Tag: luxury travel

Categories
Travel Tips

Travel the World in Luxury While Working Remotely

Working Remotely | The Early Airway

Working remotely while traveling the world is what it is about moving forward. More and more companies, and not just those 20’something millennial start-ups, but even established companies are beginning to understand the very real link between employee happiness and work productivity. Employees who travel widely also have a far greater sense of real value and global issues, both of which can greatly improve the mental and literal well being of the overall corporation.

Multiple companies now even offer exciting new opportunities for people who aren’t necessarily up for quitting their jobs and moving permanently around the world, but instead allow them to continue working but from a remote location, all arranged for them. With such companies participants must get employer approval to work remotely, however the companies than arrange air travel, apartments, and co-working spaces.

Working remotely from around the globe is often glamorized with photos of laptops on a table with a tropical drink and a glorious beach scene in the background. And, while that is sometimes the truth, in the real day to day, remote workers spend as many hours a day working as many back in the cubicle 9-5. The difference being the ability to live in exciting and exotic cultures around the world.

Here are a few ways to live in luxury all while working remotely.

 

Live Like a Local

Hotels are one of your biggest expenses when traveling. Even in destinations of extraordinary value, such as SE Asia, it is often far cheaper, and more comfortable, to rent an apartment rather than hotel room. For the average price of a mid-range hotel, you can find yourself in a two-bedroom apartment complete with kitchen, patio, and often a pool and gym. Laundry service is extremely inexpensive to send out, and by being able to cook some meals at home you can live large on less. In addition, by renting an apartment, you will truly assimilate into the local feel of the city, shopping at local markets and visiting neighborhood cafes rather than flitting from one tourist stop to the next.

 

Eat Like a Local

But then again, by embracing street food you will truly live well. Many countries best food by far is found on street carts and corner markets. Step past your comfort zone to find amazing cuisine you never knew existed. For a mere couple of dollars a day your taste buds will be taken on their very own journey and you will endear yourself to the local community, all while truly connecting with a culture. Believe us, the locals aren’t eating Americanized Pad Thai, they are eating a much more delicious and authentic type of noodle bowl, all slurped up surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a life style lived out in the open. Unsure about street food? Trust us, the trick is to follow the crowds. Look for stalls that have different people handling the food than those handling the money, and any stall with a line-up is sure to have a quick turnover and tasty options.

 

Travel Like a Local

The world is a grand and varied place, and to get from one locale to another can be a fascinating discovery of different forms of transportation. Sure, by all means take a private jet charter to arrive at your preferred destination, but then delve into the magic found only by riding that night bus, or mounting that camel, or hopping on a bamboo railway in Cambodia.  Mingle with local families and other travelers. Compare WiFi strength. Learn the ins and outs of a city. All of these tips will help make your life of travel while working remotely so much more valuable. After all, the whole point in working remotely is to experience the world while keeping your paycheck. Networking is key.

Embrace Life Like a Local

When interviewed about work dissatisfaction, a major complaint of many employees is balance. They feel as though too much of their time is doing meaningless, time sucking work, and too little time spent truly enjoying their life. This exact reason is part of the push for more digital nomads and a location independent type of lifestyle. Companies intelligent enough to understand that yes, the work must get done, but that bored, unenthused employees are good for no one, are the wave of the future. Part of the luxury of life lived out in the world is just simply that. That life is “lived out in the world”. Most cultures around the world better embrace a balance between work and home, with more casual hours, longer lunches, and overall a more balance approach.

 

Socialize Like a Local

One of the very best benefits of working remotely around the globe is the ability to see how socialization works in other countries. Sadly, Americans rarely socialize outside their immediate friends and family, unlike countries such as Mexico and Italy. These countries social life focuses on their grand plazas and squares with near nightly examples of life truly well lived. Musicians and street performers fill the night, families take a ritual stroll, and social life is lived on a very communal level. Instead of 5pm causing employees to flee to their respective cars to head to their respective homes, other countries embrace a community wide social network hobnobbing with friends and strangers alike as dogs and kids run with abandon.

To truly live in luxury while traveling the world and working remotely, the most important detail lies in these tips. Fully embracing another culture and another way of life is the true luxury. Living life out in the world can bring untold quality to your own life when, and if, you choose to return to your home country.

