This year for Father’s Day, forget the tie and give the gift of experiential travel! From enjoying a private dinner in Carton House’s Whiskey Library to having Lough Eske Castle’s tailor partner develop a bespoke suit, there are plenty of ways to show your appreciation for that father figure in your life. Keep reading for additional ways you can incorporate travel into this year’s gift giving!
Big Five Tours and Expeditions
Big Five Tours and Expeditions recently launched their inaugural “Kid’s Kouncil-approved” travel itinerary, the perfect gift for dad this Father’s Day. Big Five’s Kids Kouncil consists of a board of children, aged 6 to 15, created to guide the company in developing travel itineraries that kids would enjoy as much as their parents. The very first tour, launched in February 2019, takes place in India and is available for booking throughout the year.
Highlights of this 13-day Itinerary include:
- Learning about conservation efforts in Panna National Park from conservation biologist Dr. Raghu Chundawat
- Discovering the world of Indian elephants at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Agra, with an introduction to sloth bears
- Visiting the ancient Abhaneri step wells, dating back to the ninth century, used as the baths and reservoirs of the royals
- Riding on a generator-powered ‘Juggaad’, a truly eccentric local transport
- Visiting a shop that specializes in restoring classic Enfield motorcycle and Willys Jeeps
- Exploring India’s rich cultural traditions through a puppet-making workshop in Jaipur
Carton House – Kildare, Ireland
This Father’s Day, treat dad to an Irish retreat at Carton House located in the Kildare countryside just a 25-minute drive from Dublin. The historic resort allows guests to step back in time and enjoy an authentic Irish experience. The resort includes both a new wing and historic manor house that once belonged to the FitzGerald family, one of the most influential families in Irish history. Treat dad to a private dining experience in the Whiskey Library in the Manor House. There, the family can enjoy local whiskey, surrounded in an intimate library room with décor inspired by Irish spirit. Diners will have a dedicated waitstaff to ensure they have a memorable meal. The resort is also home to two 18-hole championship golf courses, The O’Meara, and The Montgomerie, where dad can hit the links before enjoying authentic Irish fare at The Carriage House and golf clubhouse which debuted a redesign this month. The Carriage House hosts a jazz-themed outdoor BBQ on the deck every Sunday, June through August – perfect for Father’s Day celebrations!
Flytographer
What do you get the Dad who says he “doesn’t need or want anything” this Father’s Day? More memories! Flytographer gift cards are the perfect gift for Dad to use to capture memories on your next family vacation. Launched in 2013 and inspired by the belief that memories are the best travel souvenir, Flytographer connects traveling families with a community of hundreds of local photographers in 250 destinations around the world for fun, candid vacation photo shoots (about an hour) that capture the magic of travel. By hiring a Flytographer, Dad doesn’t have to worry about shaky/unfocused photos, or buying the ‘latest’ selfie stick. Instead, Flytographer provides one-of-a-kind local experiences and beautiful photographs that will be cherished for generations with the whole gang included in the memories – no more ‘phantom photographer.’ And there’s more! Each Flytographer serves as an informal local tour guide, sharing insider tips on things to eat, see and do, including the most photographic spots around the city, plus hidden gems and the places to avoid.
Grande Lakes Orlando – Orlando, FL
Set on 500 lush acres, Grande Lakes Orlando, comprised of The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando is offering a variety of dining options guaranteed to make dad feel like a king this Father’s Day. Guests and visitors are invited to celebrate Father’s Day at Highball & Harvest, Primo or Norman’s for exclusive à la carte menus, special dishes, and cocktails. Before heading to dinner, dad and the whole family can work up an appetite at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, complete with an 18-hole course, caddie concierge program, elegant clubhouse, and short roughs to enhance enjoyment.
Father’s Day Dining at Grande Lakes Orlando
- Father’s Day Lunch at Highball & Harvest: Celebrate Father’s Day with the entire family and indulge in our à la carte menu with additional special dishes and cocktails fit for a king! Sunday, June 16, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Reservations required; 407-393-4648.
