Tag: luxury travel

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Industry & News

The Luxury Travel Trend That’s Becoming More Popular This Year ✈

Finding Unknown Luxury Vacation Destinations - The Early Airway

Travel trends are constantly changing. From family road trips to adventure travel, new ideas for traveling have always emerged. And now, it seems that 2019 is bringing us a luxury travel trend.

We know what you may be thinking:

Who doesn’t love luxury travel? That is not new!

But here is where it is set apart from any trends we have seen before.

Sure, everyone may love a little luxury. And everyone may want to travel in style.

Unfortunately, though, not everyone has the opportunity to do so. And, with that, comes a new trend: those that want what others cannot have.

 

What Does This Luxury Travel Trend Encompass?

Individuals are seeking experiences and perks that only the elite can afford.

And, that is how you find yourself with a luxury travel trend.

The best part is that since its idea is growing in popularity, the hospitality industry worldwide is taking notice.

Now, more than ever, many more travelers can afford to have a little luxury added to their next vacation.

So, what does this latest travel trend involve?

 

1. Concern for the Environment

One aspect of luxury travel is a change toward preserving our world. Those who are traveling are seeking accommodations and such that they know to provide a positive impact.

Green companies are seeing an influx of visitors – and others are taking notice.

It is this increased awareness of the global health and wellness that is going to make a difference in 2019.

It is, in fact, a different form of luxury.

But, when you are traveling to enjoy yourself and you know you are able to experience your destination without causing harm, that is a great feeling.

Many in the tourism industry are striving to provide the best possible sustainability perks for travelers.

 

 

2. Indulging in the Local Culture – and Experiences

There is just something that small hotels can provide that large chain hotels cannot: intimacy.

Another aspect of luxury travel that is making itself known is an increased desire to stay at local hotels.

This could be for a couple of reasons.

Local hotels are usually built into the heart of the destination.

It is a wonderful way to get up close and personal with the locals and their culture.

In addition, travelers are more likely to be seen as a guest and treated as such.

This most definitely will include:

  • Being addressed by name
  • Attaining additional perks through personal communication, such as a bottle of champagne that you like or a special guidebook for your interests
  • Learning about activities and places not known among other tourists

When you are willing to give and support locally, you may get some bonus recognition in return.

 

3. The Desire to Follow a Guide

Traveling in 2019, many individuals are taking back the fact that it should be an opportunity to relax.

Daily life is stressful and tough at times – and taking a break from it is why vacations were invented in the first place, right?

Some travelers will spend days, weeks, or months in advance planning a trip.

This includes:

  • Learning what sights you must see and the best times to see them.
  • Learning what areas to avoid and the dangers that lurk there.
  • Uncovering the best places to eat.
  • And, finding the best place to stay.

Diligently putting together this “know before you go,” information can be exhausting.

So much so that by the time your vacation arrives, you are so overprepared with such a highly detailed itinerary for each day that you cannot even sit back and relax.

The opportunity to enjoy your vacation just flew out the window.

With this latest luxury travel trend, however, you don’t have to worry about any of that.

For years, you have been able to sign up for guided tours or trips.

While many people took advantage of this, often times it was youth groups, college students, and the like.

Perhaps they knew something the rest of us didn’t: investing in a guided trip means that you can just, well, enjoy your vacation. Imagine it!

This luxury means you get to your destination without having done intensive research. And, getting to experience it up close thanks to an experienced guide.

 

 

4. The Want for Personalization

The desire for personalization is increasing greatly. This is another step towards the luxury travel trend that is making its way into the industry.

We want a vacation that is designed for us.

We want well put-together travel plans with our name stamped on the outside.

With this movement in mind, you can have an unforgettable experience while immersing yourself in the local culture and gaining more real-life experience than you ever thought possible.

Let the experts take what you want to get out of your travel – and give it to you.

 

How You Can Experience Luxury Travel

If all of these luxury travel trends sound exciting to you and already have you dusting off your luggage, then you are in for an amazing ride.

