Some things never fail to bring out the closet vacationer in us—bottled white sand from a beach in Bali; a map, maybe; shots of a beautiful sunset from an island on the other side of the globe. Advertising specialties that tap the adventurer in us are received happily. They allow us the chance to imagine, to desire, to expect that someday soon we will be able to afford to pay for that vacation or have the time to spare.

One particular Aussie t-shirt brand has the tagline, “It’s summer somewhere,” which truly makes sense.

If you are the owner or supervisor of a travel agency, beach or surf shop, or a resort, who says you can not give out corporate gifts such as a bottle sunblock, a beach towel, or flip-flops to patrons and associates in the dead of winter? Who says anyone had to sulk just because they happened to be in the wrong place? If anything, these getaway-themed promotional giveaways should be taken as representational of something to look forward to, literally like a ray of sunshine in dark skies.

The Good Life

Marketing campaigns with summer or travel themes are always in style because they encompass everything that is fun about life, says one advertising specialties dealer. They leave us with this warm, cheery feeling. It is an invite to live life.

Popular resort-themed advertising specialties include beach towels, flip flops, tank tops, and sunblockinvoke this fun feeling of the sun, sand, and sea. These promotional gifts usually come in bright, flashy hues for that summer look, enticing and inviting your recipients to savor their break.

Indeed, the campaign to bring in sales does not end with promotional items. Customer service should always be on top of a resort or hotel’s priority list, and by that we mean they should not forget to supply accommodations with custom advertising items like notepads, ballpoint pens, soap, mini lotion and oil bottles, and sewing kits.

Traveler inns, bed-and-breakfasts, hotels and resorts can also utilize promotional products as merchandise to earn a additional profit on the side. Custom totes, key holders, coffee and beer mugs, charm bracelets, visors, T-shirts, fridge magnets, and sunglasses will always be profitable advertising specialties, especially for vacationers who want to bring home a tangible piece of the memorable vacation back to the cold with them.

Of course, do not discount the fact that those vacationers will also be bringing children with them. Stack your gift shop with children’s hats and caps, dental travel sets, crayons, socks, T-shirts, coloring books, slippers, and other kiddie advertising specialties.

All-year-round travel essentials

On the other hand, says another promotional giveaways manufacturer we spoke with, you do not have to bleed that summer theme dry.

Consider giving out all-season advertising specialties such as bag tags, foot spa essentials, travelers kits, totes, and passport holders once summer is over.

For campaigns targeting business executives who are constantly on the go, you might want to send out advertising specialties like alarm clocks, mini shoe polishing kits, maps, travel pillows, garment bags, and pill boxes. Despite the fact that most of their travel may not exactly be the kind of getaway they were expecting, the thought of comfort while on the road or on the plane will be much cherished.

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Eva Fonda is a promotional adivser specializing on promotional products and corporate trade show promotional products.