price of traveller luxury

What exactly is luxury travel in 2023 — and is it worth it?

What exactly is luxury travel? Ask any group of travelers what constitutes a luxury vacation, and chances are they'll all give you a different answer.

For some, a luxury escape means private jets, personalized pajamas and in-room massages. For others, it's about seeing rare wild animals in far-flung places or eating in the world's hardest-to-book restaurants. Depending who you ask, it may be less about location or logistics and more about how much cash you drop, for expensive equals luxe.

The point is: Luxury travel may seem obvious, but it's actually a slippery concept.

With the explosion of the so-called "experience economy," the true definition of luxury travel is becoming increasingly harder to pin down. Despite this, the estimated value of the global luxury travel sector is set to double in the next decade, from $1.3 trillion in 2022 to $2.7 trillion in 2032, according to market research company Market.us .

"The idea of luxury, as we understand it today, is a relatively new concept," Giorgio Riello said. Riello is professor of global history and culture at the University of Warwick and author of the book "Luxury: A Rich History."

"Once upon a time, it was only the rich bourgeois who could aim to own something better. [But now] there is more disposable income around than ever. And while being marketed products [and experiences] that promise to be better than average is not quite unprecedented, what is new is the scale at which it's done."

Is this new brand of luxury travel still just about exorbitantly high prices and the type of Champagne in the minibar or is it something much more ethereal? And, crucially, is it worth the inevitably high asking price or are we being sold a Tinkerbell-esque ideal by savvy marketers that will only survive and prosper for as long as we truly believe in it?

The hunt for external life

"Luxury has become a very overused word [in the travel business]," says publicist Jo Vickers, one of the best-known names in the world of exclusive travel and lifestyle PR. "The meaning of luxury has become so confusing, so simply throwing buzzwords at consumers no longer cuts it."

That's why Vickers primarily uses the word "exclusive" when describing her clients. Her company, JV Public Relations, looks after some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and spas around the globe; this includes The Mark Hotel in New York, The Brando in Tahiti, Palazzo Avino on Italy's Amalfi Coast and D Maris Bay in Turkey.

For Vickers, a truly luxurious hotel stay is based on a spectrum of factors including "timeless value, craftsmanship, exclusivity, rarity, quality, heritage, aesthetic, responsibility and innovation." But on top of that, says Vickers, "I think the equation of luxury is a feeling, a belief, a lifestyle and above all an experience we desire."

Ten Lifestyle Group , one of the world's leading luxury lifestyle services, is perhaps better placed than most to shed light on the extravagant experiences we most desire. With annual memberships starting at 4,500 British pounds ($5,680), Ten prides itself on its ability to open doors that its ultra-wealthy clients cannot; it serves as a kind of gatekeeper to spectacular opportunities. For CEO Alex Cheatle, the kind of luxury his clients long for is divided into two distinct strands: internal and external.

Related: Inside the bonkers world of luxury holiday fixing for the super-rich

"Internal luxury is how something makes you feel," he tells TPG. "When you feel complete, content and 'in the moment' because of an extraordinary view looking down on Machu Picchu as you come over the final pass, as you taste the amuse bouche cooked for you by a top chef or when you feel the crisp Egyptian cotton sheets as you collapse onto the bed of a wonderful hotel after a long flight."

External luxury, on the other hand, is "how something allows you to socially compete."

"It's reserving the table at the restaurant that everyone is trying to book but can't get," according to Cheatle. "It's being recognized and upgraded at the hotel because of who you are. It's about having the best seats at a sold-out show that others wanted to see but couldn't. It's about arriving by helicopter at the Grand Prix and avoiding the awful traffic you can see from the air."

Of course, there is a relationship between internal and external luxury but which one comes first, he explains, often depends on whom you're justifying it to. "We use the language of inner luxury, even when our desire is driven by the social cachet of outer luxury." Put simply says Cheatle, " Most of us say we went to the restaurant [just] to try the food."

The experience era

In 2023, the seas are changing.

Luxury travel is no longer exclusively for celebrities, tycoons and heirs to multimillion-dollar dog food empires. With a rise in disposable incomes for some and a shift in priorities for others, the luxe market is swiftly becoming more and more attainable to those who aspire or splurge for it.

Millennials are 23% more interested in exploring the world than older generations, and they make up 20% of all international tourists, according to research by Boston Consulting Group . Right behind millennials is a whole new generation even hungrier to see the world. This age group was raised on individualism, independence and Instagram, and for them, authenticity and shareability are key to a meaningful life.

"In the younger market — the Gen Z's and millennials — they've grown up with everything," explains Vickers. "Whether they've got money or not, they've had exposure to [the idea of luxury] through the media for most of their lives, and their relationship with the concept of luxury is very different to that of older generations."

This new set of big spenders is not splashing out on art or beautiful furniture. Instead, Vickers says they're spending on experiences, "Their money is going to go on a great holiday rather than collectible items because they're too busy chasing experiences and something interesting to do with their lives."

For evidence, take the rise of the luxury travel influencer. In recent years, the #luxurytravel market has grown exponentially across social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok house a growing circle of influencers jet-setting around the world to take selfies on yachts or in high-end hotels while extolling the sweet joys of the #highlife.

"Before [luxury travel] may have felt unreachable to some," Laura Picken, director of loyalty and brand partnerships at luxury hotel group Hyatt , said. "But through social [media], we see travelers of all ages, cultures and backgrounds staying at all levels of hotels and being able to unlock experiences that were previously thought unattainable."

In 2021, a Statista survey found that 84% of U.S. adults consulted travel influencers for trip recommendations.

"We're seeing more travel influencers showcasing luxury experiences to their audiences," Jade Broadus, vice president of influencer marketing agency Travel Mindset , said. "[That means] the experiences, the hotels, the adventures that are luxury now have a much bigger audience and shouldn't be reserved for only a select group of people."

The 'storification' of travel

It isn't just social-savvy youngsters splashing out.

"We have a lot of clients who are young at heart. And they are increasingly asking for incredible bucket-list experiences as much as glamorous hotel stays," says Emma de Vadder, the U.K PR director for Black Tomato — one of an expanding legion of luxury tour operators.

De Vadder said she has noticed a marked shift in recent years in what people want from luxury holidays.

"Luxury travel is no longer just about being able to brag that you stayed in a five-star hotel," she said. "It's about telling people about an amazing person that you met, or that you got involved in a community project, or you've had a really special animal encounter, or seen a natural phenomenon."

Related: Luxury travel agent reveals 7 tips for traveling in style without it costing the earth

Black Tomato is at the vanguard of this exploding "experience market", which it says has seen a boom in what the company refers to as the "storification" of luxury travel.

"With 'storification,' we're seeing more travelers embracing characters and narratives as they explore the world, immersing themselves in sprawling imaginative worlds plucked from the silver screen or the pages of their favorite novel," the company's founder Tom Marchant said.

One of Black Tomato's latest showcase packages, for example, is a 60,000 pounds ($75,730) per person, 12-night adventure called "The Assignment: Europe," curated in partnership with James Bond overlords Eon Productions.

This bespoke package includes a speedboat ride down London's River Thames with a stuntwoman from "The World Is Not Enough,"; dinner at the top of the Eiffel Tower with 1980s Bond actress ​​Carole Ashby; a poker lesson from the Texas Hold'em consultant used for "Casino Royale" at Casino de Monte-Carlo; water skiing on Italy's Lake Como; and a private yacht tour of the Venetian Lagoon in Venice, Italy.

"We've seen a 30% increase in interest in these narrativized approaches to the world," Marchant said. "Blending fact and fiction, this is travel with all the drama and intrigue of the world's most enduring movies, novels, myths and legends."

Other Black Tomato experience packages include a "globe-crossing adventure inspired by the life and travels of Agatha Christie;" a "Jungle-Book"-inspired family holiday to India; a "Karate Kid"-inspired martial arts itinerary in Japan; and a series of low-carbon-footprint "slow travel" trips on trains, horses, boats or hot air balloons in remote parts of the world.

Is a 12-night getaway in 007 heavens worth shelling out $75,730? You could quite feasibly create a similar itinerary (minus the impressive movie connections) for much less, but as de Vadder points out, that misses the point.

"Part of a luxury experience is having somebody else take care of everything for you," she said. "It's attention to detail and, above all, personalization. We know that a lot of our clients work very hard, so their holiday should not feel like work of any kind."

Related: Travel company Elsewhere is making authentic and local travel easier than ever

Responsible riches

If luxury travelers choose experiences over glamorous hotel stays, as de Vadder suggests, what are luxury hotels doing to keep up?

Hyatt and Marriott are two of the world's largest luxury hotel brands, and both are working hard to stay relevant in this fast-changing world.

"Research tells us that luxury is increasingly about conscious consumption as opposed to conspicuous consumption," Picken said. "This shift means our guests are making decisions not based on the cost or the cache of a luxury brand, but on whether it fulfills their aspirational needs."