With living costs often far below the normal American standard it is quite easy to live like a king or queen on far less. So go ahead, ask your boss to grant your dream and get out there into the world!

 

Categories
Destinations

5 Luxury Travel Locations with Volunteer Opportunities

Luxury travel is on the rise but more and more travelers are looking for a bit more. No longer are international travelers simply looking for a spa or all-inclusive resort. The traveler of today wants to experience the world in a way that enriches not only their life, but the lives of those they meet along the way. The mere act of volunteering and immersing yourself in communities around the world is a win-win for all involved.

More and more resorts and destinations realize this and, even if you choose to lodge in luxury at one of the great resorts of the world, taking some time to meet the locals in a new way is a very rewarding option. Whether helping build a home for a needy family in Guatemala, assisting with orphaned children in Kenya, or walking rescued dogs in Thailand,  vacation can now also be about making a difference in the world. To create an interesting dichotomy would be to take a private jet to your destination and then focus your day to day on local, public transport!

Here are five great destinations that support the idea of a fantastic vacation while also providing volunteer opportunities to help the local community.

 

Thailand

This exotic Southeast Asian location has long been a tourism favorite. With amazing cuisine, colorful culture, and great diversity, Thailand is not “new”. What is new is the interest in active, volunteer inspired holidays that combine such luxury as a stay at The Shore of Kathakani combined with spending time working with the locals. Luxuriate in the infinity pool overlooking the sea before retiring to your 5*star resort room with every possible amenity.

Then head off to Soi Dog, one of the world’s premier dog rescue organizations, to volunteer with the hundreds of dogs rescued and in need of new homes. A little puppy love is always in order and once you hear the sad tales of these pups, you will fall in love. This fascinating rescue has saved many friendly pups from a life of untold hardships.

 

Guatemala

For a truly diverse vacation, consider a luxury volunteering week or two at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. A fantastic choice of hotel is the Laguna Lodge resort is the queen of Santa Cruz. This lakefront luxury lodge is designed in keeping with Guatemalan style while offering tremendous views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes along with Zotz, their award winning restaurant.

Next depart by lancha, the local boat transportation on the lake, to San Pedro for volunteer opportunities. Here you can learn about the fascinating craft of Guatemalan home building with the Guatemala Housing Alliance. This organization, similar to Habitat for Humanity, helps build homes for families in need and is rewarding on so many levels. The types of homes built, involving cane and mud walls covered in plaster, is a unique learning experience all on its own.

 

Kenya

For the ultimate adventure, head to Africa, the birthplace of civilization and still home to some of the most extreme vacation opportunities on the planet. Known for its vast numbers of animals, Kenya also offers up many of the most luxurious accommodations imaginable. A variety of safari options await at Micato Safaris, all including game drives, dinners around a fire in the boma and adventures of a lifetime.

But if you’re looking for volunteer opportunities during your Kenya vacation, Micato Safaris also partners with the Harambee Center, a non-profit that matches travelers with the people of the country. From planting trees, to delivering food and supplies to families, to sponsoring school for some of the children, this is the perfect way to experience the overwhelming magic of Africa, while also supporting the people who call it home. You can also visit the New Life Home, an orphanage for babies born with AIDS or veer towards a different type of orphanage for baby elephants at The David Sheldrick Wildlife Orphanage.

 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has been touted as one of the last Eden’s on earth. Offering both Pacific and Atlantic coasts, volcanoes, rain forests and gorgeous beaches. With more variety of birds than nearly anywhere on earth, Costa Rica is also a wildlife paradise. Quite a few lodging options offer interesting wildlife tours but the Lapas Rios Eco-Lodge offers up so much more. This National Geographic Unique Lodge award winner features luxury lodgings set in a private nature reserve and the ocean view bungalows are the ultimate jungle lodge.

Even more impressive are the volunteer opportunities that Costa Rica offers. The lodge works with Earth Equilibrium, a local non-profit that supports projects that show people how they can live more amicably with the planet. Now they support several schools in Osa Peninsula and a variety of work and donation based options for travelers to give back.

