GIFT GUIDE FOR DAD

Dads are famously challenging to shop for. When asked what they'd like as a gift, they often say they have everything and want nothing. This can leave you scrambling to find yet another tie or gadget that may never even make it out of the box. So why not switch it up this year and gift something that doesn't come in a box, like a trip to one of your dad's bucket-list destinations? Follow this guide on how to give the perfect bundle of travel gifts for dad. After giving a gift as great as this, you might never hear them say they don't want anything ever again.

It may take a little sleuthing, but there's bound to be a destination the dad in your life has always wanted to visit. To get gift ideas for dad, pay attention to what your dad loves to do. Do they wear floral short-sleeve shirts and sandals even in the middle of winter? Book a trip to Hawaii. If they always have their head in a historical novel, the medieval towns of Europe will make those stories come to life. For a near-perfect blend of relaxation and adrenaline, the Caribbean beckons. Join the journey for an added gift of quality time together. If you want to give something tangible, wrap a guidebook to the destination. Or, if you want to let dad pick the itinerary, hand over a "Ticket to Anywhere."

One of the best gifts for dad you can give is a stress-free travel experience where nobody has to worry about the details once the trip departs. This includes keeping tabs on drinks. Book dad a beverage package that'll have them starting the day with a hot cup of coffee and ending the evening with a chilled cocktail. With bars and lounges all around the ship, a lively night of bar hopping is on the horizon. Beverage packages can be tailored to dad's taste buds, with options that range from refreshments like juices, sodas, and sparkling water packages to non-alcoholic drinks and unlimited cocktails, wine, beers and spirits. Poolside piña coladas, anyone?

Dinner at the ship's Chef's Table will delight any foodie father. This book-ahead experience is a five-course affair of the Chef de Cuisine's finest dishes. Tables are kept in small groups, and each plate is served alongside a sommelier-selected wine. Or, make a reservation at one of the specialty dining venues onboard. Restaurants span the globe when it comes to cuisine, serving sizzling Brazilian barbecue, fiery teppanyaki, comforting Italian fare and fresh seafood. Dads with appetites to cater to will love the gift of an unlimited dining package, the pinnacle of foodie freedom that'll have them mastering the menus of every restaurant on the ship. Reserving a table at a restaurant found at the port of call is also bound to be a thoughtful gift for traveling dads. Other thoughtful treats, like chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne, add an extra element of decadence for dads who would likely never get this gift for themselves.

Pre-planned shore excursions will let dad enjoy the moment, and might just inspire a new favorite hobby. With onshore adventures already set, thrill-seeking dads can zipline through the treetops of Antigua and food-lovers can perfect their pasta skills in an authentic Italian cooking class. Some of the best travel gifts for dad include shore excursions like nature treks, beachside relaxation, cultural workshops, or food tours. The logistics of where to go and when to go are already sorted, so dad can focus on the fun. If kids are coming too, these outings will form the tales told at dinnertime for years to come. If you're searching for birthday gifts for dad, sweet treats like a cake or box of chocolates paired with celebratory stateroom decor will make their birthday feel extra special. Pack a set of matching shirts to wear on the cruise for fun family photos and an iconic way to memorialize the big day. Get a head start on your towel animal skills, and pack extra party hats for the friends you'll make onboard.

Dads seem to fall into two categories, those who pack their bags a month before the ship sets sail and those who wait until the night before. No matter what type of packing style they drift toward, there are traveling gifts for dad that should be a suitcase staple. A button-up shirt with a fun nautical or tropical print suits the mood of just about every activity onboard, and it's likely a bright change from their everyday attire. Opt for linen if you're cruising through the Caribbean, as it'll keep dad cool and covered from the sun. Get one in flannel too to keep dad toasty on a chilly night of gazing up at the stars. A hat, sunglasses, sandals, a rain jacket, swimwear and a set of snorkel gear will make the trip stylish yet practical. And for dads who favor finding a place to unwind over a thrill, they'll be delighted to have a plush bathrobe paired with soft slippers to wear at the onboard spa. A waterproof phone case with a lanyard and a splash-proof e-reader will let dad lounge poolside without a worry in the world. If your dad's the techie type, gifts like a new camera, waterproof watch, or even a pair of binoculars to spot other ships, wildlife, and landmarks from afar can make all the difference. Dads deserve to be spoiled once in a while but, remember, what most dads truly want is quality time spent with their loved ones. Plan that big trip, and get ready to make memories to last a lifetime.