As a result, Hyatt has diversified its offerings to cater to a range of luxury tastes.

"[All our luxury brands] are distinct and differentiated, built on insights on what luxury means to our guests: from the classic and timeless luxury espoused by Park Hyatt — with its focus on culinary excellence, art and architecture — to Alila, where 'bare-foot luxury' means a focus on being in harmony with the natural environment and the local community," Picken added.

Related: Hyatt is doubling down on luxury while its competitors focus on budget hotels

Neal Jones, chief sales and marketing officer for Marriott International, tells TPG that today's luxury consumers seek experiences that "allow for the pursuit of one's passions, help spark personal growth, and have a purpose beyond comfort and pampering."

"Luxury is entering a new era of regeneration, driven by a maturing set of desires, tastes, and aspirations," says Jones. "Guests want to foster a deeper connection to the places they visit, getting to know people, history, food, and the culture of a place, in addition to seeking out experiences that focus on holistic well-being as well as those that emphasize relationship building. These are things that are valuable beyond a price point."

Marriott International, for its part, has recently launched its ​​first luxury safari resort, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge , which donates a percentage of its nightly rate to several local community wildlife conservation programs. In turn, those programs offer all kinds of experiences to guests, including guided safaris in search of the Big Five: lions, leopards, black rhinos, African bush elephants and African buffaloes.

The Kenyan lodge is home to 20 private tents, including one presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites. It also has a restaurant, a lounge, a bar, a spa and a large outdoor terrace with fire pits. All-inclusive rates start at $1,450 per night and climb to around $3,800 during peak season.

The aesthetic of aspiration

None of this means how a luxury hotel looks isn't important.

According to Katherine Pooley , one of the world's most revered interior designers, aesthetic beauty will always be a key component of a luxury setting.

"The most truly luxurious objects, homes or experiences are unusual, one-of-a-kind, and memorably beautiful," she said. "To stand the test of time, true luxury needs to be crafted with great care, created from the highest quality components, have an original viewpoint, and most importantly of all — it must be beautiful."

Pooley's projects range in scale and style, from hotels and luxury spas to beach villas, ski chalets, palaces and castles. Recently, she completed the motorsport-themed Cachet Boutique Zhejiang Racetrack Hotel in China (which has its own private racetrack), where she commissioned a coffee table carved out of a crashed racing car.

For Pooley, the thing that elevates an interior from the ordinary to the luxurious is "intricate joinery, bespoke hand-crafted pieces of furniture, commissioned and curated artworks and sculptors, and rare, beautiful finishes."

The same ethos is apparent in modern private jets , where design increasingly focuses on ensuring a luxury holiday begins the second you step on board.

"We often refer to our aviation projects as flying homes," Greig Jolly, aviation partner at Winch design studio, said. "Increasingly, our clients wish to create a seamless experience between their home, car, yacht, jet, etc. Not a repeat environment, but a consistency of quality, service and experience. So an 'apartment in the sky' — rather than simply a means of transportation — is absolutely the expectation."

Look at the aviation portfolio page of Winch's website, and you'll see what he means: neon-lit black marble bathrooms, mohair seat lining, leather sofas, bronze-like leopard sculptures and enough mirrors to make Narcissus blush. The studio's designs look more like something you'd find in an Upper East Side Manhattan penthouse than a plane cabin.

But does a luxurious experience actually cost more to make? Of course it does, but that's not what makes it luxurious, according to Carla El-Samra, managing director at VIP aviation design agency F/List Middle East.

"The high price of luxury means skilled craftsmen and the extra care that goes into each finish," she said. "But yes, it is something more; it's about the sensory and tactile feel of each surface and the overall smell of entering a space. A silk carpet will look and feel softer and more luxurious than a 100% wool carpet. But then again, maybe the customer just prefers wool?"

Memory is the new luxe

So, what is the future of luxury travel?

For almost everyone TPG spoke to, the idea of luxury is no longer focused on overt displays of wealth and extravagance. Rather, it is about evaluating what truly brings people happiness — and providing the 24-carat version of whatever that means. The catalyst that thrust this notion most sharply into focus will come as no surprise: the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Being stuck at home for nearly two years brought back the burning desire to travel and create meaningful experiences and unforgettable memories," says Lucia Penrod, CEO of Nikki Beach, a global lifestyle hospitality company with beach clubs, hotels and resorts in such places as Miami Beach, Florida; Dubai; Ibiza, Spain; and Monte Carlo, Monaco. "Now, [luxury travelers want] boutique hotels in stunning locations, excellent service with a smile, and unique and unforgettable experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime."

This feeling emanated in a boom of so-called "revenge travel" — traveling to make up for lost time.

"Young people want more business- and first-class flights, more five-star hotels. They want to fly less but farther, and stay away for longer," Vickers said. "Young people [are] more aware of climate change and environmental decline, they take nothing for granted."

Related: 8 women influencing luxury travel tell us what's hot for 2023

Memory — no doubt ideally captured on Instagram or TikTok — is the future of luxury travel. After all, in today's world of frenzied consumer choice and material success, perhaps there is only one commodity left that money still cannot buy: time.

While you may not be able to buy a longer life, you can buy a better one with the right resources.

"Time is the one thing we cannot buy more of," Riello said. "But we have invented the notion of quality time, which can be bought and sold. So I think that out of the 'experiential luxury' market, what will become more important in the future are ways to capture those 'events' into memories to treasure in the future. I think memory will be one area in which luxury brands will exist in the future."

Is luxury travel worth it?

Of course, industry experts will tell you what they're selling is well worth the money. Truthfully, though, value is as ambiguous a concept as luxury.

A product is only worth what people are prepared to shell out for it. The better a brand's marketing can tap into ideas around value, aspiration, freedom and happiness, the more likely a target audience will buy it.

"The trick of luxury, to me, is that both the consumer and the seller know that you don't need this," Riello said. "Nobody is making a strong argument that you need a bag that costs 3,000 pounds. I know I don't need it, and you know you don't need it. But it's fine because I have the 3,000 pounds and I simply like the bag."

The same goes for a movie-inspired tour of Europe that costs more than $75,000 per person or a $1,450-per-night tent in the Masai Mara. If your pockets are deep enough to absorb it, why not enjoy the experience?

Like Coco Chanel once said: "The best things in life are free. The second best things are very, very expensive."

And as far as we are concerned, at least some of the best luxury experiences still take points .

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Jeffsetter Travel

Travel Consultants and Travel Tips

9 Best Luxury Travel Trailers (With Videos)

October 10, 2021 by Charlotte Phillips

Last updated on July 25th, 2023 at 12:53 pm

All of our reviews are based on exhaustive research, industry experience and whenever possible, hands-on testing. When you make a purchase using one of our chosen links we’ll receive a small percentage of the proceeds. This supports the site and keeps Jeffsetter running. You can read more here .

There are many different types of RVs around, some more basic than others. I like RVing with comfort and a bit of luxury too, as it makes for a better time out on the road! Finding the best luxury travel trailers may sound difficult, but they do exist, and if you have the budget, it’s possible to find the rig of your dreams for sure!

Our comprehensive guide to the best luxury travel trailers should provide a key insight into exactly what these types of impressive rigs are capable of, and which ones are best suited to you and your needs. If you’ve just started out RVing, try not to be put off by all the trailer options available! It’s simple to narrow down to the exact type of vehicle you need for all your RVing plans.

Let’s get started, and enjoy some of the luxurious options on this travel trailer roundup!

What Is A Luxury Travel Trailer?

A luxury travel trailer is a type of trailer that’s manufactured by almost all trailer brands. These luxury options are offered as their own distinct models, and these models include many upgraded and high-quality features not normally offered in lower-priced models.

It can be anything from higher-end interior design to more features included in the price than most bargain models. You may be paying for more technology throughout the rig, or more durable and stable materials throughout your trailer .

A luxury travel trailer always has a higher upfront cost, but it’s a great option for those hoping to camp in comfort and style. Many luxury travel trailers have the feel of a traditional home, and this is appealing to a wide range of RVers!

What To Look For In A Luxury Travel Trailer?

Shopping for a luxury travel trailer can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know quite what you’re looking for yet. Here’s a short list of potential things to keep an eye out for as you begin your search!

Floor Plan Or Layout

Your rig’s overall floor plan and layout are a huge part of shopping for a travel trailer. You may not know what you need at first, but start your considerations here: are you shopping for a travel trailer for your family, or just you and your significant other ?

Many travel trailers have multiple floor plan options, especially luxury rigs. Some are more customizable than others, with nonstandard features like theatre seating and bunk beds able to be added to your overall total.

Your layout will affect your overall camping experience, especially if you would like your trailer to have room for the whole family. Would you like a master suite with a closing door? How about minimal stairs so Grandpa and Grandma can safely navigate your rig?

No matter your desired layout, there’s a travel trailer to meet those needs. It may take some time to find it, but you can always be in contact with your trailer manufacturer about your desires. A convenient floor plan is number one in my book!