 

India

The sub-continent of India has drawn intrepid travelers for hundreds of years. Luxurious hotels, a world-class cuisine, and living the life of the Raj class all combine for an unforgettable holiday. Transport back to the indulgences of the past at hotels such as the Lake Palace, set serenely in the center of the lake in Udaipur. Or perhaps the Gateway Hotel in Agra will draw your interest, with the stunning views overlooking the most romantic building on earth.

Sadly, in addition to the luxury of this magnificent country, there is a very great need for help with many living in abject poverty. Opportunities to volunteer are numerous and one of the best is Go Overseas.  With a variety of volunteer opportunities, set throughout the country, you can choose between community aid in Rajasthan to animal care in Jaipur to working with street children in Goa. Each and every possibility offers unlimited opportunities to enrich your life all while assisting those less fortunate.

Now is the time to embrace the new season of travel. A season where it is possible to treat yourself to an experience of a lifetime, all while still helping those around you. A season to explore new destinations and horizons and just possible change up your way in a way you never thought possible. A season to make the most of each and every sunrise.

 

 

Categories
Travel Tips

5 Reasons Luxury Travel is Taking Off

This year, why not redefine what luxury travel really means. The term “luxury” has taken on a negative connotation in recent years. As the average traveler becomes wearied by the seemingly over-privileged receiving better treatment, more and more are searching out a way to find their own style of luxury. Millennials tend to focus on the significance of experiences over things. And the “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” is becoming passé.

What does this mean for luxury travel? Well for modern travelers it means changing the mindset about what is considered luxury. Here are five ways that the luxury travel industry is adapting the way they do business to adapt to the changing times.

 

1. SMALL is the New Big

Size used to be a main indicator in luxury travel. Bigger cabins, bigger hotels, more amenities, more staff. The trend these days is to the intimate. Guests are looking for connection, both within themselves and with those around them. It is no longer about having a hotel room the size of your entire house back home, but rather experiencing a connectivity with the culture, food, and people of the places visited. Even many hotel chains known for their super-sized hotels, are now offering alternative small hotels in cities such as Venice, where the true magic is discovered off the beaten path. Uber-immersive activities featuring one-on-one luxury have begun to take the place of a simple spa getaway.

2. It’s all about the EXPERIENCE

Travelers today no longer want to jet off to a distant destination and just return with souvenirs. A growing thirst for access to truly experience a location is becoming the new normal. The growth of tourism at the private game reserves of Africa are a perfect example. Travelers do not want to simply join a group safari day or two at the national park. The new luxury traveler wants to stare in awe at the elephant drinking out of their private plunge pool at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge. They want to gaze into the eyes of a Bengal tiger from the back of your elephant at Bandhavgarh National Park in India. Today’s traveler does not want to simply see the tombs at the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. They want to spend time examining the personal tombs of the same artisans and workers who created such masterpieces for the Kings.

 

3. Keeping it SIMPLE

Among all of the keywords tossed about these days; artisanal and authentic studies show the one that comes up most often is simplicity. The basic fact is that it is a fast paced world. A generation overwhelmed with social media and instantaneous gratification are looking to disconnect, unhook, and go back to a simpler time. More and more travelers who had previously considered a 5* experience at an all-inclusive resort in the South Pacific necessary are, instead, finding themselves heading to a palm shack on a remote beach in Thailand. By unwinding from the modern world, the simplicity of decompressing somewhere that offers culture, great food, numerous activities and an interesting history is high on the list of priorities.

 

4. New DESTINATIONS

The luxury travelers today have “been there, done that” mindset. They have probably already toured the capitals of Western Europe, cruised the Nile, and perhaps even wandered along the Great Wall of China. Now they are ready for something more, something adventurous, something adrenal rushing, something different. For these travelers the world is their oyster. With restrictions to Cuba opening up it might be the right time to step back decades in history to discover for yourself the charm of her faded glory. The even more adventurous may search for Gorillas in Rwanda, follow Marco Polo’s footsteps along the Spice Road, or delve into Eastern Europe in the untraveled history of Bulgaria or Slovenia. No longer interested in simply checking common tourist destinations off of their bucket list, they are looking to really enrich themselves with educated travel to unique locations.

