Is luxury travel for you? 6 things you didn’t know about luxury travel.

Jun 14

Luxury travel isn't what it used to be. Years ago, luxury travel was synonymous only with 5-star hotels, butlers, and Michelin-starred restaurants. While there is nothing wrong with those things, ‘luxury travel’ has since evolved. These days it's less about the sheet count and boujee chandeliers and more about authentic and meaningful experiences tailored for the individual traveler. Yep, the new luxury traveler gets to define what luxury means to them.

1. No two luxury travelers are alike.

What your parents consider as luxury may not be the same for you. Luxury travel means figuring out what makes you excited about a trip and then creating a trip that incorporates those things based on your preferences and the way you like to travel.

While your best friend may choose the crème de la crème hotels in big cities, your sister may prefer finding her home-away-from-home in a private apartment or villa in the countryside, and you may prefer a local homestay in a remote village. I’ve loved all three of those options in different times and places, so it may even depend on the circumstances of your trip.

And what about tour guides? Your husband, an architect, may prefer a guide that specializes in architecture and can explain the history behind the iconic buildings, while you may be a self-proclaimed foodie. While you both may enjoy seeing the same sites, you may prefer to stop at markets and charming cafes to taste local food along the way.

2. Once-in-a-lifetime experiences are luxuries.

Some trips are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you'll never forget, like an African safari or an expedition to the Galapagos. These trips are a luxury on their own, whether they include fancy hotels or not. They allow you to immerse yourself in the destination and experience it responsibly (yes, even sustainability can be luxurious!). Even in more popular destinations, an experienced local guide can help you avoid the tourist traps and tap into local spots where you can really get to know the heart of a city and its people. This is my absolute favorite way to travel – by experiencing a destination like a local.

3. Human connections are key.

While so much of our life is automated, it's hard to beat human connection. Whether it's being greeted by name at your hotel or making a new friend in your local tour guide, connections are part of our nature. While technology isn't going anywhere (although some hotels and experiences offer a digital detox which I highly recommend), it's there to enhance the human experience – not replace it. Having an in-room iPad makes communication seamless. However, what makes an experience special is the person on the other end, helping you with your request. I love working with partners who go above and beyond to make my clients feel taken care of.

4. Luxury travel is a mix.

Luxury travel can be a mix of high and low experiences. One day you might take a private helicopter for a picnic on the top of a mountain. The next day, you may explore the nearby hiking trails on your own and take a packed lunch from your hotel. You decide how you want your trip structured from start to finish.

5. Luxury travel is personalized.

What if you arrived at your hotel room to find a special treat waiting for you, especially if it was your favorite cocktail and your favorite snack? The new luxury travel is not one-size-fits-all, but rather a bespoke experience with personal touches. I will work with my partners to ensure you have your favorite snack, a car with enough space for your husband and 3 children, or a photo of you and your spouse on your bedside table. Consider it done!

6. Authentic experiences make it meaningful.

Do you want a white-washed experience of a destination, or would you rather see it and experience like the locals (um yes, please!)? I love working with hotels around the world who are tapping into their concierge's extensive knowledge to create experiences that showcase the true destination and who are designing their hotels with local resources and with the feel of the destination in mind. For example, a guest may be able to visit the local market with the hotel chef and then learn to cook with local ingredients, or a runner may join one of the hotel staff on a run through the local neighborhood.

Cruise on the Mekong River Near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Want to learn more?

Abbay's Escapes is a boutique travel advisory company. As an independent affiliate of Brownell Travel (the oldest travel agency in the USA), we have preferred relationships with the industry's best hotels, resorts, and tour operators across the globe. This means special treatment and unique experiences for you, my ‘luxury traveler.’ If you like the sound of that, you can get started here.

One more thing! If you enjoyed this blog post, don’t forget to share the love with your family and friends. Copy and paste the link to this page or hit share on your preferred social media. I am so grateful for you my reader. Take care and stay safe!

Cheers,

Abbay King