Travel is about so much more than just experiencing a new place; seeing the world should include adventure, spontaneity, and self-discovery. Unfortunately, all the planning and logistics of an all-inclusivegetaway can ruin that. Between booking flights, reserving hotels, and creating itineraries, what once started as a spontaneous holiday can quickly become an overplanned mess. This is where surprise trips come in.
Travelers looking to shake things up no longer need to bear the weight of vacation trip planning. Many travel agencies specialize in surprise vacations where everything, including the destination, is left out of the traveler’s control. Details like flight itineraries and hotel reservations aren’t disclosed until the very last moment, leaving the traveler entirely in the dark.
While this type of trip may sound like a nightmare to some, travelers seeking spontaneity may have found their new adrenaline-fueled obsession for their next trip.
How Do You Plan a Spontaneous Trip?
The best part of a spontaneous trip is the lack of planning involved. All logistics are taken out of the equation when a vacation is booked through a mystery vacation agency. From scouring the internet to find the best flights to comparing dozens of hotels and tours, all the worst parts of travel can be left behind.
Avoiding the logistical headache of travel is very appealing to those who love to indulge in luxury travel — what’s more luxurious than having an entire trip planned just for you? The Vacation Hunt is a travel agency that offers flat-rate mystery vacations that can be tailored to a traveler’s high-end sensibilities. For surprise destinations in Europe, rates range from $2,500 $6,499 per person, depending on the length and size of the holiday.
Like most surprise travel agencies, travelers will fill out a survey to ensure they are not met with disappointment. For example, a traveler searching for a luxurious experience can opt for premium airfare, luxury hotels, and fine-dining options.
What Should I Bring on a Mystery Trip?
With mystery trips, the travel destination is left almost entirely to the discretion of the travel agency. As such, it’s nearly impossible to predict what needs to be packed.
Fortunately, most travelers are aware of the destination at least a day before departure. While this time crunch may seem a drawback, many travel agencies will ease the burden by providing a packing list.
Some may even disclose the weather forecast further in advance. Nonetheless, when you pack up and go, it’s always best to bring the essentials:
- Layers for cold weather
- Rain protection
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable footwear
Another consideration to make before booking a surprise adventure is travel insurance. The Vacation Hunt recommends that all travelers purchase travel insurance and provide free quotes to anyone who books through them.
It should be noted that most travel agencies will not include travel insurance in their pricing.
Best Places To Travel in Europe on Your Surprise Trips
Due to the ease of travel and abundance of diverse cultures, Europe is one of the best places to plan a surprise trip. Here are some of the best European cities to plan a mystery vacation:
- Italy
- Spain
- Germany
While the purpose behind a surprise trip is to leave the destination as a mystery, most surprise travel agencies will ask their clients to specify some countries they do and don’t want to visit. Of course, travelers can choose to ignore this and leave it entirely up to the agency’s discretion, but it is advisable to list some preferences. This helps mitigate the risk of an unenjoyable travel experience.
Italy
Based on its world-class food, any traveler will have an unforgettable experience in Italy. While the best pizza, pasta, and gelato should be enough to please any traveler, Italy’s appeal does not stop there.
No matter the city, Italy offers an array of attractions with great historical significance. The Colosseum, for example, is the marquee site of Rome and perhaps Italy as a whole. Built nearly 2,000 years ago, it continues to stand in the city center of Italy’s capital.
Other destinations in Italy that are sure to offer unforgettable experiences include the canals of Venice, breathtaking hills of Tuscany, and serene beaches of Sardinia. Italy offers endless options for travelers after all kinds of different vacations.
Spain
Another country that offers something for everyone, Spain is a country riddled with historical sites, marvelous natural beauty, and bustling city centers. Barcelona is a perfect option for travelers who want the beach and the city. Famous for its white sand beaches, Barcelona offers an array of historical sites and some of the best nightlife in the world.
Spain is also an excellent destination for those interested in luxury travel. The port town of Marbella is world famous for its high-end restaurants, luxury villas, and super-yacht docks. Like many European countries, Spain has the additional benefit of remarkable geographical diversity. From mountains to beaches, Spain has everything a traveler could want.
Germany
While Germany can’t claim to have coastal beauty offered by Italy and Spain, this historic country is an unmatched destination for travelers seeking a rich cultural experience. One of the best times to visit Germany is in the fall when Munich hosts its annual Oktoberfest. Each year, millions of travelers from around the world come to Munich to dress in traditional Lederhosen and celebrate Germany’s world-class beer.
Not far from Munich are the breathtaking Alps, where travelers can experience one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the entire world. Further north is Berlin, a bustling metropolis that offers unmatched nightlife, incredible museums, and such can’t-miss historical sites as the Berlin Wall.
Why U.S. Citizens Will Need To Register To Travel in Europe in 2025
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, will be launched in 2025 to enhance the security of EU member nations within the Schengen Area. Until ETIAS, U.S. citizens could travel visa-free throughout the EU for up to three months within six months. Through ETIAS, non-EU citizens, including U.S. citizens, will be required to register before EU travel.
Why Is the Travel Process Changing?
The overarching reason behind ETIAS is to elevate and maintain the border security of the EU. Such a need for greater security came about due to four primary reasons:
- Last year alone, Europe experienced 50 million individual visitors and over 200 million entries.
- The number of refugees and people seeking asylum for reasons of war and persecution has risen sharply over the last few years.
- Terrorist attacks have become disturbingly frequent, threatening the lives of citizens who call Europe home.
- Technological advancements have made electronic pre-travel authorization a realistic and practical way of maintaining border security.
While ETIAS’ primary objective is to protect EU member countries and their citizens, it should also be noted that ETIAS will benefit travelers. ETIAS can be completed before travel begins and will ultimately expedite the current customs process.
Does This Mean You’ll Need a Visa To Travel to Europe?
ETIAS is a visa waiver, not a visa. While ETIAS registration may be required, non-EU citizens who previously did not require a visa to travel throughout Europe will continue to have this privilege. Find out who needs ETIAS with this assessment.
How Long Will an ETIAS Take To Process?
Upon completion of ETIAS registration, applicants will be notified of their approval instantly or within a few hours. ETIAS authorization will then be linked to the traveler’s passport, eliminating the need to carry further documents.
Do You Have To Reapply for Each Trip to Europe?
ETIAS is valid for three years or until the date of passport or travel document expiry, whichever comes first. Reapplication is not needed while ETIAS is valid.
Which European Countries Require ETIAS Authorization?
ETIAS is not required for all countries within the EU. Only EU member countries within the Schengen Area will require ETIAS such as:
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Spain
Find a full list of those countries here.
How Long Can You Stay in Europe With ETIAS Authorization?
With ETIAS authorization, non-EU travelers can stay for as long as three or six months. This policy remains unchanged.
Who Else Needs ETIAS Authorization?
Non-EU citizens from 59 of the 62 countries traveling throughout Europe visa-free will need ETIAS. These countries can be found here.
What To Do Next
The EU is creating further travel restrictions to protect its citizens and ensure that travelers from across the world can safely visit its beautiful member countries. From surprise trips to vacations years in the making, Europe is happy to welcome international visitors. Stay up-to-date on the latest travel requirements no matter where you're traveling.
Sources:
ETIAS for American Citizens | ETIAS
Best Travel Insurance Companies Of July 2022 | Forbes
Can’t Decide Where to Go? Leave it to These ‘Surprise Vacation’ Planners. | NY Times