They've decided to expand their wings and move to a new city or country. Of course, you'll miss them, but you're excited for them to be embarking on a new adventure. If you're looking for a farewell gift that won't add to their list of things to fit in their suitcase, look no further.
Whether they are moving to take their dream job, relocate for love, pursue further study, or simply embrace a change of scenery, they'll need to get to know their new city thoroughly. And the best way to truly understand a new place is to experience it firsthand, not just read about it online. That's precisely why Gifting Owl experiences make the best going away and leaving gifts. From guided walking city tours to exhilarating cycling sightseeing activities, your farewell gift will be the perfect way for them to explore their new home, connect with the local culture, and meet fellow residents and adventurers.
At Gifting Owl, our team has curated experience gifts across 100+ countries, working directly with vetted local operators who know their destinations inside out. We've built our platform on the principle that the most memorable gifts aren't things you unwrap once and forget, but experiences that create lasting memories and help people feel at home in unfamiliar places. With three-year validity and free exchange options on all our gift cards, your loved one can redeem their experience whenever they're ready to explore.
In this article, we've listed our favourite going away gift ideas for a family member or friend moving abroad. Each suggestion is designed to help them settle in, discover hidden gems, and build confidence in navigating their new surroundings. These aren't just tourist activities, they're genuine pathways to belonging in a new place.
1. Walking City Tours
Gift one of hundreds of Gifting Owl walking city tours. They'll stop at the most iconic sites and learn the fascinating history of their new home, from architectural landmarks to cultural heritage spots that define the city's character. Their knowledgeable local guide will give them all the insider knowledge that you simply can't find in guidebooks or online articles, from where to eat the best authentic cuisine and enjoy craft drinks to popular local hangouts, neighbourhood secrets, and even practical tips about public transport and shopping.
Walking tours are particularly valuable for newcomers because they provide orientation in a relaxed, social setting. Many of our operators lead small-group experiences that encourage conversation and questions, making it easy to connect with other participants who might also be new to the area. The pace allows for photography, spontaneous detours to interesting spots, and time to truly absorb the atmosphere of different neighbourhoods. From historic quarters to modern districts, these tours paint a complete picture of the city's past and present.
2. Cycling or Segway City Tours
Similar to a walking city tour but they'll cover significantly more ground on two wheels, allowing them to see multiple neighbourhoods and landmarks in a single outing. Choose a standard bicycle tour for an active, eco-friendly exploration, or they can try something different and glide effortlessly through the streets on a self-balancing Segway. Whichever mode of transport you choose, a guided city tour with a local expert is a fun, engaging way to immerse yourself in your new home.
Cycling tours often venture into areas that are too far to walk but too interesting to miss, like waterfront paths, expansive parks, or trendy neighbourhoods slightly outside the city centre. The guides typically share not just historical facts but also contemporary insights about local life, pointing out the best markets, cafés, and community spaces. Many of our cycling experiences include rest stops at scenic viewpoints or local eateries, combining sightseeing with authentic culinary sampling.
Segway tours, meanwhile, offer a unique blend of novelty and practicality. After a brief training session, riders quickly get the hang of these intuitive vehicles and can focus on their surroundings rather than physical exertion. This makes them ideal for people who want to cover distance without arriving exhausted, particularly useful if they're still adjusting to a new climate or timezone. The slightly elevated position on a Segway also provides excellent photo opportunities and visibility at crowded landmarks.
3. Local Brewery Tours
If you know they'll miss their local watering hole back home, help them discover their new favourite spot with a brewery tour. On their experience, they'll meet a bunch of other beer enthusiasts and discover what tasty brews are on offer in their new city, from traditional styles that reflect local history to innovative craft creations pushing the boundaries of flavour. A brewery tour is a genuinely effective way to meet other locals and visitors in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere where conversation flows as freely as the taps.
Our curated brewery experiences go beyond simple tastings. Many include behind-the-scenes access to brewing operations, where passionate brewmasters explain their techniques, ingredient sourcing, and the stories behind signature beers. Participants often leave with recommendations for other craft beer venues in the city, turning one experience into a roadmap for further exploration. For someone settling into a new place, these social outings can be the start of genuine friendships and a sense of community.
The craft beer scene in many cities has become a cultural cornerstone, with breweries serving as neighbourhood gathering places that host events, food trucks, and live music. By introducing your loved one to this aspect of local life, you're giving them more than just a tasting experience, you're opening a door to ongoing social opportunities and a deeper understanding of the city's creative and culinary identity.
