an extra postcard to the fridge every day until the fridge is full of pictures of your location and someone twigs the surprise!

13. Make them special meals for tea that pertain to the location where you are going  

You could even adorn dishes with little mini flags for a big hint!

14. A surprise trip reveal poem!  

Ideas for this could include an anagram or riddle to keep your loved one guessing. You could hide it inside a surprise holiday reveal card and post it to your boyfriend or loved ones! 

15. A surprise holiday reveal balloon  

Have it waiting in your living room when everyone wakes up. An alternative could be a surprise pinata, filled with confetti and a folded up picture of your surprise destination.

16. Get your furry friend to announce the surprise

Why not attach a special custom tag to your pet's collar revealing the surprise - or dress up your pet to reveal the surprise. They will be sure to get plenty of fuss!

17. Prank them at the same time!

Leave a mess for them to clean up, but position your clue just sticking out where they will be able to find and see it. Use big letters to pique their curiosity - so they don't discard the clue as a piece of litter!

18. Pop a sticker on them while they are asleep

With the surprise reveal written on it. This is a hilarious way to prank your recipient in the best way and surprise them at the same time!

19. Create a 'pin the correct destination' game

The most fun way to announce your trip ever! 

20. A 'spin the wheel' surprise announcement

21. The decorated plate surprise announcement idea

This is such a good trick! Get your hands on a plain white plate and some plate decorating pens or paint - even the kinds kids often use to decorate a plate for Grandma. You can create a really cute message or design - and then be sure to follow the instructions to let the paint or ink set - it is often recommended to pop in the oven for a certain time. Once it is completely dry, you can set about preparing the meal or batch of cupcakes and dish it out on to the newly decorated plate, covering the message. Then wait til your recipients start eating to reveal the cute surprise! You get to keep the memory and relive it every time you use the plate for a meal! It's such a cute surprise idea and you can get really creative with the design and message you choose to give.

22. A heated mug surprise announcement

You can get personalised heated mugs that are amazing! Once your recipient goes to use it and pours in hot liquid, the surprise will be revealed. This is one of the cutest surprise trip ideas ever!

23. Play a game of Pictoword

Where they have to figure out the message from a bunch of symbols and images! This will increase the excitement and anticipation to figure out the surprise.

24. A cup of tea with a message at the bottom   👈🏻

This is such a cool and exciting way to surprise your recipient! Just replace with a hot drink of their choice - or even fill with wrapped chocolates, candy or sweets. When you recipient finishes the edibles they will see the cute surprise reveal at the base of the mug!  

25. Announce it on a cushion   👈🏻

Innocently arrange it and see how long it takes for them to notice it!

Personalised handwriting cushion   👈🏻

26. Gift them a secret message bracelet 

With the message inscribed on the inside. This is such a beautiful gift idea and makes for the perfect keepsake to remember their trip or experience by! 

27. Bake them a cookie concert ticket or travel ticket

Gift them a ticket in cookie form to announce the surprise! This is so much fun and you can get super creative and ice all of the details on to make a cookie replica of a real ticket. This would make an amazing letter box size gift for your recipient that they will adore! You could even add a sprinkle of edible glitter and confetti to make it extra magical! 

How do you reveal a trip as a gift?

Decorate a whole room to look like the place you are going! This is such a fun idea, will make the best surprise for your loved ones and make everyone excited! You could make a room moodboard of all the ideas you want to include - paper palm trees, leaf garlands, tropical fruits and even mocktails - it will be the best teaser to the best surprise trip ever!

What do you give someone before a trip?

Surprise someone before a trip ideas... surprises before a trip could include a special scrapbook for them to take and document their travels, some travel essentials like mini toiletries, suncream, a little bucket and spade for kids, a kid safe camera - you could wrap each item like a gift or even tie a bow round it. Luxurious gifts to give before a trip could be high end sunglasses, a high end toiletries or travel kit, a travel pillow, a dreamy coat or scarf for somewhere cold.

What is the best way to surprise someone? 

Don't forget to record their reaction! Surprising someone is all about creating memories and capturing that excitement means it will be something everyone will remember, whether you want to surprise someone with a trip to Venice or plan a surprise trip for your boyfriend. Just remember, buying a holiday as a gift can be costly and risky if your recepient isn't able to go on the trip! Always make absolutely sure it's possible before you go ahead and book - sometimes the smallest surprises can be the best - do check out these  cheap ways to surprise your girlfriend  and  how to surprise your wife  - also  how to surprise your boyfriend  and  husband !

How do you announce a surprise vacation?

Get creative with your surprise trip announcement by creating the location of your vacation around them - you could change their screensaver or phone background, put together a funny photoshopped picture of you all on holiday and frame it on the wall for them to notice! If you're feeling extra creative and have more resources you could even decorate one room in your house exactly like the location of where you are going - that should give them the best kind of hint and it's extra exciting!

How can I surprise my husband with a trip?

First, be sure he will appreciate the sentiment and that his diary is clear for the time you want to go on vacation. You can make sure it is clear by arranging something 'unexciting' around that time for both of you that means he will have to book that time off. To surprise him, choose any of the above!

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Surprise Vacation Reveal Ideas

You’re awesome! You decided to book a vacation or local staycation experience for someone and now it’s time to do your surprise vacation reveal! Researching and making travel arrangements is already quite a lot of work, phew that can be an understatement! I’m typically the go-to person in the family to make all of the travel arrangements and itinerary. So, I equally both feel your pain AND share your excitement!

I have several surprise vacation reveal ideas for you that range from the simplest solutions to gift a vacation, all the way up to creating a major WOW factor! Before I get into my 8 creative ways to reveal a surprise vacation (below) , lets talk about how to gift experiences and not blow it!!

The Gift of Lifelong Memories

Is it just me or do 9 times out of 10 people put things on their gift wish lists, yet 9 times out of 10 enjoying experiences and making memories is way better than some thing ?

Doesn’t matter if it’s Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, milestones, or other celebrations, everyone’s guilty of putting a thing down on their wish list. Don’t get me wrong, some things could be bad a** and you would be super excited to open the present up or reward yourself by buying something. That’s cool! But…

Are your kids anything like mine and spoiled to death? Don’t know what to gift the person who has everything? That’s why I spend most of my energy thinking about cool experience gift ideas. Vacations are the perfect opportunity for quality time and to create lasting, lifelong memories!

Now, lets get your next Memory in the Making!

Start with the Bucket Lists

Starting with their bucket lists is your safest best, and I’ll discuss more about why below.

But first, I’ll be honest. It’s sooooo much easier to open up Etsy or Amazon and search “anniversary gifts for husband” and add something to your cart. Being super thoughtful and planning a surprise vacation requires a lot more time, effort and energy. But the reward is definitely so much sweeter! There are many common excuses we come up with that I cover in my other post, Experience Gift Ideas for Families .

In the future, one way to help yourself out creatively is to encourage everyone to think about and share with you their bucket list of experiences, travel destinations, and even their Concert Bucket List , too! <<This is my personal fav that I recommend you and your crew fill out my free concert bucket list journal ! Ridiculously fun! I frequently coordinate travel plans with bands I’d like to see at different venues across the United States!

Finally, the last thing you are intending is make someone uncomfortable or stressed by giving them the gift of travel. By uncomfortable I mean, what if they don’t want to go there? Or what if they don’t want to use all of their vacation days for YOUR dream trip? Imposing stress on them would also suck. They could become stressed (especially if you don’t clearly disclose your intentions to cover all/certain expenses) and panic could set in. Meals, excursions, new clothing needed, tips, passport fees, etc. all can add up. If you choose something off of their bucket lists, at least you know they will be thrilled with your thoughtfulness and excitement to make one of THEIR dreams come true! Now, you just don’t want to blow the surprise trip reveal!

Don’t Blow It!

You’re obviously looking to go through a lot of time effort and energy to make this a surprise trip reveal super fun! So don’t blow it!! Here are a few great tips on how to gift a vacation from The Points Guy:

• Don’t use frequent flyer numbers in the booking or they will get an email from the airline or hotel!
• Use an incognito browser window so you search and browser history doesn’t accidentally spill the beans!
• If they need a new passport, make sure there is ample time to get it in enough time!
• More examples in his full article: How to Give a Surprise Trip .

Next, this article by Lost on the Route is a fabulous resource for everything to consider! He thoughtfully explains How to Gift a Surprise Trip and Don’t Mess Up . Some examples include:

• Vacation time
• Think 360-degrees about all costs
• Making sure your present is appropriate and they’ll accept it
• Documents needed
• Leaving space for freedom
• and more! Read more for all the details.

At this point, if you’re balking at the idea of planning a whole vacation for someone, don’t sweat it! Remember, they have NO IDEA you were considering this so there’s nothing to feel bad about. Obviously, you’re digging the idea of an experience vs. a thing, so head over to my other posts for tons more experience gift ideas and date ideas for married couples to mix it up ! Or if you just want to scale back the travel a notch, make the trip a seriously unforgettable local stay cation instead. You’ll find exactly what you need in my staycation planning guide ! Check it out or save this Pin for later. >>

Now, let’s get to the fun part! The big surprise trip reveal!

8 Creative Ways to Reveal a Surprise Vacation

Below, I’ll go into greater detail on how to stir up excitement for the trip! Here’s an overview of 8 creative ways to reveal a surprise vacation:

• Write in a card
• Print out a flyer or itinerary with details
• Print a QR code with link
• Gift or gift basket with items for the trip
• Make a video slideshow
• Tricky wrapping or clues
• Wrap something that goes along with the theme
• Setup a vignette display

Write in a Card

The easiest option, and a perfectly acceptable option is to write in a card and then talk to them about all the trip’s details. Bonus points: have the card match the theme of the trip such as a beach with flip flops or the Eiffel Tower. Shopping on Etsy for cards is my fav because there are so many options no matter what the occasion!

The only catch to only writing the destination in the card, is if there’s more to it. I’ve found it easier to give them some details to take with them so they can look further into the hotel, activities, restaurants, excursions, etc. on their own later.

A solution for that is to have a list of links ready to text or email to them after they open their card. A link to the hotel, restaurant menu, event you bought tickets to, etc.

On the contrary, this is a great idea if you aren’t ready to book this trip without talking to them first. With this flexibility in mind you could write in 2 destinations to choose from. Or write in 2 dates to choose from, and immediately put it on your calendars so it doesn’t get dragged out and never actually happen.

Another consideration is to stick their passport in the card as a little creative touch. Next, I’ll show you how easy it is for you to one-up writing in a card.

Print a Surprise Vacation Reveal Flyer or Itinerary

What do I mean about creating a vacation flyer?  Simply put, print an 8.5 x 11 inch page with all of the known details of your trip. Here are a few different examples of some I’ve done in the past.

What to Include on the Flyer

Obviously an itinerary is pretty self-explanatory as far as the format goes. Ready-made templates will help guide how you lay that out, very easily. But, there are a few key bits of information you may want to add in. Examples include:

• Dates of the trip
• # of Days / # of Nights away
• Name of accommodations (hotel, cruise ship, VRBO, campground, etc.)
• Type of hotel room (suite, standard king, double bed, ocean view, garden view, etc.)
• Excursions or activity examples available to decide on or pre-planned (swim with dolphins, kayaking, zip lining, shopping at a mall, hiking, casino, spa appointments, etc.)
• Tickets to an event (concert, play, etc.)
• Restaurant reservations
• Resort or hotel amenities
• Who’s going on the trip
• All expenses paid or specifically what the gift includes
• Pictures and graphics representative of the vacation (hotel, scenery, excursions, food, etc.)

Next, lets talk about the easiest way to create this surprise vacation reveal flyer or itinerary!

Try Canva for Free

With no design experience, you can create tons amazing visual content using FREE Canva . In a few clicks and no credit required, you be setup with an account. There are so many canned templates to choose from and they already have the proper sizes associated with them. It’s seriously too easy.

First, create your account and get started!

Create a Design

Second, scroll through all of the different project options or click the Create a design button on the top right. Search for “flyer” and you’ll see a few size options to choose from. I typically would choose Flyer (Portrait 8.5 x 11 inch) .

Immediately you’ll see a bunch of different templates appear along the left side of the screen. I almost always start my projects with a canned template. It’s a great starting point and a huge time saver. A great start is to search for “vacation” or “travel itinerary”.

For additional training from Canva, visit their Help page and learn every trick you could think of within a few seconds.

