The holiday season is a perfect time to connect with clients, show appreciation and keep your travel business top-of-mind. Sending thoughtful gifts isn’t just a kind gesture—it’s a strategic way to strengthen relationships, encourage loyalty, and remind clients why they love working with you. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a surprise in their mailbox or inbox?

Whether you’re looking to thank past clients, show appreciation to current ones, or make a memorable impression on potential future travelers, here are some tips and gift ideas to make this holiday season a hit.

Why Holiday Gifts Matter for Client Engagement

Let’s face it, people have endless options when it comes to booking travel. You need to stand out from the online booking agents, big box stores and other advisors by reiterating the unique value you provide. It’s the personalized service, the unique experiences you create, and the relationship you build with each client. Holiday gifts are a chance to nurture these relationships and let clients know that you value their trust and loyalty.

Past clients need to be reminded that they’re still important to you, even if they haven’t booked in a while. This gentle nudge could remind them to start planning their next adventure.

Strengthen the connection with your present clients and make them feel special. A thoughtful gift adds a personal touch to the services you’re already providing.

Give potential clients a reason to remember you. If they’re in your pipeline or signed up for your email list, a small gesture can make you stand out and keep them coming back.

Now that we’ve covered the why, let’s dive into the fun part—the what!

Holiday Gift Ideas for Travel Clients

Customized Travel Accessories

Think luggage tags, passport covers, or reusable travel bags that can be branded with your logo or personalized with their initials. These gifts are practical and useful, making clients think of you every time they pack for a trip. A custom travel accessory with their initials is not only thoughtful but will also remind them of the fantastic trips you’ve planned.

Travel-Themed Ornaments

Ornaments shaped like mini suitcases, airplanes, or globes add a little wanderlust to clients' holiday decor. Because ornaments are sentimental, each year when your clients pull them out, they’ll remember their travel experiences and the advisor who made them possible. It’s a small but impactful gift that brings back memories of past trips.

This plane ornament from Keystone Steel Co. is one of my favorite things to send to my clients!

Handwritten Holiday Cards

In a digital world, a handwritten card feels extra special and sometimes, the simplest gestures have the most significant impact. A heartfelt, handwritten card with a personal note about a memorable trip or shared travel goal for the future goes a long way! Plus, it’s budget-friendly but meaningful!

Digital Travel Gift Card or e-Voucher

Give them something they can use on their next trip! Send a gift card pertaining to an upcoming vacation or a travel themed service to encourage clients to start thinking about future travel. Keep it simple and convenient by sending a digital gift card, so they can use it when they’re ready.

Subscription to a Travel Magazine or App

A subscription to a travel magazine or a premium travel app (like Roadtrippers or PackPoint) is the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Each issue or use of the app reminds them of your thoughtful gesture and keeps travel inspiration alive, which could lead to booking their next adventure with you.

Local Treats from Their Favorite Destination

Food is an instant memory trigger! If you know a client loved a specific destination, send a small treat that reminds them of it. For example, Italian biscotti for their Italy trip, Kona coffee for Hawaii, or chocolates from Switzerland. It’s a personal touch that brings them back to that cherished trip you planned for them, sparking nostalgia and perhaps an interest in booking another.

Personalized Itinerary Booklet or Travel Journal

Create a beautifully designed itinerary booklet or a travel journal that your clients can use for future trips. This thoughtful gift is functional and unique. They can use it to jot down memories, and it highlights the personal attention you provide. If you’ve worked with them on custom itineraries before, they’ll know you’re serious about crafting exceptional travel experiences.

Tips for Sending Holiday Gifts

Here are a few practical tips to keep your holiday gifting organized and thoughtful:

Budget For Gifts: Determine how much you want to spend when doing your yearly budget to help avoid surprises at the end of the year. This will help keep you on track when looking for the perfect gifts. The Travel Advisor Financial Planner can help!
Plan Ahead: Holiday shipping can be hectic. Start ordering gifts in October and November to avoid shipping delays. This will ensure they will arrive on time to your clients.
Personalize When Possible: Use clients’ names, reference their past trips, or include a note about a future travel goal. The more personal the gift, the more memorable it will be. Even if your gift isn’t personalized, mention something personal in a short note.
Keep it Simple and Thoughtful: You don’t need to spend a fortune. A small, thoughtful gift that shows you care will go much further than an extravagant gesture. It’s about the thought, not the price tag.
Follow Up with a Message: After you send the gift, follow up with an email or text to let them know it’s on the way or ask if they received it. It’s a great excuse to reconnect and hear about any upcoming travel plans.

Sending holiday gifts is a surefire way to foster meaningful relationships with your clients and let them know you’re thinking of them beyond their booking dates. Whether they’re past, present, or potential clients, these gifts serve as reminders of the incredible travel experiences you’ve helped create and the memorable trips that are yet to come.

By going the extra mile during the holidays, you’re showing clients that you’re invested in their happiness and satisfaction. That’s what will keep them coming back, trip after trip!

To Your Success,

Holiday Gift Ideas to Boost Client Engagement