Inside the rise of mystery travel to ‘secret’ destinations

Unlocking the thrill of adventure, “mystery travel” involves embarking on a journey where the destination remains a secret until the moment you depart.

The concept has gained traction in recent years, offering a departure from the conventional approach to holiday prep, and instead allowing travellers to relinquish the meticulous travel planning element to expert travel agencies, submitting themselves to the anticipation of the unknown.

The traditional travel planning process can be a daunting task for some, not to mention a time-consuming one – from selecting a destination to booking flights, scouring for accommodation and crafting a detailed itinerary.

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Relinquish the responsibility of planning

Enter “mystery travel”, mystery trips that offer a refreshing antidote by handing over the responsibility – including for the most basic element, choosing where to go – to expert travel agencies. According to a study by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, 67 per cent of holidaymakers feel stressed and get paralysed when researching and planning a trip due to “information overload”, while 41 per cent get stressed about scheduling things to do during their trip.

In recent times, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic, mystery trips have witnessed a surge in popularity. As travellers shake off the ennui of months spent at home, the allure of venturing into the unknown has become more enticing than ever. Companies like Journee, Guess Where Trips, The Vacation Hunt, Pack Up and Go, Magical Mystery Tours and Surprise Me Trips cater to the growing demand for mystery holidays.

How does it work?

Picture yourself boarding a plane to a place you’ve never heard of or savouring a local delicacy you never imagined tasting. Whether you’re a first-time adventurer, a seasoned globe-trotter, someone without a passport, or a traveller with only a weekend to spare, there’s a mystery trip tailored to your preferences and constraints.

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The concept is fairly simple: the first step is choosing a reputable travel agency that specialises in this kind of service and offers a diverse array of packages, catering to various tastes and budgets. Travellers start the process by revealing their desired travel dates, the kind of experience they crave – be it relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion – and, of course, their budget. If there are destinations you would rather avoid, these preferences can also be communicated.

The heart of mystery travel lies in trusting the experts. Travel agencies employ their wealth of knowledge, industry expertise, access to exclusive experiences and hidden gems, and extensive network of contacts to craft a journey that defies predictability while still selecting secure destinations and accommodation to provide travellers with peace of mind throughout their adventure.

As the departure date approaches, travellers eagerly anticipate the arrival of an envelope – often delivered via mail or email – that contains their meticulously planned itinerary. Yet, the contents remain concealed until the traveller decides to break the seal, which agencies usually recommend to do the on the same day you’re leaving.

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Beyond the sheer thrill of mystery travel, these adventures can also be a cost-effective way to explore new horizons. Travel agencies’ vast networks within the industry enable them to secure bulk bookings and negotiate discounts on flights, accommodation and activities. By consolidating resources and bookings for multiple travellers, these agencies create a win-win scenario, obtaining better deals and passing on the cost savings to their clients.

As these trips gain popularity for their promise of adventure, stress relief, and cost-effective exploration, potential travellers should also consider the risk of disappointment, limited control over planning and the need for flexibility when embracing the nature of these kinds of trips.

However, in the end, spontaneity and the excitement of the unknown continue to draw adventurers to this blossoming trend, where the journey itself becomes the ultimate destination.