Side note: have you seen my other article on how I created my daughter’s birthday invitation using Canva in less than 5 minutes ? Check it out if you’re curious! The amount of other fun things you can do with Canva is endless!

Printing the Flyer

There are a few options for printing the flyer or itinerary. Obviously, if you have a good printer at home (with ink, ha!) that is the quickest option. Download the flyer as a .pdf for best printing results.

Second, have it professionally printed. If you want to make it more fancy or don’t have a printer available, a very quick option is to upload it to a local Walgreens or FedEx Kinkos. They can typically print it out in an 8×10 inch size with a glossy, photo paper. Plus you can typically pick it up in as little as an hour!

Printing Tip: If you know you’ll decide to choose professionally photo-size printing, use the quick “Resize” option in Canva to adjust your flyer to an 8×10 inch size. May need to slightly tinker with the format but it will ensure that nothing gets cut off. Also, consider a little “bleed” room that will get cut off. Don’t place critical information right up against any of the edges of the flyer to be safe. In this case, download it as .png image.

Savings Tip: if you are using Walgreens, I have always found that they offer a coupon code online for all photo orders. Typically 50% off! Check out Retailmenot.com here .

Third, and easiest option, is to print directly via Canva. If you have a few days, with a couple clicks you you can order in a matte or gloss finish for a reasonable price and free delivery to your doorstep.

Gifting the Surprise Vacation Reveal Flyer or Itinerary

Lastly, wrap the flyer in a shirt gift box or throw it into a gift bag. Bonus points: wrapping paper or gift bag match the theme of the trip!

Next, I’ll show you how you can take a little more of techy approach in no time!

Print a QR Code to Reveal a Surprise Vacation

Technology can be great way to simplify or amplify this surprise! With an easy search for “ QR Code Generator ” you can very quickly, for free get your own QR code for the person to scan with their phone. What URL this QR code points to is another story! Let your creativity run wild here. Some ideas to get your wheels spinning include a link to:

• The location’s tourism website (such as: Pure Michigan or Nashville’s Visit Music City )
• The resort’s website
• A YouTube video
• A song clue (“Margaritaville” for a trip to Key West, FL)
• A video you make (see a video or slideshow section below)
• An invite to a shared, interactive, itinerary organizer on the free Wanderlog app

Wanderlog is a phenomenal free travel app that I now use for ALL of my travel plans. Keep an eye out for my post about how to use this app soon! Subscribe to my Memory in the Making blog now so you don’t miss a beat, plus get subscriber perks:

Next, get some ideas for physical gifts and when it makes sense to bother buying things for the trip, too.

Gift or Gift Basket

Travel as a gift is certainly plenty ! However, creating a themed gift basket of sorts is a cute option.

I only recommend this idea if you know you’ll be buying something for them anyway. What do I mean by that? Your kids would be a great example if you know they need a new swimsuit and flip flops. Or a pretty dress for a family picture. Maybe your husband could use a new pair of sunglasses. Or all the adults get a themed koozie. You get the idea!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that if you click through & make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you for your support!

It doesn’t have to be a “basket” either. You can put items in a piece of luggage , a carry-on bag, a toiletry bag, a wet bag, or just a regular gift bag. Here’s my favorite pack of luggage tags , great for traveling with family! Lastly, I’m absolutely obsessed with my wet bags and beach bag from ALOHA Collection . They’re super great quality. I have bought MANY in different sizes for myself, kids, and my husband!

Get a laugh out of it!

Creating confusion to mess with them can be quite entertaining! For example, fill a gift bag with items like travel-sized deodorant or other lame toiletries that you have them open first. You’ll certainly get a funny look. Then let the cat out of the bag with the surprise trip reveal!

Make a Video for a Surprise Vacation Reveal

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Instead of printing something, grab a bunch of pictures from websites, social media pages and add them into a presentation. Many people are great at creating videos these days because of social media and have cool apps to do this on. A few easy options that come to my mind are:

• A good ‘ol traditional PowerPoint
• Search for other free video making apps here

The family staycation we did, I used iMovie and text the video out to the adults and showed the kids. Super fun! See my post, 5 Steps to Plan the Ultimate Staycation for more time savers and pro planning tips!

Now, lets jump into the next surprise vacation reveal ideas!

Tricky Wrapping or Clues

You can get really creative with being tricky. Let your imagination run wild! From DIY, to free printables, to easy to customize and order off of Etsy ideas, I’ve gotchu covered!

First, there are a ton of great, tricky ideas for revealing family trips! One idea is a scavenger hunt, like this free printable Disney surprise vacation reveal . Another is this cute balloon popping reveal activity !

Second, you can go with these elegant travel ticket, like this weekend gift getaway “boarding pass” for a birthday present available on Etsy!

Third, these personalized scratch off tickets that reveal your gift of travel plans are so cute! This luxury travel announcement includes additional customization pieces for more excursion details and is a fabulous choice. These travel scratch offs “Surprise! We are going on a vacation” and road trip reveal tickets are yet another of the creative ways to reveal a surprise vacation!

Next, lets wrap something more tied specifically to the vacay theme and surprise them in a different way!

Wrap Something Related to the Theme

This option can be very simple. A trip to Paris; wrap some macaroons and some French wine. While you enjoy your treats, casually work the trip into the convo! Sneaky and romantic.

This gift is really just an ode to the trip and doesn’t need to be expensive. Wrapping something tiny, unusual or functional is a great way add to the fun vacation presents. A keychain, coffee mug, sticker, their local beer, or other consumables are perfect! Wrap it alone, or hide a note, flyer or itinerary in there!

Lastly, allow me to describe the most creative way to reveal a surprise vacation and create a ton of excitement!

Ultimate Surprise Vacation Reveal: Setup a Vignette Display

My dad has been the king of this surprise vacation reveal idea over the years! At Christmastime, he sometimes will gift us a big family vacation. I can attest as the gift receiver, this is always a lot of fun for us adults and his grandkids! Plus it builds up the group’s anticipation big time. Perfect surprise trip reveal for a group family vacation!

Here’s a perfect example. For a ski trip, a display could include items like ski hats, gloves, and goggles as gifts. Sprinkle around some fake snow on the table and a few other cold-weather decorations to create a winter wonderland vignette.

Bonus points: also create that slideshow video (see idea details above) that includes pictures and video clips of the hotel, ski slopes, etc. Have it playing on an iPad as everyone walks into the room!

Talk about WOW factor!!

Thanks Dad!

Finally, consider combining even elements from a few of the other 8 creative ways to reveal a surprise vacation (above) into one giant, unforgettable gift of travel scene!

Celebrating on Vacation

Ok. Ok. You’re obvi already the coolest! But… if this vacation is built around celebrating something special, like a birthday or anniversary during the vacation, I know you’re going to LOVE this, too!

Birthday Surprises on Vacay

My Birthday Surprises on Vacay post is kick a**! It is packed to the gills with ideas related to decorations, theme ideas, gift ideas, hotel concierge requests and more memorable vacation celebration experience ideas! These ideas are for both kids and adults. Pin these now to save for later >>

Anniversary Getaways

My husband and I recently celebrated our 16th Anniversary. We love to plan a quick getaway each year if we can to reconnect. This year, we added a twist to our anniversary vacation… we knocked something off of our concert bucket list journals ! Check out a quick video recap of our trip to Napa, CA for Bottle Rock Festival here on Pinterest >>

Even if you’re not celebrating a special occasion while on vacation this time, save these Pins to your Pinterest board now for later! Let me know whatcha think in the comments below!

Hey, wait a minute! What’s on your own bucket list?? Give it some thought and put those ideas on your own wish list that you share with your friends and fam. What if they want to return the favor some time?!

As adults, we tend to downplay things like our birthdays or Valentine’s Day. Why?? Life is short. I believe we should celebrate as often as possible, even the small things. If this is your first time checking out my blog, see what I’m all about . Also, check out my post, More Champagne Popping , for more inspo on moments to slow tf* down for and ideas to celebrate!

If I was able to inspire a killer surprise vacation reveal that you caught on camera, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Tag me @meminthemaking on Instagram or Facebook !

Without a doubt, save these Surprise Vacation Reveal Ideas to your Pinterest board for later!

…Or text a link to your partner in crime!

Finally, follow me @memoryinthemakin g on Pinterest or @meminthemaking on Instagram and Facebook !

Safe travels.

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I absolutely LOVE the idea of creating experiences and making memories in lieu of a “gift.” It’s such a good idea to go over bucket lists with the family to help in your decision on a surprise vacation. Thank you for laying out such wonderful and detailed ideas on how to reveal the surprise vacation….I think the “Scavenger Hunt” idea is the most fun!

Thank you so much Shelly! I’m so glad you enjoyed and got some good stuff out of here. The hotel scavenger hunt is the absolute BEST! Download the free printable to save for your next trip: https://memoryinthemaking.com/hotel-scavenger-hunt-with-freebie-printable/

This is so fun! One time I surprised my husband (then boyfriend) with a road trip to Florida. My sister was living there so I had her take pictures of the beach, etc and send them to me. I put it all together, details and everything, into a “book” (folder with prongs haha). On the last page I put something along the lines of, “So will you go?” Of course he said yes!

Meg, isn’t that the best?! Love it!! We plan trips anyways, so I love making the reveal a special part of the memories too. Why not right?! My personal fav is to download my free Concert Bucket List, compare notes, and then plan a trip to see a band! Or experience a beautiful venue or city you wouldn’t normally go. Grab it here: https://memoryinthemaking.com/concert-bucket-list-journal/ Have a great time getting your next Memory in the Making!

What a cool way to celebrate life! Creating memories instead of “throw away gifts” is THE best!

Yay! I couldn’t agree more Janelle! I’ve got a ton more inspo in my other post “Experience Gift Ideas” for everyone in your life that you’d appreciate it: https://memoryinthemaking.com/experience-gift-ideas-for-families/ Have a great time getting your next Memory in the Making!

“Love these ideas! I’m planning a surprise trip for my parents’ anniversary. Any tips for keeping the destination a secret from them?”

Yes! Make sure you don’t include their frequent flyer number in their reservation just yet or they’ll get email notifications. If you book any spa reservations, etc. do not give them their cell number or they’ll get text notifications. Lastly, if you share computers or are on each other’s phones from time to time, make sure to switch to your incognito browser where you’re not logged into google account and search history shows up. Happy travels! 🙂

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How To Surprise Someone With A Trip [How, When, Where + Tips]

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How to surprise someone (or your family) with a trip can be a daunting task . Not only do you you need know and schedule out the logistics of it, but also how you are going let that loved one know about the secret vacation! Here is the why, how, and additional tips and tricks on how to surprise someone with a trip !

Table of Contents

Why Plan a Surprise Trip

There are many reasons why you should plan a surprise trip. Some reasons include celebrating someones birthday, an epic Christmas gift, anniversary gift, or even a valentines day surprise. Or, it could be just simply wanting to surprise that loved one with a gift that they will cherish forever.

I planned a surprise trip for my husband to Hawaii and a graduation gift, and we enjoyed incredible outdoor activities while we were there!

Surprise trips are exciting, fun, and memorable . In addition, they provide the perfect opportunity to unexpectedly ditch the routine and recharge your batteries.

Just think, you could surprise someone with a trip to Alaska to escape the summer heat. Or maybe plan an epic surprise vacation to somewhere tropical during the dead of winter.

Tips On Keeping It A Surprise

The number one key of planning a surprise trip is keeping it a surprise! A few ways people drop the ball include not erasing your search history or keeping up their internet tabs that reveal all. The best way to avoid this? Plan everything using the incognito window on chrome.

Also, be careful about spilling the news if you share a bank account or credit card with that individual and they regularly check the statements. Instead, buy a visa gift card of the amount you plan to spend and purchase everything with that.

Lastly, when booking flights, don’t add their frequent flier miles to the booking. Nothing ruins a surprise better than that individual receiving the itinerary straight to their email.

Scheduling a Surprise Trip

Scheduling a surprise trip is going to be one of the largest hurdles you face. Here’s a few tips of scheduling that epic vacation-

• Check his/her schedule with their academic calendar if they are still in the university to see when their breaks are
• Ask their friends/colleagues/co-workers more about their schedules
• Depending on the job or company they work for, you can always go straight to their boss to request time off for them
• Lastly, just ask them directly about their schedule around the time you are planning the trip

Additional Reading- How To To Travel With a Full-Time Job [Weekend Warrior Guide]

Surprise Trip Reveals

9 ways to reveal where you are going.

