Most Used Travel Gift Cards in 2025
Travel gift cards have become an increasingly popular and flexible way for people to book accommodation, transport, and experiences. In 2025, some of the most widely used travel gift cards include Airbnb, Marriott, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, GetYourGuide, MyShortLets and Eurostar, reflecting a growing shift towards experience-based gifting. Other commonly redeemed cards include Hotels.com, Best Western, Southwest Airlines, Amtrak, and Viator’s Global Experiences Card, catering to a wide range of travellers seeking flights, hotels, train journeys, and unique activities worldwide.
Why Travel Gift Cards Are Gaining Popularity
Market research and government tourism data indicate that prepaid travel gift cards have become an essential part of the tourism industry. As more travellers look for flexible and cashless ways to book trips, these gift cards provide a convenient alternative to traditional booking methods. They allow recipients to manage their travel expenses in advance, helping them secure flights, hotels, and activities without worrying about fluctuating prices.
This trend also aligns with broader changes in digital payments and the increasing adoption of mobile transactions. With many major economies encouraging cashless payment solutions, travel gift cards offer an easy and secure way to plan trips. Additionally, they have become a popular gifting choice, allowing people to give the gift of travel experiences rather than material possessions.
Key Trends in the 2025 Travel Gift Card Market
Accommodation and Lodging
Airbnb gift cards continue to be among the most popular, offering travellers the flexibility to book short-term rentals, holiday homes, and unique stays worldwide. Digital nomads and vacationers particularly favour Airbnb for its variety of accommodation options.
Marriott and Hotels.com gift cards remain dominant in the hotel booking sector, appealing to both business and leisure travellers. These cards allow guests to book rooms across a wide network of hotels, making them a reliable choice for those preferring hotel stays over rental properties.
Flights and Transportation
Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines gift cards lead in airline redemptions, providing travellers with an easy way to pay for domestic and international flights.
Ryanair and Eurostar gift cards are particularly popular in Europe, allowing travellers to book budget flights and rail journeys across multiple destinations.
Amtrak gift cards continue to be a favoured option in the United States, especially among commuters and long-distance travellers looking for convenient train travel.
Experiences and Activities
GetYourGuide and Viator’s Global Experiences Card are among the most frequently redeemed travel gift cards for tours, attractions, and cultural experiences. These platforms allow travellers to book activities ranging from city tours and museum visits to adventure excursions and food experiences, reinforcing the trend of people prioritising memorable activities over material gifts.
Shifting Consumer Behaviour: When and How Travel Gift Cards Are Used
Tourism data suggests that travel gift card redemptions peak in the first quarter of the year, as many recipients of holiday gifts begin planning and booking their trips.
Older travellers (55+) tend to use gift cards for hotel stays and package holidays, preferring structured travel experiences.
Younger travellers (18-24) are the biggest users of gift cards for experiences, adventure activities, and local tours, highlighting a generational shift towards experience-based travel.
Digital gift cards are now more widely used than physical ones, as they are easier to customise, store, and redeem. Many travellers appreciate the ability to use partial balances over time, offering financial flexibility.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite their growing popularity, some travel gift cards still have limitations. Availability remains an issue, with certain platforms such as Booking.com, FlixBus, and Greyhound either restricting or discontinuing their traditional gift card offerings. Instead, some companies are shifting towards alternative credit-based systems that provide similar flexibility but require users to book directly through their platforms.
Looking ahead, travel gift cards are expected to remain a significant trend in the tourism industry. More companies are likely to introduce digital gifting solutions and expand their redemption options to cater to the evolving needs of travellers. As experience-based spending continues to rise, travel gift cards will remain a sought-after option, offering a simple, convenient, and flexible way to explore the world.
