Pack Up + Go

Several years back (can’t believe it’s already been 3 years!), Brad and I were trying to figure out where to go for our first anniversary. We are much more into experiences over items, so we are huge proponents of taking trips for birthdays and anniversaries. We had absolutely no idea where to go, what we wanted to do, or where to even start. We were just starting our careers, were young, and in no position to drop thousands of dollars on a trip. That’s when someone recommended the new company, Pack Up + Go. When I looked at their website, I knew this was exactly what we needed to do!

The premise of Pack Up + Go is simple. You fill out a survey based on interests and latest vacation spots, and they plan a surprise vacation for you! They take care of lodging and airfare, you are responsible for activities and food. There were several great options to choose from at the time, and they’re recently expanded their offerings. At the time, there were solo trips, couple trips, and family trips, ranging from flying somewhere to a simpler road trip. We opted for the flight to give a larger location pool for them to pick through. The most common comment we heard from our friends when we told them we were doing this was either “What if they send you someplace you hate?” or “what if they send you somewhere with 10 people and nothing to do?” My response to the first question was always simple. It was a 3 day trip. Even if we HATED the location, it was only 3 days and I’m sure we could find something to do during those days. We also always have a blast on vacation, no matter where we go. No matter where they send us, we will make the best of it. As for the second question, why would they send you somewhere with nothing to do? You would never be a return client! They make a point during the pre-booking survey to mention that they only send people to locations with public transport so it’s easy to get around and with lots of attractions nearby.

In the pre-booking survey, they ask you several easy questions to help them plan the perfect getaway. These questions include past destinations, upcoming trips, hobbies, and what type of vacations you prefer (action, relaxing, or culture). I remember filling out the survey as quick as I could because I was so excited for them to get planning. During the next few weeks, Pack Up + Go will book your hotel, flights, and start putting together your travel email and envelope. A week before your departure, you receive an email that includes the weather forecast, recommended items to pack, and where to go on departure day. I’ve included the email we received to the right to see how easy it is!

This is where the fun really gets started. I tried my best to not do research into flights that leave at 8:30 and have a similar weather forecast, because that ruins the whole point of Pack Up + Go, but I definitely brainstormed a few random ideas. Getting the email is a good way to put your mind at ease that you will be prepared, even though it’s a surprise trip. A few days before the trip, you receive a big envelope in the mail with the rest of your details. It’s clearly labeled that you can open the outer envelope from USPS. Once you open the USPS envelope, you are left with an envelope that is labeled “Ready, Set, Go! Open for your surprise”, which is super tempting when you still have a few days before you take off. We held out and did not open the envelope until we were in our limo on the way to the airport (our limo driver that we had used for our wedding the year prior was excited to find out where we were going so we opened it in the car instead of at the actual airport.)

Inside the envelope is information for your hotel along with travel booklets and a list of recommendations for the selected city (your plane tickets are emailed to you at the time they tell you to be at the airport/train station.) It was time to open the envelope! “You’re going to Denver, Colorado!”

Once we knew where we were headed, we didn’t know where to start! Thankfully we opened the booklets they sent on our flight and took a look at fun attractions nearby. When we landed, we headed straight for the hotel to at least check our bags. Pack Up + Go had booked us at a beautiful, old bank that had been remade into a hotel! It was such a unique and beautiful place to stay. We checked with the concierge there and got a few more ideas of things to see and do while in Denver. Of course, there is also Google to consult as well 😉

We were able to see and do so many interesting things in Denver: went to the US Mint (where they make coins), Coors Brewery tour, shopping, Elitch Gardens Amusement Park (which is in downtown Denver!), and a speakeasy to name a few thing.

One question that I’m asked about a lot is budgeting for trips. First, when it comes to paying for trips of any kind, pay in cash (or on a debit card). I recommend not using credit cards to book trips because then you have a cloud of debt hanging over your head the entire trip that can put a damper on the mood. One of the many great things about Pack Up + Go is that you purchase your trip based off your budget. Plane/Train trips start at $700/per person and go up to $5,000/per person! Road trips are priced a little differently because you are driving your personal car and just are paying for the hotel. Rooms are priced from $800-$5000/per trip. The only thing not included at this price are food and activities at your destination. However, if they can find a great deal on your hotel or airfare you can end up with tickets to a sporting game, attraction, Uber, or even restaurant sometimes, as they try to keep everything as close to your budget as possible.

This was such a unique travel experience, and one that we are planning on doing again soon (once restrictions open up). I love surprises, and being mixed with traveling makes for the perfect weekend getaway. I highly, highly recommend Pack Up + Go if you are wanting to get away, but are wracking your brain for where to escape to. They make the entire process so easy, while providing limited information around packing for your trip, to lessen your anxiety. A great way to have some “structured spontaneity.”