Giving experiences as gifts is widely accepted as a wonderful alternative to giving material objects. But have you ever wondered how to give a trip as a gift, and have it still be fun to open? Make opening the gift an experience of it’s own! Here are several ideas of how to reveal a surprise trip-

• Dress up as if you are in your vacation spot. For example, if you’re headed to the beach put on those flip flops and Hawaiian shirt before that loved one gets home. Going to Disneyland? Rock those mouse ears and that Disney t-shirt.
• Nothing says exciting like a good ole scavenger hunt. Leave little clues throughout the house that leads to the end prize of either flight tickets, a packed bag, you name it!
• Hand them a marked up travel guide of the future destination of places you’re going to see!
• Cook a meal that is local to the area you’ll be visiting. Not a good cook? Consider eating out at a restaurant that specializes in that cuisine.
• Buy them a camera that they can use to capture memories while on the surprise trip! Here is a complete guide to the best travel camera gear (all affordable options!)
• Gift them a new backpack or luggage set! Below is the best travel luggage on amazon.

Where To Go On Your Surprise Trip

You probably know the individual quite well so you’ll know where they prefer to go. Although Steve loved the trips I planned to this small island and this popular Mexican city , I know he prefers forested or mountain escapes (which is why we love visiting Idaho ). So keep in mind your loved ones’ likes and plan accordingly.

Still lost? Straight up ask them about their top three places they would like to visit someday. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, I like to use Skyscanner to find the cheapest airlines departing from my home airport and go there!

Here’s how to do it . Enter in your home airport. Then set your destination as “everywhere”. Next either choose the “cheapest month” or set a month of when you want to go. I’ve always scored the best flights deals while checking Skyscanner!

When to Reveal the Surprise Trip

You have two options of when to reveal the surprise trip.

• First, you can reveal the day of the trip! This one is risky yet incredible if pulled off correctly.
• The next option is a little bit more safe by letting them know a little in advance.

Things To Plan For A Surprise Trip (That You Might Have Forgotten)

While you’re planning a surprise trip all by yourself can be quite overwhelming . Because you’ll most likely be planning your trip by yourself, you might worry that you are missing something. Here are a few travel tips while booking your trip of things not to forget about.

• Flights – Like mentioned previously, I use Skyscanner to book my flights and always end up getting the best deals! You might consider purchasing flight cancellation coverage just in case.
• Airport Parking – Know your airport, the fees, and the availability before arriving. You can find the cheapest airport parking with AirportParking.com
• Transportation when you get there. Do you plan on renting a car? Using public transportation? Or using an awesome tour bus?
• Comfortable Travel Items- There are some things that make the traveling experience that much better (like having your favorite snack on the flight). My top thing to not forget at home is a reliable travel pillow! I absolutely love mine from PineTales. It has a designer bamboo pillowcase and offers better support because it’s filled with premium buckwheat. It’s great to travel with through the airport, plane and even makes a great knee pillow for the hotel (they never provide enough pillows anyway!)

• Sightseeing/Plans – When we travel to a new city, I love purchasing the City Pass because it saves so much money on attractions, activities, and even food! Most U.S. cities are available on the City Pass.
• Hotel or airbnb ? If you are planning on booking a hotel, I recommend using this site . I always score the most incredible deals by using it! If you want to save a little money, then check out airbnb! Here’s a $40 coupon off of your stay!

Additional Reading: 5 Insanely Easy Ways To Eat Healthy While Traveling

How To Document Your Surprise Trip

I’ve always said that the best souvenir is a travel photo! I recommend hiring a professional photographer is you are taking a special trip that you want to remember. Flytographer has great and affordable services! Use FLY25 for $25 off of your first booking.

Planning a surprise trip can be a bit scary, but if done correctly, can be an amazing gift that will be remembered forever.

Booking A Surprise Trip With A Company

Instead of planning a surprise trip yourself, there are also surprise trip companies that will completley do all the heavy lifting for you! There are several reasons why I would reccomend booking a surprise trip with a company-

• You also want to enjoy the experience of a surprise trip (you don’t really get to be surprised if you’re the one booking the getaway)
• You don’t want to worry about the logistics of picking a destination, booking a flight + hotel, planning things to do, finding restaurants, etc.
• You don’t consider yourself a good planner and want someone else to do it for you

What Surprise Trip Company Should You Book With?

There are several surprise trip companies out there but I would recommend booking your trip with Next Where! The mission of Next Where is to “set-up your perfect weekend at an unforgettable destination. We’ll send you to places you would otherwise never visit. Or maybe you would – but with Next-Where you will travel under a completely different mindset, or at least we hope so.”

Our Surprise Vacation Experience With Next Where

We booked a trip with Next Where for a weekend getaway in February and were blown away with how much we loved the experience! Next Where coordinated our fights, hotels, and even gave us recommendations of what to do, see and eat while we were in Denver, Colorado. The best part of this experience is that we had no idea where we were going until we got to the airport!

Once at the airport, we first opened up the envelope that told us where we were going to be flying to. In our case, it was Denver. Next, we opened up the envelope of where we would be staying. We were so impressed with the hotel that they choose- The Hyatt Regency Denver At Colorado Convention Center. Lastly, we opened up the envelope that had recommendations, based on our interests, of things we could do and places where we could eat!

The flights went really smoothly and we were so happy once we arrived to Denver and checked into our hotel. As mentioned above, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Denver At Colorado Convention Center that was in the ideal location to do some sight-seeing!

In addition to the location, the hotel provided excellent views of the city and surrounding mountains, had an amazing f itness center, pool, and rooftop hot tub! (If you ever find yourself in Denver, don’t hesitate to book a stay at this hotel!)

What I also loved about this hotel was that they had on-site dining options. We had the opportunity to dine at the Former Saint Denver for both breakfast and dinner and were impressed with the atmosphere, seating options, and most importantly, the food!

For breakfast, we enjoyed the nutella pancakes and salmon eggs benedict and for dinner we feasted on perfectly cooked chicken and lamb. Seriously, the next time that you are in Denver you need to stop at this restaurant whether you stay at the hotel or not!

The entire weekend we spend walking around the Lodo District and exploring famous sites such as Union Station, the 16th street mall, and the Capitol building. All of these places that we visited were found in the third envelope that we opened.

Overall, we would give Next Where a 10/10 for the surprise trip experience that they provided us! If you have more questions about booking a surprise trip with Next Where, you can visit their FAQ page.

Is A Surprise Trip For You?

In the words of Next Where, “ If you are a spontaneous, open-minded traveler seeking a break from day-to-day stress, you are at the right place. “

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Here’s How to Announce a Surprise Trip (w/ Examples)

Surprising someone with a trip is an exhilarating way to create unforgettable memories and add excitement to your relationships.

“How to Announce a Surprise Trip” involves creativity and timing to maximize the impact of your big reveal.

This article guides you through various imaginative ways to announce a surprise journey, ensuring the moment is as memorable as the trip itself.

20 Examples of How to Announce a Surprise Trip

• Treasure Hunt: Set up a treasure hunt around your home with clues leading to the reveal of the destination.
• Themed Dinner: Host a dinner with cuisine from the trip’s destination, ending the meal with the reveal.
• Custom Boarding Pass: Create a mock boarding pass for the destination and place it somewhere they’ll find it.
• Puzzle Pieces: Give them a puzzle to solve that, when completed, reveals the location of the trip.
• Destination in a Box: Fill a box with items or souvenirs that hint at the destination, letting them guess before revealing.
• Movie Night: Watch a movie or documentary set in the trip’s location, and announce the trip as the credits roll.
• Scrapbook or Photo Album: Create a scrapbook with photos of the destination and leave a note at the end revealing the trip.
• Calendar Countdown: Mark the departure date on a calendar with a big, bold note, and surprise them with it.
• Travel Guide Surprise: Gift them a travel guidebook for the destination, with a note inside revealing the trip.

Related content : Funny Wedding Anniversary Wishes for Couples (50+ Examples!) Writing a Letter to Granddaughter Going to College: 10 Examples !

• Digital Countdown: Set up a digital countdown to the trip date and send it to them as a surprise link.
• Suitcase Surprise: Pack a suitcase with essentials for the destination and leave it for them with a note inside.
• Postcard Reveal: Send them a postcard from the destination in advance, with the trip details written on it.
• Surprise Event: Organize a small gathering or event where the surprise announcement is made.
• Hidden Messages: Leave hidden messages around the house that, when pieced together, reveal the trip.
• Destination-themed Gift: Give them a gift related to the destination, with the trip details attached.
• Morning Surprise: Serve breakfast in bed with a boarding pass or trip itinerary on the tray.
• Balloon Pop: Fill balloons with notes, one of which reveals the trip, and have them pop the balloons.
• Adventure Book: Create an “adventure book” with the first adventure being the surprise trip.
• Customized Playlist: Make a playlist with songs related to the destination and include a spoken reveal at the end.
• Virtual Reality Reveal: Use a VR headset to take them on a virtual tour of the destination before revealing the actual trip.

Announcing a surprise trip creatively adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the experience.

It transforms the moment of reveal into a special memory in itself, setting the tone for the adventure that lies ahead and deepening the bond between those sharing the experience.

I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master —  I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.

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5 Ways to Surprise Someone with Travel

quickwhittravel

Updated June 1, 2020.

I was watching one of my favorite shows, Home Town , on HGTV the other day, and they always include a special surprise for the homeowners. And I love that. I love to be surprised, and I love to surprise the people in my life, and it made me think about the best surprise anyone ever gave me, when Steve came to “pick me up” at the Burbank airport when we were newly engaged! He flew across the country just to surprise me, and that memory prompted me to give you some ideas about how to incorporate surprises into your travels!

Go Pick Someone Up

When my then-future husband said he’d pick me up at the airport after my trip to California to visit my girl friend out there, I never in a million years thought he meant in California! It meant so much to me, and I had the best travel buddy for the long flight back home across the country! If you have the opportunity, go “pick someone up” to bring them home with love.

Want to do that but not sure about the cost? Get creative! Use miles, points, and look for deals!

Read on: Beginner’s Guide to Using Airline Miles for Travel and Beginner’s Guide to Using Credit Card Points for Travel

Go visit someone.

Sometimes the best gift is just being there in real life! If you know your best friend or a family member has a performance or special event coming up, a birthday, a surgery, a baby shower, a wedding, or a holiday, plan to show up! I went home to surprise my mom for her 50th birthday, and I’ve never seen her so surprised!

Bring Them to You

Can’t get away but can afford a plane ticket? Offer to bring someone to you! Show them around, spend time together, and give them the opportunity to travel! I paid for my brother’s train ticket to came to visit me in D.C. while he was working in Philadelphia, and I got to play tour guide in my adopted home town!

Not sure what to do when someone comes to visit? How to Love Your Staycation

Give the gift of travel.

This is one of my favorite ways to surprise people—with a trip of a lifetime! I’ll go anywhere, and I do take suggestions. So when my “little” brother (who’s taller than me) turned 30 last year, I knew a Titanic -themed trip to Belfast and the UK would be special for him. So we went!

Plan a Special Experience on Travel

A special trip can be even more memorable with a fun surprise experience! My husband recently delighted me in Zurich when I was feeling under the weather, and he took me to a cute cafe for coffee and a sweet! Another example is my dad: he comes to visit every fall, but we’ve pretty much done everything in D.C. a few times. So one weekend we took him up to Gettysburg ! This was special for him because he used to do Civil War re-enacting. He got such a kick out of seeing the battlefield and finding the Tennessee monument!

Ready to make travel a pleasant surprise? Tell me in the comments section below!

Need a little help planning? Check out all my resources on the Travel Planning Page !

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Share this:

6 responses to “5 ways to surprise someone with travel”.

A few years ago the husband flew back to England for his grandma’s 90th birthday party without telling a soul except me. (His whole family lives there.) We still have the video of his brother opening the door and the shocked look on his face. He definitely wasn’t expecting his brother to fly from middle-America for a 4-day weekend. Priceless. (The video AND the memories.) Great post.

SO PRICELESS! I love it! Travel surprises are the best surprises. Love that he was able to do that for his family!

Let the record show your brother bought you ice cream at that store on the Potomac. 🙂

That’s true!

[…] More fun here: 5 Ways to Surprise Someone with Travel […]

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Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

15 Creative Ways To Reveal A Surprise Disney Trip

April 27, 2021 //  by  Mckensie Shiner //   1 Comment

Planning to book a surprise Disney trip to gift to someone in your life? Then, keep reading! It’s everyone’s dream to be surprised with a trip to Walt Disney World. The only tricky part is, how will you tell the person the news? Will you give a countdown calendar to your significant other or tell your kids they’re visiting relatives out of town?

