Our Travel Journal
Mary’s journey to founding Lava Linens- a company dedicated to providing environmentally responsible travelers with high quality sustainable travel towels- came from a deep desire to follow her heart. This lead her on a journey across Latin America in which an idea soon turned into a reality.
The time of year is here where the more organized among us are making shopping lists, adjusting their budgets, and adding extensively to their Amazon Black Friday wish lists… The holidays are fast approaching, and gift giving is a huge part of that for many cultures. Everywhere we look, advertisements pressure us into the materialistic aspects of the season. But this year, consider doing something different by giving the gift of travel.
Never considered giving the gift of travel? You’re not alone. It is an unusual present, but that is one reason it has the potential to be very meaningful. In fact, one study found that the majority (63%) of adults would prefer to receive an experiential gift than a material gift during the holidays.
Dominican Republic Retreat
Let’s face it: gift giving is hard. It’s challenging to strike that balance of value, meaning, and care. If you struggle giving gifts, try to focus on how you want the person to feel when they receive your gift. Experiential gifts, like travel, prioritize memory making over material items. In fact, it’s known that experiential gifts lead to longer term happiness.
For this reason, giving the gift of travel may be the perfect option for those stuck on gift ideas. Choose an experience you know the person enjoys, or maybe one that will push them out of their comfort zone. Whether you decide to travel together or not, you know they’ll be grateful to you during the experience. Gifting an experience not only gives a person something valuable, but it shows deeper connection, thought, and care on your part.
So how do you actually give the gift of travel? This is the tricky part. Of course, you could just give them a check or Venmo “for travel” – but we don’t recommend that. When giving the gift of travel, try to do so in a thoughtful way that shows you’ve really considered that person’s personality and travel style. Instead of just handing them cash, really think about their previous travels, favorite modes of transport, and what they’d appreciate the most.
On the other end of the spectrum, you could book an entire trip for the person. However, we generally wouldn’t recommend that either as that involves a lot of planning and expense on your part. It also leaves room for error – the person you’re gifting to probably has preferences you’re not aware of, and would want to make some of the decisions regarding the trip themselves!
There are many creative ways to give the gift of travel – but we love gift cards the best. Why is that? A gift card strikes the perfect balance of ease and thoughtfulness. It shows you’ve thought about the person and their unique travel preferences… but still allows them the freedom to book when works for their schedule.
· Airline
· TSA Pre Check or Priority Pass
· Rental car company
· Gas voucher
· Hotel brand
· Airbnb
· Meal reservations/voucher
· Massage
· Excursion
· Theme park pass
· Guided tour company
Have an adventurous and conscientious woman in your life? We are happy to announce that you can now give the gift of travel with Purposeful Nomad through one of our very own gift cards. Choose a gift card of any amount, and enable your loved one to take the adventure of a lifetime with like-minded women.
Purposeful Nomad leads small group tours for women, with a focus on sustainability and conscious travel. Each of our departures are completely different, though, offering a range of choice. But how do you choose the right departure? Here is a run down of our 2020 departures.
Dates: March 6-13, 2020
Who will love this trip: The photography lover (both new and experienced). You know the one – constantly snapping photos on their iPhone, or always spending their paycheck on the newest DSLR. Should have a love for colorful landscapes and the occasional dance party.
Dates: March 1-11, 2020
Who will love this trip: The feminist activist. They should get excited by the idea of marching alongside the Sambhali Trust in the annual Women’s Day March, learning about the caste system, and women’s rights in India.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: RENEW & CONNECT
Dates: March 21-27, 2020
Who will love this trip: The one who needs to chill. Should enjoy yoga by the beach, paddle boarding, and all-around relaxation (whilst empowering young women of the Dominican Republic).
MOROCCO: MOUNTAINS, MEDINAS & MARKETS
Dates: April 19-29, 2020
Who will love this trip: The adventurous foodie. They won’t be phased by camel treks through the desert and crowded souks, because there is always a delicious tagine waiting for them at the end of the day.
INDONESIAN SPIRIT: BALI + FLORES
Dates: June 20-July 2, 2020
Who will love this trip: The authentic yogi. Should enjoy yoga and hiking, but also be interested in going beyond the Instagram clichés of this region, and exploring a more authentic side.
Dates: July 13-26, 2020
Who will love this trip: The animal lover. This woman will get the privilege of witnessing the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park.
UNKNOWN ICELAND: JOURNEY TO THE WEST FJORDS
Dates: August 8-16 2020
Who will love this trip: The outdoorsy one. She’s not phased by the thought of trekking across Iceland’s western fjords, horse back riding, kayaking, or even the really expensive beers…
Dates: October 27-November 2 2020
Who will love this trip: The lifelong learner. Learn all about Guatemala’s unique textiles, and the women who weave them.
Interested in giving the gift of travel with a Purposeful Nomad gift card? Fill out the form below to receive a handwritten gift card and letter in the mail.
Remember, you don’t need to choose a specific trip or departure – but feel free to suggest one to your loved one based on their personality and preferences! Or better yet… join them!
How to purchase travel:
Choose an amount you would like to purchase towards a Purposeful Nomad trip. You can choose a specific departure or let them decide! (maybe even a trip you would like to go on too!)
Fill out form below
A Purposeful Nomad team member will reach out to collect payment and finalize purchase
An actual gift certificate will be sent along with a small gift
Travel and enjoy!
Visit our trip details for more information.
Need to talk it through more? We're here for you!
