Would you ever step onto a flight without knowing where you're heading? No, this isn't the premise of Final Destination; it's a genuine experience courtesy of Hungarian carrier Wizz Air.
All I received was the instruction: 'be at Luton Airport for 7am for a 9am departure', along with the detail that I was travelling somewhere with temperatures of 20-25C. For a serial overpacker (and chronic overthinker), surrendering that degree of control proved quite the challenge.
Upon reaching the airport, I expected some hint or clue, but there was nothing. My boarding pass merely stated 'unknown'. Even the departure screens displayed 'unknown' as the destination, which must have baffled fellow travellers at the terminal.
The carrier had arranged for the flight to be removed from FlightRadar, preventing inquisitive passengers from investigating online. The meticulous organisers at Wizz Air were clearly dedicated to maintaining the mystery.
Strapped in, I settled myself and off we went. Three hours into the journey, I peered through the window to glimpse snow-capped peaks. It could have been practically anywhere. There was something unsettling about entrusting myself entirely to an airline. I've watched far too many hijacking thrillers to feel entirely relaxed.
Then, just over five hours after departure, the aircraft began its descent. Scrutinising the landscape below offered no clues. The cabin crew, at last, made their announcement. We had touched down in Yerevan, Armenia. Little wonder I was clueless gazing out of the window - I'd only become aware of this destination thanks to Kim Kardashian.
Armenia had never crossed my mind as a holiday destination, and I knew precious little about the country — I couldn't even have pointed to it on a map. Stepping off the plane, a wave of heat washed over me and instantly put me at ease. The adventure had well and truly begun.
The trip was arranged in partnership with the Armenian tourist board, and it quickly became apparent that Armenians hold an immense pride in their homeland. It is a nation with a fierce sense of patriotism and a turbulent modern history — formerly under Soviet rule until the 1990s, and engaged in conflict with neighbouring Azerbaijan as recently as two years ago.
Yet as Armenia gradually emerges from its long-standing difficulties, it is beginning to thrive. Stunning natural landscapes, ancient temples and magnificent churches all exist in close proximity. Widely regarded as an up-and-coming travel destination, I was keen to discover what all the fuss was about.
First things first — after a lengthy flight shrouded in mystery, it was time to sample some local fare. Armenian cuisine revolves around roasted vegetables, freshly baked flatbreads, grilled meats and wine. I was particularly taken with the lavash, a traditional flatbread cooked in a clay oven, and sarma — vine leaves filled with rice and meat.
Armenia is a significant wine-exporting nation, making a visit to a local winery in Yerevan an absolute must. Fittingly named The Armenian Wine Company, I witnessed firsthand how their various wines are produced — and naturally, enjoyed a taste or two. They were wonderfully light-bodied and smooth. Armenia also boasts a substantial brandy export industry. Ararat Brandy is another beverage the locals are well-acquainted with, and it's undeniably extremely potent.
Beyond the cuisine, another fundamental pillar of Armenian culture is faith. Over four days we succeeded in visiting some genuinely extraordinary spiritual locations. First was the Garni Temple, an ancient pagan ruin perched on a cliff edge, gazing across the Azat River gorge. Next, the Geghard Monastery: a distinctive and stunning cathedral hewn into the cliffs. Choir singers nestled within the depths of the structure performed for us as we wandered.
We subsequently visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin church. Constructed in the 4th century, it stands as the world's oldest state-built church. One minor yet significant caveat is that to reach all of these landmarks, you would need either to hire a car, or participate in a guided tour excursion. They aren't accessible on foot and public transport choices are restricted.
My accommodation for the weekend was the DoubleTree by Hilton, situated in the centre of Yerevan. It provides a magnificent vista of Mount Ararat and the rooms are generous and thoroughly contemporary. It also features a luxury spa, gym and sauna, ideal for unwinding after a day discovering the city.
The city itself is lively and dubbed the 'pink city', owing to its stone structures and mountain panoramas - with certain buildings more ancient than Rome. It's a thriving location brimming with coffee shops, restaurants and retail outlets, alongside bars where you can purchase a beer for approximately £1.50. While Armenia had never featured on my travel list, I am delighted to have visited and sampled life there. It's certainly not what I had anticipated, but a destination I am keen to see grow in popularity.
Wizz Air flies from Luton to Yerevan on Mondays and Fridays from June 8, from £45.99 one way.
