Recently, I was invited to the press launch of Expedia’s exciting new venture Surprise Trips. Initially unsure of whether I could attend, as it was just days into my new job, and after eight hours of work the last thing I fancied doing was jumping on the train and heading up to London to navigate the tube and crowds of people, I quickly thought ‘what the heck’ and gladly accepted the invitation.
Having lured one of my London-based friends into attending with me, we met up outside of the launch’s venue – the swanky members-only Hospital Club Hotel in Covent Garden – and ventured inside, excited to find out more out the suitably named Surprise Trips.
After depositing our coats, scarves and bags in the downstairs cloakroom, we jumped inside the lift and headed up to the Loft lounge on the 4th floor. At the door we were greeted by our lovely hosts for the evening and handed our passport pack, including a drinks token, further information about Surprise Trips, and a ticket designed invitation to enter the evening’s competition, with the prize being a surprise trip!
We eagerly grabbed a cocktail, made the most of the delicious canapes (bite-size versions of proper meals) and mingled with some of the other guests until it was time for the project to be unveiled.
So, what is Surprise Trips?
Surprise Trips is a new travel venture from the people behind Expedia. Essentially it is a booking tool that allows you to book a city break to an unknown destination.. perfect for surprising yourself and others, and taking away some of the stresses of holiday planning.
At the moment, Surprise Trips offers 77 European destinations varying from sunny Athens, to urban Berlin or even the beautiful Icelandic capital of Reykjavik. Offering convenient flight times from all across the UK, all trips include return airfares and accommodation at a minimum 3* hotel.
How does it work?
Whilst the thought of signing yourself up for a trip to an unknown destination sounds a little daunting – don’t worry, you do have control of one or two variables. For example, departure date and airport are completely down to you and you can pick a duration of between 2 and 4 days. You let the people at Surprise Trips how many people are travelling and enter your maximum budget, and you even get to exclude up to three destinations that you don’t fancy visiting (this time). After that you click the ‘Surprise Me’ button and the rest is done for you!
What happens next?
A few days before you are due to set off on your adventure, you will receive an email with a weather update and your flight times. Then it’s up to you to pack your suitcase and make your way to the airport. Two hours before your flight, your destination will be revealed to you via email and then you’re off!!
Sounds exciting, right?! Well I certainly think so.
Also, do you remember me mentioning the evening’s Twitter competition.. well guess what, I won!
That means that at the end of April I’m off on one of the first Surprise Trips and I can’t wait! Make sure you follow me over on Instagram and Twitter to find out where I’m going! I would tell you, but you know.. it’s a surprise!
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So what do you think? Are you ready to #getsurprised?
3 comments
So happy for you that you won a trip Victoria! I wonder where you’ll end up? I was gutted you couldn’t make the event so really excited to what what you think 🙂
This is such a cool idea! Can’t wait to hear where your surprise trip is to and all about it!
Hi Rachel! So sorry, I’ve only just seen your comment! My surprise trip took me to Copenhagen last weekend which very pleasant indeed, especially as we had some gorgeous sunny weather. Blog post will be coming very soon – can’t wait to share all my photos!! 🙂