“Everything is done online. You tell us if you want to fly to your destination or drive to your destination, and then you choose your travel dates, your budget, and fill out a whole pre-trip survey,” she explains, noting that travelers are also asked to share any mobility concerns, dietary restrictions, and travel preferences. Her team of in-house travel agents then comb through the survey, planning a trip that perfectly complements your interests and needs. “We book it all for you, and a week before departure, we email you the weather forecast and we tell you what to pack… Then, a couple of days before your trip, you receive a physical envelope in the mail,” she says.
That envelope, which travelers are instructed not to open until the day of departure, contains the rest of the trip specifics, including your final destination. “It has information on your hotel, all of the pre-planned activities we’ve lined up for you, and a full city guide of other things to see, do, and eat based on what you told us in your pre-trip survey,” she says.
She adds that they see all kinds of travelers embarking on these mystery trips, but the package tends to be especially popular among friend groups and couples ringing in a birthday or anniversary. “It’s really a fun way to celebrate,” she says.
If you’re a Type A traveler—the kind who always takes control of trip planning—this may initially seem like an experience that’s miles out of your comfort zone, but you can rest assured knowing Rafson and her team have the entire process covered. Mystery trips are designed to be streamlined and seamless. “People come for the element of surprise, but they stay for the service,” she says. “You fill out that pre-trip survey, and then your work is done. And if anything comes up, whether your flight is canceled or you’re delayed and miss a connection, we take care of that for you. We have 24/7 in-house traveler support.”
Still, you may be asking yourself the most common question Rafson hears: What if I don’t like the hotel? Well, the brand-new partnership with Benchmark Resorts & Hotels should alleviate that worry. “Travelers can actually request to stay in a Benchmark property on their surprise vacation,” says Rafson—and any of the U.S. hotels are fair game.
Since Pack Up + Go always prioritizes boutique hotels that “feel local to the destination,” the partnership was a natural fit, and Rafson likens it to matchmaking. “We’re going to choose the Benchmark property that matches your vibe,” she says. For example: Anyone seeking a weekend getaway where they can immerse themselves in history and sightseeing adventures may find themselves in Newport, Rhode Island, staying at the Wayfinder Newport. Or, if it’s music, cocktails, and relatively warm weather you’re after, there’s a chance the experts at Pack Up + Go book you a room at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery in New Orleans.
“By staying in a Benchmark property, you get the chance to really have a local experience,” she says. After all, that’s the whole point of mystery travel. “We want you to be able to wander around, explore, and stumble upon hidden gems and neighborhoods and side streets,” she shares. Because everything—from reservations and activities to transportation and dedicated free time—is planned for you, you’ll have the freedom to do just that, creating meaningful memories and connections wherever your travels take you.
