Enjoy a Fully-Planned Adventure into the Unknown
Are you the kind of person who doesn’t want to know what a movie is about before you watch it? Do you love being surprised by what’s around the next bend? There’s a new type of adventure that might be the highlight of your summer. It’s a fully-planned day trip where your destinations are only revealed to at different stages throughout the day. You can create your own “magical mystery tour” or give one as a gift.
How Does the Surprise Day Trip Work?
There are a number of companies that specialize in surprise or mystery day trips. Most will let you set one up for yourself or give one as a gift to others. You’ll need to provide certain information in advance:
- When you are available to travel—some will want specific dates, but some also have arrangements with vendors that allow you access to full benefits certain days of the week (for example, only weekdays or only weekends)
- Where you live and now far you want to travel in a day—As a general rule, the day trips are organized for motor vehicle travel
- Your travel interests—Do you like to do things outdoors? Are you interested in historical sites or museums? Do you prefer shopping or great dining experiences?
- How much do you want to spend?
- Do you want to go and return home in the same day?—Some trips include overnight accommodations, but generally don’t include additional activities on the morning after
Once the company has all the information they need, they’ll do all the planning, making reservations at hotels or restaurants, if necessary. With some companies, you’ll get a packet containing a number of envelopes. You’ll typically be instructed to open the first envelope immediately, as that will provide you with all the information you’ll need to prepare for the day trip:
- When you should plan to leave
- What you should bring with you (casual clothes, dinner attire, hiking shoes, etc)
- How long you can expect to be gone
What Happens the Day of Your Trip?
On the morning of your mystery adventure, you’ll open the second envelope, which will give your directions to your first destination. Alternatively, you may receive your envelopes in an email. The envelope will also disclose what you will be doing at your first stop. When you’ve completed the activities in the second envelope, you’ll be instructed to open the next envelope…and so forth, until your adventure is over.
What Happens If You Can’t Make It the Day You Scheduled?
Most companies have a support line you can call to rebook your adventure. Those companies that offer open-ended dates typically ask that you complete the trip within 3 to 6 months. If you are unable to do that, you can call the company and get your trip updated.
