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10 Companies That Will Plan a Surprise Vacation for You
Adele Chapin
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What if you got ready for a vacation and showed up at the airport with no idea where your plane was headed? That’s the idea behind a new type of travel agency that will plan surprise vacations for very adventurous travelers. At the airport, you’ll receive a destination and custom itinerary (usually based on a survey or interview to determine your travel style). The idea is that you leave the planning, details, and logistics to someone else, and just pack up and go. Here’s how to take a surprise vacation of a lifetime with the help of these 10 travel companies.
BlackTomato
If you’ve always wanted to test your survival skills, Bear Grylls-style, BlackTomato’s elaborate surprise adventure tours might be the next best thing. Choose between terrains like “Polar, Jungle, Desert, Mountain, and Coastal,” and BlackTomato’s experts will figure out a country to drop you in—with advice on how to train for your expedition beforehand. Then it’s up to you to navigate through a series of checkpoints (with BlackTomato ops teams watching from afar to make sure all is well).
Blind Experiences
Imagine a surprise honeymoon where stressed-out couples didn’t have to plan anything at all. That idea kickstarted the luxury travel agency Blind Experiences , which then expanded into putting together tailored itineraries for families with young kids and multi-generational groups— with more surprises gradually revealed throughout the trip via sealed envelopes
The surprise trip survey for Jubel begins by narrowing in on a country, continent or destination (beach or mountains?), then asks whether you’re more of a museum or nightlife person (you can pick both, for example). Jubel’s experts go from there to put together a proposal for you that’s just vague enough that your vacation is still a big surprise.
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Magical Mystery Tours
The founders of Magical Mystery Tours started their surprise travel agency back in 2009, and they’ve planned many customized vacations since then. The questionnaire quizzes travelers on everything from whether seasickness is a concern to which places they’ve visited and absolutely loved.
Pack Up & Go
Looking to go on a surprise road trip, a plane or train trip, or even a staycation in your own town? Those are the types of trips that Pack Up & Go specializes in, and travelers have headed off to 125 U.S. cities for a fun and completely unexpected trip with a planned-out itinerary of activities and meals.
Spontaneous and courageous travelers are the ideal clients for SkipTown , an agency that will plan short surprise trips for you—even if you can only get away for one day. A “daycation” includes one night’s accommodation, one meal reservation, and one activity, all of which will be unexpected.
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With Surprisit , you’ll find out your unique surprise destination a few days before your vacation begins (in case you need a bit of time for some Googling). The agency plans surprise trips in the Caribbean in addition to the U.S. and Canada, as well as a “ Eurotrip ” where you head off to a new European city every three days.
The Vacation Hunt
If you’re a beach person, but you still want a big surprise, The Vacation Hunt will set you up with an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, Mexico or Latin America. Other surprise destinations for this travel agency include a trip within Europe or the United States, or you can open it up to any destination in the world. Surprise honeymoons are a speciality for The Vacation Hunt as well.
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Whisked Away
Leave the real-world behind for a while with Whisked Away , which will plan surprise week-long flying or driving trips. The idea is to make this the easiest vacation ever for honeymooners, solo vacationers, families, girls’ groups, or anyone who wants an out-of-the-ordinary experience.
Splurge trips, surprise vow renewals, solo adventures: Whym will plan a surprise vacation for all sorts of travelers. At the moment, the travel agency is only sending travelers out in the U.S.—and the surprises keep coming throughout the vacation, with blank spaces in your itinerary that are revealed gradually via “whymsies” text messages.
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Pack Up + Go Trips: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Mystery Vacation
Embarking on a pack up + go adventure isn't just a vacation..
It's a carefully crafted experience based on the interests + travel history you include on your Pre-Trip Survey . Let's explore what’s included with each of our mystery vacations, making for a curated, stress-free, and exciting getaway.
1. Trip Planning Services
Behind every Surprise Destination lies personalized, made-to-order planning. Our expert Travel Planning Team goes the extra mile to ensure your Mystery Trip aligns with your interests, preferences, and travel history. The journey begins with us, understanding you based on the information you include on your Pre-Trip Survey. No matter what you’re interested in, we want to know!
2. Pre-Booked Accommodations
Arrive at your Surprise Destination with confidence, knowing that your accommodations are pre-booked, pre-paid, and ready to welcome you. Whether it's a cozy boutique hotel, glampsite, or Bed + Breakfast, Pack Up + Go ensures your stay matches the vibe of your adventure.
3. Curated Recommendations for Activities + Eateries
Explore the best of your destination with personalized recommendations and a neighborhood guide, vetted by our Content Team. From must-visit landmarks to hidden gems, our curated guides ensures you experience the local culture authentically. We love highlighting small, locally-owned, and diverse-owned businesses when possible making sure your tourism dollars stay within the local economy!
For Road Trips + Outdoors Road Trips , your Surprise Trip Envelope will include Pit Stop Recommendations, including cute spots to explore to break up the drive + extend the fun of your trip.
4. Pre-Planned Activity or Gift Card
Enhance your adventure with a pre-planned activity or a gift card. Whether it's a scenic tour, a cultural experience, or rideshare gift card, we've added an extra layer of surprise to make your trip even more memorable. In addition to the activity that is guaranteed with your Trip, after we’ve purchased your accommodations (and roundtrip airfare for Plane Trips ), our Travel Planners will use your remaining trip budget to purchase additional activities, tickets, or gift cards that align with your interests!
5. Dinner Reservations
Savor the flavors of your Surprise Destination with confidence. Pack Up + Go secures dinner reservations at local hotspots, offering you a taste of the region's culinary delights for each night of your vacation*.
*On rare occasions, we can't book dinner reservations because of scheduling conflicts (a food tour that goes til 6 PM or a flight that lands after dinner time, etc.) or because of unavailability (smaller destinations without bookable spots). If you have any questions or concerns about your Trip, please reach out !
6. 24/7 Traveler Support
Travel uncertainties? Not on our watch! Our dedicated Traveler Support Team is available around the clock, ready to assist with any queries, ensuring your journey is as smooth as possible before, during, and after your Trip.
7. Any Applicable Taxes
No hidden costs here! Your Pack Up + Go adventure includes any applicable taxes, giving you transparency and peace of mind.
Once you complete the Pre-Trip Survey, you can sit back and relax (or immediately start guessing where you’ll end up)! Our Team will choose the destination and provide a framework for your vacation where you’ll be able to choose your own adventure, selecting activities and dining options that align with your interests from your personalized recommendations. Our approach allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture, savoring the spontaneity of discovering a new destination. From hidden gems to unique dining experiences, our Trips are crafted to empower you with choices, ensuring every moment is tailored to your individual taste.
Keep in mind that it is always our goal to make sure your Mystery Trip has as many inclusions as possible, but our vacations are not all-inclusive, and you should plan to pack some extra cash for delicious meals + exciting adventures during your Surprise Vacation!
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