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Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Get inspired!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate teamWhat is Blind Booking? We Explain!
With blind booking, you purchase a flight or hotel at a discounted rate — without knowing your exact destination in advance. The process typically involves selecting your departure airport and a general category such as ‘Sun & Beach’ or ‘City Trip.’ Based on your selection, you’ll be booked on a surprise flight.
However, you do have some control, as many platforms allow you to exclude certain destinations for an extra fee. If you recently visited Mexico and want to avoid going there again, you can remove it from the list. Keep in mind that the more locations you exclude, the higher the price.
Blind booking is a well-established trend in the USA and parts of Europe, but there are still only a handful of travel agents that currently offer these services. It’s a great way to book cheap flights and hotels while embracing the thrill of the unknown.
Blind Booking Flights
Eurowings, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, is the most well-known provider of blind booking flights. The process is simple: you select your departure airport and return date, then choose a category such as a party trip, shopping, or beach vacation. With Eurowings blind booking, your destination remains unknown until the booking is confirmed.
Your trip could take you to a vibrant city like London or perhaps a relaxing beach in Croatia. Once the Eurowings blind booking is finalized, you’ll receive an email revealing your travel destination, allowing you to start preparing for your adventure.
Blind booking is like receiving a mystery gift — it’s an exciting way to travel at lower costs. Many travelers report that their surprise flight was significantly cheaper than a regular booking to the same destination.
Preparing for your surprise trip
Not sure how to prepare for a blind booking trip? No worries! Since you only learn your exact destination shortly before departure, extensive pre-planning isn’t necessary. But that’s part of the fun! If you like to research before you travel, you can buy a travel guide and study popular destinations based on the categories you selected. If you don’t have time, you can always finalize your plans on the flight!
However, if you have certain preferences, it’s best to set some boundaries before booking. For example, if you want to ensure an international trip rather than a domestic one, it might be worth paying extra to exclude some local cities from your options. For a smooth trip, check out our city trip packing list to ensure you have all the essentials.
We highly recommend embracing the adventure and letting yourself be surprised by your destination. Wander through the streets, try local food, observe the culture, and soak in the experience. Many travelers find that unplanned trips lead to unexpected and beautiful discoveries. This element of surprise is what makes blind booking so thrilling!
Watch Out for Extra Fees
Many surprise flights come with additional baggage fees. For instance, you may have to pay more for checked luggage when using Lufthansa blind booking services. If you’re planning a longer trip or an extensive shopping spree, a regular flight booking might actually be more cost-effective. Of course, this means losing out on the surprise factor.
Pirate Tip: Excluding Destinations
If there are specific places you want to avoid, many blind booking providers allow you to exclude them for a small fee. This can be a great investment if you want to ensure a fresh experience rather than returning to a familiar location. Check with Lufthansa blind booking and Eurowings blind booking service providers if there are any destinations you wish to avoid.
Blind Hotel Booking
Blind booking doesn’t just apply to flights — you can also book hotels this way! Platforms like Hotwire (a subsidiary of Expedia) offer blind hotel booking options.
Instead of searching for a specific hotel, you enter your desired destination, and the system presents a list of available accommodations without revealing their names. However, you do get information about the hotel’s quality standard, location, and price. After blind hotel booking at a discounted rate, the name of the hotel is revealed.
Pros and Cons of Blind Booking
Many travelers who have tried blind booking love the experience. It’s an affordable way to book weekend getaways in the sun or mountains. However, this style of travel isn’t for everyone. If you’re picky about destinations or accommodations, you might not enjoy the lack of control.
Pros:
Lower prices: You get cheaper flights and hotels than standard bookings.
Eliminates decision fatigue: No need to stress over choosing a destination.
Unexpected discoveries: You might end up in a place you never considered but absolutely love.
Excitement and adventure: The element of surprise makes travel even more thrilling.
Cons
Limited control: You don’t get to choose exactly where you go.
Extra fees for exclusions: Narrowing down your destination list can increase costs.
Potential for unwanted surprises: If you dislike uncertainty, this might not be for you.
Considerations for Blind Booking
Before blind booking, it’s essential to review the provider’s terms and conditions. While standard consumer protection applies, blind booking is typically exempt from distance selling regulations. This means that once you’ve booked, cancellations or refunds might not be possible unless otherwise stated in the terms.
If you experience significant issues with your flight or hotel, standard travel regulations still apply. For instance, if your accommodation has major defects, you may have the right to request compensation or a refund.
Blind Booking as a Gift Idea
Looking for a unique and exciting gift? Blind booking flights and hotels is a fantastic idea for partners, friends, or family members. Not only is the recipient surprised when they receive a vacation package as a gift, but they also get a second surprise when they find out where they’re actually going!
Experience the thrill of selecting a mystery destination together and make unforgettable memories with this adventurous travel option.
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