Mystery Trip: Destination Unknown (Part 2)

I have only one month. Thirty days. Departure from ORD to who knows where. I wish I could report that I have more details, have shaken down a bit of information of the destination from our vacation planner extraordinaire – but alas I have not. I still have no idea where I am going for nine nights and ten days.

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Itinerary (I use this term loosely)

Less than a year ago this whole adventure started over breakfast. Idle chit chat to planning an adventure, destination unknown. Finally, we are under a month counting down till our departure. It is exciting, know that we will finally know where we are going. It is also very nerve-wracking knowing so little about our destination and what we could possibly be doing. Here is what little we do know:

  • Wednesday
    • Depart ORD in the morning, arrive somewhere else in the evening and stay at the hotel (Site #1 of 3 – city location)
  • Thursday
    • City location, full day to explore
  • Friday
    • City location, full day to explore, dinner reservations in the evening
  • Saturday
    • Check out of hotel, taxi back to the airport to pick up our rental car. Drive to Site #2 of 3 (town location), taking about 3 hours to drive. Prior to arriving at Site #2 will pick up groceries for our stay.
  • Sunday
    • Town location, full day to explore. Has walking trails and cultural sites. Possible mystery excursion but no info until we are at the airport.
  • Monday
    • Spa day in the morning – four hours planned. Additional time to explore the town location.
  • Tuesday
    • Check out, depart for Site #3 (town/nature). Distance is approximately 4-5 hours away, including a stop at a “must-see” place. To arrive at Site #3 there is also boat ride involved. Not certain on the size of said boat but assume it can hold the rental car? Maybe? No idea.
  • Wednesday
    • Full day to explore
  • Thursday
    • Full day to explore
  • Friday
    • Return to mystery airport by early afternoon, taking into consideration there is a boat ride and drive to the airport. We arrive at ORD in the evening.

Current Adventures

The one thing I do know is that there will be a spa day. This occurs on Monday and is the one thing I am really looking forward to. We were given options initially on what to choose so that everything could be booked ahead of time. I believe I have selected the aromatherapy massage with the body scrub.

Packing List…Possible Location Hints?

With less than a month to go, when I plan trips I actually know where I am going, I would be deciding on outfits, which coats to bring and shoes to pack. Problem is I do not know where I am going. Guidelines are helpful but still leaves the “what to pack” wide open. The only thing I really have control over is what I pack with. This meant I got to go shopping.

I have a nice suitcase that I plan to use my new packing cubes in. This should also help store any purchases I make while on the trip since I have been told there is ample shopping. Since I usually pack all my toiletries in two small bags, I am really excited to use the eBags folding flat toiletry bag. This should make packing the suitcase even easier with all these little rectangles to position nicely as we travel from location to location. Since we are four ladies in a medium size rental car, I thought it would be practical to find a nice undersize travel rolling bag for under the seat. Here is hoping I can get everything I need in it!

Here are the guidelines we were given to help guide us for packing: “Regarding clothes, the arrival city has a metropolitan feel to it and we have a few occasions where nicer clothes may be appropriate (and by nicer, I mean simply not jeans/leggings/schlump clothes). There will be no “fine dining” level of clothes required. Your usual “Chicago” clothes are completely sufficient. Plan on packing with flexible layers in mind – tank tops, short sleeve, light weight long sleeve, legging/tunic, light weight capris, jeans, etc.”

This gave me no insight. None. The only thing I can think of is that we are somewhere that is not hot. I will probably focus on a few things over the coming weeks to distract myself and leave packing to the last minute. Maybe this will make certain I do not stress about the unknown. I have absolutely no idea on where we could be going, my guesses lead me to believe Europe (England? Spain? France?) What I do know is that I am looking forward to the day we arrive at O’Hare and FINALLY find out where our adventure will take us!

17 thoughts on “Mystery Trip: Destination Unknown (Part 2)

  • April 4, 2019 at 10:39
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    Wow, this is so cool and scary at the same time 😂 I don’t know if I can’t handle the not knowing where I’m going. It’s exciting kind of. I hope you have a wonderful time

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  • April 4, 2019 at 17:05
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    How much fun is this? I’m sure you will have a great time.

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    • April 10, 2019 at 22:44
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      This sounds so fun and exciting. Can’t wait to see where you go!

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  • April 4, 2019 at 17:36
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    You are right! I was looking forward to gleaning something from the clothing guidelines. NADA! lol

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  • April 4, 2019 at 18:50
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    This sounds like a fun adventure. I’m not sure what I’d do without my schlump clothes though!

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  • April 5, 2019 at 14:36
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    You are a brave soul going on a trip to an unknown destination! I hope you have a wonderful time.

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  • April 6, 2019 at 08:50
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    How exciting!! I love this idea. We do like to plan stuff and get groupons ahead of time, but think this is a must do. Have fun!

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  • April 8, 2019 at 07:56
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    Oh, you are a brave soul ~ but it’s so exciting at the same time to read about. I’m looking forward to finding out the details and about all the adventures you take on this mystery trip.

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  • April 9, 2019 at 20:21
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    Wherever you land, I hope you have an amazing trip! It’s sure to be memorable. I look forward to finding out your destination.

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  • April 11, 2019 at 09:57
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    So exciting. I would totally do this too. I think you have lots if fun surprises to expect.

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  • April 12, 2019 at 05:30
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    This is so exciting!!! I can’t wait to see where you end up. Love your packing cubes. I can’t live without mine.

    Good luck and safe travels!!!

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  • April 14, 2019 at 12:25
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    Ahhhh…the element of surprise! That’s exciting not knowing where you end up to! Every now and then we all love surprises.

    Reply

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