Why We Should Give Experiences As Gifts - And Win One!

A few years ago I wrote a post on the blog Fly Drive Explore about why you need to spend money on travel and experiences rather than possessions.   This was one of the first posts I wrote on the travel blog that I created with my husband. I still agree with this sentiment today. Don't get me wrong, most of us like having nice things, like the latest tech, new bag or item of jewellery but do these possessions really matter in the grand scheme of things?

People say money makes the world go round, and it does, but after having your basic needs met, I think travel and experiences make you happier in the long term than possessions. 

A psychology professor at Cornell University by the name of Dr Thomas Gilovich has been studying this for the past 20 or so years. His research shows that when we buy new items, at first we are excited, but then over time we adapt and lose that excitement, however with experiences, our satisfaction just goes up over time, especially when we connect to others. 




To illustrate this point, we recently went on a road trip to the USA. Over three weeks we drove Route 66 on the historic roads from Chicago to LA. This road trip took us over 3000 miles and along the route we bonded - with the experience and the people we met on the way.  The old school Americana petrol stations, the cool 50's diners, the historic motels and giant roadside statues along the route are not to be forgotten, and the cities, small towns and detours were amazing, from bustling Chicago to the murals of Pontiac, the splendour of the Grand Canyon and red rocks of Sedona. Route 66 was an experience of a lifetime. 


We would drive down quiet roads, sometimes for hundreds of miles to get to each Route 66 attraction, and then we would see the same people and connect, such as the two men from New Zealand we chatted to in the Midpoint Cafe and the group of Americans from Texas who were driving the route in classic cars. Talking about the experience with others when we returned too, made us relive the memories, memories I am sure we will cherish forever.



Of course, this trip was a bucket list experience but there are many ways we can experience something different and something memorable. From driving a supercar, aqua zorbing with a friend, seeing the view from the top of the Shard, or having afternoon tea in that chic restaurant with your loved one, I would take an experience like these any day over buying the latest gadgets.

There are a number of companies that sell experiences like this and recently The Gift Experience contacted me regarding a blog collaboration. Of course, as I am totally on their wavelength when it comes to experience gifts, I couldn't wait to find out about this company.



The Gift Experience is a British company established in 2003, that sell a range of personalised gifts as well as an amazing selection of gift experiences,  What I like about the company it that is that it is a family-run business that focuses on their excellent customer service,  and the majority of their personalised gifts are engraved and printed in house.

From pamper days to football stadium tours to skydiving and glamping, I feel an experience gift is a memorable day that won't be forgotten easily. I've personally given a supercar racing day to Mr W in the past, as well as an experience he won't forget flying a Tiger Moth. 

As Dr Gilovich says, “We consume experiences directly with other people, and after they’re gone, they’re part of the stories that we tell to one another.”



Today on the blog I am giving you the chance to win an afternoon tea for two at a choice of venue nationwide for The Gift Experience. With dainty finger sandwiches, warm inviting scones, scrumptious delicious cakes and lashings of tea or coffee, an afternoon tea for two makes a lovely gift experience. 

Entry is the Gleam app below, which is easy to use and you can also enter daily so don't forget to bookmark this page if you like the prize. Good luck!

Win An Afternoon Tea For Two

Terms and Conditions
You must be 18 + to enter 
Open to entrants in the UK only
One entry per household 
Winner will be contacted within 7 days of the competition ending.
If I do not hear from the winner within 28 days I reserve the right to redraw
Please allow 28 days for delivery 
Ends 2019-08-22 11:59:59 PM
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram or Facebook.

280 comments

  1. I would enjoy the 3 course meal for 2 at Cafe Rouge

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  2. Wow that looks lile such a cool experience i love afternoon tea. I have often thought about buying these experiences as gifts as i know I would love to recieve one

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  3. Cage rouge is PERFECT - love to treat my neice celebrating a milestone birthday

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  4. so many to choose from would love to win

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  5. I would love the one night break at a luxurious London hotel :o)

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  6. One Hour Horse Riding Experience

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  7. Got to be afternoon tea, I'm 42 and have neverbeen, it's on my to do list!