Remember, though, that your vacation starts from the moment you leave your monotonous day-to-day life.

So, that means your travel arrangements are just as important as your hotel accommodations and your plans while you are there.

The ultimate in luxury travel comes with chartering a private jet.

This gets you to where you want to go – when you want to go. And, it does so in style.

Rather than kicking off your holiday with frustration and long lines, find yourself a private jet and relax.

They offer you privacy, flexibility, and more convenient times. They also provide you with a private, comfortable, personalized, and luxurious flight to lay low until you arrive at your destination.

As they become more in demand, they are becoming more and more accessible.

With the luxury travel trend of 2019, that is only going to increase.

 

Conclusion

Don’t get stuck researching, planning, and becoming just another Joe the Plumber when you travel.

Accept all of the luxury travel perks that are available to you and turn your next vacation into a stellar experience.

Where will 2019 take you?

Categories
Aircraft

Should You Fly In a Private Airplane or First Class?

The question. Fly first class or rent a private airplane charter? The answer is not as simple as it might appear on the first inspection. While both options provide extraordinary comfort and a more personalized feel, there are distinct pros and cons to each mode of travel.

Traditionally it has only been the rich and famous that flew either. Even businessmen often jammed themselves into coach class seats praying for their flight to come to a quick conclusion. As business class became a more common option the business traveler community flocked to this option.

Change is afoot. Not only is the option of private airplane charter becoming a viable option, but first class travel is also reaching all new heights in modern convenience and flexibility within the commercial airline industry. And so the question remains. Here are a few of the major decision-making points for both options.

Flexibility

When it comes to flexibility private airplane aviation wins hands down. Even in the most expensive first class seat available, such as a Singapore Airlines Suites seat at $32,000, you still are forced to deal with security checkpoints, the boarding of hundreds of passengers, and flight times that are set by the airline, not by you.

Private jet charter allows you, or your company, to set the flight schedule from the time of departure to which airport you wish to depart from and arrive at. Even with expedited security commercial flights are subject to a certain amount of time spent in line. This is a challenge not applicable to private aviation.

The additional flexibility in airport use is a huge factor in giving private jets the win. The ability to fly out of Teterboro, instead of a hub such as JFK or BOS is a huge advantage. A private airplane is able to avoid the traffic and hassle of commercial airports. You can arrive, almost literally, at the door of the aircraft.

Convenience

Private airplane travel wins again on the convenience level. If you are stuck in traffic getting to the airport, no worries, you simply call ahead and have your jet held. Commercial aircraft simply does not operate on your time schedule and regardless of the price of your ticket they are not going to hold a flight for you. By hiring a private jet charter you determine when you depart and if your plans change, so do the plans for the aircraft.

For business travelers, this can be especially essential if meetings run long or a complicated negotiation goes south. Commercial airlines, understandably, set schedules that are the most profitable for them. When you hire a private jet charter you set the times to fit your schedule.

Privacy

Again, private airplane charters win out. Certainly, some commercial airlines, such as the new Emirates configured their first class cabins into mini-suites, and now offer more privacy than available previously on a commercial airliner. However, there is simply no comparison between that option and the privacy of a private airplane.

Companies and the wealthy alike are well aware of the advantage of being able to hold meetings and pass confidential information during flight when flying private aviation. In addition, business travelers can take advantage of white boards and power point presentations due to the increased space available.

Price Point

When it comes to price point the answer to advantage is: it all depends. While a seat or two in first class generally always comes in less expensive than the same option on a private airplane, the number of passengers traveling makes a difference. For a business to send only a couple of individuals flying first class the commercial airline often comes in at a lower price point. Certainly, several factors here come into play as well such as whether they are able to book a dead-leg flight for instance.