Whoever you’re surprising, we are sure to have a great way to make the Disney trip reveal magical for everyone involved.

1. Countdown Calendars

Personally, we LOVE this idea because we have everything you need for this! A countdown calendar is a great way to let everyone know of your surprise Disney trip! On our Facebook page, you can find some of our free countdown calendars and print them out!

Feel free to hang it in plain sight or package it up like mail and give it to whoever you’re giving your surprise Disney trip to. This is a great Disney trip reveal and doesn’t take a lot of planning. 

This is a great choice for those who don’t have a lot of time or for older teens/adults who don’t require a very extravagant approach, as younger kids may need a bigger surprise. 

Join our Facebook group to access free printable Disney countdown calendars for your surprise Disney trip announcement. 

2. Disney surprise box

Have you considered giving a Disney surprise box for your Disney trip reveal? If you want to give a memorable trip to the person you’re surprising, this is a great way to do so!

One of our favorite websites for sending a Disney surprise box, chock-full of goodies from the Disney parks, is Pixie Dust 2 U. From this site, you can choose a boy or girl box. Some boxes have contained the following items: Disney luggage tag, color pack, Minnie/Mickey drawstring bag, non-park lightweight ears, lanyards, and other fun Disney items! 

Use the code “WELCOME2U” for 10% off your first order!

3. Disney Shirts Reveal 

Another great way to pull off your Disney surprise trip is by revealing it with Disney shirts! Whether you are surprising your significant other, friend, or family member, this is another simple fun way to let them know what you have planned!

In order to do this, it’s important to incorporate their favorite Disney character or movie to make it all that more sentimental for everyone involved. You can also save the shirts and wear them for your trip!

 A popular design for Disney shirts is the family vacation ones which normally have the family name, month, and year. 

Check out our Disney shirt post here, which is all-inclusive when it comes to the relationship with the person you’re surprising.  

4. On the way to the airport 

A great way to surprise kids with a Disney trip is to wait until the last minute to do so. This approach can be even more exciting since they have no idea the surprise Disney trip is coming.

As you approach the airport, ask them where they think you’re going. Drop hints such as dressing them in Disney clothing or playing Disney music in the car.  

Once you arrive at the airport, let them know what you’ve planned. Their reactions will be worth the wait!

5. Scavenger Hunt

For the adventurous person in your life, a scavenger hunt is a great way to reveal a Disney trip! Start with a small note in the house and lead to the backyard, garage, etc. until you finally reveal a clue that reveals the surprise!

There are SO many of these scavenger hunts on Pinterest and the possibilities are endless with this approach. However you decide to set it up is your choice, but there are so many neat ways to really make the person wonder what you’re up to! If you’re wondering how to surprise kids with a Disney trip, this is the way!

Click here for this Disney scavenger hun t to buy on Etsy!

6. Going to Grandma’s House 

If you are able to commute to Disney World, telling your kids they’re going to a relative’s house is a great way to surprise them. This approach even allows you to pack clothes for them and not have questions asked when loading up the car.

This is best for small children, but older children may appreciate this one as well. It definitely depends on the child, though! Some may feel overwhelmed when planning for one thing and getting something completely different. Surely, once they get there, they will be in their element!

7. Suitcase filled with Disney items 

This surprise is a great way to give the person you’re surprising some extra gear for the trip and being extra thoughtful while doing so! I mean, really, who wouldn’t love a suitcase or bag full of Disney items?

Some items to include are a pair of ears, character hand sanitizer, character masks, Disney keychains, autograph books, and anything else you can think of! Bonus points if the suitcase or travel bag is Disney-themed! 

For more Disney items you could include here, try reading our article  Disney items from Amazon!

8. Mickey balloons wrapped in a large box  

Similar to the gender reveal trend, this Disney surprise trip reveal involves a large box and Mickey-shaped balloons! Simply fill them up with helium (or air) and cut the box open to show your surprise! 

If you decide to fill the balloons with air, you will just have to pull them out by hand. That is why this is ideal with helium balloons so they float to the top! 

You can find cheap balloons at your local dollar tree! These include Mickey as well as other Disney character balloons! Read our Disney Dollar Tree post for more cheap finds!

Click here for Mickey balloons on Amazon!

9. Invitation From Mickey 

This Disney surprise trip is foolproof and just requires some paper, a p en, and maybe some colored markers and stickers if you really want to seal the deal! Writing an invitation from Mickey is a great way to surprise someone with a Disney trip! 

Since Mickey is the star of the show here, it’s only right he sends the invitations out, to be honest. There are so many different options for what to say in this letter, but including one of Mickey’s famous catchphrases like “oh boy!” Or “see you real soon,” is sure to authenticate it. 

Click here to shop for this trip reveal letter on Etsy!

10. Disney-inspired breakfast

What better way to let someone know about a surprise trip to Disney than by bringing a little bit of Disney to them? Especially when it comes in the form of food!

Make some Mickey waffles or Gaston’s famous cinnamon rolls and let them guess what exactly it is you’re planning for them by giving them one of their favorite Disney treats as a hint. 

If you’re not a great cook or baker, it’s always okay to store-buy items, too. It helps if everything is easily identifiable as Disney snacks, but if not, simply have them guess where they can find most of these tasty treats! It should be pretty obvious!

We also have a recipe for Epcot’s Violet Lemonade here , which is a great addition to whatever you decide to prepare!

11. Customized Disney Tickets

An easy at-home Disney surprise reveal involve making customized Disney tickets! With this idea, you can pretty much do whatever you would like as far as designs go. You can use construction paper or cardstock and either design them online or handwrite them!

Additionally, there are also templates online which you can utilize to carry out this Disney trip reveal. Add names and their favorite Disney items or characters to really make this one special!

Shop these adorable custom tickets on Etsy here!

11. Decorate a space in the house

What better way to announce the surprise than to decorate a spot in the house and throw a mini Disney party! This is one of the best ways to announce this since it’s pretty obvious what is coming when you set this up! 

Refer to our Disney Dollar Tree post to find some awesome decorations to do this with!

Shop for Mickey decor on Amazon here!

12. Disney Surprise Puzzle 

This is yet another great idea due to the creativity that comes with it. It is also a great idea for kids! Give them a blank puzzle box and tell them the surprise is in the completed puzzle. They will be so excited to put it together and even more so when they realize what the surprise is!

There are hundreds of puzzles online for this Disney surprise trip reveal! You can find puzzles like the one below on Etsy here.

13. Drop gifts as hints

Similar to the surprise box and suitcase full of gifts, this is nearly the same but a little dialed back. As you await the initial surprise announcement, you can start to give gifts that may allude to the surprise. For example, maybe give them a new Disney shirt and when they ask what the occasion is, say it’s for something coming up. 

This can be done with virtually anything, such as wax melts, hats, or jewelry! Some great Disney gifts including the one below can be found on Etsy or by clicking  here!

14. Disney button

Disney buttons are an instant giveaway for a Disney trip and are perfect for anyone who doesn’t like to keep a secret for too long, or feels that the person/people they’re surprising will catch on quickly! By gifting a Disney button, you’re also giving them something to wear during the trip, which is always a bonus!

This great Disney button from Etsy can be found here.

15. Play Youtube videos as a hint

If you’re looking for another simple and. cost-effective reveal, this is the one for you! This can be as simple as playing the fireworks from Happily Ever After (which is on YouTube in HD), or maybe a clip from their favorite ride. 

Even more simply, you can play a Disney promo video such as this one!

There are also hundreds of Disney surprise trip reveal videos on the site you could easily show them and then ask them what they would do if that was them… then tell them it is!

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July 12, 2024 at 5:41 pm

How about an idea for surprising a COLLEGE GRADUATE?

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How To Reveal A Surprise Trip: 5 Ways To Do It Right

Knowing how to reveal a surprise trip is always a difficult situation to be in. The stakes are high for you, because you don’t want your loved one to give you a lukewarm response to your reveal or – even worse – disappointment at their lack of excitement.

The Pressure of Organising Surprise Trips

And disappointment is the last thing you want to hear. You’ve already had to go through a lot of stress in order to plan your surprise trip.

Just the act of scheduling your trip has been a major headache. You had to find a date in both of your diaries, by checking their schedule, all without letting them know why. You might’ve felt anxiety throughout the entire booking process, hoping your friend hasn’t changed their dates.

You’ve also committed money and time into securing your train or plane tickets, your vacation digs, and itinerary, that you can’t back out now. You might’ve gone through doubts surrounding the vacation you’ve chosen, if he/she will enjoy your idea.

You’ve survived all of that and yet still the journey isn’t over. Now you have to figure out how to reveal a surprise trip so the answer you hear is a resounding yes.

A surprise trip is a gift like any other and should be treated in the same way. To help someone want to “open this gift” you want to create an experience that leads up to the reveal. Before we get to those tips, there’s one thing you need to think about first.

When Should You Reveal Your Surprise Trip?

Deciding how to reveal a surprise trip is one thing, but picking the right time is do so is another. You want to reveal close enough to the departure date that the excitement of going is palpable for both of you; but also far enough away so that if you had to postpone, you can get your money back.

Why could a surprise trip be postponed? Well, plans could change for the recipient of your trip. Perhaps they forgot to add things to their schedule/diary. Perhaps they were invited to something only just recently and forgot to mention it.

You want to time your reveal to also give your friend enough time to prepare for the trip. Even if it’s just a weekend away, they will still want to clear their diaries and make sure they have no pending interruptions. You also need to give them time to pack and get travel insurance (unless you’re gifting that as well.)

Ways To Build Up To Your Reveal

As I mentioned before, you want to prime your friend into “open the gift” of your trip, so that when you do the reveal, joy and enthusiasm is the response you get. Here are some ways you can lead into that moment.

Knowing how to reveal a surprise trip well is all about sly games and teasing. If you’re going to a particular location, consider dressing up in clothing items related to the destination. For example, if you’re planning a hiking weekend, wear your hiking gear before meeting your friend. Got a beach setting in mind? Put on your flip flips and shades. Going to Disneyland? Get those Mickey Mouse ears on.

This reveal idea is something that can take place over a few days. If you live with your friend or loved one, you can leave little clues about your trip throughout your house, e.g., destination photos in the bathroom, semblance of a packed bag, photocopies of tickets somewhere. If you don’t live with friends, you can message them with clues or send them sounds and music from the destination you’ve planned; or slip something into their bag.

Cook a meal

Invite your friend to a dinner featuring some of the local cuisine you will be encountering. If you’re not great at cooking, then consider going to a restaurant that specialises in these dishes. You can tell them about your upcoming trip after you’ve both ordered your meal.

Hand them a travel guide

Deciding how to reveal a surprise trip can be as simple as presenting the destination upfront. Find a travel guide for your future trip and fill it with highlighted pages and folded-down corners, before handing it over. Use the guide as a casual talking point before going in with the reveal.

Get them a travel gift

We’re talking something small and affordable here, for example, a neck cushion, a daypack, or clothing items suitable for your vacation.

After you’ve primed your loved one using one of these techniques, casually present your tickets in an envelope by using a line such as like, “Oh, the mailman passed me this urgent letter for you,” or “I got concert tickets for us,” or “is this letter yours?”

Deciding how to reveal a surprise trip is all about subterfuge. Try and relax and have fun with it. I wish you luck with whatever happens.

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How to Plan a Surprise Trip

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Whether it’s for Father’s Day, graduation, Christmas or a birthday, there’s no gift quite as exciting and surprising as a trip to a thrilling new destination. If you can manage to keep it a secret, that is — which is easier said than done.

But we’ll help you line up the perfect experience with this handy guide on how to surprise someone with a trip of their dreams.

How do you give a trip as a gift?

Keep the following tips in mind if you want to give a surprise vacation gift to a loved one.

1. Get the recipient's info

First things first: Bookings require some personal info, so before you start lining up a surprise vacation, collect all of the information you might need for airfare, train bookings, hotel stays, etc.

Here are the particulars you should have on hand:

Full name as it appears on their identification.

Date of birth.

A copy of their passport (if booking international travel).

Known traveler number for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry .

It is sometimes possible to book international travel without each travelers passport information, but you'll be required to submit it to the airline at some point before checking in for the flight. So if you can't get that info right away, look into the requirements of the specific airline you're planning to fly and find out whether you can add the passport information post-booking.

