The world is full of different experiences and if you have a love of traveling then there is a good chance that you already have a bucket list full of destinations. However, there’s always room for a little more. “Luxury” travel is becoming more and more accessible as deals become more common and once-gated services become more accessible. While they may still require a bigger budget than the usual trip, here are some of the luxe travel experiences that everyone should at least think about trying once.
Your own gated community
When it comes to resorts, it pays to be picky. Some resorts are little more than slightly upscaled hotels, with little focus on living up to the fantasy that the name suggests. But others, like the Crystal Spring resort, really do like up that name. These holidays aren’t as much about the destination as much as they are about getting away from it all. With golf courses, tennis courts, pools, and a lavish level of service, a good resort aims to offer all you need to enjoy yourself without ever having to go too far. When you simply need a good relax above all else, there are few better ways to find it on your vacation.
Skipping the airport drama
If you travel often, then you are well-aware of just how much of a hassle the airport and the standard airline experience is. Long waiting times, crowded cabins, lots of opportunities for things to go wrong. A private jet isn’t entirely risk-free. Delays can still happen based on the weather. But it is so much more comfortable and being able to skip the queues and simply take off when you’re ready is a feeling of freedom worth experiencing at least once. But how much does it cost to charter a private jet? It’s not cheap, that’s for certain, but smaller jets split between 7-8 passengers might not take you into four figures, individually. There are deals like “empty leg” flights that can cut that cost way down, too.
Party off the coast
The world is your oyster, so why do we have to spend so much time on dry land? The truth is that sea travel during a vacation isn’t fun unless you’re splurging on something truly deluxe, whether it’s a yacht or a cruise. Yachts are the far more personalized option, however, and now even they are becoming more accessible. More and more yacht rental companies are popping up in some of the most popular beach and coastal travel spots in the world. Food, drink, sights, and sailing is all included in these packages, which can make for a fantastic bachelor, bachelorette or even wedding trip.
Road trip in style
The road trip is something of a travel tradition that everyone should try. When it goes right, there’s nothing better than rocketing down the open road and exploring whatever you find on the horizon. When it goes wrong, you’re stuck on the side of the road with a bickering family. If you want to get closer to the pure joy of a road trip, then driving a luxury or sports car can really get the adrenaline pumping. Can you afford a sports car road trip? If you’re willing to rent and you cut other costs by bringing things like your tent and sleeping bag, the answer may very well be a yes.
Finding paradise
Resorts are one thing, but a private villa is a whole other level of gated community. This time, the place is all yours. Villas are much more about the destination and the surrounding location than your average resort. But many of them still come with bonuses like your own pool or hot tub, lavish, huge rooms, and views of the beach, the mountains, and whatever other fantastic sights happen to be near. Depending on where you go, villas aren’t necessarily all that expensive, especially if you bring a larger group and split the costs. If you’re willing to go in the off-peak seasons of the year, even the exclusive Caribbean island retreat villas can be more affordable than you might think.
Tasting those three stars
Of course, the trip isn’t just about how you travel or where you stay, it’s also about the experiences you enjoy along the way. Getting a taste of the best cuisine a country has to offer will always be the first thing on a foodie traveler’s mind, but it’s something that everyone should aim to try out. The truth is that the most expensive restaurants aren’t always necessarily the best. There are plenty of more cost-effective restaurants that have earned the three Michelin stars that rank them amongst the greatest. If dinner is still a little bit out of your budget, then there’s a good chance that you will be able to afford the lunch deals. After all, these restaurants maintain their reputation by spreading it as far as possible, so they do have deals that make them much more affordable.
Get up close and personal with the world’s most fantastic beasts
If there’s one kind of trip, above all else, that makes us think of luxury, it’s the chance to come face to face with some of Africa’s most beautiful wildlife in a safari. No longer reserved only for the richest, there are plenty of places that offer large group tours of nature reserves for a fraction of the costs. It might not be as personal and booking your own, intimate guided tour, but there are few better ways to see creatures like lions, rhinos, and elephants than in their natural environment.
Spend time building up that travel fund, keep your eyes peeled for deals, and you may find that the once-in-a-lifetime experience of a real luxury holiday isn’t as hard to find as you might think. If the trend continues, things will only get more inclusive and budget-friendly as time goes on, so you might be able to hit every single suggestion on this list before you know it.
Featured image courtesy of Pixabay.
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