Wowcher Mystery Holiday Review – Is it worth it?

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£99 for a week in Bali, New York or even Dubai!! This deal is a budget travellers dream… or is it? Here is my Wowcher mystery holiday review.

When I saw this deal going around on social media, I thought it was a scam. It sounds far too good to be true… the chance to get a week in Bali for £99… NO WAY!

Hence, I had to give it a go! I brought this for my mum and myself as her birthday present.

Wait, what is this? Mystery what? I have no idea what you are talking about?

So, the company Wowcher offer a holiday to somewhere outside the UK for £99 per person (min. 2 people), it’s sort of like a raffle but you are guaranteed a prize. There are a range of destinations you can be sent to, ranging from the likes of Dubai and New York to the Costa Brava. For your £99 you get a return flight and accommodation – Wowcher guarantee’s at least 48 hours at your destination, so you are going to get at least 2 nights’ accommodation.

What did I get?

As much as I was hoping to get New York or Bali, I was very happy with where I was assigned – VENICE! One of the destinations at the top of my bucket list and the one place my mum has always wanted to visit!

We were given pretty good flights and whilst our accommodation was basic it was perfect for our trip. We were out all day exploring and only used the room to sleep and shower. Our trip was a Sunday to Tuesday in January, so whilst it wasn’t warm, it didn’t rain, and Venice was nice and quiet.

The flight out was an evening flight at 18.35 (which isn’t ideal) but it was fine. Whereas our return flight was probably the best we could ask for – 10 pm. Hence, we got two full days in Venice which is more than enough time to explore the city and the surrounding islands.

Is the Wowcher mystery holiday worth it?

£99 for a two-night break to Venice seems like an amazing deal, but I looked at how much it would cost to book it myself, for the same flights and the same hotel and it actually worked out slightly cheaper.

This shows that travelling in off peak seasons is one of the best ways to save money on travel.

Although, the trip may have been cheaper booking it independently, I think you’re also paying for the anticipation and excitement of someone else deciding where you are going. Getting that phone call and having the woman tell me where we were going and when was so so exciting. It took me the rest of the day to come down from the adrenaline rush I got from the call!

Plus, whist the trip that I got may have not been the best deal, any of the long-haul trips would have been more than worth it. Flights and accommodation for £99 in Bali, New York or Vegas, now that is an epic deal!

Any downsides?

The only major downside to the Wowcher mystery holiday is that you can’t pick the dates you travel. I was offered three date choices on the phone, but all were weekdays. Therefore, you have to be fully flexible with when were able to travel.

Would I do it again?

10000%!! I absolutely loved the tension waiting to get the phone call. We had told all our family and friends about it and I think they may have been even more excited than we were to find out where we were going. I love this sort of thing and will definitely be doing trips like these again in the future!