You’ll notice their email address and phone number aren’t on this list. That’s because you should avoid using their contact info, offering yours instead for confirmations. If you use theirs, one stray email about a tour or seat assignment could give it all away.

Avoid using the recipient's frequent traveler numbers during booking, as they will likely get email updates with booking confirmations, ruining the surprise.

Travelers can always get credit for flights or accommodation post-vacation by logging into their respective accounts and claiming points and miles retroactively. A known traveler number, however, can be added to a flight booking without tipping anyone off.

2. Recruit a friend or family member

If you’re not already closely related to the trip recipient or living in the same house with them, it’s smart to recruit a family member, close friend or roommate to help you collect all of the information you’ll need. They can be on the "inside" as a co-surprise trip planner, assisting you in locating numbers, availability, etc. with less risk of you spoiling the fun.

3. Check (and double-check) their schedule

Before you begin the actual booking process, be sure to check — and then double-check — the trip recipient's schedule. The last thing you want to do is to book airfare, a cruise, condo or rental car just to find out they have a wedding that weekend or are celebrating a parent’s birthday.

With the help of your accomplice you've recruited, check work, social, school, even family activity calendars to ensure you’re not trying to surprise someone with a trip on a week they absolutely cannot leave home. Even better, consider making faux plans with them for something mundane during the trip time to ensure they're available.

4. Get insurance

When you book a surprise trip, check to make sure that any bookings you pay for in advance come with some sort of cancellation coverage (or at the very least can be rescheduled for no additional fee). If they aren’t, opt for travel insurance that allows you to cancel or reschedule any and all travel without hefty fees or penalties.

This way, if something does come up and the person you’re surprising can’t go, you — and they — are covered.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

5. Stay abreast of travel restrictions

Travel during the COVID-era can make surprise trip planning tricky, but it can be done. Research in advance any restrictions or travel bans that exist in your preferred destinations before booking. If you have to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival, but the gift recipient can only take one week off of work, for example, they’re not going to have a very enjoyable stay.

If they’ve been vaccinated and the destination requires documentation, make sure they have proof. And if they have to present a negative test before departing or arriving, coordinate so they don’t get turned away at the gate.

6. Keep it a secret

There's an art to figuring out how to give a surprise trip as a gift. Since keeping the vacation a secret can be tricky, especially if you live in the same space, it takes added consciousness and communication to not give it away.

Don’t leave tabs or your browser history open and available if you occasionally share a computer. If you share a bank or credit card account and the recipient checks it frequently, be careful not to use those cards and accounts to pay for travel.

Instead, purchase a Visa or Mastercard gift card, or sign up for a new travel credit card under just your name and pay for things that way. It's even better if you’re traveling with them and the card offers perks like free checked bags or lounge access.

Tell others in their circle that the gift is coming and that the news of it shouldn't be shared with the recipient — otherwise even if you can keep it under wraps, someone else might accidentally spoil the surprise.

7. Don’t forget the details

There are big things, like flights and accommodations, to think of, but don’t forget about the little things. Consider a car rental at the destination , comfort items like blankets or snacks for the trip and tours or bus tickets once they’ve arrived.

Are they driving? Consider gas cards.

Do you want them to eat well while they’re gone? Score a few gift cards to great dining establishments in the destination.

And when you finally reveal the surprise, offer informative things like brochures, travel guides and lists of helpful resources to help them get excited and plan any must-do activities.

If you gift a surprise vacation

How do you give a trip as a gift? With secrecy, stealthy planning, organization and a whole lot of creativity. But all of your hard work will be worth it when they take that first photo in their destination.

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How to Plan a Surprise Trip for Someone

Is it your SO’s birthday? Are you celebrating an anniversary or wanting to blow your best friend away with the best Christmas gift ever? Above all else, do you and your special someone love to travel? Then perhaps it’s really time to treat them (and maybe yourself too) to a surprise trip! Here are some surprise trip planning hacks along with how I planned a trip for my partner.

This post contains affiliate links. Should you decide to purchase something from one of my affiliates I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Check out my Disclaimer for more info.

My partner, Arturo, had his birthday on August 31. I wanted to give him a gift he would never forget. We spent the past summer in Mexico City visiting his family. While there we missed seeing the Northern Lights four times in my hometown, Kelowna, BC. This was kind of disappointing for us because neither of us have ever seen the Northern Lights before. Yes, even though I’m Canadian I have yet to see them. My hometown of Kelowna is located in South-Western Canada and the Northern Lights are not a common sight there.

For his birthday I decided that we needed to see the Northern Lights. . I’m excited to say that in November we will be going on a road trip to Jasper and Banff, Alberta. Hopefully, we will be able to see the Northern Lights, go snowshoeing and visit some hot springs. So how did I plan this trip without letting him know until his birthday? Here’s how I did it and how you can plan a trip for someone you love as well.

TRAVEL BASICS Transport: CHEAP FLIGHT S & BUSES Transport: AIRPORT TRANSFERS Accommodation: HOTEL DEALS & CHEAP HOSTELS Things to Do: TOURS & ACTIVITIES Getting Around: RENTAL CARS Safety & Health: TRAVEL INSURANCE

Table of Contents

Surprise Trip Planning: Find Out When They Have Time Off… Secretly

This was probably the hardest part. Arturo was back in school at UBC Okanagan this fall and I wasn’t so I wasn’t sure when the long weekends were going to be for him. I ended up finding UBCO’s academic calendar for this year online. Through this, I was able to see that there would be a long weekend for Remembrance Day* (Nov 11).

A few ways you can find out when your friend or SO will have time off are listed below.

• If they’re in university , try to find their university’s academic calendar online. Alternatively you can ask one of their classmates for it.
• If they have a steady job you may already know when their days off are. Or you can try to talk to their boss to see if you can plan a few days off for them, without them knowing of course.
• If they keep an agenda or updated calendar either somewhere in their house or on their phone you can look at their schedule that way.
• You can straight up just ask them . I asked Arturo if he knew around which times of year he would have midterms. This was to double check and see if he would have midterms to study for around the long weekend. You could also get another friend to ask them so they don’t start to suspect that you’re planning something.

Figure Out What Kind of Trip To Go On

There are a few questions you need to ask yourself when planning a trip for someone else. First of all, are you going to go with them or are you going to send them away with a friend of theirs?

• Are you going to go on the trip with them?  If you’re an avid traveler yourself you will probably want to do this and enjoy the trip with them. If you’re not but your friend or SO is, then you could always send them on a solo trip or plan a trip for them and another friend. One of my English students in Mexico told me that her husband planned a trip for her and her best friend once.
• Is it going to be a long or short trip?  Short trips are definitely easier to plan when you’re planning in secret for someone else. This way you are less likely to have to ask someone’s boss if they can have time off. On the other hand, the longer the trip, the more fun is to be had!
• Are you going to fly or road trip?  This totally depends on your financial situation as well as timing and how far you want to go. It’s all up to you but take into consideration your friend’s preferences. For example, does this friend or SO of yours get car-sick easily? Are the terrified of flying? Plan according to what you think they would enjoy best. I planned a road trip because we have access to a car and we’re saving up for our wedding so it’s definitely the cheapest option at this point.
• Where will you stay?  Are you going to go camping, stay in a hostel or bed and breakfast or are you planning a luxurious stay at a fancy resort? Don’t just think about finances, take into consideration the kinds of places your friend/SO likes to stay.

Surprise Trip Planning: International Trips

If you plan an international trip for someone or with someone it’s going to be a little bit trickier. You will have to do the following things and may need to tell the person a little sooner than planned about the upcoming trip so they can do the following things.

• Passports.  If you plan an international trip for someone you need to make sure that their (and your) passport is up to date. If they don’t have a passport or it isn’t up to date, you will have to tell them about your travel plans a lot earlier on.
• Travel Insurance.  If you take someone to another country you will need to get travel insurance for both parties. While you may be able to purchase insurance for someone else you will likely need a lot of their personal information that you may not already have depending on who you are planning the trip for.
• Travel Clinics.  It’s always a good idea to visit a travel clinic before you travel outside of the country. You could talk to someone at the travel clinic alone and if they say you and your friend will need certain vaccines then you will have to tell your friend about the trip earlier than you had perhaps planned.

Add a Personal Touch to the Surprise Trip

Has your friend been talking non-stop about a country they really want to visit? Maybe you and your SO met in a city that neither of you have visited in a while. Or perhaps your special someone’s favorite band is playing in a distant city. For Arturo and I, it was that neither of us have seen the Northern Lights before, we missed seeing them while in Mexico, and we both really want to see them together.

The Big Reveal

When to Reveal the Surprise

There are two times that you can reveal a surprise trip to someone. If you have planned it so that the trip starts on a birthday or anniversary you could surprise them that same day. The other option is to plan a future event and gift them something they can have to look forward to the trip on their special day. Since we were in Mexico for Arturo’s birthday and it was in August, I planned a future trip to celebrate his birthday in November.

How to Reveal the Surprise

On his actual birthday, I gave him a collage of a starry and colorful night sky with cutouts of snowshoes on top. This picture got him a bit confused but I told him it was a clue. Then I gave him a card that had the outline of Alberta surrounding a message letting him know that I was taking him to Jasper and Banff to see the Northern Lights.

Other ways you can let someone know about a surprise trip are listed below.

• Simply tell them or give them an envelope with plane/concert tickets inside.
• Give them a travel guide book or a novel set in the place you will be visiting.
• Buy them a new backpack, suitcase, passport cover or luggage tag and attach a letter detailing the upcoming trip.
• If you’re going to a different country, take them to eat that country’s food at a restaurant and tell them about the trip there. For example, if you’re going to take someone to Thailand then why not take them out for Thai food? You can tell them about the upcoming trip there!

I hope this post has helped to answer any questions you may have about planning a surprise trip for someone else. Have you ever planned a surprise trip for someone else? Has someone ever surprised you with a trip? I want to hear about it! Let me know in the comments.  

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8 thoughts on “How to Plan a Surprise Trip for Someone”

Love this!! I had a surprise birthday trip two years ago and it was absolutely wonderful – you’re inspiring me to plan a surprise for my hubby now 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

Aw that’s great! I’m glad you found it inspiring. Happy travels to you and your husband!

Best gift ever! I would love to do this for my husband some day. I have an idea in mind, just waiting for the right moment…Thanks for the tips on pulling it off!

That’s awesome Emily! Good luck with all the planning! It’s so hard keeping surprises like this!

It’s my other halves 30th in just over a year and this is exactly what I’d like to to surprise him x

AW that’s amazing Rhian! I hope your trip goes well and that he doesn’t find out the surprise early 😉

Awesome post and very helpful as well. After reading your post I got ideas of how to plan a surprise trip as I was planning it for my parents anniversary. Keep sharing such great tips with the readers.

Hey Kanika! That is so awesome! Good luck with the planning, that’s super exciting! You have very lucky parents 😉

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12 Creative Ways to Surprise Someone With Concert Tickets

Concert tickets make a memorable, exciting, and thoughtful gift. Giving tickets to see a favorite musician or band live allows your loved one to create lifelong memories and share their passion for music with you.

This article will explore 12 creative ideas to surprise someone special with concert tickets. We’ll cover unique ways to present the gift for maximum delight, fun, and impact.

You’ll learn how to build anticipation through surprises leading up to the big reveal. We’ll also provide tips for adding personal touches that make the experience leading up to the show as unforgettable as the concert itself!

Table of Contents

Make a Custom Concert Ticket

Start by purchasing tickets to a concert featuring the lucky recipient’s favorite artist or band. Then make the gift extra special by designing custom concert tickets just for them!

You can find printable concert ticket templates online. Personalize the tickets with the recipient’s name, artist, venue location, and tour dates.

Getting creative with colors and graphics related to the musician’s style makes your custom creation even more unique. Print the customized ticket on fancy paper for an authentic look.

Personalizing the concert-going experience from the start kicks things off on a thoughtful note and makes the tickets extra meaningful.

Plan an Elaborate Scavenger Hunt

Another creative way to surprise someone with event tickets is by planning an exciting scavenger hunt to lead them to the big reveal.

You can hide ticket-themed clues all around the house for your recipient to find. For example, place clues guiding them from one hiding spot to another using lyrics from the band they’ll be seeing live.

As they uncover more clues, watch the anticipation build. The final clue should reveal an envelope with their custom concert tickets tucked inside! Extending the gift surprise into an interactive adventure makes receiving it so much more thrilling.