However, when looking for a larger number of people a private jet charter can come in favorably. Busy business executives also need to consider the cost advantage of simply spending less time to get to their destination. When you figure in the hours necessary to arrive at the airport, go through security lines, and deal with hundreds of others embarking and disembarking the cost of a private jet charter begins to look much more reasonable.

It all comes down to the numbers.  When you rent a private jet charter, you are renting the jet at a set price. The more passengers, the lower cost per person. For just a few travelers first class commercial is a better price point option.

Customization

Here again, private jet charter reigns the day. Along with the option of choosing your airports by flying a private charter the world is your oyster. You can choose the size of jet needed based on your number of passengers, and what time you wish to take off. The opportunities are endless as you choose what type of food is provided. You can have coffee and bagels or a fully catered multi-course dinner.

For the business traveler, many private jet charters come with options for any manner of technology on board. This allows for meetings in the air that are live with those back in the home office. Onboard WiFi, satellite connections, and inflight connectivity are all features.

For the wealthy traveler or the very discerning business traveler, flying by private jet allows for individual preferences to be handled as well, right down to the planes décor.

At the end of the day, the fact remains that having a certain amount of money available allows for a more comfortable flight. First class on the worlds premier airlines is becoming more luxurious than ever, often more luxurious than on a private jet. However, when you consider time savings, flexibility, and true customization a private airplane is a clear winner.

Categories
Destinations

5 Summer Vacation Destinations To Beat The Heat

Summer is upon us and parts of the country are already baking under the summer sun. As temperatures and humidity rise, so do tempers, and if you fear the idea of roasting through a vacation while merely wishing for winter, have no fear.

There are a wide variety summer vacation destinations, near and far, to soothe the nerves and allow for the type of summer holiday you have been dreaming up. Here are five of our favorite summer vacation destinations to get out and about without breaking a sweat. All that is left is to book your private jet to whisk you to paradise.

South of the Equator

Remember, summer in the United States is winter south of the Equator. By heading to the southern hemisphere you will find comfortable temperatures and lots of availability. For the wine lover, our choice would be the unique wine valley at Garzon, Uruguay. More rustic and less crowded than neighboring Mendoza, Garzon still offers hot-air balloon rides, olive groves, traditional barbecues, and, of course, wine.

Perhaps a safari is on the agenda. South Africa beckons with its own extraordinary wine combined with dramatic beaches, the stunning views of Cape Town, and wildlife all around. In addition to the expected wildlife of an African safari, you will also find you can cave dive with Great White Sharks or admire the adorable penguins found at the Cape of Good Hope.

These summer vacation destinations give you the perfect summer holiday while allowing you to remain cool.

Head north

True explorers seeking cool summer vacation destinations should head to Greenland.  This ice-covered island located between the Arctic and North Atlantic has summer temperatures ranging between 41- 45 degrees. There is a marvelous seven-day walking tour that explores secluded mountains, a variety of glaciers, and rivers in the east of the country with helicopter rides between each location. The more sedentary can still experience the majesty of it all by staying at an igloo hotel on the edge of a fjord.

Closer to home, check out the stunning wilderness of Alaska at Wrangell St. Elias National Park. This 24-million acre park is the largest internationally protected wilderness area, and Mount St. Elias is the continent’s second highest mountain peak. Summer isn’t long this far north but the mountains are covered in snow all year long and sea kayaking through pristine Icy Bay is an unforgettable experience. Nearby Masapina Glacier is bigger than the state of Rhode Island. The perfect holiday if you want to remember how small you are compared to the majesty of nature.

Go higher

When seeking cool temperatures, head for elevation. Even in the worst heat of summer by going higher you will find the chill you’re looking for. For a taste of Latin culture head to Mexico City. This mile-high city is beautiful and endlessly intriguing. Explore one of the best archaeological museums in the world, admire the art of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, eat yourself silly at the dozens of spectacular markets, and enjoy this bustling, cosmopolitan city.

