What are the possible destinations?
Based on your survey, we match a destination with your preferences and Bet. We try to minimize travel time considering the length of your trip – i.e., the shorter your trip the closer to home you will travel. Typically, the destinations will be domestic. If you are interested in international travel, then our Safe Bet Adventure will better meet your needs.
What if I don’t like surprises?
Wild Card Adventures may be out of your comfort zone, but great news, we can still plan your adventure!
Our Safe Bet Adventures may be more your cup of tea. OurSafe Bet Adventures removes the unknown, and allows you to be more involved with the planning process.
What if I don’t want to go where you send me?
We try to match your destination to your preferences identified in the survey. But, that is why we call it a Bet, there is a bit of gamble. Hopefully, you walk away feeling like a winner.
We ask you keep an open mind, and embrace the unknown. Some of my favorite destinations have been places I never had a desire to visit.
For example, I never really wanted to go to Philadelphia because I thought it was too gritty. We booked a random weekend trip via train to Philly. We loved it! The energy of the city was fantastic, so much art and history. The food, oh the food, what fantastic foodie city. We even went to an impromtu Phillies game.
The fun of the Wild Card Adventure is that its a gamble. If this is too far outside of your comfort zone, you may want to start with one of our Safe Bet Adventures. On a Safe Bet Adventures you tell us exactly where you want to go.
How should I plan my budget?
Our survey asks you to place your “Bet.” Your Bet is what you will pay us for your Wild Card Adventure, which includes your transportation (flight, train, rental car) and your accommodations.
The amount of your Bet helps us choose the location, transportation (e.g., air v. bus) and lodging (e.g., 3 star v. 5 star).
Our survey will give you Table Minimums for bets. The Table Minimums align with industry rating standards for Jack (2 star), Queen (3 star), King (4 start) and Aces (5 star).
We will not put you anywhere that we wouldn’t stay ourselves. Obviously, we love luxury, but we can’t stay at the Four Seasons every trip.
However, for planning you should consider an overall budget that includes your Bet. Your budget should be what you plan to spend on your overall trip. Don’t forget to include meals and activities in your overall budget.
We want you to enjoy the destination, and consider your overall budget before placing a bet. For example: if your overall budget is $2,000USD, then you shouldn’t place a bet for $2,000 (transportation and lodging). This leaves you no additional budget for fun (or food) at your destination.
Considerations when making your budget and placing your Bet:
- your departure city (e.g., how accessible is an airport, train station, are you ok with a staycation?)
- travel dates (e.g., are you trying to travel on a holiday? Is this a last minute trip?)
- length of your trip (e.g., 3 nights v. 7 nights)
- Number of people going (e.g., a hotel room costs the same for one or two people)
- activities and meals (e.g., tasting menus, events, shopping, spas, drinks, etc.)
Does my Bet include food + activities?
No. Your Bet covers only your travel and lodging.
Once you place your Bet, we are happy to sweeten the pot by offering “Check, Call or Raise Packages”.
Once we have your Wild Card Adventure booked, we will send you optional offerings for your Wild Card Adventure including:
- “Check” – travel insurance to protect your investment
- “Call Package” – transportation to your departure point and from your arrival point, lounge access, luggage services, etc.
- “Raise Package” – activities such as cooking classes, events, tours, museums. We do our best to describe the activity without giving away your destination.
- “All-in Package” – a fully planned day (or days) including restaurant reservations and activities.
Note: if you are doing a last minute trip these Packages may be very limited.
Regardless of whether you book one of these offerings, we will recommend activities and restaurants, but do not cover those expenses in your Bet unless you book a Package.
Does my Bet include transfers?
No. We offer an optional Call Package that will cover your transfers to your transportation.
We will send you information your“Call Package” (e.g., airport transfers) once your Wild Card Adventure is booked.
Can this be a last minute trip?
The earlier you book your trip, the more time we have to plan your trip. The more time we have, the better likelihood we find deals for you.
If you are completely spontaneous, we can do last minute getaways – up to 2 weeks prior to your departure date. Just be aware, destinations may be very limited for last minute trips.
Last-minute travel details may require us to contact you directly to finalize. With electronic delivery, you will have your details in more than enough time.
Do you offer travel insurance?
Yes. Like blackjack dealers we recommend insurance to protect your investment.
We partnered with Travelex to offer travel insurance for your trip. Rates vary depending on the number of travelers, the total cost of the trip, and the departure location. We will send you a quote for your “Check Package” (i.e., travel insurance) once your Wild Card Adventure is booked.
What if something goes wrong while I’m away?
Our team is available by phone or email in case you need assistance should an issue arise while you’re on your trip.
While the destination is unknown, know we are here to help with your concerns.
What if I have special requirements?
Our survey covers special requirements (disabilities, dietary, etc.). If you do list a special requirement, then we will likely reach out to you directly to be sure we appropriately address your personal needs.
Can travelers in the same group depart from different cities?
Yes, we do the coordination for you.
However, consider multiple start points when you are figuring out your budget. We will try to figure out a central location, but if you know you have a difficult departure city then you may want to increase your budget.
For example, if one person is departing from Chicago and the other person is departing from Omaha. We may plan for you to go to Minneapolis, but transportation from Omaha is likely more expensive than Chicago.
How does payment work? And are there any fees?
All payment for your Bet (trip) takes place up front when you check out – excluding any add ons (optional packages).
Upon completion of the survey, you will be directed to the payment page where you will enter your credit card or PayPal information.
Once you complete the order, your card will immediately be charged for the full amount of your Bet, i.e., your trip is fully pre-paid. If you need more flexibility with payment or cancelation policies, then you should consider booking a Safe Bet Adventure instead.
There are no additional fees or taxes. For example, if you select a trip for two people at $1,000 per person, you will pay exactly $2,000 – not a cent more.
Once we process your Bet, we build your trip maximizing your value to the best of our ability.
How do we make money, you may ask? We take a small service fee off the top of your budget for our time spent planning, but the majority of your budget goes towards your trip.
Can my travel partner(s) and I pay separately?
At this time, we can only process one payment per Bet (i.e., you cannot pay separately). We are working to upgrade our payment processing to take multiple Bets for a single trip.
I have kids. Can they come, too?
Yes! We enjoy planning trips for families. Depending on their ages, you will need to included them in your overall budget to place an appropriate Bet to meet your expectations.
If your child is less than 2 years old, you’re in luck: they travel free! So no need to factor them in to the number of travelers you select. Please do still provide their name and birthday, however.
And as far as their accommodations are concerned, just let us what you would prefer. We can be flexible! If you want a crib, an extra bed, or any other special amenities, just be sure to specify that on your survey and we’ll work within your budget to make it happen.
I don’t live in the U.S. Can I take a Wild Card Adventure?
Our Wild Card Adventures are limited to United States departures. We hope to expand in the future.
Why? Crossing international borders can be complex, and we do not want to create any international incidents.
We are happy to help our non-U.S friends and ex-pats through our Safe Bet Adventures which gives us more time to plan for international boarder crossings.
Do you work with smoker-friendly hotels?
Unfortunately, smoker-friendly is not something we can guarantee on our Wild Card Adventure. The majority of our hotel partners are non-smoking properties. Many have designated smoking areas outside. You can include this request on your survey, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Do you apply reward account numbers?
We don’t accept reward account numbers to keep the element of surprise. If we did, you’d be able to see your destination in your rewards account. You are welcome to tell us your preferred carriers and properties in your survey. If we are able to book your preference, then you can apply your rewards account numbers at check-in.
I still have more questions.
Contact us, we will help you.