4. Walking Food Tours
If they're more concerned about the local food offering in their new city than historical landmarks, this is the perfect gift for them. A walking food tour will help them uncover the local favourites that residents actually frequent, not just tourist traps with inflated prices and mediocre quality. From beloved food trucks to hole-in-the-wall eateries treasured by generations of locals and upscale restaurants showcasing regional ingredients, they'll leave with new friends, insider recommendations, and a satisfyingly full belly.
Food tours are particularly valuable for understanding a city's cultural diversity and immigrant communities, as cuisine often tells the story of who lives in a neighbourhood and how different traditions have blended over time. Many of our food tour operators are locals with deep roots in their communities, offering not just tastings but context about recipes, family histories, and the evolution of the local food scene. This cultural immersion is invaluable for someone trying to understand the social fabric of their new home.
Beyond the immediate enjoyment, food tours provide practical benefits for newcomers. Participants often return to the featured establishments on their own, building rapport with owners and staff, discovering which markets stock the best ingredients, and learning about seasonal specialities. Some tours even provide recipe cards or cooking tips, empowering your loved one to recreate favourite dishes at home and share their new culinary discoveries with visiting friends and family.
5. Local Adventure Activities
Adventure seekers less interested in traditional sightseeing and their next meal would be absolutely thrilled to receive a local adventure activity. Each city and region has different adventures on offer, shaped by its unique geography and climate. From sunset kayaking on the Brisbane River with views of the illuminated skyline to rock climbing on Colorado's stunning red rock formations and heart-racing jetboating through New Zealand's dramatic gorges. Giving a local adventure is an exciting way to meet like-minded active people and fall in love with a new city through its most thrilling outdoor offerings.
Adventure experiences tap into the excitement and possibility that come with relocation. They provide an adrenaline boost that can counteract any homesickness or adjustment anxiety, while simultaneously showcasing the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the new location. Whether it's ziplining through forest canopies, stand-up paddle boarding along coastal waters, or hiking to panoramic viewpoints, these activities create powerful positive associations with the new home.
At Gifting Owl, we partner with experienced adventure operators who prioritise both safety and authentic local knowledge. Many lead small groups that naturally foster camaraderie among participants, and it's common for adventure-seekers to exchange contact details and arrange future outings together. For someone building a new social circle, these high-energy experiences can be the foundation of lasting friendships with people who share their passions.
6. Relaxing Spa Experience
If the moving process has them feeling understandably stressed, dealing with visa paperwork, coordinating logistics, saying goodbyes, and managing the emotional weight of relocation, perhaps the best experience for them is a genuinely relaxing massage or comprehensive spa package. Perfect for those who will also experience jet lag on arrival or need to recover from the physical exhaustion of moving, this thoughtful leaving gift will help them decompress, reset, and relax into their new home with a clearer mind and restored body.
Spa experiences serve a deeper purpose for newcomers than simple pampering. They provide a quiet space for processing the magnitude of change, a rare pause in the chaos of settling in. Many of our spa partners offer treatments that incorporate local traditions and ingredients, from thermal spring rituals in Iceland to aromatherapy using native botanicals in Australia, offering cultural insight through wellness practices.
The benefits extend beyond the treatment room. Regular spa visits can become an important self-care routine during the adjustment period, providing structure and something to look forward to during potentially lonely or overwhelming weeks. Some spa packages include access to facilities like saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation lounges, spaces where casual conversations with other guests can naturally occur, creating unexpected social connections in a low-pressure environment.
7. Authentic Culinary Experience
By far one of the best ways to learn how the locals actually live is by booking an authentic culinary experience. These intimate private dining experiences typically involve a visit to local markets where residents shop daily, a hands-on cooking lesson that reveals family techniques and regional secrets, and the joy of devouring an authentic local meal you've helped prepare. With plenty of one-on-one time with a local host, often in their own home, your loved one will be able to ask all their burning questions about the area, from practical living tips to cultural nuances and neighbourhood recommendations.
These experiences are fundamentally different from restaurant dining or standard cooking classes. They offer genuine cultural immersion, often taking place in residential neighbourhoods tourists rarely visit. Market visits reveal where locals source ingredients, how they negotiate with vendors, and which seasonal produce defines regional cuisine. The cooking portion teaches techniques that participants can recreate, building culinary confidence and reducing the intimidation factor of unfamiliar ingredients in local shops.