Bathroom Options

Choosing a luxury travel trailer with a bathroom isn’t difficult, but finding a bathroom to suit particular wants and needs may be harder than you think. Some luxury rigs are outfitted with standard-sized bathrooms, and some may even have bathtubs!

If you are traveling with a group, you may want a travel trailer that has two bathrooms onboard , another possibility for you to consider. If you and your partner want your own master suite with another bathroom for the rest of your guests, this is an option with some luxury floor plans.

Most luxury travel trailers have dry baths instead of wet baths , meaning you won’t have any trouble having separate features rather than just one room with a showerhead in it. There are many layouts that feature a separate toilet area, which can be helpful for many passengers.

Luxury rigs may also offer special bathroom features such as heated floors and towel racks, as well as skylights and double vanities. The sky’s the limit when it comes to luxury rigs- well, that and your budget! 

Building Materials

Most travel trailers are built with reliable and durable materials. However, some are better than others, and luxury RVs should be built to last. Choosing an RV brand that’s known for its reliable building materials is a good place to start.

Choosing an RV with long-lasting building materials is always a good idea, as this extends your overall investment. You may have a certain material in mind, such as aluminum or fiberglass. Both come with their own pros and cons.

You should always look for a rig with high-quality insulation, no matter where you plan on camping. Many luxury RVs have reliable insulation for both warm and cold weather applications, and some will even have heated floor and heated holding tank options for extreme cold.

Standard VS Optional Features

One of the most time-consuming processes of purchasing a new RV? Deciding what features you would like to add on both the inside and outside of your rig! 

There are always standard features on any RV, but these features will vary depending on the model type as well as the manufacturer of your rig. Luxury rigs often have more features available standard than other lower-priced RVs.

Many optional features have to do with the available technology on your rig, such as Bluetooth or wireless capabilities, as well as the internet. You may also have off-road or boondocking options, such as solar panels and a higher chassis.

If you plan on living in your rig as a full-timer, would you like access to laundry facilities in your rig? How about a chef’s kitchen? There are many features to consider before making your final decision, but there’s definitely a rig out there for you!

Warranty Options

If you are investing in a luxury travel trailer, finding a brand that offers a comprehensive and useful warranty may be high on your list. That’s why knowing your warranty options before you buy is important for any RVer, new or old!

Some rigs may have multiple warranties, some for structure, chassis, and tires, and others may have interior or electric warranty options. Your luxury rig deserves the best protection and should be backed up by a reliable warranty.

Any RV manufacturer should be upfront regarding their available warranties, but you should also be prepared to ask them any questions that you may have regarding your desired rig. Your safety and investment should be a priority to any RV brand!

Good Brands Of Luxury Travel Trailers

Speaking of RV brands, what might some good and reliable luxury travel trailer brands be? Let’s go over some of my favorite choices together.

One of the oldest travel trailer brands on this list, Airstream is known for its trademark appearance. These silver bullets have been gracing campgrounds and highways since the 70s, and they are making them better than ever before.

If you’re looking for an aluminum travel trailer , Airstream is one of your best options. Their price points are on the more affordable end of luxury, and their history and customer satisfaction simply can’t be beaten.

With enough floor plans to make you dizzy, Keystone offers a decent number of luxury rigs, all with features that will make you feel right at home. Started in 1996, Keystone is a company that stands for maximum features without a high price tag.

You’ll have plenty of choices to make if you go with a Keystone, and I consider this a huge positive when it comes to RV shopping. Keystone wants you to have exactly what you want, without breaking the bank!

Grand Design

While a relatively new company, Grand Design has quickly risen through the ranks of reliable luxury travel trailer brands. Started in 2012, Grand Design committed to becoming a resource for RVers across the nation.

Their primary goal? To keep in touch with RVers as they journey, Grand Design welcomes any and all feedback regarding their rigs in order to keep making the best and longest-lasting rigs out there.

A division of Forest River RVs, Palomino is a great choice for a luxury RV. While they don’t make very many rigs, each one is specially manufactured with the consumer in mind, and Forest River’s reliable construction is at the heart of all of their RVs.

Palomino RVs are designed with comfort and traditional home living in mind. They have many features inside of their rigs that give each one a unique and homey touch. Plus, there are plenty of floor plans to choose from so that you can satisfy the whole family!

One of the most popular RV brands in the business, Jayco makes an RV suitable for any and everyone. From lightweight toy haulers to Class A’s, Jayco has a rig that suits your sensibilities- and did I mention they have a great selection of luxury travel trailers too?

Jayco is known for its reliable and industry-setting durability, as well as their attention to detail. They use custom woodwork in most of their RVs, as well as stone and tile work that could be found in a traditional home.

What To Consider Before Purchasing A Luxury Travel Trailer?

From brands to layout requirements, there is so much to consider before purchasing a luxury travel trailer. What else should you keep in mind while shopping? Read on…

How Many People Can Sleep Comfortably?

Before you get too ahead of yourself, take a moment to consider how many people you are planning on camping with at any given time. While you may not know this number right off the bat, it is important that you have enough sleeping areas for your immediate family .

Most luxury rigs offer many sleeping arrangements and options, but it is important to get a large enough rig for everyone to feel comfortable. If it is just you and your partner, finding a smaller RV will be no problem.

However, if you have a family of five or even more than that, finding a larger luxury rig should be a consideration for you. There are usually different layouts that support this, and sleeping arrangements can be found in the form of bunk beds and fold-out sleeping areas.

Luxury Features And Options

We’ve already touched on this but you should keep in mind what luxury features and options you may be looking for. Are you hoping for a spacious bathroom or a residential kitchen? What about a fireplace or walk-around king bed?

No matter what you are looking for, there’s bound to be a rig out there that has it. It may take some searching, but you should be able to find what you are looking for so long as you know what features you desire most!

Tow Vehicle Capacity

If you are shopping for a luxury travel trailer and you already own a vehicle that you plan on towing with, it is important for you to learn your tow vehicle’s capacity.

There are many different weights and numbers to learn when you are first learning how to tow, and it is important to never tow an RV that weighs more than your vehicle’s towing capacity. A 30-foot travel trailer may weigh far more than you think, especially once it is full!

Many luxury rigs are also heavy, depending on their contents and design. Most RV manufacturers assume you will have a tow vehicle that can handle the weight, so keep this in mind when you are shopping (especially if you already own a tow vehicle).

While luxury goods come at a high price tag, having a realistic budget in mind before you start shopping is important. RVs can cost more than you think, especially if you plan on adding many non-standard features or accessories.

Not only will the RV manufacturers have their opinions about add-ons, but you will also find that RVs need a lot of gadgets and accessories so that you can safely travel, park, and hitch up. You may wish to purchase reliable wheel chocks or additional stabilizers .

Many luxury RVs have extras and more perks than a more modest model, but it is always important to stick to your budget. The last thing you want is to overspend and then not have enough money to travel!

How Often The RV Will Be Used

Buying a luxury RV is a joy and an exciting time- the last thing anyone wants is to spend the money on such a nice rig and then never use it. 

Are you planning a luxury RV purchase, but only so you can tow your travel trailer around twice a year? Or are you prepared to live in luxury full-time? No matter the amount, it may be important to consider how often you will use your travel trailer before purchasing one.

Some luxury rigs have full-timers in mind; others are simpler and less expensive, meaning you don’t have to feel as bad about not taking it out every single weekend. If you plan to use your rig often, think about that before making a final decision.

Length And Weight

Just like you shouldn’t purchase a rig that is too heavy for your tow vehicle, you should consider the overall length and weight of your luxury travel trailer a decisive factor before purchasing. Why might this be, especially since you could buy something that’s big and heavy?

Well, owning a heavy and long trailer can be more difficult to control on the road , and the longer the rig, the more issues you will have when it comes time to park and camp with it. Some RV parks and campsites have length limits to their rigs- that’s the last thing you need after towing all day!

Choosing a luxury rig means you are getting a well-built and well-appointed RV, no matter the length and weight. Consider where you plan on traveling, how many people are coming with you, and your overall towing experience before making your final purchase.

Boondocking Capabilities

Speaking of knowing where you plan on traveling, dry camping or boondocking is all the rage right now. If you plan on unplugging and boondocking in your luxury travel trailer, you should make sure that the rig you are looking at has such capabilities.

For example, you may wish to add more solar panels via the RV manufacturer, or even an extra battery built for boondocking . There are larger holding tank options as well, or even off-road packages for the adventurer in you!

The Best Luxury Travel Trailers 

I’ve made you wait long enough. Surely you have a good idea of what you are looking for in a luxury travel trailer, from the optional features to the interior design. Now let’s take a look at some of my top picks for the best luxury travel trailers.

Best Overall: Jayco Eagle

While every RV has its foibles, Jayco has proven decade after decade their rigs are reliable, perfect for resale, and, most importantly, luxurious. The Jayco Eagle is no exception.

