What is Blind Booking?

What is Blind Booking?

If you are spontaneous, love travelling, and love a good surprise, you will definitely love blind booking too. As the name suggests, blind booking simply means booking a trip without knowing exactly where you are going. You don’t find out your destination until after you have made your reservation and paid for the flight or accommodation.

Image: A photo of a blue and red aeroplane soaring through a clear blue sky and fluffy white clouds.

How it Works

Blind booking works a little differently depending on which platform or travel service you use, but the general idea is the same. Airlines or travel companies that offer this option usually provide you with a list of possible destinations, but you won’t find out where you are headed until after you have made the payment.

Here is a simple breakdown of how it works;

Choose Your Preferences

When you book through a blind booking site or service, they will usually ask you for a few preferences. These could include the dates you are available to travel, your budget, what kind of trip you are looking for (such as a beach, city, or adventure trip), and specific regions you are interested in (like Europe or Asia).

Pay First, Know Later

After entering your preferences, you go ahead and pay for the trip. The price is usually lower than what you would pay for a regular booking, but the catch is that you won’t know where you are going until after you have paid.

Get Your Surprise Destination

Once everything is set and your payment is confirmed, you will finally get to see your destination. Some services reveal this immediately, while others might wait a few days before telling you.

Why Choose Blind Booking

Blind booking is not for everyone, but it is perfect for certain types of travellers. Here is why you should consider giving it a shot;

The surprise factor - You won’t know where you are going until the last minute, making it feel like a fun mystery adventure. It is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and explore new places.

Budget-friendly - Since airlines or travel companies want to fill up empty seats, they usually offer blind booking at lower prices. This makes it a good option for budget travellers who are flexible.

Time-saving - We all know the stress of spending hours (or days) scrolling through flights, researching destinations, and planning trips. With blind booking, all that stress disappears. The decision is made for you in just a few clicks.

Minimal planning - If you prefer to go with the flow, blind booking takes away the hassle of planning a trip from scratch. You just need to pack your essentials, and you are ready to go.

Disadvantages of Blind Booking

Lack of control - If you like to plan every detail or have a specific destination in mind, blind booking may not be for you.

Restrictions on preferences - While some services let you choose general preferences, like whether you want a beach or a city, you might not get a lot of flexibility beyond that. This means if you have strict travel preferences, blind booking could leave you feeling a bit frustrated.

No guarantee of your dream destination - You might not end up in a destination that excites you. There is a chance you could be sent somewhere you are not too thrilled about visiting.

Non-refundable - Once you have made your blind booking, there is usually no going back. Because of the low cost, these bookings are often non-refundable, so if you end up with a destination or travel dates you are unhappy with, you are stuck.

Final Thoughts

Blind booking is all about embracing the unknown and going on an adventure that is full of surprises. It is a fresh way to travel for people who enjoy spontaneity, love a good deal, and aren’t afraid to take a chance on something new.

While it may not be for everyone, blind booking can be an exciting, affordable way for the right kind of traveller to see the world.