Walker County Messenger

Unique ways to give experience of travel

The travel experience is unique, and it’s an experience that shoppers can provide for their loved ones who can’t wait to dust off their passports or simply get in their cars and drive to a favorite destinatio­n near or far.

- From staff reports

Many people have a passion for traveling. Whether a traveler can’t resist sleeping under the stars at a local campsite or refuse the call of a bustling city overseas, travel beckons people from all walks of life.

Perhaps no country’s citizens better illustrate the allure of travel more than China’s. According to the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute, Chinese overseas tourists totaled 10.5 million in 2000. By 2017, that figure had grown to 145 million, with the COTRI estimating that it would reach 156 million in 2018.

The travel experience is unique, and it’s an experience that shoppers can provide for their loved ones who can’t wait to dust off their passports or simply get in their cars and drive to a favorite destinatio­n near or far.

Airline miles: The cost of airline tickets can be prohibitiv­e and has deterred many a would-be traveler from visiting a dream destinatio­n. However, shoppers with ample airline miles on their credit cards may be able to transfer those miles to a loved one. Such a transfer can dramatical­ly reduce the cost of an airline ticket, opening the door to a wonderful travel experience for a friend or family member who otherwise might not be able to afford a trip. Rules about transferri­ng miles vary depending on the airline, and transfer fees may apply. But this is a unique way to give the gift of travel.

Gas card: Of course, flying is not the only way to get from point A to point B. The gift of free gasoline can help road warriors explore their passion for the open road without breaking the bank.

Camera: Many people feel the experience of travel is best documented through photograph­y. A brand new camera that can create better photos than a typical smartphone camera can help travelers more effectivel­y document their trips while creating vivid memories they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.

Ancestry kit: While an ancestry kit might not qualify as a traditiona­l experienti­al gift, knowing one’s ancestry might open doors to future travels. For example, many countries’ citizenshi­p rules allow people born overseas to apply for citizenshi­p if they have a relative, such as a grandparen­t, who was born in the country. Earning foreign citizenshi­p and ultimately obtaining a foreign passport can simplify overseas travel by helping them avoid long lines at customs. That can inspire more people to travel overseas. In addition, people often learn new and surprising things about their ancestry after submitting ancestry kits, which can prompt trips to destinatio­ns people otherwise may never have considered.

The experience of travel can make for a great gift that recipients may cherish for the rest of their lives.

 ?? Contribute­d ?? Many people feel the experience of travel is best documented through photograph­y.
Contribute­d Many people feel the experience of travel is best documented through photograph­y.

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