Eagle is one of the longest-running, most successful RVs on the market and continues to be one of the most popular in its class year after year. Equipped with the very best features and full of innovation, the Eagle makes for a downright luxurious experience to transform any adventure.

The latest edition of this classic travel trailer features redesigned bathrooms, a smart TV upgrade, and a new solar power option which I think is an awesome option, making this rig more suitable for boondocking and wild camping. The mandatory luxury package features some impressive additions, such as a second power awning with dimmable LED lighting and a second 15,000 BTU “Whisper Quiet” A/C unit. 

Both of these add an extra high-end touch to this Jayco trailer, and help make things far more comfortable in summer when the sun is beaming down! Every Jayco trailer comes with their patented JAYCOMMAND “Smart RV” system to make things easier when out on the road. The luxury package continues, offering an LED fireplace with a 5,000 BTU electric space heater, a clean Drinking Water System, as well as ample solar prep.

I’m drawn to the kitchen as it features a 21 cu. ft. residential refrigerator along with solid-surface countertops matched with a bamboo sink cover and strainer. Together, these create a sleek kitchen aesthetic that makes me want to get cooking! I also like the spacious living area equipped with blackout roller shades giving me and my partner the privacy we want, living full-time on the road. 

There are only two floorplans for the 2023 Jayco Eagle, and both have an overall length of 40′ 1″ which is pretty long! This may be a bit too big of a travel trailer… I’d need plenty of practice to tackle maneuvering this RV! However, the impressive length means this trailer is more than capable of fitting several individuals on board, including friends, family, and even furry companions! 

I could continue to list features about the Jayco Eagle, but there’s simply too much to comment on, hence why it’s our overall best choice for a luxury travel trailer. From Jayco’s industry-leading manufacturing and warranties to main interior features, the Eagle is a spacious and luxurious choice for any camper- and fairly affordable at that!

Most Floor Plans: Keystone Cougar Half-Ton

With 23 available floor plans, the Keystone Cougar Half-Ton luxury travel trailer is a winner in my eyes, as often it can be hard to find exactly what I want from an RV! It’s even a great full-time trailer, with luxury features including washer-dryer prep, theatre seating, and bunk bed options too if multiple travelers are jumping on board!

Towable by most of today’s half-ton trucks, this collection of Keystone Cougar luxury travel trailers is designed for maximum camping flexibility and a range of RVers too. Varying in length from 26′ to 37′, it shouldn’t be too tricky to find a tow vehicle able to bring this rig along for an RV adventure. I think the lightweight nature of this trailer is also a big bonus as no model weighs over 10,000 lbs dry, so it’s relatively easy to tow!

With all of Cougar’s premium features, like full auto-leveling , and the brand’s boondocking-friendly solar power prep and larger tank capacities, these RVs are equally at home at the campground or off-the-grid. This provides the flexibility I need to either camp at an RV park or out in the wild somewhere, knowing I can bring ample water along, and be supported by renewable energy from the sun.

Each floor plan comes with a fireplace and vaulted ceilings, and some of the longer rigs can sleep up to 12 people! Keystone offers some industry exclusives for all of their rigs, including a 3-year limited structural warranty, a 1-year limited base warranty, and 4G LTE and Wi-Fi prep. It’s warranties like these that make me feel supported and backed by RV manufacturer brands, and something I keep an eye out for when I’m browsing different RVs.

Besides lovely and homely interior features, Keystone offers durable materials as well, such as water-resistant flooring, uniform, and color-coded wiring, a climate guard package, and enhanced slide-out stability and weatherproofing. This allows the Cougar to be ready for whatever the weather throws, and means every step has been taken to stop water creeping inside the trailer!

All in all, the Keystone Cougar is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a variety of floor plans to compare and contrast with. There are spacious bathrooms, walk-around king beds, and full-size residential kitchens. Everything you’d expect in a luxury rig!

Best For Boondocking: The E-RV

It’s hard to find a luxury travel trailer blending sustainability with functionality and luxury, but the E-RV is in a league of its own, as it’s the world’s first all-electric RV! While most luxury rigs offer boondocking capabilities, the E-RV is made entirely for dry camping and doesn’t skimp on style or comfort, for a great RV vacation.

This RV is one of the best examples I’ve seen for providing a truly off-grid adventure whilst also providing the luxuries and practicalities of domestic living. The E-RV has been specially manufactured as an energy-efficient, sustainable home on wheels, powered by sun rays and nothing else! Technology is constantly developing, and creations like the E-RV are paving the way for change, reducing our impact on the planet, one rig at a time!

The composite-constructed cabin offers superior insulating properties, allowing the RV to be cool in summer and cozy warm in winter. I find it extraordinary that this trailer is capable of effectively processing its own energy, remaining carbon neutral, and being clean for Mother Earth. There are simply countless perks of the luxurious E-RV, including full off-road independent suspension as standard, perfect for off-road driving in rugged terrain.

There’s also a semi-off-road independent suspension, offering incredible support and the ability to power through to off-grid spots hidden in the wilderness. Although it’s an additional purchase which is a bit disappointing since this rig is pretty pricey, I would opt for the 65ltr fresh water tank as it can help extend dry camping for a few days. The overall battery capacity and solar capabilities have been tried and tested over 20,088 miles and 176 days through the toughest conditions only to exceed all expectations, so I trust this rig to power everything we need!

While having an all-electric rig for adventures sounds bare bones, the interior of these rigs is lovely. Designed in a classy black and white motif, the finishing touches on this rig are crisp and inviting, making it feel more like a proper home .

Best With Two Bathrooms: Palomino Puma Destination

Finding an RV equipped with two bathrooms can be tricky, especially if there’s a budget to stick to! But sometimes an extra bathroom is a necessity, and that’s where the luxurious Palomino Puma Destination comes in. There are a few different floor plans to choose from, and as the Palomino is a Forest River subsidiary RV, there’s a big name backing this RV. 

I like the versatility of this rig. It’s great for a family vacation, a weekend at the lake, a trip to the mountains, or even a quiet refresher at the campground . There’s so much I love about this rig, from the spacious and airy interior to the multiple comfy seating areas. Not every floorplan of the Palomino has two bathrooms, however, the 39DBT has two showers on board! 

There are also various bedroom options, some floorplans including more than one, which is great for me as I sometimes struggle to find space when my friends or family come to visit. Each layout comes with residential-style furnishings and a large master bedroom with a king-size bed to ensure a comfortable and relaxing getaway.

There are loads of standard features onboard this travel trailer, including solar prep, an outdoor shower, built-in knife and spice racks, and wardrobes in each bedroom, along with residential carpeting throughout. I’m a bit of a sucker for vinyl or hard flooring in an RV as they are easier to clean than carpet, but I guess carpet is cozier for winter! The interior design of the Puma Destination is very fresh and sleek with a luxurious edge, but it’s also still homely so everyone will feel comfortable inside. 

The exterior has many safety features, including a sturdy powder-coated frame, backup camera prep, and more. Plus there are large pass-through storage compartments so the whole family can come along, as well as everyone’s gear!

Most High Tech: Living Vehicle Pro HD Model

Similar to the E-RV, the Living Vehicle Pro HD Model is in a different classification from many typical travel trailers. Their tagline is quite literally “Luxury Unplugged”, and I believe they have every right to claim that title! This rig is designed for off-grid travel and has innovative technology to back it up. Not only is this trailer capable of supporting off-grid adventures, but it also functions in remote environments with its own sustainable power source. 

Living Vehicles are custom-built and fully customizable, so it’s effortless to create a rig of dreams. All of this does come at a high price, but for such a unique and capable RV, it’s hard to be surprised! This rig is a stand-alone electrical powerhouse with an intentionally designed and integrated system with automotive-grade lithium technology and the highest energy density on the market.

I love the creativity of Living Vehicle, with some spaces capable of multi-functioning – something I think more RV manufacturers need to include in their RVs to make interiors more functional. The overall interior is just as impressive as the off-grid capabilities with this trailer, matching luxury with European fixtures, and high-end finishes – it’s more like a work of art than an RV.

This trailer may not look like other typical travel trailers, and although the slightly futuristic look may not suit everyone’s taste, I think it’s a welcomed change from other RVs. There’s also the ability to comfortably sleep up to four individuals, making this a rig ideal for small families. Sleep four people comfortably in your Living Vehicle, with separate sleeping spaces for each pair.

It’s effortless to adjust the dining table and rearrange the cushions of the lounge to create a comfortable queen-sized bed in the living area. Plus, there’s an optional sleeping bunk too! Convenience is essential for me in an RV, as I live on the road full-time and would rather not deal with the same problems over and over again each day. Therefore, I love the sheer amount of thought that must’ve gone into the making of each of Living Vehicle’s models as it shows they are thinking with RVers at the forefront.

This rig is made for full-time living, no matter the desired comfort level. The finishings are gorgeous- black walnut and teak, aluminum, and an abundance of windows truly make this RV anything but traditional.  The LV shell is the true foundation all systems and functions are built on. The shell features hybrid structural engineering solutions and no use of wood, which is a bonus in my eyes as it helps prevent rotting or mold growth .

