What Luxury Travel Means Now
Luxury travel isn’t the same today as it used to be. Years ago, luxury travel was synonymous with swanky 5-star hotels, high thread count sheets, and Michelin-starred restaurants. And though those things still play a role in luxury travel, it has evolved to encompass a wholistic meaning.
Learn more about what luxury travel means today below.
Luxury Travel is Unique to You
What your neighbor considers luxury may not be the same for you. Luxury travel means determining what makes you excited about a trip and then creating an itinerary that incorporates your preferences and needs.
Take accommodations…while some travelers choose the crème de la crème hotels, others prefer finding their home away from home in a private apartment or villa. And even if both travelers want a 5-star hotel, one may like a contemporary, modern aesthetic while the other loves a more classic, traditional design. One person's idea of luxury may be the wonderful Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, for example, while another may enjoy the Mandarin Oriental's other Hong Kong property, the Landmark.
Do you need all of the amenities of a full-service hotel or are you happy to self-cater or only use the services of a concierge or private chef? For some, the extra afforded privacy of a private apartment or villa is more important than room service, turndown service and a pool attendant. It just depends on you and your priorities.
Which one would you prefer?
Or even guides…your neighbor, an architect, may have a guide that specializes in architecture and can explain the history behind the iconic buildings. On the other hand, you are a self-proclaimed foodie, so while you see the same sites you also stop in charming markets and cafes to taste the local fare. The more your advisor knows about your particular interests, the more we can fine-tune your guiding.
Your touring, your way.
Experiential
Some trips are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you will remember forever, like an African safari, an expedition to the Galapagos, or an adventure to see polar bears. I will never forget my first sighting of lions in Botswana or baby cheetahs in Zimbabwe - the image is imprinted in my mind and when I go back and look at the photos of my safari, it is like I was there yesterday, remembering every detail. These trips on their own are a luxury, whether they include plush accommodations or not. They allow you to immerse yourself in a destination and see something totally different from your life at home.
Even in more popular destinations, your local guide can take you out of the tourist areas and into local spots where you can really get to know the city and its people. Would you like to visit a local pub and meet some of your guide's friends, neighbors or family? Visit a local school? Go out on a lobster boat with a local fisherman? All of these are possible when you collaborate with your advisor and they get to know how you want to experience the destination.
Experiential travel - African safari or drinks with locals in Bangkok?
The Human Touch
At a time where so many aspects of our lives are automated, nothing beats the human touch. From being greeted by name and with a smile at your hotel to making a new friend in your local guide, connection is part of our nature. Technology may be ever-present (though some hotels offer a digital detox), but it is there to enhance the human experience – not replace it. Having an in-room iPad or local cell phone makes communication seamless, but what makes or breaks it is the person on the other end helping you with your request.
At your service.
Luxury Travel is a Mix
Luxury travel is a mix of high and low experiences. One day you might tour the city with a private guide and driver and go behind-the-scenes at top sites - such as experiencing the royal guards up close and personal, away from the crowds. The next day, you may explore some of the charming neighborhoods of London on your own. You determine how you want your trip structured.
Exclusive experiences and exploring on your own - you decide how much of each.
Luxury Travel is Personalized
There’s nothing like arriving to your hotel room and finding a special amenity waiting for you, especially if that amenity has your favorite beverages (Champagne AND wine!) and treats (chocolate covered strawberries, anyone?). The new luxury travel is not a one-size-fits-all deal, but rather a bespoke experience with personal touches. At Smith Luxury Travel, we will work with our partners to ensure you have your favorite snack, a car with enough space for your husband and son’s 6+ foot frames, or a photo of your family by your bedside.
Welcome to Florence!
Authentic
Authenticity is a big trend in travel as whole. People don’t want to have a white-washed experience of a destination but rather see it and experience like locals. How about visiting the local market to shop for ingredients with a local chef before learning to cook local specialties at their apartment? Or a running enthusiast can leave the treadmill behind and join one of the hotel staff on a run through the neighborhood.
Authentic experiences - cooking with a local chef!