Breckenridge, Colorado is an outdoor paradise for summer vacation destinations. Best known as a winter playground, Breckenridge is also fantastic in summer. The hills are alive with wildflowers and activities abound. Hiking, camping, and mountain biking will get you up into the hills. You can also participate in horseback riding, white-water rafting, or golfing before ending the day at the spa.

Surprising cities

If you are looking for a combination of culture, beauty, water sports, and amazing food head to Vancouver, British Columbia. Canada’s beautiful west coast city offers heavy cultural influences from a number of countries such as India, Japan, and China making for some of the best culinary gems you will find anywhere. The city’s numerous districts feature excellent shopping and nightlife and the year-round market on Granville Island thrills on several fronts. Out of town test your bravery by crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge swaying 230 feet above the Capilano River.

Mark Twain is oft quoted as saying “The coldest winter I ever spent was summer in San Francisco”. Although it seems the famous author never actually uttered these words, the fact is summer in this spectacular city can prove to be moody, foggy, and chilly. Perfect for those wishing to escape the heat. The sightseeing opportunities are nearly limitless. Visitors can tour famous Alcatraz Island, stroll the wharf, eat their weight in goodies at Chinatown or Little Italy, and buy the best sourdough bread in the world, all surrounded by one gorgeous cityscape after another.

Hit the trail

Hitting the trails on an epic hike is one of the best ways to get in some great exercise all while avoiding the heat of summer. The Swiss Alps offer several famous multi-day treks. One of the most popular is the Haute Route between Chamonix, France and Zermatt, Switzerland. All you need is a day pack as you sleep in century-old inns, visit small villages en-route, and camp near lakes all while surrounded by some of the best scenery in the world.

Here in the United State exists another stunning display of nature at the Grand Teton National Park. This 6 day backcountry trail is for hearty backpackers but brings you along the interior of the Teton range passing alpine lakes and jagged summits. Summer is wildflower season so you can admire their colorful beauty. Enjoy mingling with elk, moose, bison, pronghorn sheep and mule deer that frequent the area. One precaution, this is also bear country so take the necessary precautions. It is well worth the effort after looking down on the sweeping views of Jackson Hole from above.

No matter which adventure you choose, know that keeping cool this summer is easier than ever. With so many options to pick from you can head off on one of the summer vacation destinations of your dreams while keeping your cool.

Forget sunburns, scorching temperatures, and harried beach scenes. By hitting elevation, heading to the southern hemisphere, or checking out cities that specialize in cool, you can appreciate sightseeing without sweltering.

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Uncategorized

The Most Popular Hotels In Las Vegas

Las Vegas continues to draw in guests from around the world. This vibrant city never seems to shut down and visitors can keep themselves easily occupied 24-hours a day. The strip is just over four miles long and the focal point of the cities entertainment and tourist district. There are dozens of luxury themed hotels in Las Vegas that offer everything from the Eiffel Tower to and Egyptian pyramid and a replica of the Grand Canal.

Set in the Mojave desert, Las Vegas seems an unlikely choice as a premier tourist destination. Las Vegas was incorporated as a city in 1905. However, it wasn’t until 1931 that Nevada legalized gambling and the world would never be the same.

At the end of World War II, lavishly decorated hotels and big-name entertainment became synonymous with the city. The arrival of the Rat Pack cemented the city as the self-proclaimed Entertainment Capital of the World.

Fremont Street downtown saw its heyday ending as more and more hotels moved to the strip. This rapidly growing city now boasts more hotel rooms than any other city in the world. So how do you choose where to stay? Deals abound and some people have great preferences for one hotel’s theme over another but in a city known for its over-the-top glitz, which hotels in Las Vegas offer the most luxury?

Here are our top choices for hotels in Las Vegas that offer a truly luxurious getaway. Charter a private jet and fly away to be entertained in style.

 

Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

Hotels in Las Vegas with no casino? Although this feature seems impossible to comprehend, the Mandarin Oriental is bringing a boutique hotel feel to a city of mega-hotels. With only 392 rooms and suites, guests love the classy feel and don’t mind leaving the hotel to play the slots.