The entire Living Vehicle structure (including the subfloor!) is made from solid aluminum, proven to stand the test of time, and last for many years of solid RV adventuring. If an RV like this is within your budget, there’s simply no better option for luxurious off-grid travel. There aren’t any other towable rigs like the Living Vehicle, however, the high price point is a bit of a sting and means this travel trailer won’t be within the reach of many RVers – certainly not me!

Most Homey Feel: Airstream Pottery Barn Special Edition

If you’re looking for luxury but also for comfort, you have to check out this Airstream collaboration between this notorious RV brand and Pottery Barn, a luxury home goods store. They have combined forces to create a truly special aluminum rig.

Comfortable, connected, and capable of letting you travel anywhere while feeling like you’re always home, the all-new Airstream Pottery Barn Special Edition Travel Trailer is a gorgeous, 28-foot travel trailer designed in partnership between two iconic brands. 

Featuring custom furniture based on best-selling Pottery Barn designs, tailor-made storage solutions, and a timeless design aesthetic, the all-new travel trailer sets a new standard for a well-traveled life. And boy, does it look comfortable and chic!

Whether you choose the queen or twin bed floor plan, there’s room for sleeping up to five people. Both floor plans feature exclusive Pottery Barn bedding that lets you sink into total comfort at the end of an adventurous day. Pottery Barn brought to life the allure of their timeless aesthetic with a black pull-down faucet, a stainless steel flat apron sink, and a versatile cutting board sink cover. Featuring the most comfortable cushions to ever grace an Airstream, the arm hides an airline-style flip-out table.

With all modern conveniences like a shower, toilet, and sink, the onboard bathroom has a residential feel with a bowl sink, sleek faucet, and wall sconces. There’s even an included outdoor accessory kit from Pottery Barn- an awning, dinnerware, table and chairs, and more.

This rig isn’t all beauty- it also offers many of Airstream’s reliable safety features as well. A rear-view camera mounted to the travel trailer’s back shell gives you the perfect view for safely backing up. Airstream’s ducted air conditioning system quietly, quickly, and efficiently cools the interior of the travel trailer. It also features a heat pump for warmth in cooler temps.

While this rig does boast a higher price tag than most, having the option to purchase a special edition Airstream is a luxury, to be sure. Plus, with so many special features and subtle perks, this is a great rig to consider- especially since Airstreams are built to last.

Most Vintage Look: Bowlus Endless Highways Edition

No one loves a vintage rig more than me, and this Bowlus Endless Highways Edition is an absolutely stunning aluminum rig with a luxurious but classy edge. Nothing beats the shape of vintage travel trailers in my eyes, but I understand it’s not everyone’s taste! This rig only comes in one size so it doesn’t offer the versatility of other trailers on our list like the Keystone Cougar, but it’s ideal for solo travelers or couples.

A spacious, zen-like bedroom converts from two twins to an incredible king so I can open up the space when a friend comes over to stay and return the setup to a king when I’m back to solo traveling. The hotel-style en suite bathroom is a refreshing change from typical RV bathrooms and lets me feel like a queen on the road!  makes traveling to events a five-star experience.

This is an authentic rig full of unique touches I often struggle to find in other trailers. The main cabin has dining for four, all in beautiful wood grain bringing depth and warmth to the interior to avoid the often clinical look of some RVs . This Bowlus isn’t just about looks, though, as there’s a powerful lithium iron phosphate power system available with fantastic off-grid capability. 

I enjoy being able to use whatever appliances I need in my RV whenever I want, so this powerful electrical system allows me to run the microwave, all of the outlets, and even the A/C for a few hours when relying on off-the-grid power. This can all be done conveniently using an app which is the kind of simplicity I’m looking for out on the road.

This rig also isn’t very heavy, with a GVWR of 4,000 lbs, so I can tow it using pretty much any crossover or SUV and even some EVs too.  The Bowlus’ reflective armor offers peace and privacy which is a must for me in any RV. The bedroom, bathroom, and main cabin can become their own separate spaces, making this 25-foot rig a versatile and unique choice. It’s on the smaller side, so isn’t suitable for large groups or families, but a couple of travelers will be able to make the most of the stunning Endless Highways.

Best For The Whole Family: Grand Design Reflection

Aluminum trailers have a retro feel that’s a winner for me, but for more modern aesthetics that the whole family can enjoy, the Grand Design Reflection is a great option. With up to 37 feet of length to appreciate, this rig has enough luxury and family-friendly features to make it a great choice for any family vacation. 

The Grand Design Reflection combines luxury, value, and towability in one amazing package with a renowned customer service team and high-quality production of rigs. The Reflection is a top-selling name in North America and is a favorite of many full-times, given it has  great living arrangements. With a residential kitchen, on-demand hot water, double pane windows, and washer and dryer prep, this rig suits short trips as well as longer explorations.

The interior is roomy which is great for me with a big rescue pup on board! And I love that the living area has ample space for a sofa and theatre seating as it means the space can become a tranquil paradise when the sun goes down. With multiple wardrobes and pass-through storage areas, I can bring everything I want on board and don’t have to worry about won’t have to worry about mess or lack of organization!

There’s a pantry in the kitchen for storing extra goodies and baking ingredients, a delightful walk-around king or queen bed, a well-appointed outdoor kitchen for hosting friends for summer BBQs, and even a floor plan with bunk beds so the kids can get cozy too!  There are loads of standard and optional features as well, including solar prep and a comprehensive four-season package which I would opt for as I travel year-round on various terrains through various weather conditions. 

Not only does Grand Design take extra care to build their rigs with quality materials- they then put each RV they manufacture through a pre-delivery inspection. With over 250 points of inspection involved in this process, I feel confident in Grand Design’s luxury travel trailers.

Most High-End: Luxe Gold Fifth Wheel

This is a list of the best luxury travel trailers, so I simply couldn’t leave this Luxe Gold Fifth Wheel out of the race! The construction of this trailer is unbeatable, with 3″ super composite welded aluminum cage walls and 2.5 graphite-infused closed cell insulation for optimal performance in various climates. The 12″ forged reinforced steel powder coasted l-Beam gives me the peace of mind I need to live comfortably and safely on the road.

To bring additional luxury to this trailer, the sidewalls and ceiling are soft touch, providing a feeling of opulence and comfort. The frameless thermopane windows offer plenty of natural light and make the space feel even bigger than it already is! The slides also help with this, but I would recommend taking care of the slides and maintaining them correctly for improved longevity and smoother operation. 

This Luxe Gold Fifth Wheel trailer is one of the high-end options on our list, primarily because each of Luxe’s fifth wheels are built and delivered straight from the factory to the consumer, meaning you can’t find these rings just anywhere. I love that the materials used are of the highest quality and are modern, as it makes the rig feel like a home and not just any RV.

There are five floorplans available with this Luxe Gold beast, but the 41GMD is the only one with a vanity slideout. This obviously does mean the overall size of the rig is increased, but since it has a length of 36′ 9″ and a height of 13′ 3″, it’s already on the bigger side! There aren’t too many floorplans to choose from, and although it would be nicer to have a few more options, the layouts available still offer flexibility.

It’s awesome that this Luxe travel trailer has been configured to suit a range of RVers, and the 38GFB floorplan even has two bathrooms which are a game-changer for families or traveling groups. Each floorplan has a TV and fireplace for ultimate coziness, and for epic functionality, there’s a substantial-sized kitchen, washer-dryer prep, ample seating, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. 

The only drawback to this luxury travel trailer is the price! These travel trailers aren’t cheap, but they are worth every penny for those able to afford them. For full-time living, vacations with the family, or a summer break at the coast, this Luxe Gold Fifth Wheel trailer might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Finding a luxury travel trailer should be a joy, not a chore. I hope you’ve found a winner on this list, and are already planning your first camping trip. Rest assured, you can camp in style, comfort, and luxury, you just need to take the time to find the right travel trailer.

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• What luxury travellers want, and how to attract them

28 February, 2024

The global luxury travel market is huge, not in the number of guests with substantial buying power but the astonishing level of buying power that these luxury travellers have. The good news for hoteliers targeting those top 5% of guests is that they seem to spending more every year. The global Luxury tourism market had an estimated total revenue of USD 1,308.15 billion in 2022, and is projected to be worth USD 3,023.78 billion by 2032.

In this article

• Millennials & Aspiring Luxury

Baby Boomers and Absolute Luxury

• Barefoot Luxury
• Multigenerational Travel & Grand Gatherings
• Sustainability
• Wellness tourism

Bleisure/Bluxury

• Staycations
• Offer unique experiences

Offer authenticity and immersive guest experiences

Offer instagrammable moments.

• Offer Hyperpersonalisation

Aside from these travellers being prepared to spend up to $3000 per night, with the average landing at a comfortable $500 per night according to a Bloomberg MLIV Pulse Survey , they are also taking more than double the number of trips that your regular traveller may take. A study by Resonance found that “the top five per cent take 14.3 trips per year (half for business and half for leisure, totalling an average of 29 days per year). U.S. travellers overall take an average of 4.8 trips.” 

