Imagine being told to pack your bags for a trip you didn’t plan, to a destination you didn’t choose, staying in a hotel you can’t name. Sounds reckless, right? And yet, for an increasing number of travelers, this isn’t just acceptable—it’s desirable.
This is the world of blind booking, where spontaneity meets strategy. And like all things unconventional, it’s wrapped in myth. Today, we’re going to unpack those myths, one by one.
Myth 1: Blind Booking Means No Control At All
Let’s start here: the idea that blind booking is a total shot in the dark. That you hand over your credit card and cross your fingers.
The truth? You actually control quite a bit.
In blind hotel bookings, platforms like Hotwire and Priceline allow you to choose the city, travel dates, neighborhood, star rating, guest reviews, and key amenities before booking. The only detail withheld is the hotel’s name. It’s not chaos; it’s controlled curiosity.
For flights, platforms like Eurowings Blind Booking or Lufthansa Surprise allow you to select a departure city, exclude destinations you’ve already visited (or don’t want to see), and choose from themes like “beach,” “culture,” or “party.” You pick the date—they pick the surprise.
You’re not gambling; you’re pre-choosing a range of outcomes.
Myth 2: Blind Booking Is Just for Budget Backpackers
There’s an image we attach to blind booking: a 22-year-old in a hostel, eating instant noodles, and sleeping in a mystery bunk. But that stereotype is wildly outdated.
Blind booking appeals to budget travelers, yes, but it also appeals to value-conscious luxury seekers. On Hotwire, for example, users routinely score 4-star boutique hotels for less than the price of a Holiday Inn. Priceline Express Deals are used by business travelers looking for quick, efficient stays without the premium markup.
Blind booking isn’t about sacrificing quality. It’s about leveraging your flexibility to get more than you paid for.
Myth 3: Blind Booking Is Always Cheaper
This one’s tricky. Blind booking can be cheaper. In fact, according to Hotwire, you can save up to 60% on standard hotel rates through their Hot Rate deals. Airlines offering blind booking often sell leftover seats for a fraction of their list price. Eurowings, for instance, offers flights as low as €33 one-way.
But it’s not foolproof.
During shoulder seasons or low-demand windows, traditional bookings can match or beat blind rates—especially if you have access to member-only rates or promo codes. The key is to compare before committing. Use tools like Google Flights, Hopper, and Kayak Explore to price-check destinations and dates.
Myth 4: You Can’t Earn Rewards or Points
True, you often won’t earn hotel loyalty points on blind bookings because the identity of the hotel is hidden and you’re technically booking through a third-party platform.
But that doesn’t mean you’re flying point-less.
For flights, you can often still earn frequent flyer miles even with a surprise destination, as long as you’re flying with a major airline and input your loyalty number after the destination is revealed. You can also stack rewards by using travel credit cards that offer points or cashback on all purchases.
It’s not the points windfall of a luxury suite at a chain resort, but it’s not nothing.
Myth 5: You Can’t Do Blind Booking for Both Flights and Hotels
This is where things get interesting.
It’s very difficult—and not recommended—to book a blind flight and a blind hotel at the same time. Because you don’t know your destination, you can’t reliably book a hotel until after your flight is revealed.
That’s why most travelers treat these separately:
- If using blind booking for flights, wait until your destination is revealed, then use a last-minute booking app (like HotelTonight or Priceline Express) to get your hotel.
- If using blind booking for hotels, you already know your city and can book confidently.
Blind booking works best when only one side of the trip is a surprise.
Myth 6: The Quality Is Hit-or-Miss
Let’s be honest: this fear is real. But here’s what people miss.
Platforms offering blind bookings are incentivized to deliver great experiences. Hotwire, Priceline, and Eurowings want repeat customers. They want people to share positive stories. So while you may not know the name, you’re almost always booking hotels with guest ratings of 7.5 or higher.
And guess what? If they sneak in a bad listing, word spreads fast. Online communities like BetterBidding and HotelDealsRevealed decode these listings in real-time.
In other words, the crowd is your safety net.
