The Luminaire has introduced a collection of Experience Cards, offering a new approach to gifting that prioritises personal enrichment. Jenny Southan reports

Designed for people who value memorable encounters over material possessions, The Luminaire's Experience Cards allow generous benefactors to gift an entire trip in a simple, elegant format.

Rather than offering generic credit-style vouchers, the Experience Cards unlock complete itineraries shaped around knowledge, culture and the joy of learning – think art restoration in Spain, archaeology in Egypt or heritage crafts in Japan.

Each card represents a fully conceived journey, built around private watchmaking ateliers in Switzerland (£9,900) or oenological explorations in France (£9,100 Bordeaux, £9,180 Champagne), for example.

Once received, travellers are guided by The Luminaire’s team to tailor the experience to their interests, ensuring the gift becomes suitably personalised.

This new format responds to a growing desire for gifts that deepen understanding, broaden horizons and shape personal legacy. An example would be The Luminaire’s “Foundation Trip: The Kilimanjaro Challenge” Experience Card (£3,995).

The company’s approach reframes travel not as a transaction but as an intellectual and emotional experience – something to be treasured long after the trip has ended.

Adam Sebba, CEO and founder of The Luminaire, says: "Travel is one of the few gifts that can genuinely change how people see the world, so we wanted to create something that honours that potential. Experience Cards are not simply a convenient way to package a holiday – they are an invitation to curiosity.

"We see these cards being gifted by people who want to offer insight, inspiration and a sense of possibility. At their best, these experiences can spark ideas, restore perspective and create memories that stay with people for life."

According to McKinsey, “demand for luxury tourism and hospitality is expected to grow faster than for any other industry segment” in 2025 and beyond. Notably, spending will be driven in large part by “aspiring” luxury travellers with net worths between US$100,000 and US$1 million.

More Experience Cards will be released over the coming months as the company continues to develop travel designed around expertise, creativity and meaningful connection.

For those wanting to simply gift a flexible monetary amount, there is also the option of buying vouchers for £500 upwards – particularly suitable for honeymooners.