- Father’s Day Dinner at Primo: Celebrate Father’s Day with a delectable menu, showcasing Chef Melissa Kelly’s imaginative organic cuisine. Sunday, June 16, 6 – 10 p.m., À la carte. Reservations highly recommended; 407-393-4444.
- Father’s Day at Norman’s: Celebrate dad with Chef Norman Van Aken’s New World cuisine. Sunday, June 16, 6 – 10 p.m., à la carte. Reservations recommended; 407-393-4333.
Lough Eske Castle – Donegal, Ireland
Lough Eske Castle in Donegal, Ireland, is partnering with Magee 1866 to offer an exclusive tailoring service for guests, allowing them to have a bespoke, handmade suit measured on the spot and cut to perfection. This Father’s Day, visitors can treat dad to a completely customized, one-of-a-kind suit made especially for them. At the drop of a hat, a tailor from Magee’s headquarters in Donegal Town will be sent to the castle and have a finished suit ready within six weeks, sent straight to the guest’s home. This personalized experience also gives guests the opportunity to work one-on-one with a tailor to create a jacket or pair of trousers as well.
New York Cruise Lines – New York, NY
This Father’s Day, enjoy itineraries fit for any type of dad with New York Cruise Lines’ diverse selection of nautical activities. Treat the food fanatic father to New York’s only floating lobster shack, North River Lobster Co., where the whole family can celebrate Dad with any of the signature lobster rolls served on board, including New York City’s largest lobster roll, The “Shelly.” Daredevil dads can take on The BEAST, New York City’s only jet-powered boat experience. Passengers will fly towards the Statue of Liberty at 45 miles per hour with lots of twists, turns and splashes along the way. For a more relaxing Father’s Day, history buffs can experience the most iconic sights of NYC from the Hudson River narrated by informative, entertaining guides with Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises’ Landmarks Cruise or New York Water Taxi’s Statue of Liberty Express. An All-Day Access Pass is also available with New York Water Taxi, so fathers can choose to do a complete loop in 70 minutes or hop on and off to enjoy Manhattan’s legendary sights throughout the day at their own pace.
The Wigwam – Litchfield Park, AZ
This Father’s Day, treat Dad to a southwestern retreat at The Wigwam, celebrating 90 years of welcoming guests this year. The southwestern oasis, where casual elegance meets historic charm, welcomes fathers far and wide to watch the US Open with burgers and brews in hand at Red’s Bar & Grill, offering a $12 Burger & Beer special in honor of Dad’s special day. Guests can also opt to enjoy dinner at Litchfield’s, The Wigwam’s signature farm-to-table restaurant, featuring a scotch and steak dinner special. After experiencing the resort’s culinary offerings, guests are encouraged to get active in the Arizona sun with three expansive swimming pools, bocce and tennis courts, several top hiking spots nearby, as well as an enhanced golf club with 54 holes of championship golf. The resort invites guests to elevate the Father’s Day celebration with the 90th Anniversary Summer Promotion offering $90 room nights with the promo code 90SumPR.
Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa – Grand Cayman, British West Indies
Occupying the largest stretch of the famed Seven Mile Beach, Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa invites fathers to indulge in some well-deserved pampering this Father’s Day at Hibiscus Spa. Dads will delight in the Gentlemen’s Facial, tailored especially for men to tackle irritation caused by shaving, continual sports activities and exposure to environmental irritants. The 60-minute service includes a relaxing acupressure facial massage and purifying mask followed by a deep shoulder and scalp massage to release tight muscles and tension. The whole family can then join Dad to celebrate with a Westin Father’s Day Brunch, including a wide selection of delicious cuisine including a Charcuterie and Artisanal Cheese Board, Dad’s Fish Taco Station, Asian BBQ Skewers and much more. After brunch, toast to Dad with cocktails crafted with Seven Mile Rum, the exclusive spirit born of a unique collaboration between The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Cayman Spirits Co., The Cayman Islands world-renowned craft distillery.