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  8. I love the afternoon tea, a really lovely way to treat yourself

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  9. @tinyboosh this sounds lovely!

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  10. I'd like the Two Night Hotel Break with Dinner.

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  11. The Premium Spa Day with Lunch or Afternoon Tea and Treatments for Two

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  12. The Premium Spa Day with Lunch or Afternoon Tea and Treatments for Two

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  13. the Supercar and Truck Driving Experience would be mine - sounds great fun

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  14. My favourite would be the 2 night hotel break with dinner.

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  15. We are cream tea fans as some members of the family are very delicate

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  16. The Spa Day For Two would be wonderful :-)

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  17. Margaret Clarkson
    Afternoon tea - I love an afternoon tea

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  18. the afternoon tea for sure, sounds lovely

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  19. Luxury Afternoon Tea for Two so I could take my daughter for tea as shes going to be away at university, and this would be lovely before she goes

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  20. Meet the meerkats experience :)

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  21. Three Course Meal with Cocktails at Marco Pierre White London Steakhouse Co

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  22. The Three Course Meal with Glass of Wine for Two at Prezzo looks very nice

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  23. I'd like the Two Night Hotel Break with Dinner

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  24. I would love to meet the meercats one day...

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  25. Tea for two is the best

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  26. Afternoon Tea would be such a treat! What I like about this company is that there seems to be something suitable for all age groups and abilities! Rosemary Tily

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  27. I love the treat of an afternoon tea...

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  28. I love to gift (and receive) an experience voucher, especially afternoon tea.

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  29. Hotel break with dinner would make my wife happy

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  30. Afternoon tea, I would love to treat mum

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  31. i would love afternoon tea for my mum x

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  32. Two Night Hotel Break with Dinner would be a real treat, as would the afternoon tea!

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  33. Afternoon Tea - I am not over-adventurous but love a treat!

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  34. Afternoon Tea

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  35. Mine would be the Bannatyne Premium Spa Day for 2 :)

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  36. Afternoon Tea as have none done this

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  37. I would love to do an Overnight Murder Mystery Break with Dinner for Two :)

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  38. afternoon tea has to be the best experience - who would say no to cake?!

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  39. Afternoon tea has got to be my favourite out of all the experiences offered. Do love scones!

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  40. Sheila Shepheard26 July 2019 at 13:09

    A Segway adventure would be a fabulous treat in the summer hols for my teens.

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  41. Would love the afternoon tea for two nice treat for my hubby

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  42. I'd like any of the driving experiences especially the truck driving one.

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  43. I'd go for the Two Night Hotel Break with Dinner

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  44. The view from the shared for two looks amazing.

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  45. The afternoon tea would be lovely.

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  46. Tough choice, but I would love afternoon tea :)

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  47. Would love a spa day but my kids would love the horse riding! Who will get the experience?!

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  48. I would like the two night hotel break with dinner

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  49. A one nightbreak would be wondeful tp just get away

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  50. Zombie Boot Camp Experience

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  51. Apart from a posh afternoon tea, I'd love a Segway experience xx

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  52. Katie Blackmore26 July 2019 at 20:14

    My favourite would be the 2 night hotel break with dinner to enjoy some rest and relaxation

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  53. Lucy Wright-Booth26 July 2019 at 21:37

    I would love go on a spa day for 2!

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  54. So many good ones there but the "3 Course Meal with prosecco aboard RS Hispaniola and Sightseeing Cruise for Two" really caught my eye, that's a whole lot stuff bundled into one!

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  55. Two Night Hotel Break with Dinner

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  56. Afternoon Tea for me and my bestie! We love to pretend we are posh and ladies that lunch!

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  57. There’s a lot of choice! Maybe a mini spa break, as I’ve never been to a spa

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  58. As I'm disabled it would be a nice hotel afternoon tea or dinner.

