How to Gift Someone a Holiday or Trip Away

Gifting someone a holiday is easier than you might think. Simply browse Wowcher's holiday deals, choose one you think they'll love, and click the "Give as a Gift" button on the deal page. Whether it's a hotel stay, city break or experience, it's a gift that creates lasting memories.

Holiday vouchers and gift cards make gifting especially flexible. On most UK holiday deals, the recipient chooses their own travel dates when redeeming their voucher, so you don't have to guess their schedule, making it a thoughtful and stress-free gift. The fun doesn't stop at the booking, though - how you present and reveal a holiday gift is just as important as the trip itself. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about how Wowcher gifting works, the step-by-step holiday booking process and creative ways to present and reveal your surprise.

How to Plan a Surprise Holiday Gift

Planning a surprise holiday is easiest when you break it into three decisions: destination, timing and budget.

• Destination: Think about what your loved one truly enjoys - are they into beaches, city breaks, spa days, or mountain adventures? A trip that reflects their interests will feel instantly more personal and meaningful.
• Timing: Even the most amazing holiday can fall flat if it clashes with work schedules, school terms or other commitments. Try to do a bit of subtle digging - maybe ask a colleague or family member if you're unsure - so you can pick dates that work smoothly without spoiling the surprise.
• Budget: Decide how much you're happy to spend and stick to it - there are great options at every price point, especially when you look for deals or packages. If the trip involves others, like family or close friends, consider bringing them in on the plan. They can help keep the secret, offer ideas or even be part of the big reveal, making the whole surprise even more special.

Creative Ways to Reveal a Surprise Holiday

The magic of gifting a holiday is in the reveal. After all, this isn't something you can simply pop in a gift bag with tissue paper. Here are some creative ideas for wrapping and revealing a holiday gift.

1. Gift box reveal: Nothing beats the excitement of opening a box and discovering plane tickets, a printed itinerary or even a cheeky fake boarding pass tucked inside. You can add little touches like sunglasses, sun cream or a mini travel-sized item, that hint at what's to come. It's a simple yet effective way to give the recipient something tangible to unwrap while building up anticipation for the trip.
2. Puzzle or scavenger hunt: Turn the reveal into an adventure of its own by setting up a puzzle, riddle or scavenger hunt that leads to the big surprise. Each clue could point towards the destination, with the final hint unveiling the holiday itself. It adds an extra layer of fun, especially for children or anyone who enjoys a playful challenge.
3. Travel-themed gifts: Another clever way to wrap a holiday is by giving a practical travel item that doubles as a hint. You might present a suitcase with the destination printed inside, tuck a guidebook into a gift bag, or wrap up some local currency from where they'll be headed. These props make the holiday reveal both practical and exciting.
4. Photo album or postcard clues: For a more sentimental touch, create a small photo album or collect postcards that gradually hint at the destination. Imagine flipping through pages of sandy beaches or iconic landmarks before turning to the final page that says, "We're going here!" It's a lovely way to build suspense and tug at the heartstrings.
5. Digital surprise: If you want something modern and unexpected, a digital reveal can work wonders. You could send an email with a fun "Your trip is booked!" design, schedule a message to pop up on their phone, or even create a short video with destination clips that ends with the reveal. It's a simple option, but one that can feel just as exciting as an in-person gift.
6. Custom boarding pass: Make the surprise feel even more real with a personalised boarding pass featuring the recipient's name, destination and travel date. Slip it into a gift box, greeting card or envelope for a fun airline-style reveal, or present it on its own as the first clue to the trip. If you'd rather not design one yourself, you can download our free printable boarding pass template and customise it in minutes.

No matter which approach you choose, the reveal is your chance to add creativity and emotional impact to the gift. It's not just about telling someone they're going away - it's about crafting a moment they'll never forget, long before the holiday even begins.

Ideas for Different Recipients

The way you reveal a holiday can feel even more special when it's tailored to the person receiving it. A thoughtful reveal makes the surprise feel personal, meaningful, and perfectly suited to the relationship you share. Here are some creative ideas for different recipients.

• For a partner: If you’re wondering how to surprise her with a gift - or him, for that matter - a romantic holiday reveal is a perfect choice. Destinations like Paris or Venice lend themselves beautifully to anniversaries or special occasions. You could reveal the trip during a candlelit dinner, slip a boarding pass into a bouquet of flowers, or even surprise them with a note tucked inside a keepsake box.
• For children: Making the reveal playful and magical is the best way to surprise a child with a holiday. Try using a treasure map that leads them to the destination, balloons filled with little hints, or even an advent calendar counting down to the big trip. These touches turn the holiday into an adventure before it even begins.
• For parents or family: A family holiday can be revealed in a way that brings everyone together. Hosting a dinner and unveiling the destination with a toast or a printed menu styled after the location creates a warm, shared moment. It’s a heartfelt way to say thank you and give the gift of time spent together.
• For friends: If you’re surprising friends with a getaway, a party makes the perfect backdrop. Imagine the fun of handing out themed props - like sunglasses or cocktails - and then revealing the trip to everyone at once. The group setting heightens the excitement and sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Different Types of Holidays to Gift

A holiday gift doesn't always mean booking flights to somewhere far-flung. Sometimes, the best surprises are closer to home, tailored to your loved one's style and interests. Here are a few different types of holidays you can turn into unforgettable gifts.

