With almost 1 million views on TikTok, ‘Surprise Honeymoons’ may be set to become one of 2024’s most popular travel trends.But, what should brides and grooms be aware of before booking one?
A mystery honeymoon can be a great way to reduce the stress of planning while still keeping things fun and exciting. The experts at Confused.com travel insurance have revealed the key things you need to know if you’re planning on booking a mystery honeymoon this year.
What is included in mystery holidays?
What’s included in a mystery holiday package may differ depending on the company.
One of the most popular mystery holiday package providers in the UK is Wowcher. In 2023, there were 239,500 searches on Google for ‘Wowcher mystery holiday’ and a further 43,200 for ‘Wowcher £99 mystery holiday’. The package has also seen a lot of traction on TikTok. The hashtag #wowchermysteryholiday has over 56.9 million views on the app.
- Wowcher prices include return flights and a stay in a 3*+ hotel. All flights to short-haul destinations are direct from the UK. You can arrange alternative flight times to suit you, but you might have to pay extra for this.
- All flights included in the package leave from London. This includes Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Southend. For an extra fee, you can fly from your nearest regional airport.
- It’s important to note that only hand luggage is included in the price. You’re also responsible for arranging and paying for visas if you need them.
- Another thing that isn’t included in the price is travel insurance. Although it isn’t required in most countries, you should still consider buying a policy. This means you’re covered for medical treatment, emergencies and travel disruptions.
Can you cancel mystery holiday packages?
- You can cancel mystery holidays but this is usually only up to a certain point. For example, with Wowcher, you can only cancel before you’ve received your destination. If you cancel the holiday before this point, you’re entitled to a refund. After this, you’re subject to the holiday provider’s terms and conditions. This means you can’t be refunded if you aren’t happy with your given destination. The holiday provider may offer an alternative location but there isn’t always availability for this.
- Occasionally, the Foreign Office issues advice not to travel to certain locations. In this rare case, you’re given an alternative destination. This means you don’t have to worry about cancelling your trip and not receiving a refund under these circumstances.
Matthew Harwood, Confused.com travel insurance expert, said: “You should consider buying travel insurance as soon as your trip is booked. With Wowcher, this might not be possible until you know your destination. Typically, you find out where you’re jetting off to within five to 10 days of redeeming your voucher. You could consider buying travel insurance as soon as your destination is revealed to you. However, you can buy it up to one day before you travel to still be covered on the trip.
The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on the following:
- Your destination
- How much cover you’d like
- How many people are travelling
- Whether you have any pre-existing medical conditions
- Whether you’d like additional cover – e.g ski, adventure sports or business
“As standard, travel insurance policies usually include some form of cancellation cover. This means costs are covered if your flight or accommodation is cancelled. You’re also usually covered if you have to cancel your trip due to things that are out of your control. Check your policy terms and conditions to ensure you know exactly what you are covered for.
This includes, but isn’t limited to:
- Unexpected death, illness or injury
- Unexpected damage to your home – e.g fire or burglary
- You’ve been made redundant
- You’re pregnant and have been advised not to travel
- You’re called up for jury service or as a witness in court
“These reasons are only accepted by your insurer if your policy was bought before the event.
“If you need to make a claim on your travel insurance, you should contact your provider as soon as possible. To file your claim, you’re typically either sent a form or asked questions over the phone. You may be asked to provide receipts, photographs, correspondence, or a crime reference number if the police have been involved.
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