About 18 months ago I bought my husband a flying lesson for his birthday from Buyagift.com He had wanted to try this for a long time. He tried it, and loved it! Since then he has been having flying lessons through his local flying school with the aim to get his private pilots licence.
He wanted to fly because "It sounded cool and exciting!".
With a flying lesson, you can also take people up with you in the aeroplane. My husband invited his father up with him one day last year. When my father-in-law turned up for the flight, he was wearing a Biggles hat and scarf! They both laughed and had a great flight. My father-in-law took some photos when he was up in the air of the beautiful South Wales coast and my husband gained some flying hours and practised landing under supervision.
The funfair, Trecco Bay Porthcawl, from the air
Sadly little over a month later my father-in-law passed away but my husband will always remember the time he had with his father up in the air. That's the thing about experiences like this, they give you unforgettable moments.
Moments you will still be talking about in years to come.
Dr. Thomas Gilovich, a psychology professor at Cornell University, had been studying the question of money and happiness for over two decades. He has found that the satisfaction we get from buying holidays and experiences is high and keeps on growing when the satisfaction we get from buying objects like the latest TV or newest car wanes. That is because the experience belongs to us, it is personal, it gives us incredible memories. We adapt to buying objects - the latest TV gets older, it doesn't give us as much pleasure any more but we remember, talk and share our experiences and our satisfaction just grows. Experiences give us better stories.
An experience can also literally change our lives, like it has in my husband's case, and add fun to our everyday living. Want to try a skydive but too scared, try a tandem skydive? Always wanted to make your own record, well what about a day in a recording studio? Want to own a fast car but can't afford it, then what about a Lamborghini, Ferrari or Aston Martin driving experience?
Driving a Ferrari in the desert was one experience that was very memorable
So when I wanted an extra special present, for my husband for our 10th year wedding anniversary I thought about a tangible gift, but then thought - where is the fun in that? So, I decided on a Tiger Moth experience with Buyagift.com so he can see what it was like to fly a plane in the 1940s.
This will surely be one gift he will never forget.
This open-cockpit plane is reminiscent of flying in World War 2, as it was used by the Royal Air Force to train its pilots. You get the chance to have your photo taken in an authentic 40's pilot jacket and goggles too. With this experience, you get the chance to actually fly the plane under the supervision and even be involved in some acrobatics with your instructor at the helm.
So, the scene is set. We were on holiday in New Orleans celebrating our wedding anniversary when I presented him with the gift, and, of course.... he loved it!
So now to book the experience, so look out for my post soon.
Tell me, have you ever thought about learning to fly? Have you ever bought or been gifted an experience?
I'd really like to have flying lessons and have my own license. Problem is a full set of lessons isn't cheap and is something i would have to save up a while for x
ReplyDeleteIt takes a while to learn as the weather conditions aren't always the best in this country so you can spread the cost over a year or two.
DeleteI cant even drive never mind fly, but have always wondered how good these gift experiences might be, I think my brothers would love to drive a ferrari x
ReplyDeleteI'd be terrified to try something like this, but I hope you enjoy it! I think I'll stick to dance lessons to be honest. <3
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like so much fun! I would love to do something like this but it would be pretty scary!
ReplyDeleteMy husband is far braver than me however I really would love to drive a fast car like an Aston Martin DB7 myself!
DeleteI completely agree that I'd rather spend my money on experiences than things, that's what stays with you. I've already asked for a hot air balloon trip for my next birthday (a big one) although I'd love flying lessons one day.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like it would be an amazing experience!
DeleteOh wow, so fun! I bought my husband a drive a DB9 experience once and he LOVED it :) H x
ReplyDeleteI would love to do that too Harriet.
DeleteOh wow, this sounds like fun! I would love to do something like this although i'd be petrified x
ReplyDeleteOH wow that looks like so much fun, my husband would love that! What a great experience and gift!
ReplyDeleteSounds like so much fun. My partner would love it if I got some flying lessons for him!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing experience and very brave. I bought my husband a flying lesson for his 21st birthday which he never took so he's been deprived of them ever since!
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame that he never got around to it Ali.
DeleteWhat a lovely gift! I'm sure he will have a wonderful time xx
ReplyDeleteWow, what an incredible gift! x
ReplyDeleteOh I'd be too chicken for flying lessons. But what an amazing experience xxx
ReplyDeleteOh wow thats amazing and he must be really excited. I am not keen on flying but I do like trying new things and enjoy outdoor activities :)
ReplyDeleteLaura x
I'm not a great flyer myself Laura but I am excited at the thought of going up in the plane with my husband when he gets his pilots licence. He is so excited about the Tiger Moth experience - is was the perfect gift.
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