So, it is all about what your vision of the perfect vacation is - that is what luxury is, and it is not a one-size-fits-all definition. Luxury is what is important to you and how you would like to allocate your vacation dollars. And the more you share with your advisor about your definition of luxury, the better we can custom-tailor your trip to your specifications. Feeling inspired? Click here to start planning the trip that defines luxury to you!
New Year, New Experiences
2020 welcomes a new year and a new decade! In the spirit of all things new, make this year a time for new experiences in travel! Whether you’re discovering a place for the first time or returning to a beloved spot again, commit to trying new things that give you a fresh outlook on timeless destinations. We’ve rounded up our top experiences that put an exciting spin on our old favorites.
Instead of a traditional African Safari… try seeing Africa from above!
While we still hold a very special place in our heart for the magic of sunrise game drives, there is something special about getting a bird’s eye view of the stunning Masai Mara from a hot air balloon. Gain access to Africa’s most remote locations with a helicopter ride to the center of the action. The aerial views are sure to change the way you see the wildlife and landscape around you.
A river cruise is great..... but so is floating down the Amazon!
Looking for an experience a little off the beaten river? Roll down the river in South America! Arguably the best way to see the Amazon, a cruise through Peru lets you see the beauty of the Amazon and the animals that call it home.
Instead of connecting rooms… stay in a villa big enough for the entire family!
Spend time together in a new destination with the whole family under one roof! Who said breakfast has to end at 10:00? Pool hours? Never heard of them! Noisy neighbors? No thanks. You’re sure to appreciate the flexibility, privacy, and comforts of having your own home-away-from-home.
Instead of Florence and Rome…. visit Sicily and the Dolomites!
Meet the new faces of Italy. Okay, they’re not new – but these two destinations offer an exciting spin on the more traditional sites in Italy. Enjoy the blue waters of Sicily while snacking on a slice of their world famous pizza, or take in the fresh mountain air in the Alps of Italy.
Instead of the Champs-Elysees… go for a shopping spree in Morocco!
Shop til you drop in the medinas of Marrakech or the winding streets of Fes. Discover gorgeous textiles, ceramics, and treasures you can’t find anywhere else in the world!
Instead of peeping penguins near Antarctica… see the polar bears in the Arctic!
Do you love wildlife as much as you love remote destinations and pristine wilderness? Then the North Pole may be the place for you. Take an expedition to see the polar bears and see locations that are largely inaccessible.
Instead of a road trip to the National Parks… map out a US city tour!
Ready to spend some time on the open road? Switch up the classic National Parks road trip for a jaunt through popular US cities. Try some of America’s most delicious cuisine and take in the diversity of the cities sitting only miles apart. Whether you’re taking the train from NYC to Boston or the 101 from Napa to San Francisco, you may be surprised what you’ll find in your backyard!
Instead of the Caribbean… soak up the sun in Southeast Asia!
With alternating seasons, Southeast Asia is a great option for travelers looking to get a bit of vitamin sea in the harsh winter months. With all of the luxuries of a traditional beach vacation, you can encounter a new culture while still getting the R&R you’ve been waiting for. Bonus, the tropics of Southeast Asia are typically much less crowded than some of the more popular Caribbean destinations. Check out one of our favorites, The Siam (pictured)!
Instead of answering London’s call… relax in the English countryside
With rolling green hills and breathtaking scenery, the countryside is one of England’s best kept secrets. With endless castles and bed and breakfast style accommodations, it’s the perfect escape for a spot of tea and a bit of fresh air. Check out one of our favorites, Coworth Park (pictured). Ready to experience something new? Click here to connect with me.
THANK YOU FOR READING MAXIMIZING MOMENTS!
Joanne Smith
Luxury Travel Advisor
SMITH LUXURY TRAVEL
(860) 799-0460 (office)
(914) 420-7729 (mobile)
www.smithluxurytravel.com
joanne@smithluxurytravel.com
"My goal for each client is for them to
return home feeling better than when they left,
with memories to cherish."
MAXIMIZING MOMENTS is a periodic newsletter that is designed to help make your
precious travel time more memorable – in many ways.
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