#mysterydc

[backwardmaptravels]

Pack Up + Go: Travel Company Review

***Sorry this took so long to post I had it in my drafts but never published it....whoops***

When it comes to traveling I adore the concept of the whole thing. I love the idea of waking up in a strange city with only your wits and the kindness strangers to guide you through the ciaos. Which is why the concept of booking through a travel company that was going to keep my destination a secret from even me was intriguing. 

I had first stumbled across the company Pack Up + Go a few years ago when I had first started playing with the idea of becoming a solo backpacker. However inexperience in traveling prevented me from looking into it any farther and instead just thought that it was a cool idea. Fast forward to three months ago I come across the company again. With a few trips under my belt and the promise of a few more within the next few years I thought it was about time to pursue the idea of a mystery vacation a bit father. I’ll be honest in saying that my actual booking of the trip was done on a whim. I researched the company via unbiased and unpaid reviews and saw where people seemed to only have nothing but good things to say about their experiences. So after a few days of contemplating the trip I booked it two months out and was so glad I did.

Overall my experience with Pack Up + Go was fabulous. For not knowing where I was going I felt very prepared when it came to what items I needed to pack and what the weather and activity level would be. As you can read on my previous post about this trip I received an envelope in the mail a few days before my trip and was told not to open it till the day of my departure because it would have everything I would need in my trip inside. What was contained inside this envelope you ask. Mine included:

My destination reveal

A custom postcard

Flight information

Transportation options within the city

Hotel information

Area breakdown (what to see/eat)

Uber gift card

Destination fact sheet

Confirmations for pre-booked excursions (I got a museum ticket and a food tour)

They really did provide everything I needed and it was really fun just to travel in the moment. So would I do it again? HELL YES! Rather it be by myself, with a friend, or a group I would most defiantly travel through pack up and go again. Everything went so seamlessly and the only issue I had was a small charge that was accidentally given to me by my hotel, however a quick email to Pack Up + Go and that was resolved. 

What do you say? Are you game for a mystery vacation?

[backwardmaptravels]

First Clues on My Mystery Destination

For those who are new or may have forgotten please refer to my previous post about my mystery destination vacation here.

Alright, so I’m officially a week out from my mystery vacation and I just received my first (although unhelpful) hints as to my destination. I woke up to an email in my mailbox this morning that read:

Hi Kimberly,

Your trip is only one week away - I hope you're excited!In anticipation of your upcoming departure, here are some details that might be useful.

Weather

I'll send over an updated forecast on Thursday, just in case anything changes!

What to Pack

Walking shoes (hint: there's so much to see and do in this destination, so you'll be covering a lot of ground)

An empty stomach (hint: this city has some seriously good food!)

A camera (hint: this city is known for its amazing history and museums)

A bathing suit (hint: though this isn't a beach destination, your hotel does have a great pool for you to enjoy!)

How to Pack

You are allowed to bring one personal item (purse, laptop bag, backpack, etc.) that will fit under the seat in front of you.

You are also permitted to bring one larger suitcase that will fit in the overhead compartment. The standard size for these bags is 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, including handles and wheels.

I was also told what time to show up to the airport and that my boarding passes would be emailed to me at that time as well. Along the same line I was informed on what time I would be arriving home at the end of my trip

Finally, they said that an envelope containing the location of my mystery destination and various other trip details had been sent to me and would be arriving within the next few days. I have been instructed not to open the envelope when it arrives but to instead wait until I reach the airport the day of my trip.

I’m getting just the right amounts of excited and nervous at this point! Where do you think I’m going??

UPDATE: With now 4 days before my departure I have received my envelope in the mail. I have shaken and held it up to the light in hopes to find yet another clue with no success. However, I will be strong and not open it until I arrive at the airport....wish me luck.