• Hotel stay gift: If you're wondering how to gift someone a hotel stay, think about pairing it with a little extra indulgence. A spa voucher tucked inside a card, or a weekend at a luxury hotel wrapped up in a keepsake box, makes the surprise feel tangible and thoughtful. It's a versatile choice too, perfect for couples, parents, or anyone who deserves a relaxing break.
• All-inclusive holidays: If you'd rather gift someone a holiday where most of the planning is already taken care of, an all-inclusive holiday is a great choice. With accommodation, meals and drinks typically included, the recipient can relax without worrying about the extras. Whether it's a beach escape, a luxury resort or a family getaway, an all-inclusive holiday makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, anniversaries or special celebrations.
• Cruise gift: To surprise someone with a cruise, you can get creative with the presentation. Imagine wrapping up a small anchor charm or placing the cruise tickets inside a decorative bottle - it immediately hints at what's to come while keeping the reveal playful. A cruise gift feels unique and adventurous, making it an ideal choice for milestone celebrations.
• Experience days: Not every holiday has to mean overnight stays. You can also give the gift of an experience - like a city tour, a cultural workshop, or an adventure activity. The best way to give an experience as a gift is by packaging it in a way that feels personal, such as including a themed prop or a little guidebook alongside the voucher. These kinds of gifts are especially memorable because they offer something exciting to do, rather than something to own.

How to Gift a Holiday with Wowcher

Every Wowcher deal page has a "Give as a Gift" button. Once you click it, you can choose between two gifting methods, depending on how you want the recipient to receive their surprise.

e-Gifting, for instant delivery:

• The voucher is delivered instantly by email.
• You can add a personalised message.
• Your recipient receives a link to claim their gift.
• A PDF version with images and highlights of the deal is included.

Gift Pack, for a physical, unwrappable gift:

• Comes in a sleek, pink presentation wallet.
• Includes your personalised message.
• Showcases highlights and images of the chosen experience.
• Choose Standard delivery (arrives within 2-3 working days) or Next Day delivery (orders placed before 2pm are sent via Royal Mail Tracked 24, including Saturdays; orders placed after 2pm on Fridays are dispatched the next working day).

e-Gifting suits last-minute gifts or when the recipient is far away. The Gift Pack suits occasions where you want something to physically hand over or put under the tree.

Why Gift a Holiday Through Wowcher

Giving someone a holiday should feel exciting, not stressful. From flexible gifting options to added protection if plans change, Wowcher makes it easy to surprise someone with a trip they'll enjoy.

Make your gift feel more personal

• No awkward price tags: Prices and discounts stay hidden, so the recipient never sees what you paid.
• More time to redeem: Gift vouchers come with extended validity, giving the recipient extra time to book.
• Gift Packs for special occasions: Upgrade to a premium physical Gift Pack for a more memorable presentation.
• Schedule the surprise: Send an e-Gift instantly or choose a future delivery date for birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions.

Extra flexibility and peace of mind

• 16-day refund on unredeemed vouchers: If the voucher hasn't been redeemed, it can be refunded within 16 days of purchase.
• Date flexibility: On most UK hotel and short-break deals, gift recipients choose their own travel dates when they redeem their voucher - so you don't need to know their schedule in advance. Note that further charges may apply on redemption if they choose more expensive dates or options.
• Flexible redemption: Recipients can use their voucher on any eligible deal, rather than being tied to the original holiday, if they'd prefer something different.
• Secure checkout: Payments are protected throughout the purchase process.
• Data privacy: Both your details and the recipient's information are kept secure.

Whether the recipient chooses the original trip or swaps it for another deal, the added flexibility and refund window help remove much of the uncertainty that can come with gifting a holiday, making it a thoughtful present that's easier to give with confidence.

How Wowcher Holiday Booking Works: Step by Step

How booking works depends on the type of holiday you're gifting. UK breaks are mostly hotel and short-break stays booked directly, without flights, while international holidays that include flights follow a redemption process where the Holiday Provider confirms the final booking with you. Choose a tab below to see how each one works.

Practical Planning Checklist

A little planning beforehand can help ensure your surprise goes smoothly. Tick off each step as you go:

Frequently Asked Questions

Who chooses the travel dates when I gift a holiday?

It depends on the type of deal. For most UK hotel and short-break deals, the gift recipient chooses their own dates when they redeem the voucher. For international holidays that include flights, you'll select a preferred date when you buy the voucher, and the Holiday Provider confirms it during redemption.

How do I gift a holiday on Wowcher?

Click "Give as a Gift" on any Wowcher holiday deal page, then choose e-Gifting for an instant digital voucher by email, or Gift Pack for a physical presentation wallet posted to your door.

What's the difference between e-Gifting and a Gift Pack?

e-Gifting delivers the voucher instantly by email with a redemption link and a PDF of the deal highlights. A Gift Pack is a physical pink presentation wallet with your personalised message, sent by Standard (2–3 working days) or Next Day delivery.

How long does the recipient have to redeem a gifted holiday voucher?

Vouchers should be redeemed within 48 hours of purchase to keep pricing and availability secure. If it isn't redeemed in that window, it's redeemed automatically and the Holiday Provider is given the buyer's contact email instead.

What if the gift isn't right for the recipient?

Gifted vouchers can typically be swapped for something else, and unredeemed vouchers can be refunded within 16 days of purchase - so there's no pressure if the trip or timing doesn't end up working for the recipient.

Is a gifted Wowcher holiday protected?

Most Wowcher holiday deals are ATOL-protected, though this varies by deal. Check the fine print of the specific holiday before gifting.

Do I need to book for two people?

Most holiday deals on Wowcher are priced for two adults sharing, so you'll usually need to purchase two vouchers to get the advertised price unless the deal states otherwise.