Home > Moments > United Kingdom

Mystery travel: Is it for you?

editorial

Published •

Original image credit: Brooke Cagle

Author: Rosalyn Ding

What is a surprise holiday, you ask? In traditional terms, it's a holiday planned just for you without you knowing the destination. Besides the thrill and excitement of not knowing what to expect, mystery travel also encourages spontaneity and living in the momennt. If you're thinking, "But how would I plan myself a surprise holiday?" then that's what this article is for.

We've listed several travel companies that specialise in surprise trips or mystery vacation planning if you will. Each is slightly different yet they all run on the same basis – that your trip will be organised for you as a surprise.

Intrigued yet? Then read on, adventurous one!

Anywhr

Start by selecting your preferred

Region of travel
Dates
Accommodation style
Trip theme

Then, sit back and let the Anywhr team work their magic. Three days after placing your order, Anywhr will send a teaser email with departure details, the destination's weather forecast, and packing tips for your trip. Practice self-restraint and refrain from guessing where you'll be going. One week before your trip, check the mailbox for your Anywhr mail which should only be opened upon reaching the airport on the day itself. This Anywhr mail will contain all the details of your surprise trip – flight details, accommodation, see and do, tips and tricks, and an emergency contact number.

An additional component of an Anywhr trip is the list of challenges in your travelogue, which you can complete to gain flight upgrades and an extra night's stay for free to be used on your next Anywhr adventure.

Website: anywhr.co

Blind Experiences

The Blind Experiences team focuses on getting to know their travellers first, so they can ensure a perfect 'blind experience.' First, you'll need to click 'Contact Us' on their website and fill up the questionnaire which includes things like

Travel dates/ period
Departure airport
Countries to avoid
Ideal destinations
Your hobbies and passions
Total budget

Next, they will schedule a Skype call for a chat. If you like, they are happy to chat with your friends and family too to get their input. Once both parties have agreed on a budget, the Blind Experiences team will craft your trip with the promise of it being an epic one. Here comes the hard part – you will receive 10 envelopes containing all the details of your trip. Only open the first envelope when you want to start packing your bags, and let the mystery holiday begin!

Website: blindexperiences.com

Don't Forget The List

Don't Forget The List is a travel company that specialises in Surprise Travel and Bucket List Experiences. First, select your length of stay and preferred mode of transportation. Then, proceed to filling out other preferences for them to know you better. Surprise Trips include options like Solo Road Trip, Group Road Trip, Solo Journey, and Group Journey. Gift certificates are available for purchase with values from USD 50 to USD 2,500.

Website: www.dontforgetthelist.com

Magical Mystery Tours

Magical Mystery Tours has been specialising in planning mystery vacations since 2009. The mechanics are the same – you set some parameters, they do the research and planning, and you find out where you're headed when you get to the airport. Their list of parameters is pretty comprehensive, with options ranging from bed size preference to including any hobbies as part of your trip.

Website: magical-mystery-tours.com

Pack Up + Go

Start by furnishing them with

Budget per traveller
Travel dates
Some travel preferences
Traveller's information

The Pack Up + Go team will book your flights and accommodation based on the details provided. One week before the trip, you will receive an email with the destination's weather forecast, recommend items to pack, luggage restrictions, and the time and place of departure. A few days before the trip, you'll receive an envelope with all the details. This should only be opened at the airport or station of departure on the day itself. All you have to do then, is Pack Up + Go.

Website: packupgo.com

Srprs.me

Srprs.me currently only services flights that depart to and from the UK. You start out by choosing

Destination
Dates
Departure airport and flight times
Accommodation
Baggage
Breakfast

Srprs.me uses a scratch card to reveal your destination for when you get to the airport on D-day, perfect for those of us who can't stand having the answer in our hands and not 'accidentally' seeing it. You will then need to input the code at a personalised link to reveal your destination. You can also buy a gift card starting from £50 to kickstart a friend's srprs.me trip.

Website: srprs.me

Surprise Me Trips

Surprise Me Trips starts off a little differently. First, choose whether you'd want a Weekend Escape, Week-long Getaway, or a Wow Me! Trip. Then, share the usual details

Travel dates
Who you'll be going with, if applicable
Budget
Fill out the "Let's Go" page

Same as Blind Experiences and Pack Up + Go, you will then receive the preliminary details email one week before, and the envelope with full details a few days before the trip.

Website: surprisemetrips.com

The Vacation Hunt

The Vacation Hunt is based in the US, so payment will be in USD. First, fill up their survey form. In it, they ask things like

Basic personal details
Places you'd like to go or avoid
Flight and dining preferences
Activities

A fun option to consider, you could choose to receive clues about your destination via social media. The Vacation Hunt will tag you in their social updates with playful hints that are up to you to investigate.

Website: thevacationhunt.com

Whisked Away

Upon free sign-up to their website, users will receive a handy carry-on packing list. At the moment, Whisked Away only features surprise vacations to North America, Europe, and Latin America. The first step is to select your preferred region of the four. Then, click Solo or Multi traveller and proceed to set your budget. Once clicking 'Purchase', there will be options to customise your trip