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Let Others Pay for Your Trip!
April 2nd, 2009

 

For years people have used registries and wish lists for all types of occasions to ensure that they received those items that they most desire and that the gift-givers’ money was well spent. Often times, these lists include gift certificates or even a check with the plan of saving up for a more expensive item. So when preparing to celebrate an upcoming  holiday or event, why not ask friends and loved ones to contribute towards your next big trip? 

 

There are several ways in which this can be done. The first is to create a vacation registry. This trend has begun catching on in the form of honeymoon registries, in which couples list the various components of their honeymoon and guests can choose to contribute a certain amount of money towards or “buy” a certain portion of their trip. For instance, someone might buy a night or two at the resort, another person might purchase a snorkeling excursion that the couple is interested in, a third might put money towards the spa package that’s listed.  When the final deposit is due, the couple is then only responsible for the remaining balance not paid for by their guests. (Note: In some cases, the couple must put down a deposit up front and is then refunded the money as varoius portions of their trip are purchased). Though this has traditionally done for honeymooners, it is a great idea for any vacation. Say you are planning to take a trip in six months that you are working hard to save towards. Why not meet with your travel planner to create a vacation registry and for the upcoming holidays (or birthday, mothers day, fathers day or any other special occasion), ask people to “buy” a portion of your trip or donate towards the general trip deposit.  A vacation registry is also great when planning to surprise someone for a big accomplishment or event. For instance, if your parents are getting ready to celebrate a milestone anniversary and you would like to surprise them with a vacation, you can easily have a registry created and sent out to those close to your parents and the group can collectively buy them their dream vacation. 

 

For those who have their vacation concept and are still building their itinerary, travel gift certificates are another very useful option. I worked with a couple planning their honeymoon who included travel gift certificates in their bridal shower wish list and put it in their shower invitations. Their guests then contacted me to request gift certificates for a specific amount. When it was time for the final payment of the trip, the couple was only responsible for the remainder of the trip that had not been covered by the gift certificates (You can view their actual feedback on our “testimonials” page). 

 

Whichever method you choose, your next vacation can become much more affordable, and those helping you on your way will know that their money is going towards a very worthwhile and well-received present!