If I could sum up 2021 in one word, it would be resilience.

I saw it and felt it all around me - from cities reopening, to people feeling safer reuniting with loved ones, to the rebound of the travel industry. After such a whirlwind year, it’s exciting to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished. Since January, we welcomed 13 new faces to our team - more than doubling our size! - all of whom are incredibly passionate about spreading the joy of surprise travel. In addition to growing our team, we stretched far beyond what we thought we were capable of. We expanded beyond surprises, launching Picks. We collaborated on some great partnerships, including our biggest yet with Chase/United. We showed our travelers and community how much we care by launching the Cloud 9 Club. And by launching Peace of Mind Refund Assurance, we vowed to protect our travelers through any turbulence life may throw their way.

So now, we look to the future. With an even stronger team and more supported community, we’re excited to march into the new year. While of course there is still uncertainty, this year has proven that our small but triumphant team can tackle challenges that come our way with creativity, care, and charisma. In 2022, I hope the word that defines our year will be opportunity. I’m a big believer that anything is possible, and I’m endlessly grateful that you’re with us on this journey.

Where will we explore, together, in 2022?

-Lillian and the Pack Up + Go Team

Where We Traveled

New 2021 Destinations:

Ashland, OR

Bozeman, MT

Galena, IL

Tucson, AZ

Our Travelers

Top Traveler Interests:

• Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants: 73%

• Restaurants for Foodies: 73%

• Quirky Attractions + Oddities: 66%

• Hiking: 61%

• Cafes + Coffee Shops: 58%

• Historical Sites: 56%

• Live Music: 55%

  % of travelers who selected this interest

Traveler Stats:

• Average # of Travelers per trip: 2

• Median Age: 34

• Most Common Age: 30

• Oldest Traveler: 82

• Youngest Traveler: 1

• Multi-Traveler Trips: 92%

• Solo Traveler Trips: 8%

2021 Developments

Pack Up + Go Picks:

Launched in January 2021, Pack Up + Go Picks is a way for travelers to purchase vetted, curated recommendations for more than 100 Pack Up + Go destinations around the country.

Travelers complete a quick survey to tell our team where they are traveling and their top interests. We curate our favorite picks for restaurants (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), sightseeing opportunities, and activities focused on the central downtown area in their destination and send them by email!

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Peace of Mind Refund Assurance:

When we saw the frustration caused by airlines, hotels, and operators not issuing cash refunds for pandemic-related cancellations and postponements, Pack Up + Go decided to take matters into our own hands.

In March 2021, we launched Peace of Mind Refund Assurance, an optional add-on available at check out. Peace of Mind Refund Assurance allows travelers to book their surprise vacation confidently, knowing that if anything comes up, they will be guaranteed a refund or have the flexibility to change your trip dates for free. 

No third parties, no complicated fine print, no stress.

The Flight Crew Influencer Ambassador Program:

The Flight Crew, our new Influencer Ambassador Program, launched in October 2021. This program will allow us to partner with creators across the United States who are passionate about travel, sharing authentic experiences, and all-things surprise. 

Members of the Flight Crew will capture and showcase the entire Pack Up + Go trip experience to their digital communities. From signing up all the way to the vacation itself, members of the Flight Crew will create content in exchange for complimentary experiences.

Cloud 9 Club: Traveler Loyalty Program

You asked, we listened.

In December 2021, Pack Up + Go introduced our brand new loyalty and referral program, the Cloud 9 Club. Anyone can sign up to be a member to earn points that can be redeemed for Pack Up + Go Merch and discounts off future Surprise Trip purchases! 

This program is our way of saying thank you for our amazing travelers; for trusting Pack Up + Go to plan your amazing Surprise Getaways, inviting us to help celebrate your important milestones, and for helping support small businesses across the country.

The Pack Up + Go Team wants to thank our dedicated travelers for a great past year and for always supporting and spreading the word about surprise travel.

Read the full 2021 Year in Review report here.

We can’t wait to explore with you in 2022.

Find out where you will explore next on your very own Pack Up + Go trip.