Virgin Red has launched a new campaign built around a growing trend in travel: the idea that the excitement of a trip starts well before departure and doesn’t have to end when you get home.

The Idea Behind “Check Out to Check In”

Called “Check Out to Check In”, the campaign is based on research showing that 68% of Americans say the anticipation of a vacation is just as exciting as the trip itself. Nearly a third are already thinking about their next getaway before the current one is even over.

To explore that feeling, Virgin Red set up a surprise at the cruise terminal in Miami, aiming to show how one trip can roll straight into the next.

From Cruise Ship to London in a Day

As Jonathan and Lara Webb stepped off their Virgin Voyages sailing, they were given just 60 seconds to decide whether they wanted to extend their vacation by flying to London that very day.

They said yes!

Meghan the Flare, from the current Valiant Lady Happenings Cast, was there to wave them off. Within hours, the couple were on a Virgin Atlantic flight and soon checking in at Virgin Hotels London.

A Focus on What Comes Next

The campaign highlights how Virgin Red connects different parts of the Virgin travel world, with Virgin Points that can be used across Virgin Voyages, Virgin Atlantic, and Virgin Hotels. The aim is to show how a trip doesn’t have to be a one-off, it can be part of something ongoing.

Jonathan said, “We were soaking up the last moments of vacation, bracing for re-entry into real life, when Virgin Red flipped the script.”

Win 1 Million Virgin Points

To celebrate the campaign, Virgin Red is running a sweepstakes for U.S. residents. The prize is 1 million Virgin Points, with entry open until July 14. To take part, follow @VirginRed on Instagram, tag a travel buddy, and share where you’d fly, stay or sail next.

The full campaign video and sweepstakes details are available here.