The holiday season is meant to be a time of warmth and togetherness, filled with family traditions and joyful reunions. But for many immigrants, it’s a season that tugs at the heartstrings—a bittersweet reminder of loved ones left behind, traditions that feel out of reach, and the sacrifices made to build a new life far from home. While the world around them seems to glow with holiday cheer, many immigrants face the season with a quiet ache for connection and a longing for the familiar.
This year, FlightHub took a heartfelt step toward easing that burden with their “Where Travel Finds You” giveaway. This initiative offered three hardworking immigrant families an opportunity to reclaim their holiday spirit. Through an all-inclusive experience tailored to rejuvenate both body and soul, FlightHub reminded them—and all of us—that the holiday season is as much about giving as it is about receiving.
The Price of Holiday Reunions for Immigrants
Moving to a new country in search of better opportunities comes with sacrifices, especially for immigrants who leave behind loved ones and the comforts of their home countries. A recent FlightHub survey illuminated the emotional and financial strains many face during the holidays. Among the findings, 20% of immigrants in Canada shared they can’t visit their families this holiday season due to the high cost of travel. For 17% of respondents, it’s simply not financially possible. Over half of those surveyed (54%) wished they could travel for the holidays but said it’s too expensive, and the same percentage longed to spend more time with family during this special time of year.
These numbers tell a story that many yearn to be with loved ones but are tempered by financial realities. For the three lucky immigrant families, FlightHub stepped in to change that narrative.
Re-discovering the Heart of the Holidays
FlightHub’s “Where Travel Finds You” was born from a deep understanding of the sacrifices immigrants make to create a better future. Designed to offer more than just a holiday getaway, it aimed to rekindle the joy and connection often lost amid the challenges of starting a new life away from home. Instead of focusing on the miles traveled, FlightHub centered on the emotional journeys these families have to endure. It celebrated their resilience and provided a meaningful opportunity to rest, reflect, and feel cared for during the most heartfelt season of the year.
Malou and Rey from the Philippines, Armella from Rwanda, and Mouad from Morocco were each selected for a transformative experience. FlightHub paid for everything—from a vacation stay to a spa day and even a shopping spree. These experiences were designed to bring comfort and rejuvenation, reminding these individuals that their sacrifices and perseverance are seen, valued, and celebrated.
For Malou and Rey, who left the Philippines to provide a brighter future for their children, the opportunity to unwind together was a much-needed reminder of the joys they’ve fought to preserve. Armella, who came to Canada from Rwanda, expressed how meaningful it was to feel cared for after years of navigating challenges in a new country. For Mouad, the journey from Morocco to Canada was filled with ambition but also the weight of separation from his loved ones. These experiences gave him a chance to pause, recharge, and reconnect with his dreams.
“We created Where Travel Finds You to highlight the strength, determination, and resilience that define extraordinary journeys,” says Ayoub Hissar, Director of PR and Marketing Strategy at FlightHub. “This campaign celebrates not just the physical distance traveled, but the emotional journey—the memories of what was left behind, the sacrifices made, and the dreams that continue to inspire. By sharing these powerful stories and gifting travel-themed experiences, we aim to honor their journeys and invite others to celebrate those who inspire them in meaningful ways.”
Expanding the Circle of Holiday Hope
The holiday season is a time when giving back takes on even greater meaning. With “Where Travel Finds You,” FlightHub showed how meaningful support can go beyond creating joyful experiences—it can restore hope and provide relief for those who need it most.
FlightHub has expanded the program to include applicants from the United States, as the company hopes to inspire a broader movement of giving within the travel industry and beyond; entries close on January 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST. “Travel has the power to bring people closer, restore a sense of belonging, and create meaningful experiences that last a lifetime,” Chelhot shared. “Through opportunities like these, our goal is to help families who have faced incredible challenges find renewed joy and connection, especially during the holiday season.”
From Longing to Belonging
The stories of Malou and Rey, Armella, and Mouad remind us that the holidays mean more than glittering gifts or grand feasts. They speak to something deeper — the comfort of feeling understood, the relief of a moment’s rest, and the warmth of reconnecting with what truly matters. For immigrants who’ve poured themselves into building new lives, such moments are rare, and when they appear, they carry immense weight. Through “Where Travel Finds You,” FlightHub offered these wonderful people a different kind of holiday memory.
As we move through this holiday season, FlightHub shows us that companies can help restore hope and nurture compassion. Even simple gestures such as offering a trip, sharing a meal, or listening to someone’s story can ripple outward and touch entire communities. This year, FlightHub has proven that the value of travel isn’t measured in miles but in the humanity we rediscover along the way.
