I Booked a £79 Mystery Holiday and It Got Worse Than I Imagined
While scrolling through deals with a glass of cava in hand, I stumbled upon an offer that made me pause: a mystery holiday for just £79. As a travel writer and podcaster, I'm always planning work trips, so the idea of letting someone else decide my destination seemed appealing. What could possibly go wrong?
What Is a Mystery Holiday?
For those unfamiliar, the Wowcher mystery holiday promises return flights and a two-night hotel stay abroad at a low price—£79 per person in my case, though it's typically £99. Destinations can range from glamorous spots like Dubai, New York, or the Maldives to European cities such as Paris, Monaco, or Lake Como. Your location is assigned via a random draw based on availability, with bookings split into three tiers.
There are six holidays in Tier 1, twelve in Tier 2, and a massive 1,982 in Tier 3, totalling 2,000 packages for 4,000 travellers. Tier 1 includes the headline, long-haul trips perfect for Instagram, but the majority are European weekend breaks. You must accept that you might end up in Barbados or a basic three-star hotel in Europe, weighing the risk against the cost.
The Booking Process and Initial Excitement
My husband was less than thrilled about paying for a surprise, but I convinced him through persistent negotiation. We secured the deal at £79 each during a special offer, entering the draw with cautious optimism. The odds of landing a luxury trip were slim, but I hoped to escape the British drizzle for somewhere glamorous.
After paying, I received a code and redemption link, feeling a rush of excitement. I entered our details, chose our departure airport, and learned that flying from outside London incurs extra fees, and baggage costs apply if you need more than a t-shirt and essentials. Then came the moment of truth: the destination reveal.
The Disappointing Reveal and Stormy Arrival
I had envisioned turquoise waters and piña coladas in the Caribbean, but instead, it was the Costa del Sol. My initial reaction was less than enthusiastic, but I regrouped, thinking Spain in February could offer blue skies, tapas, and seaside cocktails—a sunny break from Britain's relentless rain.
I pictured balmy afternoons in a cute resort with ocean views, clinging to this hope as we boarded a delayed Ryanair flight in freezing conditions. Staying positive through turbulence, I believed nothing could ruin the holiday. However, the captain announced adverse weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, as we descended into Storm Leonardo. My hopes were dashed upon landing.
Budget Accommodation and Further Setbacks
Wowcher's "minimum three-star hotel" turned out to be a tired budget apartment block in Benalmadena, seemingly untouched since the 1990s. While fairly clean and decent-sized, it was extremely basic: no balcony, toiletries, or coffee, with threats of fines for leaving lights on and a 10 a.m. checkout. This was a bare-bones stay for budget travellers, not the mid-tier break I had imagined.
As Storm Leonardo raged outside, my husband remained calm, almost expecting such outcomes for a sub-£100 holiday. Determined to salvage the trip, I suggested visiting the aquarium, but it was closed due to the storm. Even finding a pub that served Sauvignon blanc proved challenging.
Discovering Benalmadena and Málaga
Despite the setbacks, Benalmadena has its charms when the sun appears. The town is divided into three areas: the traditional hilltop Pueblo, central Arroyo de la Miel, and seaside Costa. While there are bars for boozed-up Brits and souvenir shops, it also boasts a gorgeous seafront, swish marina, and tasty tapas.
In better weather, you can stroll along 10 kilometres of sandy beaches, including Blue Flag options like Santa Ana Beach, or enjoy ocean-view restaurants on the palm-lined promenade. Puerto Marina offers shopping, dining, and the Sea Life aquarium (when open), while attractions include a 33-metre Buddhist Stupa, Colomares Castle, and a cable car to Mount Calamorro for panoramic views.
For a more authentic experience, wander inland to tapas bars like Asador Casa Miguel, serving exceptional Andalusian dishes. Alternatively, a cheap 30-minute train ride to Málaga provides culture and excellent eats, with sites like Alcazaba, a Roman Theatre, and over 30 museums, including the Picasso Museum.
Lessons Learned from the Mystery Holiday
Our time in Costa del Sol felt brief, highlighting a flaw in the Wowcher deal: a narrow window to experience the destination. If the weather is good, you're lucky; if it's stormy, it feels like a layover with sangria. The key lesson is that in travel, as in life, you get what you pay for.
As someone who has backpacked on a budget, I now prefer comfort—fluffy towels and working air conditioning. Booking a cheap break means preparing for inconveniences like awkward flight times, basic accommodation, and poor customer service.
Is It Worth Booking?
Whether the Wowcher mystery holiday is worth it depends on your expectations. If you dream of a bucket-list destination with five-star luxury, avoid gambling £99 on a surprise. Extras like baggage and seat selection can add up quickly.
However, if you're up for a laugh, can convince friends to embrace chaos, and value a good story over a sun lounger, it might be a fun punt for under £100. You might face awful flights, dingy hotels, and storms, but at least you're not at work. Book the deal, pack lightly, manage expectations heavily, and let the travel gods decide—you could end up in Thailand or Benidorm.
