A lucky woman was taken by surprise after winning a mystery Instagram vacation that led her 2,250 miles away to Armenia. Ellie Cresswell embarked on her journey from London Luton Airport with little knowledge of her destination. She only knew that the flight was scheduled for 8:15 am and packed accordingly for temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C. The 29-year-old accountant anticipated a flight duration of up to six hours.
Ellie documented her adventure on Instagram, garnering over 1.6 million views and 34,500 likes. She described the excitement onboard the flight as passengers eagerly speculated about their undisclosed destination. The cabin crew maintained the suspense by only referring to the ‘unknown destination’ and withholding information on the flight duration. Upon landing in Armenia, Ellie expressed her joy as it was a place she had always wanted to explore, valuing destinations that feel authentic and less explored.
Having entered the Wizz Air ‘Let’s Get Lost London’ competition on social media, Ellie was amazed to win a three-night holiday with the UK’s sole direct flight to Armenia. Upon arrival at Zvartnots International Airport, passengers were warmly greeted by the Armenian tourism board and treated to a surprise traditional dance lesson, embracing them into the country’s culture.
Armenia, known for being one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited nations with a history spanning over 3,000 years, holds the distinction of being the world’s first Christian state, adopting Christianity as its official religion in AD 301. Renowned for its striking mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries, and burgeoning wine industry, some experts highlight the region as one of the earliest wine-producing areas globally.
Reflecting on her experience, Ellie praised the trip as unforgettable, where she delved into Armenian history, culture, religion, cuisine, and notably, wine. She recommended the thrill of mystery travel, emphasizing how the unknown element added excitement and spontaneity to her entire journey.