Disguise Tickets in a Mysterious Package

If you want to surprise someone with tickets without completely giving away what’s inside, disguise them in a decorative gift box or mysterious package!

Wrap the concert tickets in tissue paper and place inside a gift bag or box. You can include cryptic hints about what’s inside without revealing the exact gift.

Part of the fun is watching the recipient open all the nested boxes and packaging to finally uncover…concert tickets! The element of mystery and surprise makes the gift reveal exciting.

Create a Themed Gift Basket

Gift baskets allow you to bundle excitement for the main gift – concert tickets – with other fun complementary items!

Choose a basket and tissue paper featuring the musician’s signature colors and motifs. Tuck the tickets safely inside and surround them with themed goodies:

• Band t-shirts
• Logo coffee mugs
• Photos or posters
• Concert ear plugs
• Artist bobblehead
• Music magazines
• Guitar pick necklace
• Streaming gift card

Pairing tickets with artist merchandise and music lover swag makes the experience even more special. Presenting everything in a cute concert basket adds to the excitement!

Hide Tickets Inside a Special Dessert

For music lovers with a sweet tooth, hide event tickets inside a scrumptious concert-themed cake or treats!

Bake cookies or cupcakes decorated with the band’s logo colors and fonts. Insert ticket surprises inside the baked goods for an extra sweet reveal!

For a showstopping gift, order or bake a guitar-shaped cake with the tickets stuck inside. Let the recipient literally consume the anticipation leading up to the big concert surprise.

Set Up a Carnival Style Prize Wall

Bring the fun of a carnival midway directly to your ticket recipient with a special prize wall!

Blow up some balloons, sticking your concert ticket surprises inside a few of them (be sure to protect the tickets in plastic first). Tack all the balloons to a backdrop in a grid pattern.

Provide darts and let your special someone start popping balloons trying to find the “grand prize” tickets inside. The exciting build-up ends with popping open their tickets to an unforgettable show.

Make a Video Gift Invitation

These days, many tickets get sent electronically rather than old-school paper tickets. But you can still surprise someone with a virtual “golden ticket”!

Film yourself making a video invitation to the concert, describing all the excitement in store. Display your custom-made “tickets” on screen and explain how you’ll transfer the real e-tickets once they accept your invitation.

Seeing their concert surprise revealed creatively on video is almost as good as being handed paper tickets. This virtual surprise still captures the thrill of the gift.

Stage a Fake Radio Contest Call

Boost excitement by tricking your recipient into thinking they scored last-minute tickets from a radio call-in contest.

To pull it off, record your own fake radio show snippet, complete with sound effects. Call your friend and have them listen live as the DJ announces they are the lucky winning caller scoring hard-to-find concert seats!

Once the initial rush of radio contest excitement settles in, reveal that it was all you. Then present them with the real tickets you purchased, which are even better since they get to attend with you.

Bundle Tickets With Merch

While concert tickets alone make an awesome gift, you can always take things up a notch by pairing them with band merch and artist swag.

Pick out a few choice music-related gifts that align with the recipient’s tastes – perhaps a vintage tour t-shirt, luxe coffee table book displaying their discography, limited edition vinyl release, or decorative enamel pin set representing iconic album cover art.

Beautifully wrap both the tickets and musician merch together for one big, coordinated music gift reveal. This concert combo is sure to earn you points for creativity and extra thoughtfulness!

Place in a Decorative Memory Box

Instead of just handing over an envelope with tickets inside, place them in a decorative box or frame to enhance the gift reveal.

Gift the tickets inside a branded band keepsake box or display case. You can also insert them in a photo frame showcasing one of their album covers or concert photos.

Unwrapping the thoughtfully packaged tickets adds an element of surprise. After the show, they’ll also have a lovely memento box to save memorabilia.

Send an Cryptic Playlist with Song Clues

Get your recipient primed for concert surprises by sharing a custom playlist hinting at the gift.

Include tracks from the band or musician they’ll be seeing live. You can also work coded clues into the playlist title or song sequence – for example, spelling out “You are going to see…” using the first letter of each track title.

Once they detect the hidden message in your playlist, they’ll be eager with anticipation to receive their tickets! This musical gift hint adds a layer of fun.

Insert into a Scrapbook of Music Memories

For music lovers sentimental about concerts past, reveal tickets inside a custom scrapbook showcasing show memorabilia.

Compile physical ticket stubs, photos, program notes, and swag from their favorite concert-going moments. Towards the end, attach an envelope with the surprise new event tickets you bought.

As they turn the scrapbook pages, your recipient will relive treasured memories – culminating in making exciting new ones at the upcoming show you gifted entry to!

Gift Concert Tickets Creatively for Maximum Surprise

Giving the gift of concert tickets lets you surprise someone special while also sharing an experience together you’ll both treasure. But a plain ticket envelope doesn’t properly capture the magic and excitement leading up to the big night.

Using the creative ideas in this article, you can build memorable anticipation through wrapped clues, themed gift baskets, elaborate adventures, video invites, and other surprises.

Make your gift feel as personal and touching as the live show they can’t wait to enjoy thanks to your thoughtfulness. Concert tickets gifted creatively help create lifelong memories!

Sarah brings over 10 years of customer service experience to her role at The Ticket Lover. She studied communications at Western Washington University, graduating in 2009. Post-college she worked in support roles for event venues and ticket marketplaces where she honed her ability to handle all sorts of ticket situations. Originally from Bellingham, Sarah still loves exploring the Pacific Northwest and going sailing in her free time. At The Ticket Lover, she draws on her breadth of ticket knowledge to educate readers and provide helpful recommendations.

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Rockin’ Ideas for How to Give Concert Tickets as a Gift

Updated 8/7/23

The first time I saw my favorite band in concert, I had to drive all the way to Canada. Arcade Fire was headlining the outdoor Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal, meaning they weren’t playing until late at night. But, wanting that front row view, my best friend and I lined up outside the venue early in the morning, then sprinted to the front of the stage the moment the gates opened—10 hours before the band was slated to perform.

Now, even Canada gets hot in July, but I would gladly repeat those long hours standing in the unrelenting summer sun if it meant I could relive the experience of watching Arcade Fire rock out to a crowd of thousands mere feet from where I was dancing my heart out with my bestie.  Nothing can match the experience of going to a live show. I know everyone says it, but the lead singer really did make eye contact with me, I swear!

For music lovers , there’s an energy you get from an artist when you see them in person that’s lost in a recording, no matter how great the production value; being in a crowd of fans who love the same music as you is a nearly spiritual experience. That’s why concert tickets are one of the best gifts you can give—they treat someone to an experience that is one-of-a-kind. Concert tickets are a thoughtful gift to celebrate your best friend and the things that they love. Even if they’ve seen the band before, every performance is unique, and will leave an indelible impression on their soul.

Concerts tickets are a gift that deserves the rock star treatment; merely handing over some paper stubs in a greeting card with a white envelope just won’t do. You need to find that creative, musical genius inside so that the experience of getting the tickets is almost as memorable as the show itself. And so, without further adieu, here are some rockin’ ideas for how to give concert tickets as a gift.

Idea #1 – How to Give Concert Tickets as a Gift: A Musical Scavenger Hunt

Every Christmas Eve, my mom sends my sister and me on a scavenger hunt, the resulting bounty always being a new pair of cozy pajamas. Even as adults, we still go on our search, now with our kids in tow. The thrill of searching for clue after clue, and the building momentum, makes the night before Christmas almost more fun than the next morning, proof that scavenger hunts can turn gift giving into the main event of any celebration.

If you’re giving the gift of concert tickets, try putting together a musical scavenger hunt for the recipient. Include trivia about the band in your questions. You can use lyrics from their songs to guide the hunter, for instance, and hide clues in their CD or record collection, on band posters, or on musical instruments decorating the house. The recipient’s excitement will build as they start to realize that all of the clues are related to their favorite band and, when they finally find and open the tickets, their happiness will be as explosive as the first guitar riff tearing through the speakers at a rock show.

Idea #2 – Gifting Concert Tickets: A Balloon and Dart Prize Wall Surprise

I couldn’t believe it. My $40 was missing, and I had been in a complete daze for at least an hour. I looked up and saw that the carnival was still going on around me, and came to the embarrassing realization that, yes, I had just spent $40 playing carnival games. In my defense, they’re really fun!

Most carnival games are a lot more active than your standard board or card games, and there’s something so satisfying about knocking stuff over, throwing balls, and, of course, popping balloons. So why not give someone the ultimate prize for winning a game of balloon darts—concert tickets! It’s a much better bounty than any stuffed animal could be (though don’t tell that to my teddy bear Robert).

Setting up a Balloon and Dart Prize Wall Game

• Mount a piece of cork board on a wall somewhere far away from anything fragile.
• Get a pack of small, opaque balloons. Being careful of the tickets’ corners, shimmy them into one of the balloons, then blow it up and tie it off. Blow up the rest of your balloons too—aim for 25.
• Tack the ends of your balloons to the corkboard in a 5×5 grid pattern.
• Decorate the scene with guitar balloons , if you want to get really fancy.
• Hand your gift recipient a set of darts to try to pop the balloons. Depending on their luck and skill, this game could be over in a jiff or could take a bit of time, with a little taunting about their aim, of course. Either way, you’re sure to wind up laughing as you watch them try to successfully pierce the balloons.
• When they finally pop the balloon with the tickets, the look of excitement in their eyes will totally make your waning lung capacity from blowing up all those balloons worth it.

Idea #3 – Announce Their Concert Ticket Gift by Singing Telegram

I’ve always wanted to receive a telegram. What even is a telegram? If I were savvier about early forms of telecommunication I could probably tell you but, as it is, the closest I can come is a singing telegram.

Now, singing telegrams are not for the faint of heart. There’s a certain embarrassment threshold someone needs to have in order to find this gift delivery method funny instead of mortifying, so choose your recipient wisely.

Got a goofy, good-natured candidate in mind? Great! Call your local singing telegram service (you can find one online). Request that they sing a song from the band whose concert you are gifting tickets to and then, when they’re done, they can present your recipient with the ticket stubs.

The gift at the end will more than make up for any flushed cheeks and self-consciousness your loved one experiences during the singing and, who knows, the next time it’s your birthday you just might find yourself being serenaded at work by an Austin Powers impersonator who comes bearing gifts. Now that’s karma.  

Idea #4: Give Concert Tickets as Gifts by Revealing the Surprise in a Playlist

My best friend from college and I haven’t lived in the same state for 8 years, but we still listen to the same music every day. How? Through online streaming services! We’re both obsessed with Spotify, but you can make playlists on Apple Music, Amazon Music, 8 Tracks, and other apps. (They’re also great for keeping in touch with your friends over summer vacation ; nothing inspires a random phone call like some music you’re dying to discuss!)

If you and your friend share a love of music, try sending them a playlist (or, if you’re old school, a mix tape with a handmade track listing). Include a secret code buried between the lines; think of it as a modern, musical version of an acrostic poem. All you have to do is choose a short sentence like “You Are Going to a Concert,” then find songs that begin with the words in the sentence.

Here’s a sample playlist:

• You Look Good by Lady Antebellum
• Are You Gonna Be My Girl by Jet
• Going to California by Led Zeppelin
• To Build a Home by The Cinematic Orchestra
• A Case of You by Joni Mitchell
• Concert Pitch by Empire of the Sun

Share the playlist with them and see how long it takes them to figure out what’s going on. Once they realize what the playlist is trying to tell them, you can share the news that you bought them concert tickets. And, who knows, the playlist you create might actually become one of your favorites since the music will be tied to the great memory of surprising someone you love.

Idea #5: Hide Their Concert Ticket Gift in a Bucket of Popcorn

People love hiding engagement rings in food, but I don’t think that the soon-to-be-engaged should be the only ones who get to have some fun with their snacks! This concert ticket gift idea is really easy (and delicious to boot). Invite the gift recipient over for a movie night, preferably to see something musically-themed. Try to find a concert DVD from the band whose tickets you purchased or a documentary about the genre of music they play.

Make a big batch of popcorn. Slip the concert tickets into a zip-top sandwich baggie, then place the bag at the bottom of a big bowl or bucket. Pour the popcorn on top and, voila, you’ve got your surprise ready to go!

As you and your guest munch on the popcorn during the movie, the surprise at the bottom of the bowl will slowly be revealed. The only thing better than finishing up a big batch of buttery popcorn is realizing that the fun is going to continue at a concert sometime in the near future.

