A dream escape, an outdoor adventure, or a wine-tasting getaway for two—who hasn’t received a gift box like that? It’s a compelling present, yet often forgotten in a drawer once the giver buys it, with the recipient unsure where to use it.
This product, especially popular among younger buyers, has surged in popularity in recent years. The surprise factor is central. Barcelona-based Flappin is catering to that impulse by offering unknown excursions and other activities up to 48 hours before departure. The founders believe they can reshape the market by centering the gift recipient’s delight rather than adding pressure on the giver. Their aim is to deliver trips that truly meet the expectations of those who book them.
Pol Clavell, Sergi Vila, Marc Teixidor and Ferran Garcia co-founded Flappin in October 2021 with a starting capital of 60,000 euros. Since then, they’ve closed a 280,000 euro investment round and are nearing a second. They invoiced 800,000 euros in 2022 and plan to double that figure this year, targeting profitability in 2025. The team comprises 13 people, and for now they are not planning additional hires. They search for hotels and flights by using traditional search engines like Skyscanner or by engaging direct with accommodation providers and bed banks.
Today the service is available in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, with ambitions to become a global brand. The plan is to start in Europe and then expand beyond, though it won’t happen overnight. The focus is on building technology to help young people manage their free time more effectively. Some travelers seek the excitement, while others appreciate the convenience of having everything organized. In addition to excursions, Flappin offers getaways, surprise lunches and dinners, adventures, and spa sessions.
A notable feature is their guarantee of availability on any chosen travel date. Prices, however, will vary with the calendar. This approach aims to disrupt the traditional model where gift boxes incentivize non-use, and where low prices can lead to limited high-season availability. Critics have noted that some providers stop working with these programs without informing customers that a box has been issued. Flappin’s co-founders argue that such practices effectively complicate bookings on purpose.
Even so, the reality is tough: competing head-to-head with established players remains challenging. For instance, Atresmedia announced in the summer that it acquired Waynabox, a major competitor founded in 2015 with a turnover near 10 million euros (Source: market reports). Flappin does not compete on price. One European overnight trip, flights included, might start around 125 euros per person, rising with upgrades. The team emphasizes they strive to be accessible yet not overly premium or low-grade. If a guest arrives at a hotel and the experience is unsatisfactory, Flappin commits to replacing the stay and ensuring a positive outcome. Customer service is described as personal and responsive by the co-founders (Source: founder statements).
Women lead in adoption
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About 75% of Flappin’s customers are young women, and roughly 64% of sales come from travel gifts. Guests can choose from Europe, Italy, a surprise summer lineup, multi-destination options, or Spain. However, the market is shifting: 75% of buyers are men when they book for themselves, indicating broader appeal across genders (Source: company data).
Trust remains essential. The founders emphasize that customers must feel confident in the service, even when a 2,000 euro trip is being arranged and the destination is unknown at the time of booking (Source: Teixidor). Ultimately, the emphasis is on delivering reliable, enjoyable experiences that exceed expectations while maintaining transparent communication throughout the process.