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  59. Mine would be The View from The Shard for Two. I have always wanted to go up there.

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  60. 2 for 1 Relaxation Spa Day with Treatments for Two
    Nothing I'd love more right now

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  61. i liek the spa and the afternoon tea!

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  62. Spa day for 2 would be very much needed!

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  63. A luxury overnight stay would be wonderful!

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  64. We've been promising ourselves a meal at L'Ortolan for about 10 years so I'd love to do the Three Course Meal with Wine for Two at L’Ortolan experience

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  65. Clay pigeon shooting looks like a lot of fun!

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  66. The luxurious break experiences are great x

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  67. Michelle Smith27 July 2019 at 13:34

    A spa day would be great

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  68. I actually love an afternoon tea, followed by a spa. Would be fab!

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  69. afternoon tea followed by a spa visit would be lovely

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  70. The spa day for 2 sounds amazing for me and my friend!- geri Gregg

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  71. I live a night away so would sa one of the nights away including a meal experiences.

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  72. The 2 for 1 Indulgent Spa Day for Two with Treatments and More would be amazing!

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  73. the 2 night break with dinner sounds fab

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  74. Afternoon tea, I do love an afternoon tea

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  75. Afternoon tea would be lovely x

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  76. Go Karting for Two would be the perfect gift to share with my Dad, this year we went Segwaying together!

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  77. The 3 Course Meal with prosecco aboard RS Hispaniola and Sightseeing Cruise for Two sounds amazing!

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  78. Premium Spa Day with Lunch or Afternoon Tea and Treatments for Two

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  79. Overnight Getaway with Dinner for Two

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  80. I have always wanted to have a spa day!

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  81. The one night spa break with dining sounds perfect!

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  82. The hotel stay is my favourite one!

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  83. Afternoon tea perfect for catching up with friend

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  84. Afternoon tea would bebe absolutely amazing xx

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  85. The one night spa break with dining - wow, I need this!

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  86. Spa day with treatment or anything spa for that matter!

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  87. Afternoon tea with brie by the sea for me

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  88. Two night hotel break with dinner would be a lovely treat.

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  89. To be honest I love Afternoon Tea. It just feels so special. Hubby would like a driving experience though.

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  90. Claire Golinsky28 July 2019 at 22:41

    spa day for 2

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  91. a spa day would do me nicely

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  92. The spa day for 2 sounds fab

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  93. I love the idea of a spa day at Bannatyne for two - it's very cheap at the moment and if I give it to my best friend for her birthday then she will take me haha

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  94. The spa break or the afternoon tea sounds nice to me :)

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  95. Afternoon Tea with Bottomless Bubbles for Two at 5* London Marriott Park Lane sounds amazing!

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  96. A spa day sounds lovely although i think i would pick an afternoon tea as i have never been for one!

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  97. I've got to say my favourites are the racing car ones. Thrill and adventure!

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  98. I would love to meet the Meerkats

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  99. I'd love the one night break in a luxurious London hotel

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  100. Rebecca Alderson29 July 2019 at 16:25

    Rally Driving Taster Experience

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  101. My personal favourite would have to be a one hour horse riding experience

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  102. Three Course Meal with Cocktails at Marco Pierre White London Steakhouse Co

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  103. The two night hotel break with dinner for two sounds like an amazing treat.

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  104. I would love the Two Night Hotel Break with Dinner!

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  105. Tank Driving Taster!

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  106. ive always wanted to have a fancy afternoon tea

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  107. Luxury Afternoon Tea for Two Gift Voucher UK-Wide

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  108. I'd love an afternoon tea with bubbles

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  109. would love to try the afternoon tea for two

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  110. The two night hotel break with dinner!

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  111. The premium spa day with afternoon tea and treatments for 2 would be lush!

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  112. Spa day for 2 would be a very welcome relaxing experience!

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  113. Would have to be the spa day for 2 - I really need a spa day!!