If you think someone you know would love to see a concert, but you’re not sure which tickets to spring for, try doing some research. Encourage them to register on a gift exchange site that allows you to make Wishlists, like Elfster . Tell them you’re having a music-themed gift exchange, and ask them to add some of their most-coveted band merch to their Wishlist . Then, you can see which musicians they’re obsessed with so you know exactly which concert to take them to.

Seeing a band you love in concert is an experience like no other. When I came home from seeing Arcade Fire all those years ago, I listened to their albums even more obsessively than before, each note of each song a reminder of the amazing time I had singing along to their music with thousands of like-minded people.

When you give someone the gift of live music, you want the experience to capture some of the energy and whimsy of the actual concert itself. These creative gift giving ideas will make the memory of receiving their concert tickets stick in their mind just as long as the memory of seeing their favorite song by their favorite band played live on stage.

Still need some gift ideas for your music-obsessed friends? Check out our Gifts for Music Lovers Gift Guide and you’ll be all set . Connect with Elfster for gifts, giveaways, and great news on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas that are sure to rock your world.

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The 10 Best Ways to Surprise a Friend

Creative, Kind Deeds

When I walked in the door after two weeks away with my husband, I was hit with reality: There was no food in our home, and we were too exhausted after our six-hour flight to go grocery shopping. Then, a delivery man showed up with a giant box of treats, from mini bagels and cream cheese to butternut squash soup. These surprise “welcome home” goodies were courtesy of my friend Sarah—and were the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received. I was so touched that she seemed to read my mind and know exactly what I wanted. Now I’m trying to be more like Sarah and do something sweet for my friends on occasion. If you’d like to join me in making others smile, check out these clever ideas. Realizing how grateful you are for your friends is bound to lift your spirits too.

1. Celebrate Exciting News

2. take care of a chore.

Relieving your buddy of one of her regular tasks, especially if she’s going through a tough time, will make her day. For a sister-like friend, it might be appropriate to, say, mow her lawn without asking permission. But if you’re not as tight with your pal or if you want to do something personal or that requires going into her home—like fix her computer—say: “I’d like to do X for you. Would you be comfortable with that?” “When I was diagnosed with cancer, friends walked my dog and watered my plants,” says Anne Wade of Columbia, SC. “Those unexpected, practical kindnesses took the weight off my shoulders and became a source of healing.” If you want to take this idea one step further, hire a professional cleaning service for someone, says Debra Hickok , a life coach in Boston.

3. Help Her Go on a Trip

“Offer to watch your friend’s kids for the weekend, so she can have time away with her husband,” recommends Fran Walfish , a psychotherapist in Beverly Hills, CA, and author of The Self-Aware Parent . “Make the offer when you’re face-to-face and alone with your friend, and allow her to choose the weekend that’s best for her.” Or go on a road trip with her. Let her suggest a few dates and destinations, and respect any family or work obligations that she (or you) might have. Be prepared to pay for at least half of the trip’s cost, and devise a game plan with your friend for the rest before you jump in the car. If you’re short on cash or time, make it a day trip. “During my divorce, my best friend took me to French Lick, IN. We spent the day at a winery trying fabulous wines and foods. Then, we shopped at boutiques. We had the best time,” says Amanda Wozadlo , a dating coach in Louisville, KY.

4. Mail a Handwritten Note

It’s so rare to get an actual letter these days that the recipient is likely to appreciate the extra effort. “My friend challenged herself to hand-write a letter a day for a year to people she knew. She found it so refreshing that after the year ended, she kept doing it,” says Debbie Andersen of Oakton, VA. Spell out specifically why you’re happy that the person is in your life. So instead of “You’re such a good friend,” try “I’m forever grateful to you for that time you drove to my house in the middle of a snowstorm to help me jump my car.” Michelle Howe of LaSalle, MI, likes to remind her inner circle of fun moments they shared together. “I’ll say, ‘Remember that time we…’ to make a friend smile or laugh.”

5. Create a Zen Basket

Putting together the ultimate chill-out package for a pal is bound to make her happy. Drop it off in person if she lives near you to add a personal touch; otherwise, pop it in the mail. “A friend once gave me a basket that included a candle, incense, a meditation CD, a book of inspirational quotes and a poem she had written about our friendship during a time when I was really stressed. I was blown away by it. I still listen to the CD often,” says Angela Betancourt of Miami, FL.

6. Record a Video Message

Some close friends, of course, don’t live around the corner. But you can still stay connected via video chatting. If the person isn’t home when you dial or if there’s a large time difference between your locations, simply leave a video message via Skype . That way, the person can hear your voice and see your face. “My longest and closest friend just had a baby. She’s in India and I’m in Seattle, so it was hard for me to convey how excited I was for her in a simple note or phone call. My family and I scripted a quick video play about motherhood and sent it to her so that when she woke up, it was waiting for her,” says Coryanne Ettiene .

For a friend who lives near you, consider visiting her, letting her vent while you listen carefully and then offering her a long embrace. Both your presence and your touch are likely to provide comfort. “A genuine hug will wake up the production of oxytocin, a hormone which induces feelings of trust and love,” says Diane Renz , a psychotherapist in Boulder, CO.

8. Cook Her a Meal

Making your bud a delicious, healthy dinner is such a wonderful treat. “I help my friend by inviting her over and telling her that I’ll cook whatever her heart desires,” says Kate LaCroix of Boulder, CO. To turn this idea up a notch, sign up for a cooking class with your friend. “I did this with a friend, and it not only bonded us but also taught us some great time-saving kitchen tips. Plus, we took home great recipes,” says Marie Dubuque of St. Louis, MO.

9. Throw Her a Surprise Party for No Particular Reason

Organize a dinner party at a restaurant or offer cocktails and appetizers or dessert and coffee at your home to celebrate a friend at random. If possible, make it special by buying her favorite foods, inviting her best buddies, playing her favorite music, decorating by using her favorite colors and doing something that she loves (singing karaoke? playing charades? watching a Woody Allen movie?), suggests Maureen Clancy , a psychotherapist in Somerville, NJ, who did this once for a friend after a break-up. “She felt the love and it totally turned her mood around,” says Clancy.

10. Give Her Flowers

This is an old-school move, but it’s still an effective way to boost someone’s spirits. To cheer up a friend who had recently moved into an apartment she didn’t like, Nancy Stampahar, a motivational speaker in Pittsburgh, put brightly colored Gerbera daisies in a glass vase and told her buddy that brighter days always come. If you’d prefer to give her something more personal (and save money), bring a plant or bloom from your own backyard garden, suggests Redbank, NJ, life coach Gay Edelman .

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Money blog: Zoopla issues warning to sellers about overpricing homes

The Money blog is a hub for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Today's posts include a word of caution to house-sellers and hotels cancelling bookings on Oasis concert nights. Listen to a Daily podcast episode on the winter fuel allowance as you scroll.

Wednesday 28 August 2024 19:00, UK

• Hotel accused of cancelling bookings on Oasis concert nights - and relisting for higher price
• Capital gains tax rise on way, leading tax firm warns
• Zoopla issues warning to sellers about overpricing homes
• 'Good news for passengers' from Ryanair on fares

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It's taking sellers over twice as long on average to sell their homes when they have to reduce the price than when there's no reduction, according to Zoopla.

The property portal said its latest research shows sellers should be realistic when it comes to pricing up their property if they're serious about moving.

According to Zoopla, it takes 28 days on average to agree a sale where the asking price hasn't been slashed.

But for sellers who've had to lower the price by 5% or more, the typical time to sell goes up to a whopping 73 days.

Around a fifth of homes put up for sale this month had their price cut by 5% or more, Zoopla said.

Executive director Richard Donnell said a rise in the supply of homes meant buyers had greater choice and prices would be kept in check.

But with mortgage rates still high, "buyers have less purchasing power than two to three years ago and remain price sensitive, meaning sellers can't afford to get ahead of themselves on where to set the right price for their home", he said.

Around 10 million people in England and Wales will not receive winter fuel payments this winter.  

Under Chancellor Rachel Reeves' plan, only those who receive pension credit or other means-tested benefits will still get the £200-£300 towards the cost of their energy bills.   

Critics, including Labour MPs, have said the payments will put even more pressure on elderly people as the cap on energy prices rises again in October.   

On today's episode of the Daily podcast, host Liz Bates gets a breakdown of Labour's plan from our political correspondent Serena Barker-Singh and hears from one of its critics, Labour back-bencher Rachael Maskell.   

Plus, could there be an alternative that could keep everyone happy? We hear from the Social Market Foundation's Sam Robinson about its proposal for an alternative to the winter fuel allowance. 

Listen by pressing play at the top of this page - and  tap here to follow the Daily podcast - 20 minutes on the biggest stories every day .

Prezzo restaurants will undergo a major revamp in the next few years after dozens of its sites were closed in a restructuring programme.

The high street restaurant chain announced the closure of 46 loss-making restaurants - more than a third of its sites - last year after it struggled with soaring energy and food costs.

The move put hundreds of workers at risk of redundancy.

Earlier this year, Prezzo bosses said the company had returned to profitability after the business restructure.

It is now planning to invest in restaurant refurbishments across the rest of this year, and in 2025 and 2026.

Chief executive Dean Challenger has said the outlook for the restaurant group is "positive".

The water industry has warned that firms will be unable to deliver reforms such as stopping sewage outflows without even greater bill rises, with crisis-hit Thames seeking more cash from customers than it originally proposed.

Britain's biggest supplier had initially sought a 44% rise to bills across the five-year period but is now proposing a 52% increase by 2030.

That could rise to a 59% hike, taking the average annual bill to £696, if it is given extra spending allowances by the regulator.

Ofwat has proposed water  bills can only rise an average 21% .

Now, a letter from industry trade association Water UK to Ofwat, seen by Sky News, has set the bodies on a collision course.

Read our full story here ...

More employers are offering sabbaticals as a way to boost employee wellbeing and improve staff retention, according to experts.

A new poll shared with The Guardian by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) reveals that more than half (53%) of managers said their firm offered sabbatical leave, compared with 29% who said they did not. 

In the public or charity sector, the leave was more likely to be available (62% of managers said it was offered) compared with the private sector (44%).

Some 80% of younger managers under 55 said sabbatical leave was important for employers to offer, compared with 72% of people over this age.

Sabbaticals offer benefits to employees and employers alike, said CMI director of policy Anthony Painter.

He said companies were "doubling their efforts to boost staff retention" in a "competitive job market".

Taxpayers should prepare for Labour to hike the rate of capital gains tax (CGT) in its autumn budget, a leading tax firm has said.

Blick Rothenberg chief executive Nimesh Shah said Sir Keir Starmer has "clearly signposted" that the budget will be "painful" for higher earners and wealthier taxpayers.

The bleak picture painted by the prime minister in a news conference yesterday came after chancellor Rachel Reeves accused the previous government of leaving a £22bn "black hole" in the nation's finances. 

"One obvious option to [fix] this without breaking Labour's election promises is by raising CGT," Mr Shah said.

"The prime minister and chancellor seem to be acting with urgency when it comes to tax changes, so taxpayers will need to prepare now for a likely mid-year CGT rise."

The tax firm boss said the potential changes to capital gains tax - which is essentially a levy on any profit you make when you sell or "dispose of" an asset - could "encourage individuals to leave the UK and become a non-UK tax resident".

"Currently CGT raises less than 2% of the total tax take – it raised £14.5bn in 2022-23, and this is £2.5bn down from the previous tax year. 

"To improve that tax take the chancellor could potentially increase the rate of CGT to 25%-30%, and apply a lower rate, of say 20%, for sales of business assets to support entrepreneurial growth."

A hotel chain in Manchester has been accused of cancelling bookings from customers on nights Oasis is planning to play in the city in 2025 - and relisting them for a higher price.

Sacha Lord, night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, wrote on X last night that he'd been contacted by "several people" who were told their rooms had been cancelled by Maldron Hotels after a "computer error".

He claimed they were later "back up for three times the price".

Several users have replied saying they have been affected by the issue.

Oasis fan Mark Slinger, 36, who lives on the Isle of Man, told Sky News he booked a room at Maldron Hotels in Manchester city centre for 20 July - the final night of Oasis's run of shows at Heaton Park.

He made the £90 reservation through booking.com yesterday morning when the band announced their major reunion tour.

However, he was contacted by the hotel that evening asking him to cancel the booking.

