What a You Pick Trip is Really Like
Want to stay close to home, or already know where you want to travel?
Choose your destination with a You Pick Trip.
Take the opportunity to be a tourist in your own city. Pack Up + Go You Pick Trips in your hometown are the best way to do that. And I’m speaking from experience.
I recently moved to Austin, TX knowing I needed a way to explore this new frontier. A You Pick Trip in my hometown allowed me to discover this city with confidence and familiarize myself with my new environment. I discovered hidden gems and visited my bucket list items, all while having a truly unforgettable experience.
Don’t worry, I waited to open my envelope until the day of my departure!
First Things First: You Pick Trip Basics
A You Pick Trip includes:
- Reservation at surprise accommodations
- Curated recommendations
- Dinner reservations
- Parking at accommodations or a ride-share gift card
- Guaranteed ticket to a surprise attraction or experience
I received my Surprise Envelope in the mail 3 days before my You Pick Trip commenced and even though I knew where I was going, my excitement was through the roof. My envelope contained a curated itinerary made specifically for me (any other museum + live music lovers out there?!), tickets to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (just in time to see the Texas Bluebonnets bloom), and information about my stay at the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt, plus dinner reservations for the amazing Gelardine’s. More on all of this later. 😉
Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
Pack Up + Go is known for sending travelers to unique boutique hotels and this choice did not disappoint. Located minutes from the lively Rainey Street Historic District and overlooking Lady Bird Lake, the hotel has something for everyone.
The gorgeous digs had a subtle music theme, fitting for the live music capital of the world! I valeted my car (included in my Pack Up + Go package!) and shimmed my way to the rooftop pool.
With my personalized itinerary in hand (plus a mojito), I made a game plan: kayaking and hiking.
Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake
You can’t tell but I’m grinning from ear to ear. Promise!
It’s a rite of passage to kayak while in Austin. Lady Bird Lake weaves its way through the city and offers incredible views of the skyline. I rented a kayak from the Rowing Dock (per Pack Up + Go’s recommendation) and enjoyed my afternoon on the water. Everyone else must have had the same idea because the lake was filled with others embracing all the city has to offer. The vibes were immaculate.
Hiking Mount Bonnell
Okay, okay. Not really hiking. But I consider climbing 106 steps to Mount Bonnell’s peak at 775 feet, in loose terms, a hike.
Long story short: it was worth it. With sweeping views of Lake Austin and its surrounding hills, Mount Bonnell is a must-see while in town.
Bluebonnets + cacti for your viewing pleasure.
Dinner at Geraldine's
I headed back to the Hotel Van Zandt and got ready for dinner. Pack Up + Go made dinner reservations for me at Geraldine’s which, conveniently, is located within the hotel. As if the trip couldn’t get better, the day of my reservation coincided with the restaurant’s live music night.
Labeled ‘Birds, Bubbles, and Blues’, Thursdays at Geraldine’s was complete with fried chicken, champagne, and blues music courtesy of Jo James. The night was *chef’s kiss*.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
After a glorious sleep in my king-sized bed, I headed to my surprise experience for the day - a ticket to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Named after first lady Lady Bird Johnson, this state botanical garden is a true hidden gem. My Trip perfectly matched up with the bloom of Texas wildflowers, namely the famous Bluebonnets. I spent my afternoon literally frolicking through fields of flowers. It was the perfect way to wrap up my trip.
A You Pick Trip is a great way to enjoy all the perks Pack Up + Go offers without having to travel into the complete unknown.
Whether you’re someone like me who wants to explore a new city, or you’ve lived in the same spot and want to play tourist, a You Pick Trip in your hometown will satisfy your wanderlust.
Have any questions? Leave a comment down below! 👇