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  114. afternoon tea CHERYL HADFIELD

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  115. I quite fancy The View from The Shard and Michelin Starred Dining for Two at Galvin La Chapelle

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  116. The spa day would be awesome :)

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  117. Id love a 1 night London hotel break

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  118. A murder mystery break sound fun

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  119. I do love doing afternoon tea

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  120. my favourite is the after noon tea for two experience

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  121. The spa day for 2 is my favourite.

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  122. The flying lesson

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  123. Two Nights for the Price of One Hotel Break - Deluxe Selection

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  124. The selfie camera drone looks amazing for my teenage daughters birthday.

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  125. My favourite is the 2 night hotel break with dinner, ideal for a child free break with Hubby

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  126. Bateaux Three Course Lunch Cruise with a bottle of Wine on the Thames for Two

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  127. There is so many to choose from but I love the look of the Luxury Afternoon Tea for Two x

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  128. Afternoon tea at the Hilton Manchester city center - great views!!!!!!

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  129. 2 night hotel break with dinner

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  130. The premium spa day would be amazing

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  131. Ive been wanting to take my mum for afternoon tea for a while now, we loved our spa day and hubby loved his track day :)

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  132. The luxurious hotel looks amazing!

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  133. The Two Night Hotel Break with Dinner would be great!

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  134. A spa experience for sure, but afternoon tea would be a fabulous treat!

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  135. Any spa day experience is a big win for me, i love them.

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  136. It would have to be the sky dive!

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  137. My choice would be as night (or two) with dinner for two at a luxury hotel.

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  138. I would love to go skydiving.

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  139. The Bannatyne Spa Day with 25 Minute Treatment for Two would be so relaxing.

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  140. Indulgent Spa Day with up to 55 Minutes of Treatments and More for Two sounds wonderful

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  141. Would love a luxury afternoon tea x

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  142. Spa day with afternoon tea please.

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  143. The overnight murder mystery break would be fantastic

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  144. THE TWO NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE HOTEL BREAK.

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  145. Bannatyne Premium Spa Day for 2 as it would be great to relax

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  146. Afternoon tea for two is great because you could treat family members for anniversaries & it something they wouldn't normally think of doing.

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  147. I'd like the Two Night Hotel Break with Dinner

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  148. A murder mystery break sounds like fun 👍

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  149. The spa day with afternoon tea :)

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  150. Overnight Getaway with Dinner for Two

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  151. would love to do the spa day with my girlfriend for our 7 year anniversary

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  152. My favourite experience is the One Night Country Escape with Dinner for Two

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  153. Great Blog! afternoon tea would be perfect!

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  154. Luxury Afternoon Tea

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  155. The Triple Supercar Thrill with Free High Speed Passenger Ride

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  156. Afternoon tea for my sister, she would love that

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  157. Afternoon tea, you cant beat it! Its my favourite thing to do in the world :-)

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  158. I like the H10 hotel stay experience! I've stayed there before and it's such a great view over London from there.

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  159. There are so many lovely experiences and I would love to do them all but I would really love to try the Overnight Getaway with Dinner - it's been ages since my hubby and I have been away together.

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  160. A spa day with my mum sounds lovely

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  161. the 2 night hotel stay with dinner

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  162. The two night hotel break with dinner.

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  163. Afternoon Tea is my kinda thing!

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  164. I'd have to say I quite fancy the afternoon tea.

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  165. I'd choose the meal for two at Cafe Rouge

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  166. The two night hotel getaway with dinner would be my favourite.

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  167. Two Night Hotel Break with Dinner

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  168. Spa Day for Two is wonderful treat for me and my friend.

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  169. The meet the meerkats experience, sounds absolutely amazing

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  170. The Land Yacht experience sounds great. I would be up for that!

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  171. Loads of great experiences but the spa day ones are always the ones i go for. Thanks for the chance I will be keeping my fingers and toes crossed

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  172. Afternoon tea of 2. It's my all time favourite treat!

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