Buckle up, joyriders! From high-speed racing to off-road adventures, driving experience gifts come in many different makes, models, and horsepowers – making them unique and thrilling presents.
However, with so many exciting options to choose from, finding the perfect one might seem tricky. That’s where we come in. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about driving experience gifts, from what they are to how to gift them, and everything in between.
So, whether you're shopping for a tire-squealing speed demon, an off-road explorer, or someone who just loves driving with the windows down, we've got you covered.
Driving Experience Gifts: The Basics
What are they?
A driving experience gift is a unique and thrilling present that goes beyond ordinary gifts. Instead of giving a physical object, you're offering the giftee the opportunity to take the ride of a lifetime. Driving experiences range from drag racing, stock car rides, off-road adventures, Slingshot rentals, or even luxurious road trips in their favorite supercar.
Who would enjoy a driving experience gift?
With so many options, driving experiences make great gifts for just about anyone (think car lovers, adrenaline junkies, and even those who love trying new things). We even offer scenic drives for those that like to keep things mellow.
Why do they make great gifts?
It’s simple: driving experiences aren't just gifts – they're turbocharged adventures! Rather than gifting material items, you’ll be treating them to unforgettable memories.
When should I gift a driving experience?
These unique gifts are perfect for any occasion. Holidays, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries – you name it, you can gift a driving experience!
Which driving experience is best?
It depends on who you ask (and your recipient’s preferences). For the supercar fanatic, you can’t go wrong with a Lamborghini experience. Whereas an adventurous couple or family might prefer a scenic off-road drive. No matter what, they’ll be treated to a memorable day!
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Types of Driving Experience Gifts
1. Drive a Supercar
Best for: motorheads, luxury aficionados
Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porsches, and more – if they love supercars, it’s about time they drive one! Picture this: a quick briefing, safety tips, and then they’re off, tearing up the track with a pro instructor by their side. Drivers will put their supercar to the test as they race around state-of-the-art road tracks, featuring tricky turns, curves, and straightaways.
Pro tip: these experiences are extremely popular (for good reason)! Because of this, we recommend participants snag a date as soon as they can.
2. Laps in a Stock Car
Best for: NASCAR fans, competitive spirits
Who says you have to be a pro to drive a genuine stock car? Not us! These high-speed packages allow participants to live out their NASCAR racing dreams while zipping around a real racetrack. They’ll suit up, strap in, and put the pedal to the metal. Plus, passing is allowed, making every turn and straightaway an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
Pro tip: Most stock cars have a standard manual transmission. If drivers doesn’t know how to operate a manual, the pit crew will help them get up to speed.
3. Drag Racing
Best for: speed demons, thrill seekers
In a world full of thrilling experience gifts, there’s nothing quite like drag racing. Imagine you or a loved one slipping into the seat of a dragster, revving the engine, and burning rubber as you hit speeds of over 100 MPH. Some experiences even allow you to race against other drivers. It doesn’t get any more exhilarating than that!
4. Thrill Rides
Best for: aspiring race car drivers, youngsters
You don’t have to drive to experience the power of a supercar or stock car. During a high-speed thrill ride, participants will ride shotgun with a professional driver. These experiences are ideal for youngsters who don’t have their licenses quite yet but love fast cars.
Pro tip: while Thrill Rides are suitable for younger riders, a parent or guardian still needs to be present to sign waivers and supervise.
5. Off-Road Adventures
Best for: nature lovers, weekend warriors
It’s time to leave the pavement behind! Off-road adventures are your ticket to explore the rugged outdoors. Some of our favorite off-road experiences include:
Jeep Tours: Tackle rocky trails aboard one of the most powerful off-roading vehicles around. While many of these tours are guided, there are some that allow participants to take the wheel and conquer tricky terrain.
ATV Rides: Kick up some dirt as you zip across the landscape on an ATV! Following a guide, participants typically drive their own open-air vehicle while navigating mud, sand, rocks, and hills.
6. Slingshot Rentals
Best for: independent explorers, couples
Somewhere in between a motorcycle and a car, Polaris Slingshots are a unique way to explore someplace new. These eye-catching rides have three wheels, two seats, and an open top, so riders can soak up some sun and enjoy the wind in their hair. Plus, with no set itinerary to follow, participants can follow the road wherever it takes them.
Pro tip: in case of accidents, most Slingshot rentals require participants to pay a refundable damage deposit on the day of their experience.
