How often do we take the time to do something totally random on a whim with our partner?

Taking a mystery vacation or planning a romantic weekend getaway is something many of us think about, but rarely act upon. Here are a few ways to incorporate surprise and mystery into your love life - or friendships - this year!

Written by The Pack Up + Go Team

Go on a Surprise Trip

We’re biased, but we think that a mystery vacation is the easiest way to travel while creating lasting memories. Treat yourself to a romantic vacation that’s truly just for fun. You can let us know what you and your partner love to do on vacation on the Pre-Trip Survey so that your Trip will be curated to your interests. Our Team will handle all the planning and nitty-gritty details so that you can just focus on having fun — when was the last time you and your partner were both surprised together?

The anticipation leading up to your surprise getaway is thrilling, but the experience of opening your envelope together at the airport is one of the most spontaneous things you can do as a couple! Plus, our 24/7 Traveler Support Team is here to help alleviate any stress if anything comes up during the experience.

Staff Pick - Cristina , Social Media Specialist

“In my relationship, I love doing "at-home" dates with a twist! Playing new board games, cooking a new recipe, or having a themed movie night with a pillow fort! With my friends, we are always trying a new activity together, like a bicycle spin art class!”

Unplug + Reconnect

In today's fast-paced, digital world, unplugging and reconnecting with loved ones is more important than ever. While we all love social media, notifications, and connection to the outside, they can create barriers to genuine, face-to-face interaction. Spontaneity plays a crucial role in rekindling the sense of wonder + excitement that can get lost in everyday life. Break free from predictability, encourage flexibility, and open up to new experiences together.

Traveling with your significant other, family, or close friends offers a unique opportunity to step away from the daily grind and experience new things together!

It's a chance to depart from the routine, put aside the screens, and focus on each other. Let's not forget that the best memories are sometimes made when plans are left behind.

Staff Pick - Ashley, Marketing Partnerships Development Specialist

“My husband and commit to "one new thing a week", from activities to recipes and everything in between. There's nothing too big or too small! The goal is to keep seeking adventure together...and the outcome is always a surprise!”

Take a Staycation

Experience your own city - together!  A Pack Up + Go You Pick Trip invites you to choose your own destination, and if you don’t have the time to leave town - try a Staycation. You can explore those bucket-list items you haven’t gotten a chance to experience yet, visit new restaurants you’ve been dying to try and rekindle your romance with a vacation experience close to home. 

Staycations are also great for parents or people who have responsibilities nearby - Staycations can have a short duration or long duration, depending on your schedule! That way, you can take a vacation without having to drop everything. Did someone say room service? 

Staff Pick - Juliana, Content Manager

“My friends and I keep things spontaneous by signing up for classes we've never tried before (pilates, pottery, etc.) so we can try new things together! Instead of scrolling through our Netflix queue for hours on end, my husband and I have started randomly choosing what to watch off a running list of movies we have saved on our phone. This way, we're both surprised by what we pick and we get to check another great movie off our list! My husband and I like to turn errands or chores into dates to increase our spontaneity and turn mundane tasks into something more meaningful and fun. Doing something as simple as a Costco shop together has become one of our favorite date night activities!”

Plan a Mystery Day for Each Other

Alternate weekends planning a day full of surprises for one another! Create your own mystery day by choosing a destination and keeping it a surprise for your partner. To build up the anticipation ahead of this mystery excursion, take a cue from Pack Up + Go - give your partner packing tips and small clues ahead of time. Will they need hiking boots? A bathing suit? Clothes for a night on the town? What time should they expect to be ready? Incorporating clues into your mystery only adds to the excitement and will create a fun grand reveal!

Make sure to include curated recommendations for your special destination. Pack Up + Go Picks Destination Guides offer a surprise travel experience without having to purchase accommodations or travel. If you’re planning your own vacation to a Pack Up + Go destination, this is a great way to spend more time exploring and less time planning on your romantic getaway! We have more than 70 destinations to choose from in both city + outdoor destinations. Get handpicked recommendations from our expert Travel Planning Team without breaking the bank.

Staff Pick - Corinne, Director of Marketing

“Don't put it off! I keep a running list of restaurants that I want to go to in my phone. Every month, my husband and I pick at least one to visit. We pick a date and stick to it! This "planned spontaneity" keeps us trying new places, dishes, and experiences together.”

Spontaneity + mystery don’t have to cost a fortune or take a lot of your time to plan. There are so few times in life that allow for genuine adventure, and we challenge you to take the time to indulge in a little more surprise! 

As you embark on your Pack Up + Go adventure, let spontaneity be your guide to romance. Our Surprise Vacations are not just about the destination — they're about creating memories of shared experiences, laughter, and love!

Embrace the unknown, and let Pack Up + Go be your partner in crafting the most spontaneous getaway of your lives. Remember, the best stories are written when you least expect them. Book your Surprise Vacation today and let the adventure unfold!

How do you involve surprises in your life and relationships? Let us know below! 👇