One of the biggest benefits of appealing to the luxury market is that while the rest of the world may be affected financially by global events (e.g. covid-19, the Russia-Ukraine War and the cost of living crisis) these most affluent travellers have the wealth to continue to spend despite global economic turmoil. 

How do you attract this small but lucrative target segment to your property?  

Step 1: Know who you are talking to

The luxury travel industry is fairly complex, with different demographic groups looking for different experiences from their luxury holiday. While they all have significant buying power, marketing to the different guest segments would look quite different. 

By age group, the market is segregated into Millennials, Generation X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation. Depending on the degree of wealth these types of luxury travellers will spend on travel, products are further segmented into absolute luxury, aspiring luxury and accessible luxury. The absolute luxury segment spends the most and most frequently. However, targeting aspiring and accessible luxury travellers could lead to a significant boost in your bottom line, as they are still frequent travellers who are looking for exceptional experiences in their next destination. 

Millennials & Aspiring Luxury 

One significant luxury demographic group are the Millennials, these are travellers between the ages of 28-43 who were born into the age of technology and use it to their advantage. They generally seem to be more active than the Baby Boomers and also seek unique experiences and culturally immersive trips over predictable luxury hotel stays.

These travellers tend to seek authenticity and want to become involved in the day-to-day living of the location they are visiting. They are also looking for the most ‘ Instagrammable ’ location for their vacation, to be able to share it with friends and family on their social media platforms. While Millennials encompass a large part of the luxury travel market, according to a report by Allied Market Research , Millennials “spend $527 a day on a trip which is 62% less than their older counterparts.”  

In line with the findings from the Allied Market Research report, many of the Millennial travellers are often classified as ‘aspiring luxury’ and ‘newly rich’ travellers. These moderately wealthy individuals value travel and are willing to part with significant amounts of their disposable income for travel. On average, they take five business and leisure trips annually,  which are generally shorter luxury breaks, in comparison to their older counterparts, due to financial constraints. 

While there is still significant wealth attributed to the aspiring and accessible luxury travel market there is not much that can compare to the affluence of a small percentage of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). However, if you are catering to these guests you will know that they demand opulence, exclusivity, careful curation and innovation. They expect private yachts to remote locations, gastronomic journeys through foreign countries and a private butler to see to their every need. 

Considering that 20% of over 65s in the UK are HNWIs, and that Baby Boomers control about half of the wealth in the United States (while only accounting for 20% of the population ), it’s not surprising that Baby Boomers had the highest share of the Luxury travel market in 2022 at about 41.57%. 

These guests are often retired or soon to retire and have the disposable income and time to take extended luxury vacations, and they are generally seasoned travellers and know exactly what they expect from their next holiday. These travellers also have the means to employ someone else to do their research and running around, and they do. When it comes to booking, they often seek the advice of travel agents rather than going it alone online – 85% of luxury travellers told Deloitte that the best way to book personalised luxury travel was through a travel advisor.   

Step 2: Keep Up to Date with Luxury Travel Trends 

No matter which luxury segment you are marketing to, there are some clear trends across the luxury travel market. One of which is the significant change in consumer behaviour from seeking material possessions to spending disposable income on unique experiences. 

“In 2022, luxury travel took on a new perspective, prioritizing experiences over material possessions. Travellers sought personalized and customized journeys, while also embracing sustainability and responsible travel practices.” – Global Data

Many of these travel trends are not exclusive to luxury travellers, but when done on a luxury budget many of these trends translate into something a lot more enticing and lucrative for property owners. 

Barefoot Luxury 

Barefoot luxury can be defined as experiencing comfort, sophistication and luxury in a laid-back environment. Traditional luxury often requires some input from the guest – they have to look, dress and act the part of the luxury tourist. Barefoot luxury gives the guest space to truly relax and quite literally let her hair down, while still being treated like a VIP. 

It’s all about embracing comfort and encouraging guests to experience your surroundings while at the same time providing an excellent, exclusive and luxurious experience. Over the years, barefoot luxury has come to be associated with nature and local experiences together with comfort, making it a possibility regardless of where you find yourself. Barefoot luxury requires careful planning to ensure the right balance between authenticity and comfort. 

Andrea Britt, the co-founder at Secret Getaway summarised it perfectly in an article for IOL “Barefoot luxury isn’t about being cheap, it is about the immersive experience that guests get to enjoy. These experiences are well out and different to what many have experienced before,” she explained.

Safari and adventure travel – the stereotypical barefoot luxury holiday – was the single largest luxury travel segment in 2022, accounting for 34.2% of market share and a revenue of USD 461.65 billion. Other variations on the barefoot luxury theme, such as wellness retreats, are also increasing in popularity.

Multigenerational Travel & Grand Gatherings 

Another two travel trends which have leaked into the luxury travel market include the increase in multigenerational family holidays and the newer concept of Grand Gatherings. Grand Gatherings refer to a large group of travellers who travel together for a special event or function. These groups may be somewhat related, for example, several family units travelling together to create a gathering. 

Around 40% of the top five per cent of earners planned to take a multigenerational trip in the next year, according to an Altiant survey , and Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond, a luxury travel group focussing on Ultra-HNWIs, told Forbes : “Multigenerational travel is still the biggest growth area for us, and has been consistently growing for years. In 2019 multigen experiences grew by 22% and now account for 32% of our transactions and 43% of our overall revenue”.

“In line with the continuous growth of multi-generational and group gathering demand, villa vacations continue to grow with the greatest growth in what we call the “mega-villa” segment. Families still account for the lion's share of villa sales with about 60% of villa requests. However, a huge emerging market segment accounts for almost 30% of villa demand, and that is small gatherings of non-family constituents. This is one of the most important market phenomena that has emerged from Covid.” – Embark Travel Trends 2023 report

Sustainability 

Sustainability is a hot topic in all industries, from the revolt against using single-use plastics to increasing scrutiny of the carbon output of delivery and manufacturing processes. Unsurprisingly, consumers are also looking for sustainable ways to travel.  

Aside from doing your bit for the earth, you will be a more attractive option for many travellers if you have green credentials to flaunt - over 80% of respondents in a Statista survey said that sustainable travel was important to them.  

“A business with a focus on sustainability is a business which actively seeks out engagement with people, community and planet.” — EHL

This may be especially true among those who don’t mind spending a little bit more to ease their conscience. Many affluent travellers want to know that their luxurious and extravagant trips are not coming at the expense of the environment and therefore many luxury travellers are searching for eco-conscious travelling. When luxury travel advisory group Virtuoso surveyed their clients, 74% of them said they were “willing to pay more to travel sustainably if they know where their money’s going.”

Post-pandemic sustainable travel has also come to include not only the preservation of the environment but the preservation of cultural heritage and local communities as well. This feeds back into the loop of luxury travellers looking to immersive themselves in a location, and experience all that it has to offer. The upside is that incorporating local cuisine, culturally immersive excursions and embracing the local environment means that much of the influx of wealth via travellers is dispersed into the local community.

Sustainability should therefore not simply be seen in terms of once-off changes that can be made or a problem that can be fixed. It requires a long-term commitment to being sustainable. And when sustainability is committed to, it becomes not just a feature that you can advertise to your environmentally conscious clientele, but an investment in your, and your community’s, future. 

Get started going green with insights from the WTTC [interview]

Wellness tourism 

Wellness is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the hospitality industry, accounting for 476.1 billion in 2022, and predicted to be worth 1.02 trillion by 2030. 

Travellers across the wealth spectrum appear to agree that travel can be beneficial for mental and physical wellness, and that this is something worth spending time and money on. When they were surveyed in 2022, 44% of Booking.com’s users were planning a meditation or mindfulness holiday in the coming year, and 42% wanted a break with a focus on physical or mental health. 

In 2021, 88% of survey respondents told American Express they believed travel was good for mental health, and 76% said they wanted to spend more on travel that would improve thier wellbeing, and 55% said they would pay more for additional wellness activities. In an Altiant survey , 61% of the top five per cent of earners said that wellness played a major role in their travel plans.

Interestingly enough wellness tourism is experiencing many cross-overs with other key luxury niches such as sustainable travel and barefoot luxury as many travellers are foregoing the commercial spas and cookie-cutter retreat centres and rather looking at doing nature immersive experiences and reconnecting with Mother Earth. 

“Luxury retreats that offer mountain hikes, forest bathing, and wild swimming even in cold waters adopting the Wim Hof cold therapy method, will be on the list of high-end travellers looking for a dive into the wild in 2024.”  – Me Time Away Magazine

Bleisure travellers are those people who mix or combine travelling for business and pleasure – some do both at the same time and some go to places for business and then stay for a few days afterwards for a luxury vacation. Bluxury is a similar concept but with the addition of these business and leisure guests seeking absolute luxury. 

