Gift of Travel is the latest stocking filler

New York

TERI THOMPSON isn't shopping for stylish sweaters or the latest gadgets this holiday season. Her daughter working in New York wants help paying for an airline ticket to Sweden. And her college-age daughter in Philadelphia wants to plan a National Parks tour with friends.

"They want to explore," Ms Thompson said, "not just collect more stuff." It is known as the Gift of Experience - in demand by people of all ages, but particularly popular with young adults. And travel companies of all stripes are packaging their services for holiday gift-giving.