The email says: "We are writing to inform you of an issue with your booking at Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre. Due to a technical error, you have received a confirmation for a booking that was not successfully made. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate your booking at this time."

It said a cancellation request had been sent, which Mark was asked to "accept promptly".

He told Sky News he hasn't accepted the request and "won't be doing". He also doesn't believe the issue was down to a "technical error".

"They realised they can cancel and re-sell at four times the price due to the Oasis gig," he said.

Maldron Hotels said in a statement to the Money blog that a technical error on Monday and Tuesday led to "substantially more" rooms being booked at its two Manchester hotels than were available for the nights of the four Oasis concerts.

It said it would be unable to honour bookings made on these dates as a result, and no bookings are currently being taken while the issue is investigated.

"This is not an attempt to resell rooms at inflated prices, rather an overbooking issue due to a technical error with our booking systems," the hotel said.

"Additionally, due to the same technical error, a small number of customers were able to book the rooms at a higher price later that evening. We will also be unable to accommodate these bookings.

"We will be honouring all bookings made prior to 26 August. 

"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Hotels operate dynamic pricing so that rates go up along with demand - so it's not unusual for prices to increase substantially around big events.

Yesterday, we reported that hotel prices for Oasis's first night at Wembley were already as much as three times as expensive as the week before.

"I had a quick look at a Holiday Inn a couple of miles away the week before the concert, it's £195 a night. The first night of the concert, it's £594 a night," said correspondent Matthew Thompson.

"So already people are getting on the hotel rooms even before the tickets go on sale. That gives you some sense of just how much demand there is for these tickets."

Have you been affected by this issue? Let us know via WhatsApp .

Some of the country's biggest energy companies are attending talks with the government today about how they can help struggling customers with their fuel bills this winter.

Centrica, EDF and Scottish Power are among those taking part in discussions with minister Miatta Fahnbulleh at the energy department, as are regulator Ofgem, Energy UK and Citizens Advice.

Our  political correspondent Darren McCaffrey  says it's part of a government attempt to have energy firms do more to help customers.

"What the government is saying is there isn't as much help as there has been previously, fiscally we're in a pretty desperate situation - they're looking for the companies to step up," he says.

There are three things in the government's mind:

• The energy price cap will increase by 10% from 1 October
• Household energy debts are said to be at record levels
• Most pensioners are losing their winter fuel allowance

Whether energy companies will be willing to pick up the tab to help is uncertain right now, though.

"The government is trying to push them in that direction," says Darren. 

"That's the key thing that will potentially emerge from this meeting."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

It's another good morning for anyone travelling to the US as the pound has remained near a more-than two-year high against the dollar. 

A pound still buys $1.32, meaning sterling goes further than at any point in the last 29 months. 

Market observers expect the US central bank to sizably cut interest rates, which is weakening the value of the dollar. 

As oil is paid for in dollars, having the currency weakened can make importing motor fuels cheaper. This morning, the benchmark oil price has fallen below $80 a barrel, standing at $78.79, the lowest since Friday last week.  

The share prices of the biggest companies on the London Stock Exchange are down 0.02% for the 100 most valuable (the FTSE 100) and 0.06% for the 101st to 350th most valuable (the more UK-based companies of the FTSE 250).

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Why volunteer?

Benefit 1: volunteering connects you to others, benefit 2: volunteering is good for your mind and body, benefit 3: volunteering can advance your career, benefit 4: volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life, how to find the right volunteer opportunity, getting the most out of volunteering, volunteering and its surprising benefits.

Volunteering can help you make friends, learn new skills, advance your career, and even feel happier and healthier. Learn how to find the right volunteer opportunity for you.

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. The right match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.

Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness.

Benefits of volunteering: 4 ways to feel healthier and happier

• Volunteering connects you to others.
• Volunteering is good for your mind and body.
• Volunteering can advance your career.
• Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life.

One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. And volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.

Make new friends and contacts

One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.

Increase your social and relationship skills

While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests. Once you have momentum, it’s easier to branch out and make more friends and contacts.

Volunteering as a family

Children watch everything you do. By giving back to the community, you’ll show them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help other people and animals and enact change. It’s also a valuable way for you to get to know organizations in the community and find resources and activities for your children and family.

Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health.

Volunteering helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety. The social contact aspect of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person. Working with pets and other animals has also been shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

Volunteering combats depression. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against depression.

Volunteering makes you happy . By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure. Human beings are hard-wired to give to others. The more we give, the happier we feel.

[Read: Cultivating Happiness]

Volunteering increases self-confidence. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.

Volunteering provides a sense of purpose. Older adults, especially those who have retired or lost a spouse, can find new meaning and direction in their lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more zest to your life.

Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. Older volunteers tend to walk more, find it easier to cope with everyday tasks, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, and have better thinking skills. Volunteering can also lessen symptoms of chronic pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Speak to a Licensed Therapist

BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.

I have limited mobility—can I still volunteer?

People with disabilities or chronic health conditions can still benefit greatly from volunteering. In fact, research has shown that adults with disabilities or health conditions ranging from hearing and vision loss to heart disease, diabetes or digestive disorders all show improvement after volunteering.

Whether due to a disability, a lack of transportation, or time constraints, many people choose to volunteer their time via phone or computer. In today’s digital age, many organizations need help with writing, graphic design, email, and other web-based tasks. Some organizations may require you to attend an initial training session or periodical meetings while others can be conducted completely remotely. In any volunteer situation, make sure that you are getting enough social contact, and that the organization is available to support you should you have questions.

If you’re considering a new career, volunteering can help you get experience in your area of interest and meet people in the field. Even if you’re not planning on changing careers, volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management, and organization. You might feel more comfortable stretching your wings at work once you’ve honed these skills in a volunteer position first.

Teaching you valuable job skills

Just because volunteer work is unpaid does not mean the skills you learn are basic. Many volunteering opportunities provide extensive training. For example, you could become an experienced crisis counselor while volunteering for a women’s shelter or a knowledgeable art historian while donating your time as a museum docent.

[Read: Finding the Right Career]

Volunteering can also help you build upon skills you already have and use them to benefit the greater community. For instance, if you hold a successful sales position, you can raise awareness for your favorite cause as a volunteer advocate, while further developing and improving your public speaking, communication, and marketing skills.

Gaining career experience

Volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment. It is also a great way to gain experience in a new field. In some fields, you can volunteer directly at an organization that does the kind of work you’re interested in. For example, if you’re interested in nursing, you could volunteer at a hospital or a nursing home.

Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships that could benefit your career.

When it comes to volunteering, passion and positivity are the only requirements

While learning new skills can be beneficial to many, it’s not a requirement for a fulfilling volunteer experience. Bear in mind that the most valuable assets you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to pitch in wherever needed, and a positive attitude.

Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions. Doing volunteer work you find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commitments. Volunteering also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life.

[Read: Building Better Mental Health]

Many people volunteer in order to make time for hobbies outside of work as well. For instance, if you have a desk job and long to spend time outdoors, you might consider volunteering to help plant a community garden, walk dogs for an animal shelter, or help out at a children’s camp.

There are numerous volunteer opportunities available. The key is to find a position that you would enjoy and are capable of doing. It’s also important to make sure that your commitment matches the organization’s needs. Ask yourself the following:

• Would you like to work with adults, children, animals, or remotely from home?
• Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
• Are you better behind the scenes or do you prefer to take a more visible role?
• How much time are you willing to commit?
• What skills can you bring to a volunteer job?
• What causes are important to you?

Consider your interests

You will have a richer and more enjoyable volunteering experience if you first take some time to identify your goals and interests. Think about why you want to volunteer. What would you enjoy doing? The opportunities that match both your goals and your interests are most likely to be fun and fulfilling.

What are your volunteering goals?

To find a volunteer position that’s right for you, look for something that matches your personality, skills, and interests. Ask yourself if there is something specific you want to do or achieve as a volunteer.

For example, you might want to:

• Improve your neighborhood.
• Meet new people with different outlooks or experiences.
• Try something new.
• Do something rewarding with your spare time.
• See new places or experience a different way of living.
• Try a new type of work that you might want to pursue as a full-time job.
• Expand on your interests and hobbies.

Consider several volunteer possibilities

Don’t limit yourself to just one organization or one specific type of job. Sometimes an opportunity looks great on paper, but the reality is quite different. Try to visit different organizations and get a feel for what they are like and if you click with other staff and volunteers.

Where to find volunteer opportunities

• Community theaters, museums, and monuments.
• Libraries or senior centers.
• Service organizations such as Lions Clubs or Rotary Clubs.
• Local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife centers.
• Youth organizations, sports teams, and after-school programs.
• Historical restorations, national parks, and conservation organizations.
• Places of worship such as churches or synagogues.
• Online directories and other resources (see below).

How much time should you volunteer?

Volunteering doesn’t have to take over your life to be beneficial. In fact, research shows that just two to three hours per week, or about 100 hours a year, can confer the most benefits—to both you and your chosen cause. The important thing is to volunteer only the amount of time that feels comfortable to you. Volunteering should feel like a fun and rewarding hobby, not another chore on your to-do list.

You’re donating your valuable time, so it’s important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering. To make sure that your volunteer position is a good fit:

Ask questions. You want to make sure that the experience is right for your skills, your goals, and the time you want to spend. Sample questions for your volunteer coordinator might address your time commitment, if there’s any training involved, who you will be working with, and what to do if you have questions during your experience.

Make sure you know what’s expected. You should be comfortable with the organization and understand the time commitment. Consider starting small so that you don’t over commit yourself at first. Give yourself some flexibility to change your focus if needed.

Don’t be afraid to make a change. Don’t force yourself into a bad fit or feel compelled to stick with a volunteer role you dislike. Talk to the organization about changing your focus or look for a different organization that’s a better fit.

If volunteering overseas, choose carefully. Some volunteer programs abroad can cause more harm than good if they take much-needed paying jobs away from local workers. Look for volunteer opportunities with reputable organizations.

Enjoy yourself. The best volunteer experiences benefit both the volunteer and the organization. If you’re not enjoying yourself, ask yourself why. Is it the tasks you’re performing? The people you’re working with? Or are you uncomfortable simply because the situation is new and unfamiliar? Pinpointing what’s bothering you can help you decide how to proceed.

VolunteerMatch  – Find opportunities that match your volunteer interests, from location to type of work. (VolunteerMatch)

Idealist  – Find volunteer opportunities in your local area or internationally. (Idealist)

National and Community Service  – Federal organization offering volunteer positions across the U.S. (National Service)

Volunteer  – Directory of environmental volunteer opportunities. (Volunteer.gov)

U.S. Peace Corps  – Offers volunteer opportunities overseas and includes a  50 Plus  division. (Peace Corps)

American Red Cross  – Volunteer in any of the Red Cross’s key service areas. (Red Cross)

More Information

• Simple Changes, Big Rewards - A Practical, Easy Guide for Healthy, Happy Living. (Harvard Medical School Special Health Report)
• The Health Benefits of Volunteering: Recent Research (PDF) - Research on the benefits of volunteering, especially for seniors. (Corporation for National and Community Service)
• The many ways volunteering is good for your heart - Includes resources for finding volunteer positions. (Harvard Health Publications)
• 10 Tips on Volunteering Wisely - Tips to make the most of your volunteering experience. (Network for Good)
• Carr, D. C., Kail, B. L., & Rowe, J. W. (2018). The Relation of Volunteering and Subsequent Changes in Physical Disability in Older Adults. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B , 73(3), 511–521. Link
• Kim, E. S., Whillans, A. V., Lee, M. T., Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2020). Volunteering and Subsequent Health and Well-Being in Older Adults: An Outcome-Wide Longitudinal Approach. American Journal of Preventive Medicine , 59(2), 176–186. Link
• Lawton, R. N., Gramatki, I., Watt, W., & Fujiwara, D. (2021). Does Volunteering Make Us Happier, or Are Happier People More Likely to Volunteer? Addressing the Problem of Reverse Causality When Estimating the Wellbeing Impacts of Volunteering. Journal of Happiness Studie , 22(2), 599–624. Link
• Okun, M. A., Yeung, E. W., & Brown, S. (2013). Volunteering by older adults and risk of mortality: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging , 28(2), 564–577. Link
• Salt, E., Crofford, L. J., & Segerstrom, S. (2017). The Mediating and Moderating Effect of Volunteering on Pain and Depression, Life Purpose, Well-Being, and Physical Activity. Pain Management Nursing , 18(4), 243–249. Link

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