 

5. Keeping it in the FAMILY

With the focus on a more personal experience, today’s savvy travelers are reaching out to family run establishments. While any dude ranch can suffice if someone is just looking to ride horses, learn to rope, and sing around a campfire, it is an entirely different experience to spend a week on a farm still owned and operated by many generations of one family of ranchers. With a family experience you can truly appreciate the challenges and highlights of running a ranch, hotel, or restaurant. You can meet multiple generations, and appreciate the work ethic and patience that goes into creating a family legacy.

 

Luxury travel in the future is going to continue to focus more and more on experience over acquisition. Perhaps that experience will include a treat such as flying to your destination by private jet. Perhaps it will be a romantic boutique hotel along the river Seine or a beach bungalow on the beach in Thailand. The location is not, in the end, as important as the enrichment that can be gained from this new form of travel.

Tour operators and travel companies alike will continue to adjust. As small, intimate hotels spring up, so too shall 10 table restaurants where personal interaction with the chef is all part of the evening. Large scale cruise companies will still exist, but more and more people will turn to river cruises where it is possible to make new friends of everyone on board. The adventurous will move away from the old idea of a group tour to participate in small group tours offering the same destinations but seen in an entirely different way.

For this new group of luxury travelers, the world is waiting with open arms. Their outlook of enriching their own lives can only further enrich the world as a whole. For, by learning more about other cultures and ways of life, such travelers will return home to use their newfound knowledge to create change in their own cities. Welcome a new age of Luxury Travel.

 

Categories
Aircraft

Which is Better First Class or Private Jet Charter?

Private jet charters have one main thing in common with flying first class, they are both viewed as a form of luxury. Private jet charters provide a completely different experience from flying first class.

Private jet charters save you so much time. Many private jet charters leave from smaller airports. This means you won’t have to worry about getting there early because you wont have to wait in the long lines and go through the security that larger airports require. You arrive by yourself, or with your group, fasten your seat belts and then take off to your desired destination.

Even though Private jet charters cost more than a first class ticket, if you are in a group it can actually be cheaper, according to Tim Parker’s article on investopidia.com. He further explains that when you fly by private jet charter you are renting out the entire aircraft. Therefore if you invite a group of people you will all split that one price. On the other hand, if you fly first class, each additional person will have to pay for their own first class ticket.

Click here to read the full article by Tim Parker at investopedia.com, and to learn more about the different between flying first class or by private jet charter.

Categories
Destinations

The Most Luxurious Destinations You can Travel to for Your Honeymoon

There are so many beautiful destinations around the world making it almost impossible to decide where your honeymoon should be spent. An article on travel.usnews.com lists the most luxurious honeymoon destinations. If you are looking for a destination that is more secluded, Maldives could be a great option. The nature that you will explore at this destination is breath taking.

Continue reading “The Most Luxurious Destinations You can Travel to for Your Honeymoon”
Categories
Destinations

Hotels for Cocktails and Drinks

The Walker Inn, connected to Normandie Club in Los Angeles, is bound to boost the bed&beverage business.

Designed by David Kaplan, the hotel is setting up to begin taking reservations beginning in September. Focused on quality luxury booze, the clientele is expected to enjoy a phenomenal dinner, winding down with cocktails, and continuing into the room.

The rooms were given a light and airy design, outside the normal for Kaplan who has specialized his talent on a mixture of darker tones. The rooms are not overly decorated as to be comfortable for the occupents and their drinks.

 

Click here for the full aricle by Jason Clampet.

Categories
Aircraft Alex Early Travel Tips

Jet Charter Owner Approval

 

June 2nd, 2015
Written By: Alex M. Early, CEO of The Early Air Way

If you’ve chartered private jets in the past, then you’re probably familiar with the term “owner approval required.” For those of you who aren’t familiar however, “owner approval required” is a condition of booking for many (but not all) jet charters. What it means is that once you accept a quote that is proposed to you, the reservation is then sent directly to the owner of the aircraft you’re attempting to book who will either approve or decline your trip. If your trip is approved, then your reservation is confirmed. If your trip is declined however, the particular aircraft at hand will no longer be an option for your trip and you’ll have to move onto a different plane.

Which planes require owner approval?

A top of the line plane such as a Gulfstream G650 will always require owner approval.

Generally speaking, the newer and larger (or more valuable) planes are the ones that will require owner approval. I can’t think of a single Gulfstream G650 Heavy Jet that doesn’t require owner approval. On the other hand, there are very few Lear 35 Light Jets that do require owner approval. This is the standard, but not the rule. There are some heavy jets that don’t require approval while there are some light jets that do.