Blesiure travel has been on the increase post-covid. With many employees working remotely or living ‘nomadically’, there is no reason to rush home after a work trip, as long as there is sufficient Wifi and other business-related amenities, remote workers are free to stay on and experience the local culture. In addition to this many employers are using travel to bring together teams who work remotely, trying to encourage team morale and communication. 

“Growth in commercial flight bookings exceeded leisure travel for a portion of 2022 and is now recovering in tandem with leisure travel in 2023, up 42% year-over-year-to-date change from 2022 to 2023.”  – Mastercard Economics Institute

Staycations 

A trend that was borne out of necessity during the travel restrictions of 2020, the ‘staycation’ has evolved into an affordable and convenient way for travellers to get their taste of luxury.  Whether they are on a tighter budget than the traditional luxury traveller or if they don’t have available time to take a long trip to new destinations you can offer them the same solutions to their problems of needing a rest, feeling pampered and feeling like they are experiencing exclusive luxury and they can do that around the corner from their home. 

As we have mentioned before, the luxury traveller is looking for an experience, not just a lavish hotel room. With that in mind hoteliers looking to capitalise on the ‘staycation’ phenomenon need to think outside the box and create the same exclusive experiences that the luxury traveller is seeking but from a different perspective. Place focus on those elements that symbolise ‘luxury vacation’ in the mind's eye of your guest. When creating your staycation package, look to include a bottle of champagne, an upgrade to a suite, or maybe a cooking class. 

The idea of a staycation is to get away from day-to-day life. You need to sell your guests on the fact that they can achieve this without travelling to a faraway place. To do this, you’ll need to create that sense of escape within the grounds of your own hotel. Consider creating a weekly or monthly event schedule focused on movies, music, wellness, and meditation. 

Step 3: Adjust your offerings 

Offer unique experiences .

According to MasterCard’s report on Travel Industry Trends , spending on things increased a measly 12% from 2019 to 2023, while travellers spent 65% more on experiences in the same period.

Luxury travellers are looking to spend their money, and lots of it, on unique, once-in-a-lifetime and culturally immersive experiences. It's no longer about fancy hotel rooms and top-of-the-line amenities, these travellers are looking for something unique. 

“Luxury travellers are looking for experiences that are authentic, unique, and personal. They’re not interested in cookie-cutter vacations or one-size-fits-all solutions. They want something that is tailored specifically for them.” – Katie Dillon, Editor, La Jolla Mom

This trend is not confined to the luxury travel market, in fact, according to a Booking.com study , “73% of respondents are looking forward to experiencing ‘out of comfort zone’ travel that pushes them to the limit.”

We can see this in action as some of the larger brands are already taking huge strides in including experiences and not just hotel rooms into their offerings, for example, Marriott launched their first fleet of The Ritz Carlton yachts during the last quarter of 2022, offering a novel way to experience hidden gems and amazing places. 

In practice:

Crafting tailored packages that centre around activities and experiences can be a compelling draw card for these discerning luxury travellers seeking unique adventures. 

Even if your property doesn't host these activities directly, establishing partnerships with local providers can yield mutually beneficial arrangements. Furthermore, ensuring that your website features a curated list of nearby activities and experiences, along with showcasing them creatively in guest rooms, can elevate the overall guest experience. 

Equipping your staff with thorough knowledge of the local area and its offerings will also contribute to making guests feel well-cared-for and their needs catered to.

Find out more about the “Barefoot Luxury” travel niche  

With millennial travellers prioritising discovery and adventure, it's evident that they crave immersive experiences and authentic cultural encounters. Rather than opting for traditional luxury resorts, Millennials are drawn to unconventional experiences such as staying at a Berber camp in Morocco, dog sledging in Norway, or embarking on a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls. 

“Experiential, or immersive, tourism typically attracts travellers seeking in-depth physical enrichment, emotional fulfilment, spiritual awareness, intellectual nourishment, or a combination of these.” – Future of Luxury Travel

Hoteliers can also strive to create an experience for potential guests online, using creative content and images to tell a story that allows potential guests to immerse themselves in the experience while they are still in the early stages of planning their travel.

Creating immersive experiences doesn't necessarily have to see the guest even leave the hotel. You can think of creative and culturally relevant fine dining experiences and sampling locally made spirits or wines. In addition, you can include novel and locally sourced amenities, such as artisanal soaps and naturally occurring flowers in the rooms. 

With the rise in social media popularity and online travel influencers , the industry has seen a rise in guests looking for photographic moments to share online. This coupled with the idea of aspirational living means that many travellers are looking to go to places they've seen the rich and famous travel to, or just to one-up their social media friend circle. 

According to a report written by The Olinger Group based on a survey of over 1500+ ‘luxury travellers’, 77% of them admitted to selecting “vacation destination based primarily on social media.”

They are also hugely impacted by online traveller reviews with 85% of the participants agreeing that they have read online reviews from review sites before booking their luxury trip. 

Making sure your hotel is ‘Instagrammable’ at all times can be a tall ask, but you can start to look at consolidated review data and learn what your guests love most about your property and work to highlight those areas even more. 

“With social media an increasingly important channel for communicating guest preferences and recommendations, hoteliers would do well to focus on features that their guests are speaking most about – enhancing these features, without sacrificing other parts of the guest experience which lead to overall guest satisfaction and loyalty.” – Jonathan Barouch, Local Measure Founder and CEO

You can think about creating set ‘photographic locations’ for your guests, this way you start to control the narrative as to which areas of your hotel are photographed frequently. For the guest, it also takes out the mental effort to decide where to take their photos, and can instead just concentrate on enjoying themselves. 

Curating these photo-worthy scenes also creates a trend, and potential guests who have seen friends and family or even influencers photographed in a particular location will book their trips around capturing those trending shots. Giving guests novel or creative welcome packages, creative cuisine or unique room decor are just a few examples of how you can help inspire guests to snap pictures in your hotel. 

You can use your hotel's social media to market your hotel to potential guests, bringing in the idea of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) marketing . Think of Instagram as an image magazine that people browse through frequently – tell them stories to captivate their interest. Share stories about your staff, guests, and locals, and let your guests feel connected to and invested in your property and your location before they have even booked with you. 

Here are some practical tips for getting your hotel Instagram-worthy 

Offer Hyperpersonalisation 

The luxury traveller expects individual attention privacy and exclusivity. Now more than ever luxury travellers want to feel that they are the only ones around. Think private yachts, private islands, custom tours and private excursions. Often this starts with travel advisors who are there to make guests’ trips completely tailored and one-of-a-kind. 

“One of the simplest definitions of luxury goes like this: ‘Of course I can do it myself. I don’t want to.’ Travelers want to find somebody that really knows what they’re doing, has great connections, saves time, and has their back.”  – Matthew Upchurch, chairman, Virtuoso

Having this ultra-personalisation even before you have embarked on your trip can set the stage for the holiday. Once the luxury traveller has decided on where to go it is important that the accommodation, excursions and added extras all exude the same level of exclusivity. 

Starwood Hotels, for example, assigns personal assistants to guests who stay with them for 100 nights a year or more, and guests at The Portrait Roma hotel in Rome are invited to make use of their “lifestyle team”, who are on hand to personalise each guest’s stay and help them to explore Rome. Don’t think you need to offer a personal assistant to achieve a personalised experience, however; proving personalisation is becoming easier and easier with the right technology.

In practice: 

Personalisation can and should start long before a guest arrives at your hotel, and it can begin before a traveller has even decided to book with you with targeted advertising and dynamic website content, websites that adapt to the client's language and show them content based on their location or even search history. 

Once you have received a booking, you should send guests a pre-stay questionnaire to ask them the questions you need to make their stays memorable. Not only can you ask them the basics (do they have any food allergies or physical special needs), but you can also ask whether they would prefer a mountain or a pool view, which floor they would like to stay on, and which brand of tea you should leave in their rooms. 

Getting to know key details about your guests before they arrive gives you the opportunity to make them feel even more valued when they check in and discover everything they need is already prepared. Again this can be further enhanced by offering clients the ability to customise their in-room experience through mobile-controlled in-room technology via the use of hotel apps and in-room tablets, think of the guest being able to remotely adjust the temperature of their room before they have even stepped foot inside.  

Read about five pre-stay communication techniques to help improve your guest experience

A post-stay questionnaire should be a staple in any establishment, but this questionnaire needn’t just be used to improve your offerings and guest experience – information collected in your post-stay questionnaire can be added to a guest's profile so that, as he or she stays with you more frequently, you can get a fuller picture of their likes and dislikes and make their holidays more specialised and memorable, and you can make your marketing correspondence with them more relevant to their interests.

Whether targeting Baby Boomers, Millennials or any other luxury travel demographic, the key lies in offering unique, authentic, and hyper-personalised experiences that resonate with the luxury traveller's desire for exploration, authenticity, and exclusivity. Look at what your property or location has that is unique and tell your story to those potential high-end travellers, let them know what they can do, the images they can capture and how a trip to your hotel can enrich their lives. 