Perhaps most valuably, these experiences create meaningful human connections. Hosts are typically passionate about their culinary heritage and genuinely interested in their guests, often staying in touch after the experience and offering ongoing advice about settling in. Many participants describe these intimate gatherings as the moment they truly felt welcomed into their new community, moving from tourist to participant in local life.
8. Wildlife Experience
For animal enthusiasts and nature lovers, a wildlife experience is a wonderful way to meet the locals, both human and animal. Perfect for destinations with unique national wildlife like Australia's iconic koalas and kangaroos, South Africa's magnificent Big 5 on safari, or New Zealand's distinctive birdlife including the rare kiwi. A local wildlife experience gift will have them instantly fall in love with their new home while developing appreciation for the natural environment and conservation efforts that define the region.
Wildlife experiences range from hands-on animal encounters at sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres to guided nature walks and safari adventures in natural habitats. Many operators are deeply involved in conservation work, offering participants insight into environmental challenges and success stories. This educational component helps newcomers understand regional ecological priorities and ways they can contribute to local conservation efforts, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship in their new home.
For families relocating with children, wildlife experiences are particularly valuable. They create positive associations with the new location, provide educational opportunities about native species, and offer shared family adventures during what can be a stressful transition period. Children often adapt more quickly when they're excited about unique animals they can see in their new country, transforming apprehension into enthusiasm.
9. Famous Landmark & Attractions Tickets
They can't move to a new city without experiencing its famous landmarks and attractions, the iconic sites that define the destination's identity and appear on every postcard. Whether it's accessing the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, exploring the ancient Colosseum in Rome, visiting the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal in India, or experiencing the breathtaking views from Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer, these bucket-list experiences create a sense of pride about living in a world-renowned destination.
Skip-the-line access and guided tours offered through Gifting Owl ensure that your loved one actually enjoys these major attractions rather than spending hours in queues or missing crucial context. Our local operator partners provide expert commentary that brings historical and cultural significance to life, transforming what could be a superficial tourist experience into a deeper understanding of the landmark's role in local identity and history.
Major attractions also serve as reference points for orientation and conversation. When locals give directions or discuss neighbourhoods, they often reference major landmarks. Being familiar with these sites helps newcomers navigate more confidently and participate meaningfully in conversations about the city. Additionally, having visited key attractions makes it easier to host visiting friends and family, providing recommendations and even serving as a knowledgeable guide.
10. Sunset or Scenic Cruise
A scenic cruise offers a unique perspective on their new city, particularly for waterfront locations like Sydney Harbour, New York's Manhattan skyline, or the picturesque canals of Amsterdam. Seeing the city from the water provides geographical context that's difficult to grasp from street level, revealing how neighbourhoods connect and highlighting the relationship between urban development and natural waterways.
Sunset cruises are particularly special, offering golden-hour photography opportunities and romantic ambiance. Many include dining options, from casual lunch cruises to elegant dinner cruises with multiple courses and wine pairings. The relaxed pace encourages conversation with other passengers and crew members who often share insider knowledge about the best waterfront restaurants, upcoming harbour events, and seasonal changes in the cityscape.
For someone in the early stages of relocation, a cruise provides a contemplative experience, a chance to reflect on their journey while literally seeing their new home from a fresh angle. The combination of movement, water, and open sky often brings clarity and perspective, helping process the emotional complexity of major life transitions. It's both celebration and meditation, acknowledging the courage it takes to start over somewhere new.
Why Experience Gifts Are the Perfect Going Away Present
Experience gifts from Gifting Owl are uniquely suited to farewell occasions for several compelling reasons that go beyond the obvious benefit of not adding physical bulk to already overpacked luggage. First, they demonstrate that you've thought carefully about their specific situation, their need to explore, connect, and build a new life rather than simply acquire more possessions. This thoughtfulness resonates deeply during an emotional transition period.
Second, experience gifts have longevity that physical items often lack. While flowers wilt and chocolates are consumed, an experience creates lasting memories and often leads to ongoing benefits like new friendships, discovered favourite locations, and increased confidence in navigating the new environment. The three-year validity on all Gifting Owl gift cards means there's no pressure to redeem immediately, your loved one can choose the perfect moment when they're ready to explore.
Third, experience gifts acknowledge the emotional reality of moving. They say, "I know this is both exciting and challenging, and I want to help you fall in love with your new home." This emotional intelligence is comforting during a period when people often feel caught between sadness about leaving and anxiety about settling in. An experience to look forward to provides motivation during difficult adjustment moments.
