What is a travel gift card?
Travel gift cards are becoming more and more popular because they are easy to buy and convenient to use. You can use a travel gift card in the same way that you would use a gift card from your favorite store or restaurant. It comes with a default value. Funds are deducted from the gift card as you use it.
Should you buy a plastic card or an e-gift card?
There are two types of travel gift cards: traditional plastic cards and electronic or electronic cards. Plastic gift cards look like the restaurant or store gift card you received from Cousin Sally last Christmas. They are the same size as a credit card and must be presented to the travel provider to be redeemed. You can order them from a travel provider and send them directly to the recipient.
Plastic travel gift cards are easy to use and can be stored with other cards in a wallet or purse. If you lose your gift card, the seller will not replace it, so you must protect it carefully.
Travel eGift Cards, or eCards, are delivered by email, so you must have the correct email address of the recipient before placing your order. The seller will not be liable for e-gift cards delivered incorrectly. You can order e-travel gift cards at the last minute because they are sent to the recipient as soon as your payment is processed, making e-gift cards a convenient last-minute option.
E-gift cards arrive in your email inbox and include a gift card number or code that you must use to redeem the e-card. The recipient will need to print the gift card and have this number available when making a travel reservation. Travel eGift Cards are almost impossible to lose as long as you save your email. If you lose the certificate, you can simply print another copy.
What types of travel gift cards can I buy?
Many hotel chains and airlines, including Best Western, Marriott, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, sell travel gift cards. You can usually order them from the hotel or airline website; some are also available in supermarkets and retail stores. You can also buy Airbnb gift cards in stores or online from sellers like Amazon and Paypal.
If your loved ones enjoy cruises, you can give them a cruise gift card. Individual cruise lines often sell “gifts on board,” which are specific items or services, such as flowers or a massage. Some cruise lines also sell onboard credit gift certificates. Some, including Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises, offer gift cards through their websites and, in some cases, PayPal.
You can also give someone a restaurant or gift card for sightseeing. Restaurant.com is the best known of the restaurant gift card websites. Individual chain restaurants, such as Olive Garden and Outback Steakhouse, also sell gift cards. CityPass ticket brochures make a great gift for the avid tourist. You can purchase CityPass brochures for 12 different cities in the US and Canada. Each brochure includes a certain number of attraction tickets; By purchasing the CityPass brochure, you will save money at each attraction.
Ground transportation gift cards are also available. You can buy Uber and Amtrak gift cards online. ViaRail Canada sells gift cards at most of its rail stations and at participating Pharmasave and International News stores.
Does a travel gift card ever expire?
Some travel gift cards do not have expiration dates. Others must be used within a certain period of time. Please check the gift card terms and conditions carefully before making your purchase.
What else should I know about buying a travel gift card?
Each travel provider’s terms and conditions are different, so you should read those terms and conditions before purchasing a gift card.
If you are purchasing a travel gift card in a foreign currency and paying by credit card, you will likely be charged a transaction fee. Foreign transaction fees are typically a percentage of the sale price, and are charged by your credit card company even if the gift card seller is in your own country.
Some travel gift card vendors allow you to create a one-of-a-kind personalized travel card. If you select this option and upload a photo to use on the card, be sure to keep the copyright to the image.
Isn’t a travel gift card a boring gift?
Not if you like to travel. A travel gift card could be the perfect gift for a college-aged grandchild, niece, or nephew. Travel gift cards also make great engagement, wedding, and retirement gifts.