This hotel focuses on a restrained approach, moving away from the glitzy strip and catering to those seeking spacious rooms filled with luxurious extras including soaking tubs, 42” flat-screen TVs.

The Asian-inspired influence strives for a zen-like atmosphere. The fantastic staff and magnificent two-floor spa is also has the best technicians in town.

 

Wynn Tower Suites

The twin hotels Wynn and Encore are connected by a shared casino floor. They combine to make one of the most luxurious hotels in Las Vegas, and in the world. At this power duo, the Tower Suites is the icing on the cake. Guests can avoid the often crowded, and chaotic check-in with exclusive entrance and lobby.

Daily complimentary breakfast at the well-known Tableau restaurant is included, along with the use of a private Tower Suites pool. Wynn was one of the defining moments in luxury on the Las Vegas strip. By using elements of nature such as the 140-foot forested mountain and wall of water to shield the casinos from the activity on the strip, they transformed the city.

Rooms are enormous with the smallest coming in at spacious 620 square feet. The six villas scattered throughout the complex come in at over 7000 square feet. Luxury linens, exclusive toiletry kits, and signature robes complete the feeling of living a dream.

 

ARIA Sky Suites

ARIA is for guests looking to live large. This 4000 room hotel doesn’t whisper, it screams luxury. With 19 restaurants, three spas, four nightlife spots, a spa and its own fine art collection this hotel means business.

One of only 46 resorts in the world to hold both the AAA Five Diamond award as well as the Forbes Five-Star award, this property indulges your need for luxury with exquisite amenities and incredible views.

Suites go up to 2600 square feet of space designed to pamper with separate living and bedroom spaces and spa-like bathroom retreats. With a private check-in, private Sky Suites pool, and private lounge featuring nightly wine and cheese pairings, you will feel spoiled as you retreat back to your suite via private elevator.

 

Four Seasons Las Vegas

An oasis of calm in a city known for its round-the-clock energy, the Four Seasons is another Las Vegas hotel without a casino. Occupying the top four floors of Mandalay Bay Resort, Four Seasons offers Art Deco inspired rooms and massive marble bathrooms.

Express elevators and a private check-in bring guests to some of the friendliest staff in town and excellent city vistas. While there are those that prefer a more central strip location, many appreciate the serenity and seclusion of this southerly location.

The property has its own pool, spa, two on-site restaurants and three bars. More importantly it also has access to the 22 restaurants and multiple pools of the Mandalay Bay.

 

The Mansion at MGM Grand

And finally, The Mansion at MGM Grand is an entity onto its own. There is, quite simply, nothing quite like it. This Florentine-style property is attached to the nation’s largest hotel, the MGM Grand. Yet it feels like an oasis in the casino chaos.

In this frenetic city, The Mansion’s guests feel as though they have been transported to an 18-century villa in Tuscany. Although set mere steps from the Las Vegas Strip, this unique property offers luxury and absolute service all seemingly hidden from the chaos beyond.

The Mansion features 29 Mediterranean-themed villas ranging from 2400 to 12,000 square feet. The property has an Italian Garden, pool, screening room and a private dining room with personalized menu planning. Private butlers and excellent concierge services are also available for the ultimate in luxury.

Afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the luxury of your villa, while all of the MGM Grand’s restaurants are available for your dining pleasure. This property may just be the in a class off by itself.

Las Vegas has morphed through many transitions over the years from an entertainment destination to a family fun destination focused on inexpensive all-you-can-eat buffets, to a luxury getaway. Somehow, this city continues to change with the times.  The hotels in Las Vegas have also done the same. From the Mandarin Oriental, to the MGM Grand, you can’t go wrong.

This city of lights in the desert is well worth a couple of days whether you favor the gambling, the shopping, or just some of the best people-watching on the planet.

Categories
Travel Tips

Travel the World in Luxury While Working Remotely

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.

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