Holiday Gift Guide 2020: 10 Of The Best ‘Buy Now, Travel Later’ Deals

Planning future travel, whether that’s in a few weeks or a few months, is part of the enjoyment for many people. The excitement and anticipation of an upcoming trip can be motivating at work or for kids in school. Travel companies have been working especially hard to encourage travel planning, which also helps to support industry jobs in the process.

Robots, road trips, and hygiene and wellness managers will continue to be part of travel in 2021 as hotels and airlines work hard to reassure travelers that the experience is safe.

To encourage future travel, these companies are providing flexible travel policies and extra incentive to pay for travel now regardless of when you actually take the trip. The anticipation and excitement of a future trip may be the ideal gift for the holidays this year.

The Leading Hotels of the World Stay It Forward certificates

Stay It Forward certificates pack in extra value at a time when hotels, and their employees, may need it most. Hotels are donating 100 percent of the funds from these prepaid certificates to employees facing financial hardships or charities in their communities.

Valid through 2022, the $1,500 certificates include a two-night stay at double occupancy, special onsite experience (like wine blending in Argentina or behind-the-scenes tours of the kitchen at The Ritz London), a year-long membership in the Leaders Club program (normally $175 per year), and 1,500 Leaders Club points (a free night starts at 3,000 points). Participating hotels include Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, Croatia; Paradisus Los Cabos, Mexico; and The Vines Resort & Spa in Mendoza, Argentina.

Six Senses Plan Now, Play Later certificates

Available for purchase between now and Dec. 20, these prepaid certificates come with an additional 20 percent credit that can be used on-property for activities, food and beverage, or spa. Six Senses’ Plan Now, Play Later certificates are valid for three years from the date of purchase at participating resorts around the world. Travelers can choose the amount they want to purchase, starting at $1,000, and the specific property where they plan to use it. Six Senses guests are eligible to earn points in the IHG Rewards Club program, too, adding even more value to these certificates.

Montage Hotels & Resorts Spirit of Now offer

The Montage Hotels & Resorts group is offering a Spirit of Now package that includes a $100 resort credit for each night reserved (as much as $300 for certain suite and residence reservations) in advance and a complimentary upgrade, based upon availability, at check-in. For those that buy now to travel later, there is no deposit needed, and any cancellation fees are waived up to 48 hours prior to arrival.

The rate varies based on the property. Use code TPKSON when making your reservation to take advantage of this benefit. Montage properties are part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts grouping and are eligible for earning and redeeming I Prefer points.

Marriott Bonvoy Escapes

To drum up interest in near-term travel, each Wednesday, Marriott puts hundreds of hotels on sale for five days, slashing as much as 25 percent from the room rate for Marriott Bonvoy members. The Marriott Bonvoy Escapes offer gives travelers the chance to buy now and travel (a bit sooner rather than) later at a discount while also earning valuable loyalty program points.

Red Carnation Hotels gift vouchers

Earn a 10-20 percent bonus value on gift vouchers for Red Carnation Hotels. They are valid for two years from the date of purchase and can be used for overnight stays, food and beverage, or spa services at participating hotels. Among the collection’s well-known hotels are The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town, Ashford Castle in Ireland, and The Chesterfield Palm Beach in Florida.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World Pay Now Travel Later

Over 520 boutique hotels in 90 countries are participating in this bonus offer. Buy a gift card for at least $100 now, and when you’re ready to redeem it, it becomes worth 20 percent more. The gift card offer is available for purchase between now and March 31, 2021, and they are valid for 18 months from the date of purchase.

Participating hotels include Villa Orsula in Dubrovnik, Croatia and Urso Hotel & Spa in Madrid among others. Guests can also earn and redeem World of Hyatt points when they stay at a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property.

Buy Now, Stay Later Hotel Bonds

Hundreds of hotels are participating in this hotel bond program. Future guests buy certificates now from the Buy Now, Stay Later website, which grow in value to use later. After 60 days, the $100 hotel bond will be worth $150. The list of properties includes well-known independent hotels and resorts like London House Chicago as well as those that participate in loyalty programs like Choice Privileges, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt.

Porter & Sail Anywhere Credits

A slew of luxury hotels is offering bargains for buying gift cards now to redeem later. Known as “Anywhere Credits,” Porter & Sail tacks on an additional $20 for every credit of $100 purchased.

They can be redeemed at a variety of hotels and resorts around the world including Swire Hotels’ properties like The Upper House in Hong Kong; ARRIVE Hotels including Austin, Palm Springs and Phoenix; and El Careyes Club & Residences in Mexico among others. These credits can be used at any hotel that participates in the Porter & Sail program, which gives travelers flexibility especially when buying these as a holiday gift.

Belmond Travel Pass

Without expiration, Belmond Travel Pass gift cards add bonus cash for future use. Buy a $500 gift card, and Belmond adds another $100 in value. Gift cards for $1,000 get an extra $200 added to them. They are valid at all Belmond properties including hotels like Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara, California as well as its long roster of trains, safaris, and river cruises.

ToursByLocals eGift Card

Plan ahead for a customized tour or travel experience via the ToursByLocals marketplace. For gift cards sold now, 100 percent of proceeds goes toward the ToursByLocals Guide Relief Fund providing aid to those that have been out of work due to the pandemic. While you plan future travel adventures, the idea of helping others during their time of need might be the best bonus of all.