Myth 7: You Can’t Predict the Hotel or Destination
You can’t know exactly. But you can make educated guesses—and many seasoned travelers do.
For hotels:
- Cross-reference the star rating, location, guest score, and amenities.
- Use crowd-sourced platforms to match listings with known hotel data.
- Compare prices and cancellation policies to match the blind listing to a known chain.
For flights:
- Review eligible cities on the platform’s theme page.
- Exclude unwanted destinations.
- Check recent reports on Reddit or travel blogs to see common results.
Blind booking doesn’t mean total mystery. It means partial surprise.
A Smarter Way to Travel?
So what do you really get with blind booking?
You get savings, yes. But more than that, you get an experience curated by your own curiosity.
It’s not for control freaks or over-planners. But for the flexible traveler, the one who sees a bit of mystery as a bonus rather than a threat, blind booking unlocks a part of travel we don’t talk about often enough: delight.
Because sometimes the best trips start with not knowing where you’re going.
Need-to-Know Resources:
- Hotwire Hot Rate Hotels
- Priceline Express Deals
- Eurowings Blind Booking
- BetterBidding Forum
- HotelDealsRevealed
Final Tip: If you try blind booking, start with the hotel. It offers more control, more savings, and far less stress.
Unless you’re the kind of person who lives for the thrill of seeing “Bucharest” pop up as your weekend destination at 2 a.m.
In that case, go all in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time to Book Flights for Holiday Travel?
You should book your Thanksgiving flights around early October, as prices are lowest about 45 days before departure.
For Christmas, aim for late October since prices drop around 58 days out.
Use price tracking tools to spot the best deals and book midweek for potential savings.
Don’t wait too close to the holiday, as costs rise.
Flexibility with dates can also help secure cheaper flights.
Happy travels!
How Can Frequent Flyer Miles Affect Blind Booking Prices?
Frequent flyer miles don’t directly impact blind booking prices because blind booking operates on a fixed price structure, independent of miles.
While you can use miles to reduce costs in regular bookings, blind booking focuses on offering surprise destinations at a set price.
However, understanding frequent flyer programs can enhance your overall travel strategy, allowing you to allocate miles for other trips and enjoy the fixed-rate excitement of blind booking.
Are Last-Minute Travel Apps Reliable for Booking Accommodations?
You can rely on last-minute travel apps for booking accommodations. They offer features like user-friendly interfaces, predictive analytics, and price comparisons to make your experience smooth.
With 72% of mobile bookings happening within a day, these apps clearly deliver. Skyscanner and Airbnb provide immediate booking options, while Travelocity guarantees 24/7 customer support.
Despite myths, they deliver flexibility and savings, making them a dependable choice for spontaneous travelers.
Do Loyalty Programs Provide Better Deals Than Blind Booking Services?
When weighing whether loyalty programs or blind booking services deliver better deals, consider consistent costs versus spontaneous savings.
Loyalty programs reward routine, racking up redeemable rewards for regular travelers. However, blind booking brings bargain bliss with immediate discounts and flexibility.
If you’re seeking short-term savings and don’t mind mystery, blind booking might be best. For frequent flyers or hotel hoppers, loyalty programs promise perks that can sweeten steady stays.
How Do Travel Insurance Policies Differ for Blind Booking Trips?
When you’re considering travel insurance for blind booking trips, the policies can differ considerably.
You’ll find that standard options like trip cancellation and interruption coverage apply, but certain blind booking-specific exclusions might complicate things. Insurers could consider these trips too unpredictable, affecting your coverage.
It’s essential to customize your plan, adding necessary add-ons for adventure activities if needed. Always review the policy details carefully to guarantee you’re adequately protected and aware of any limitations.
Conclusion
You’ve now seen how common travel myths can mislead. Imagine you’re planning a trip, thinking booking early saves money. But like Sarah, who snagged a last-minute deal to Paris, you’ll find that flexibility and research are your best tools. Remember, whether it’s finding the best exchange rates or understanding accessibility, question assumptions. By challenging these myths, you’ll travel smarter and create more inclusive, informed experiences for yourself and others.