How to Choose the Right Experience
When selecting from these going away gift ideas, consider your loved one's personality and interests first. Are they social butterflies who thrive in group settings, or do they prefer intimate one-on-one interactions? Adventure-seekers or culture enthusiasts? Food-focused or fitness-oriented? The beauty of Gifting Owl's extensive catalogue across 100+ countries is that you can find experiences perfectly matched to their preferences.
Consider the destination as well. Research what the city or country is famous for and choose an experience that helps them engage with local specialities. Someone moving to Thailand might love a Thai cooking class, while someone relocating to New Zealand might prefer a birdwatching expedition or adventure activity. Matching the gift to the destination shows you've researched their new home and helps them appreciate what makes it special.
Think about timing as well. Some experiences work better after initial settling in, when basic logistics like housing and routine are established. Others, like orientation tours, are ideal for the first few weeks. If you're unsure, a Gifting Owl gift card offers maximum flexibility, allowing them to browse options and choose when the moment feels right. Our instant delivery means you can gift right up until departure day, and they can access their options immediately upon arrival.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
What makes these going away gift ideas truly special is their ripple effect. A single walking food tour might introduce them to a neighbourhood that becomes their favourite weekend destination. A brewery tour could lead to meeting someone who becomes a close friend or valuable professional contact. A wildlife experience might spark passion for conservation volunteering in their new community. The initial experience you gift often becomes the gateway to much larger engagement with their new home.
At Gifting Owl, we've heard countless stories from gift recipients about how a single experience transformed their relocation journey. A nervous expat who found community through a cooking class. A family who discovered their favourite hiking trails through a guided nature walk. A professional who made crucial networking connections during a winery tour. These aren't just anecdotes, they reflect the genuine power of experiences to facilitate connection and belonging.
Your farewell gift becomes part of their relocation story, something they'll remember and appreciate long after they've settled in. Years later, they might still talk about "that amazing food tour my friend gifted me when I first arrived" or "the spa day that helped me survive those first overwhelming weeks." You're not just giving an activity, you're giving support, encouragement, and a tangible expression of your confidence in their new adventure.
Making It Personal
While any of these experience gifts will be appreciated, adding a personal touch amplifies the impact. Include a heartfelt card explaining why you chose this particular experience, perhaps referencing a shared memory or acknowledging their courage in making this move. If possible, relate the experience to something you know they'll love, "I know how much you enjoyed that brewery tour we did together last summer, so I thought you'd love exploring the craft beer scene in your new city."
Consider a presentation approach that enhances the gifting moment. Gifting Owl offers beautiful digital gift cards that can be personalised with messages and photos, but you might also create a small farewell package with a printed card, a map of their new city with the experience location marked, or a journal for documenting their adventures. These thoughtful additions show the care behind your gift selection.
For particularly close friends or family members, you might even gift multiple smaller experiences that cover different aspects of settling in, a city orientation tour for the first week, a relaxing spa package for month two, and a more adventurous activity for when they're feeling established. This staged approach provides ongoing support throughout the adjustment period and gives them multiple things to look forward to during potentially challenging months.
Supporting Their Journey with Confidence
Choosing a Gifting Owl experience gift means you're not just giving an activity, you're giving peace of mind. Our platform partners exclusively with vetted, reputable local operators who meet strict quality standards. Each experience listing includes genuine reviews from previous participants, detailed descriptions of what's included, and transparent booking information. This curation process means you can gift with confidence, knowing your loved one will have a safe, high-quality experience.
The flexibility built into every Gifting Owl gift card is particularly valuable for someone navigating the unpredictability of relocation. Free exchanges mean they can adapt if their plans change, availability shifts, or they discover a different experience that better suits their evolving interests. The three-year validity removes any pressure to rush redemption before they're truly ready to explore. Instant digital delivery means distance doesn't prevent you from being there for important farewell moments.
As they embark on this significant life change, your experience gift becomes a symbol of your ongoing support and belief in their adventure. It says you're excited for them, not just sad they're leaving. It acknowledges that while physical distance will increase, your connection remains strong. And it provides practical help in one of relocation's biggest challenges, transforming an unfamiliar place into a true home.
Browse our full collection of leaving and retirement gifts or explore experiences in their specific destination to find the perfect farewell gift that will help them thrive in their new adventure.