7. Driving Tours
Best for: road trippers, adventure seekers
For those who prefer a more relaxed adventure, you can’t go wrong with a scenic driving tour. Instead of ripping around the racetrack, participants can cruise down the open road in a snazzy Ferrari, Porsche, or Lamborghini. Rest assured, if your recipient prefers riding to taking the wheel, we’ve got you covered with tons of guided tours–perfect for the laid-back explorer.
Driving Experience Restrictions
To ensure the safety of all participants, driving experiences often come with certain restrictions and limitations. While these can vary depending on the type of activity, some of the most common restrictions include:
1. Age. Certain driving activities may have age restrictions. For example, in order to drive a supercar, participants must be at least 18 years old.
2. Height and weight. To ensure the participant has a safe and comfortable ride, some vehicles have strict weight and height maximums.
3. Documentation. Participants may need to bring their driver’s license, sign waivers, or fulfill other documentation requirements.
4. Health considerations. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems or motion sickness, may be advised against some activities.
5. Physical fitness. A few experiences, especially those involving physical exertion, may require a certain level of fitness. For example, stock cars typically do not have traditional doors and participants may need to climb in and out of the vehicle’s window.
6. Weather. Many driving experiences are dependent on weather and may be postponed due to storms, poor track conditions, or low visibility.
While this might seem like a lot, we make it easy to find the perfect gift. Participant restrictions are outlined in the ‘Important Details’ section on all of our driving experiences.
How to Gift a Driving Experience
We make purchasing, gifting, and booking driving experiences a breeze. All you have to do is:
1. Choose the experience. Browse our wide variety of driving adventures and find the option that’s right for them.
2. Personalize their voucher. You can customize their gift by adding a to, from, and a personal message.
3. Pick the delivery date. All of our gift vouchers are sent digitally to your inbox or theirs. You can also choose to send the gift instantly or on a specific date – perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, you name it!
4. Present the gift. The voucher format is easy to print and can be included in a greeting card or something more extravagant – how cute would it be to include their driving voucher with a matching matchbox car?
5. Let them book it. You gift it, they book it. All they have to do is redeem their gift and book a date that fits their schedule. Easy-peasy!
Plus, we offer tons of gifting perks (hassle-free exchanges, no expiration dates, easy returns, and more). Our Fairy Giftmother said it best:
Gifting Considerations
Choosing the ultimate driving experience gift is easy! However, just like any gift, there are a few things you should keep in mind when exploring your options:
1. Consider their interests. Are they into adrenaline-pumping activities like drag racing or more inclined toward more relaxed experiences like scenic driving tours?
2. Know their comfort level. Take into account the individual's comfort with motion, and adrenaline. Some individuals may prefer a calm and peaceful experience, while others crave excitement.
3. Set a budget. Driving experiences can vary in cost. Setting a budget will help narrow down your options.
4. Check availability. It’s important to always double check availability, especially if the giftee has a busy schedule. Lucky for you, Virgin Experience Gifts offers flexible booking, and our vouchers never expire (they can book a date that’s perfect for them).
5. Understand their driving capabilities. Certain experiences only offer vehicles with manual transmissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I wear?
While the dress code can vary depending on the experience, some of the most common requirements include closed toe shoes and long pants.
2. Do I need previous racing experience?
Nope! Most of our race car driving experiences include a hands-on classroom session, making them ideal for all skill levels.
3. Can my friends and family watch me drive?
Some driving experiences allow spectators to watch from the sidelines. They are not usually allowed to ride with you as the passenger seat is often reserved for your instructor. Specific spectator details can be found on each product page.
4. Do I need a driver’s license?
Yes, most driving experiences will require you to hold a valid driver's license. However, some adventures (like race car thrill rides and driving tours) do not. Specific restrictions are outlined in the Important Information section on each product.
5. How long do driving experiences typically last?
The duration of driving experiences can vary, ranging from a few laps around a track to a full day of driving adventures. Details on the duration of each experience can be found on the product page.
6. Can I bring a personal camera or GoPro?
It depends on the experience. Most supercar and stock car drives do not allow personal cameras for safety reasons. However, some experiences offer photo/video packages for an additional fee.
Summary
If you’re looking to rev-up your gift giving, you’ve come to the right place. Whether it's the thrill of high-speed laps, the rugged excitement of off-road adventures, or the pure joy of cruising in a luxury supercar, driving experience gifts are the ultimate present. They’re easy to give and make unique presents for a wide variety of people and occasions. What are you waiting for? Happy gifting!
