When it comes to giving gifts for the holidays, you’ve probably done it all: the sensible gift of socks and clothes, the must-have toys of the season, and the thoughtful items picked out months in advance. Indeed, these things will always look great wrapped up under the tree and will be enjoyed by the recipients (maybe not the socks), but if you're looking for something a little different, consider giving an experience gift. Why? Because experiences still “give” long after the season is over and the toys are put away, they give us the one thing we want and need the most—time spent together.
The gift of time can’t be outgrown, broken, lost, or forgotten, and one of the best ways to give the gift of time is to travel with your family. The look on your kids’ faces when you surprise them on Christmas with a longed-for trip. The long road adventures you plan out, determined to hit every roadside attraction along the way. That epic resort in Mexico everyone is still talking about years later. The memories you make when you travel together can be kept forever.
If travel is on your gift list this year, one question remains—where to go? As you begin to plan, consider the following: the time of year, the age range of your group, what to do when you get there, and of course, your budget. The good news is, traveling doesn’t always mean a European vacation or an all-inclusive tropical island destination; local road trips can be just as memorable as a splurge-worthy destination. To get you started, here are three travel destinations that offer unforgettable memories with whomever you travel.
Central CA Coast
There’s so much to do and see on California’s central coast; it’s hard to suggest just a few items for your itinerary. An absolute must is a drive through Big Sur on Hwy 1. With breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and rugged mountains on the other, it’s worth the curves you’ll have to navigate. Be sure to stop in San Simeon, and take a tour of the legendary Hearst Castle. If you’ve got adults with you, do your research on Central CA’s wine country, especially San Ynez and Paso Robles. If you’ve got kids in tow, the quintessential beach towns of Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, and Avila Beach are your best bets. For museums and kid-friendly attractions, nearby college town San Luis Obispo has plenty!
New York City
If you want to play tourist, there’s nowhere quite like New York City. A day trip to the Statue of Liberty (reserve your spot 3-4 months in advance to get inside Lady Liberty’s crown) and Ellis Island is a must. The views from the Empire State Building are worth the staggering height, book lovers can browse in Strand Book Store, and theater buffs can hit up the TKTS booths at Times Square or Lincoln Center for half-price show tickets. If you’ve got kids in tow, plan a day to visit the Museum of Natural History and the Upper West Side of Central Park. New York is food heaven, and you can easily spend a day sampling culinary delights. It’s hard to suggest just a few, but you won’t be disappointed with the frrrozen hot chocolate at Serendipity, the chop suey and chow mein at Wo Hop, or a slice of pizza from John’s at Bleeker Street.
Hill Country
Yes, this is a popular road trip destination for North Texans, but for good reason. If you want wine and shopping, head straight to Fredericksburg. Go to August vin Winery for the vibe, Grape Creek Vineyard for the tours, Kuhlman Cellars for the food, and Heath Sparkling Wines for the bubbly. Spend an afternoon browsing the locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops, and spend an evening at Fischer & Weiser’s headquarters, where you’ll find specialty food items, and luscious backyard with a pond, Adirondack chairs, and plenty of room for kids to roam.
There are so many things for outdoor enthusiasts in Hill Country that it’s hard to pick just one spot. Choose New Braunfels for Comal Springs, Landa Park, and fly fishing. Enjoy the hiking and natural swimming hole in Garner State Park. Look for birds in the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge and then head to Inks Lake State Park for swimming and hiking.
Whether you take us up on one of our suggested destinations or choose somewhere else to visit, just remember, the sky's the limit when it comes to travel. Here’s to giving the gift of time to your family with a trip somewhere unforgettable in 2023.