Mystery Vacation: Behind The Fun, Less-Stress Travel Trend

Heading to a favorite vacation spot is a great way to make memories, but sometimes the repeated visits can make a getaway a bit dull over time. If you are looking to shake things up, mystery travel may be an option for you. Though the surprise element can be daunting for anyone who prefers to do their own planning, the benefits may be appealing for travelers looking to add spontaneity to their next trip. Below, you’ll find information on the increasingly popular mystery vacation and why it may be a great option for you.

What is a mystery vacation?

This unique experience has started to grow among frequent travelers looking to shake things up. How it works: Vacationers work with a travel company like Magical Mystery Tours and Pack Up + Go for their getaway, which begins by getting to know the travelers. People have the option to fill out a survey that provides more information about their interests, budget and desired travel dates.

This helps guide the company to build the ultimate trip for the customers. They then plan and schedule the vacation, including anything from flights and hotels to restaurant reservations and activities in the destination.

The benefits of mystery travel

Heading into the unknown for your vacation may sound intimidating, but its perks have convinced many to take the leap! In fact, a 2024 survey from Booking.com found that 52% of travelers would like to book trips where they don’t find out the destination of their getaway until they arrive. The surprise element makes it appealing for them.

One of the benefits of a mystery trip? It gives you a chance to make memories in a place you may not have otherwise considered. This could be because it’s a spot you were previously unaware of, or a location that you would normally overlook.

Another perk is that it also takes the stress out of planning! Travelers Kaye and Jim Peloquin told AARP that their mystery trip to New Orleans included hotel arrangements, airfare, a food tour and tickets to the National WWII Museum — all planned by Pack Up and Go. The pair found the hassle-free trip to be so enjoyable that they’ve gone on two other mystery vacations throughout the country.

Since the majority of the trip is planned in advance, all guests have to do is relax and take in all of the surprises that await them. No need to worry about planning an itinerary or making reservations!

How to embark on a mystery vacation

If you like the idea of mystery travel, there are plenty of options available to get started. AARP says that there are at least 15 companies based online who offer these packages in the U.S. or internationally.

As mentioned above, travelers begin by completing a survey to give the company enough information to work with. One company, Journee, asks questions about anything from whether you like the outdoors to what activities you would never do. They even give you the option to opt out of whole countries. Then the pro trip planners work their magic!

Once the getaway time approaches, you’ll receive more detailed information. Pack and Go, for example, shares they’ll send you an email a week ahead of time that will feature descriptions of things like the weather forecast for the destination, a suggested packing list, and where to go to catch a flight.

Not long after, you receive your much-awaited “mystery” packet envelope that contains everything you need to know. Magical Mystery Tours explains this includes an overview of the destination and why it was chosen. They also share the booking and reservation information and suggestions on activities to do once you’re there.

Finally, you will take the sealed envelope to the airport on the day of travel, where you open it to reveal the details of your trip. You’ll discover where you’ll be headed and hopefully find yourself on an exciting, unexpected journey you soon won’t forget!

Watch one family get their surprise destination in the video below:

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