Why would an owner turn down my business?

 Some charter clients can be surprised that an owner is turning down their money. There are several reasons this will happen, however:

  1. The owner would like to keep his/her plane free for him/herself over the dates you’re attempting to book it for.
  2. Your trip doesn’t bring in enough revenue to justify the aircraft being dispatched. (Generally seen only on newer/larger planes)
  3. Your trip has too many short legs. Short legs are not profitable for late-model, large-cabin airplanes. The ratio of landings to flight hours affects the value of an aircraft on the pre-owned market. If a Gulfstream G550 has an average flight duration of 55 minutes for example, millions in value could be lost compared with one that has an average flight duration of three hours. As such, the short flights may be declined. Furthermore, expensive maintenance is required after a certain number of cycles. A G650 owner won’t want to rush to a six-figure maintenance appointment because he/she accepted a bunch of 50-minute trips.

What happens if an owner declines your trip?

It’s unfortunate when an owner declines a trip, but it happens. What you should do in this instance is let you jet charter coordinator provide you with the next best option available and then attempt to book this. Don’t see this is an indicator that you’re working with a sub-par charter company; owner approval effects everyone.

At the end of the day, owner approval is part of the US charter marketplace and isn’t going anywhere soon. When booking a flight, it’s important to know whether or not your plane needs owner approval or not to help you make the most educated decision possible about what you’re booking.

Categories
Destinations

Off-beat Luxury Hotels

Luxury has changed in the game of hotels. Modern luxury hotels now sell themselves based on the unique and exclusive experiences they provide.

Ponta Dos Ganchos, Brazil

Ponta Dos Ganchos sits on a private peninsula on the emerald coast of Brazil. It is close enough to large hubs of activity for entertainment, yet remote enough to relax.

La Bastide de Gordes, France

Literally carved into the rock face, La Bastide de Gordes has a magnificent view of the opposing mountains and lavender fields for the perfect French retreat.

Ashford Castle, Ireland

Ashford Castle is the oldest castle in Ireland, but also boasts rooms looking over either the river or the lake. The castle offers medieval nobleman activities such as falconry, horseback riding, and hawk flying.

 

Click here for the full article by Matthew Priest.

Categories
Industry & News

Luxury Suite of the Sea

No expense was spared when Norwegian Cruise Line designed the Regent SUite aboard the Regent Seven Seas Explorer. The suite costs $10,000 a night to book, and just the bed itself is valued at $150,000.

The suite has a personal spa, sauna, heated lounge chairs, and Steinway piano. As for space the suite is 50% larger than the average house in America.

Like Regent’s last two new ships, Explorer is an all-suite vessel. Only a handful of luxury lines, including Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Silversea Cruises, offer all-suite vessels.

Explorer is designed to carry 750 passengers. It’s Regent’s first new ship in more than a decade. With its addition, the line has four vessels.

 

Click here for the full tour by Gene Sloan.

Categories
Industry & News

Luxury Hotel Health Trends

Hotels are flooding into the wellness trends in hopes of offering the next best amenities. The flurry of news behind hotels planning, opening, and redesigning their wellness offerings spread the spectrum from fitness, sleep, and even some quirky processes.

Cryotherapy

Stepping into a machine with as little clothing as possible and being blasted with air chilled below -200°F might not seem like an enjoyable experience, but guests are paying big money for the experience. Cryotherapy is said to combat the painful effects of tough workouts and aging, and some hotels have been adding appointments within their spas for igloo treatments and ice baths.

IV Recovery

Intravenous needles and fluid bags are the visions of nightmares to quite a few people. Many would opt to drink more water or swallow supplements to get what their bodies need, but the Underground Spa in Las Vegas is offering to hook you up, to an IV while you relax, to recover from your parties faster.

Salt Therapy

Halotherapy is recommended to provide a positive effect on the immune, nervous, and lymphatic systems. The therapy surrounds the guest in salt, usually a room filled with Himalayan salts, where salt infuses the air. Some locations even have mineral pools chock-full of salt from the Dead Sea to better penetrate the body with the restorative properties.

 

Click here for the full article by Brian Sumers.

Exit mobile version