25 Unique Holiday Surprise Ideas
The world is a big place with no shortage of incredibly unique holiday surprise ideas for you and your friends, family, and or loved ones to go and check out for an awesome surprise travel vacation trip!
Check out Competitours awesome list of 25 unique holiday surprise ideas that offer specific, location-based details for a memorable getaway!
1. Surprise Northern Lights Viewing in Abisko, Sweden
- Why: Abisko National Park is one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Lights.
- What to Do: Take the Aurora Sky Station chairlift for a panoramic view of the Aurora Borealis. Book in advance as slots are limited!
2. Private Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Cappadocia, Turkey
- Why: Cappadocia’s rock formations and valleys are stunning from the air.
- What to Do: Arrange a sunrise hot air balloon tour from Göreme for a private and romantic surprise. After the ride, enjoy a cozy breakfast at Seki Restaurant overlooking the valleys.
3. Stay in an Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
- Why: The original ICEHOTEL is entirely rebuilt every winter from ice and snow.
- What to Do: Book a night in one of the Art Suites, crafted by ice sculptors worldwide, and enjoy the Arctic wilderness tour. Don’t miss a reindeer-drawn sled ride with local Sámi guides.
4. Mystery Dinner in a Cave Restaurant in Matera, Italy
- Why: Matera’s ancient stone-carved Sassi makes for an atmospheric, historical meal.
- What to Do: Book a dinner at the 1,000-year-old La Grotta nei Sassi restaurant, hidden within the caves of Matera. Choose the chef’s mystery tasting menu to surprise your date.
5. Escape to a Floating Villa in The Maldives
- Why: Experience privacy, luxury, and beautiful ocean views!
- What to Do: Book a stay at the Soneva Jani resort and opt for a villa with a retractable roof over the bedroom, perfect for stargazing at night.
6. Secluded Mountain Cabin Getaway in Banff, Canada
- Why: Banff offers stunning mountain views, especially in winter.
- What to Do: Rent a cozy cabin near Lake Louise. Plan a snowshoeing adventure in Johnston Canyon, followed by a visit to the Banff Hot Springs to warm up.
7. Whale-Watching Adventure in Tromsø, Norway
- Why: Tromsø is a prime location for spotting orcas and humpbacks.
- What to Do: Surprise your loved one with a RIB boat tour from November to February for the best whale-watching season. Wrap up the day with a candlelit dinner in an Arctic Dome with a view of the fjords.
8. Wine and Stargazing Picnic in Mauna Kea, Hawaii
- Why: Hawaii’s Mauna Kea offers some of the clearest skies in the world.
- What to Do: Arrange a night-time tour and bring along a prepared picnic with local wines. After sunset, telescopes at the Mauna Kea Visitor Center let you stargaze like a pro.
9. Mystery Train Journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada
- Why: Scenic train journeys offer a relaxing way to explore hidden landscapes.
- What to Do: Book the "Rainforest to Gold Rush" route as a surprise, where they won’t know the destination until they’re aboard! Marvel at the forested canyons, waterfalls, and mountain passes.
10. Safari Surprise in Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Why: Kruger is renowned for its Big Five sightings.
- What to Do: Arrange a private safari guide for an up-close view of lions, elephants, and more. Wrap up the day with a surprise dinner under the stars at the Jock Safari Lodge.
11. Sleep in a Treehouse in Ubud, Bali
- Why: Bali’s lush rainforests make for an enchanting retreat.
- What to Do: Book a treehouse stay at Hideout Bali, hidden in the jungle near rice terraces and waterfalls. Surprise them with a morning yoga class followed by a Balinese massage.
12. A Gondola Surprise Ride in Venice, Italy
13. Underwater Restaurant Dining in The Maldives
- Why: Dining with views of vibrant coral reefs and sea life is unforgettable.
- What to Do: Book a table at the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at Conrad Maldives. Your partner will be surprised as they descend into the glass-walled space with breathtaking marine views.
14. Stay in a Hobbiton-Themed Cottage in New Zealand
- Why: New Zealand’s Hobbiton sets the perfect backdrop for fantasy lovers.
- What to Do: Book a stay at Woodlyn Park’s Hobbit Hole accommodations in Waitomo. Arrange a guided tour of the Hobbiton set near Matamata for a magical experience.
15. Desert Stargazing in Wadi Rum, Jordan
- Why: Wadi Rum’s desert landscape makes it ideal for stargazing.
- What to Do: Book a luxury tent at the UFO Luxotel for an open-ceiling view of the stars. Plan a surprise Jeep tour to explore the red sand dunes and ancient petroglyphs nearby.
16. Christmas Market Tour in Strasbourg, France
- Why: Strasbourg is considered the “Capital of Christmas” with its enchanting holiday markets.
- What to Do: Surprise your partner with a cozy stay at the historic Hotel Cour du Corbeau. Explore the Christkindelsmärik and share a hot mulled wine as you browse handmade ornaments and festive treats.
17. Overnight Cave Stay in Petra, Jordan
- Why: Staying in a cave near Petra is an incredible way to experience the ancient city.
- What to Do: Book a cave stay with local Bedouins just outside Petra. Take a nighttime Petra by Candlelight tour, where the Treasury is lit up by 1,500 candles.
18. Sleep Under the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland
- Why: Finland offers glass igloos designed specifically for Aurora viewing.
- What to Do: Book a stay at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in a glass igloo for a private Aurora Borealis show. Follow up with a reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forest.
19. Romantic Yacht Cruise in the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
- Why: Croatia’s turquoise waters and secluded islands make for a breathtaking boat trip.
- What to Do: Surprise your partner with a private yacht cruise from Split, stopping at Hvar, KorĨula, and the Blue Cave on Biševo Island for a day of sun, sea, and seclusion.
20. Giraffe Breakfast at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya
- Why: Giraffe Manor offers an intimate wildlife experience with resident giraffes.
- What to Do: Book a stay where giraffes poke their heads in during breakfast. Take a day trip to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can adopt and meet a baby elephant.
21. Mountain Igloo Stay in Switzerland
- Why: Igloo hotels provide a unique, snowy escape with stunning Alpine views.
- What to Do: Stay at the Iglu-Dorf in Zermatt, where you can enjoy Swiss fondue inside your igloo and take a snowshoe trek with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.
22. Opera and Fine Dining in Vienna, Austria
- Why: Vienna is home to one of the world’s finest opera scenes.
- What to Do: Surprise your partner with tickets to an opera at the Vienna State Opera, followed by a gourmet dinner at the Michelin-starred Steirereck. Reserve a backstage tour for an exclusive look behind the scenes.
23. Ancient Ruins Stargazing at Chichen Itza, Mexico
- Why: The Yucatán Peninsula’s night skies are incredibly clear, especially over ancient Mayan sites.
- What to Do: Book a stargazing experience at Chichen Itza, where an astronomer guides you through the stars and Mayan myths. Wrap up the night with a stay at the Mayaland Hotel, steps from the ruins.
24. Lavender Field Picnic in Provence, France
- Why: Provence’s lavender fields are a beautiful, fragrant escape, especially in summer.
- What to Do: Plan a surprise sunset picnic in the lavender fields near Valensole. Afterward, treat your partner to a stay at Château de Berne, a wine estate that’s perfect for a countryside retreat.
25. Private Helicopter Tour of Iguazu Falls, Argentina-Brazil Border
- Why: Iguazu Falls offers one of the most spectacular natural views from above.
- What to Do: Book a private helicopter tour for jaw-dropping aerial views of the falls, then stay at the luxurious Belmond Hotel das Cataratas inside the national park, where you can view the falls without the crowds.