Got a hard-to-buy for person on your list? How about giving them a vacation? Who doesn't need that? But how to go about giving such a gift can be confusing.
Here are some tips from Travelzoo's senior editor, Gabe Saglie:
USE YOUR MILES
You can use your own miles to book a trip for the person you are buying for and the associated fees will be minimal. Gifting miles is also an option; however, you need to be wary of fees. You could also consider buying miles to plant in the person's own frequent flier accounts as an option.
BUY AN AIRLINE TICKET
The most important thing is to make sure you know your recipient's schedule as change fees for airline tickets can be $150 each way. If you're buying a ticket for holiday travel, act fast. You should be able to save some money by shopping on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for airfare deals. Also consider alternate airports, pick destinations on sale (New York and Europe in winter, Caribbean in summer, etc.), and book early.
CHECK OUT TRAVELZOO LOCAL DEALS
Travelzoo usually sends you to travel companies directly to purchase a deal, but with Travelzoo Local Deals, you purchase a voucher directly from Travelzoo that you then redeem when you visit the local business. You can purchase a voucher for anyone right from the site or from the new Travelzoo app, and there are no shipping fees. The Local Deals are transferable so if you see a deal you like now and are not sure whom you want to give it to, get it and decide later who will be the lucky recipient.
CONSIDER GIFT CARDS
Airline gift cards are a good alternative to buying actual airline tickets. It allows the recipient to buy his or her own airfare to best fit the person's schedule, but be aware of expiration dates.
