If You Love Luxury Travel, You’ll Want To Hop On These Trends
While traveling is fun, there is something about luxurious excursions, cruises, hotels, and no-fee cancelations that make the experience that much better.
From "glamping" and enjoying a private villa to sailing the seas on a catamaran and having a flexible schedule, here are some of the top trends and activities for luxury travelers.
Private Villas Are All The Rage
Instead of booking a hotel room, travelers who want to vacation in style should kick it up a notch. Many accommodations offer private villas with secluded pools and balconies.
Not only will the area be a bit quieter, but guests will feel as if they're staying in a home away from home.
Accommodations With A "Wow" Factor
When it comes to accommodations, luxury travelers will spare no expense. The biggest trend is looking for something with a "wow" factor. This could mean a private pool, a floating breakfast, or even something as simple as hanging plants in the window!
Some adult-only resorts are even assigning personal butlers to their guests!
Health And Well-Being
Hotels are now hopping on the trend of health and wellness, something luxury travelers will be more than happy to spend some extra money on if it means they don't have to get into a car.
While some places have complimentary bicycles for guests to use, others have running maps in the lobby.
Private Helicopter Tours
Group tours are fun, but there s something about a private tour thousands of feet in the air that just screams luxury. Private helicopter tours are the perfect choice for thrill-seekers who want a birdseye view of the area.
Of course, a private tour is not cheap. For example, tours over the New York City skyline cost over $200 per person. It's worth the live commentary from the pilot, though!
Personalized Experience
For a luxury vacation, there is nothing quite like having a personalized experience. From wake-up calls to exact brands and even breakfast tailored to guests' specific needs, a personalized experience tends to make things run smoother.
Not only that, but travelers will feel as though the staff is involved in making the trip as luxurious and relaxing as possible.
Not Feeling Like They're "Anywhere In The World"
Many hotels decorate with mundane artwork and provide fusion foods, appealing to the masses who are staying with them. For luxury travelers, they want something with a bit more pizzazz that doesn't make them feel as though they are waking up anywhere in the world.
Luxury travelers are more willing to pay top dollar for hotels with local artwork, décor, and cuisine!
Rent A Boat For A Day
Nothing says luxury quite like sailing around crystal blue water on a private boat for the afternoon.
Better yet, a private boat with a captain, so luxury travelers can enjoy the views, eat a nice picnic on the deck, and maybe sip some beverages, all while someone else takes care of manning the vessel!
Micro-Trips Instead Of Week-Long Stays
Many luxury travelers are starting to forgo long-winded week-long stays at a single location. Instead, for the same amount of money, they're opting to do micro-stays of a few days.
This way, they are able to travel and explore multiple places instead of staying in one location. In the end, it's more for their buck!
Luxury Cruises Will Never Go Out Of Style
Luxury travelers will be happy to know that one trend that never goes out of style is cruises. There are so many on the market that all it takes is picking on, packing, and enjoying time on the high seas.
From themed cruises to adults-only situations, a luxury cruise is a no-brainer for people who need to get away for a while.
Customized Tours
Exploring a new place can be overwhelming, as travelers want to ensure they don't miss anything important. That's where customized tours come into play. Travelers let their guides know exactly what they are looking for in the tour and have it customized to their specifications.
This way, they're not wasting time on sites they have no interest in.
Flexible Schedules And No-Fee Cancelation Policies
One trend a lot of luxury travelers are jumping on is flexibility. No longer are people's schedules set in stone. Now, a lot of travelers won't bother booking accommodations if they don't offer a no-fee cancelation policy.
With health guidelines changing, many people are looking for flexibility and not burning a hole in their wallets.
Talk To Locals For An Authentic Experience
Money might not be an issue for many luxury travelers, but there is still something about an authentic experience that calls to people.
Talking to locals is a trend many people are starting to hop on, as a conversation might lead them to let travelers in on local restaurants, cafes, and bars outside of touristy areas.
Try Something New And Exciting
Instead of going on vacation to feel relaxed and rejuvenated, many luxury travelers want to try something new and exciting.
People are saying goodbye to the typical beach vacations and heading over to zip-line facilities, skydiving, and even cooking classes after a trip to a local farmers market to spice up their time away from home!
Streamlining Travel
Many hotels are now thinking of their luxury travelers and are streamlining the entire travel process. This means virtual check-ins via mobile applications and even preparing cars to pick them up and drop them off at airports or train stations.
It is an easier and more effective way of traveling that requires little to no effort on the travelers' part!
Travel-Specific Credit Cards
Luxury travelers will tell anyone who will listen that the key to travel success is getting a credit card. Not just any credit card, though, but one that is specifically geared towards allotting people points towards flights!
One of the cards many people are straying towards is the Chase Sapphire card, as it is great for flights and overseas purchases (there is no conversion charge!).
Private Tours Are A Better Way To Learn
Walking around is a great way to learn about new areas. An even better way is to schedule a private tour with someone who knows the ins and outs of pretty much everything!
While they are a bit pricier than a group tour, it is worth the money. A private tour ensures travelers don't get stuck in the back of the group, unable to hear what the guide is saying.
Destinations Off The Beaten Path
Touristy areas are beginning to be a moot point for luxury travelers. They are beginning to become more interested in less-crowded places off the beaten path that are emersed in local culture.
For example, instead of staying near the Amalfi Coast and Capri, luxury travelers might be more interested in the charming island of Ischia.
Responsible And Sustainable Travel
Responsible and sustainable travel has become an increasingly popular trend amongst luxury travelers. People want to give back to the communities that are welcoming them, with travelers joining and supporting organizations such as Pack for a Purpose.
This organization's mission is for travelers to pack useful items, such as toiletries, to donate and distribute amongst the community.
Buying Tickets Beforehand
Many luxury travelers are skipping the hassle of waiting in line for tickets to places such as la Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain. Instead, they go online and purchase mobile tickets, ensuring they don't waste precious time waiting in ticket lines.
When travelers do this, they can also see if any specials are going on!
Glamping In A Luxury Trailer
It's time to say goodbye to that old tent and hello to glamping in a luxury trailer. These amazing vehicles not only have a bed to sleep in, but there is also a bathroom, complete with a shower to wash away dirt from the day's activities.
Luxury trailers like this one made by Bowlus make travel spontaneous and fun, as people are able to get up and go wherever the road takes them.