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MODIFIED TOURIST VAN FOR EXTRAORDINARY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

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Modified touring vehicles with remarkable ride experience

Magnificently modified tourist vans , we call Magnifica. From small cosmetic changes to complete transformation inside out, we provide 360° modifications for vans including Force Traveller and other similar vehicles. Finesse. Luxury. Comfort.

COMFORTABLE SEATING

We put a lot of thought and engineering into crafting seats that deliver the most comfort and relaxation to make even longer journeys extremely comfortable. Whether modifying new or existing tourist vehicles, choose from a wide range of seating configurations to experience the most comfortable ride experience.

Available options – Bucket Seats, Maharaja Seats, Wide First Class Range Seats, Reclining Seats, Power Recliners, Sofa, Convertible Bed

We put a lot of thought and engineering into crafting seats that deliver the most comfort and relaxation to make even longer journeys extremely comfortable. Whether modifying new or existing traveller vehicles, choose from a wide range of seating configurations to experience the most comfortable ride experience.

Available options – Bucket Seats, Maharaja Seats, Wide First Class Range Seats, Reclining Seats, Power Recliners, Sofa, Convertible Bed

ELEGANT AND FUNCTIONAL FLOORING

Choose from wood finish vinyl or a variety of carpet options. Flooring material we use are durable and require low maintenance.

A variety of flooring options that compliment the elegance of interiors. Choose from wood finish vinyl or a variety of carpet options. Flooring material we use require low maintenance.

ENHANCED CABIN WITH ACCENTS & DESIGNS

Give your tourist van a unique look by adding custom side panels, ceiling accents, railings, as well as various trim accents.

LIGHTING ENHANCES JOY OF JOURNEY

A variety of LED lighting options to create desired ambiance. Cabin is also equipped with Individual reading lights for the passengers.

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Give your customers a variety of ways to entertain themselves while on the road.

Available Options – Audio video entertainment AV System, Smart TV, with individual LCD Video screens, Passenger Communication System.

Available Options – Audio video entertainment AV System, Smart TV, with individual LCD Video screens, Passenger Communication System.

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Available options: Washrooms with Washbasin, WC and Standing Shower.

Give a unique style and look to your tourist vehicle by adding side cladding, upgraded bumper lip, roof cladding with luggage carrier to stand out from other conventional tourers.

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Select from a variety of options to uplift the front fascia to give a unique look to your vehicle.

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How surging travel costs are impacting luxury travellers this fall and festive season

Post date: Sep 14 2023

Date: Sep 14 2023

By: Cindy Sosroutomo

TORONTO — If you’re wondering whether travel is more expensive than usual, you’re not alone.

A perfect storm of factors has led to surging travel prices, including increased travel demand following the pandemic years, inflation, higher operating costs for airlines and hotels, rising fuel prices, labour shortages and less capacity, which means demand is far outweighing supply.

According to NerdWallet’s Travel Price Index, the overall cost of travel is up 12% compared with July 2019. Hotel prices, based on data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index in August 2023, fell from their record highs in August but are still up nearly 7% over the past year. Car rentals are among the most costly expense for travellers post-pandemic, up 9% than they were a year ago, according to CPI data. And in April, travel app Hopper released its 2023 Consumer Travel Index, finding that airfare to Europe was 24% higher compared to pre-pandemic, and an astounding 60% higher for flights to Asia.

And yet, people are still travelling, to the relief of travel agents and suppliers. Zeina Gedeon, President and CEO of Trevello Travel Group, tells Travelweek that she’s not hearing any concerns from customers about not being able to travel due to higher costs.

“On the contrary, we have experienced an unprecedented increase in travel bookings compared to 2019 and 2022, with a noticeable surge in travel interest even during what is traditionally considered a slower booking period,” she says, adding that the luxury travel market in particular has shown remarkable resilience, with the trend of “hyper-personalization” becoming increasingly popular among affluent travellers.

Virtuoso, which specializes in luxury and experiential travel, is seeing similar results. Úna O’Leary, General Manager of Virtuoso Canada, told Travelweek last month that “74% of Virtuoso travellers say that creating a travel experience that best fits their expectations is more important than price.”

Noting that Virtuoso clients are less likely to be price-sensitive, O’Leary added that they’re also “booking longer hotel stays and cruises, staying 1.5 times longer than the average traveller” (according to Virtuoso’s 2022 Brand and Travel Trends Research).

So are luxury travellers more likely to weather this perfect storm of inflationary travel prices? If so, are they prepared for what will surely be an expensive fall and festive travel season ahead?

Jamsheed Pocha, co-founder of The Pelican Club, a Toronto-based luxury travel agency, would know. On the heels of being a panelist at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas last month, where he discussed the impact of surging travel costs on the rest of the year, Pocha tells Travelweek that he first noticed prices going up when quoting trips to Europe for early this year.

“Business class tickets were 50% or more higher than previous years in many cases, and top hotels were booking up for prime periods at rates well above 2019,” he says. “For example, this past month we spoke to a client looking to travel to the Caribbean for a luxury four-night stay in mid-November, typically a shoulder month, with a room budget of $1,500 per night. The places we normally would have suggested were quoting over $2,000 per night.”

Noting that the cost of tours hasn’t increased as much as hotel and air, Pocha added that at a recent dinner with Sir Rocco Forte, the founder of Rocco Forte hotels told him that Rome experienced the highest-ever average rate in the luxury market for the month of June at over EUR2000 per night.

But all this, says Pocha, seems to have little impact on The Pelican Club’s clientele, who are generally high net-worth individuals or families between 35-55 years old. They also all pay an annual membership fee to be part of the Club.

“From our perspective, we are not seeing luxury being impacted by rising costs. High net-worth, affluent clients are not as impacted by rising costs and they are still willing to spend on luxury,” he says. “There is, however, some extra consideration when buying to ensure they are getting good value, and not just mediocre products at inflated rates.”

For the fall season, Pocha says the agency “already has lots of booked trips” and is expecting more last-minute quick trips to come in. But his focus right now is the festive winter season, which he says is very important, so much so that the agency starts booking for it after the previous festive season ends, when clients rebook their regular rooms and villas to ensure they don’t miss out.

“Everyone wants to be with loved ones or somewhere fun for the holidays, usually south to the Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica. We have seen a lot of demand for big resorts like the Rosewood Baha Mar in The Bahamas, as well as for private villa bookings on islands like Mustique, St. Barts and Turks & Caicos,” he says.

“We continue to get festive bookings all the way until early December, however, availability and pricing play a factor when leaving festive planning until too late,” Pocha adds.

When asked what his clients are saying about high prices, particularly for the fall and winter seasons, he says that they have noticed an increase but that the more pressing issue is availability.

“Prices are high, yes, however, space for more sought-after hotels, destinations and configurations (ie. multi-bedroom/connecting) are limited. We feel it’s more about availability, as demand even with higher pricing has not slowed down. Some clients are planning on booking flights outside of the holiday range to avoid those surge rates on opening and closing weekends of schools,” says Pocha.

To ensure that there are no surprises when it comes to higher prices, Pocha and his team have calls with members about their travel plans every 3-6 months. As a result, he says, the agency has not seen any drop in repeat bookings.

“We always need to be transparent and sincere with our clients. We are not the hotels or airlines determining the pricing, and they know that we turn every rock to find the best products within their budget and criteria,” says Pocha.

Another way that The Pelican Club looks out for its members, even before mishaps occur, is by building its hotel relationships so that when clients are travelling abroad, they’re instantly flagged as VIPs and given that little extra attention and service.

“The best way to tackle luxury is to have a plan and someone to execute that for you,” Pocha insists. “This is what we do for our members and it gives them the peace of mind to know they are not in a last-minute rush, or spending on the wrong experiences. Pre-pandemic, there was a lot of chatter about travel advisors not being necessary. It’s times like these that highlight our value and expertise.”

And so with good planning, expert agents and affluent travellers, the luxury sector is poised to withstand the economic pressures of current times, says Pocha.

“Luxury is extremely resilient, which is evident in the number of new luxury hotel openings, the way demand has surged after the pandemic, and the willingness of our clients to travel in luxury, regardless of the added cost implication,” he says.

“People want to attend F1 races with Paddock passes, they want to be on a yacht in St. Tropez in July, and they want to enjoy time with friends and family in incredible surroundings. In my opinion, this energy to live life and experience luxury is only growing.”

Tags: Lead Story, travellers

Cindy is Deputy Editor at Travelweek and has worked for the company since 2007. She has travelled to more than 50 countries and counts Kenya, Morocco, Thailand and Turkey among her favourite destinations.

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Tempo Traveller

Rent tempo travellers at your convenience, vehicle images.

Tempo Traveler Rentals

Group travelling in a big city on your own is quite challenging. There is a lot of traffic on the road and hardly any room for you to stretch yourself if you are travelling in a car or public transport. In such situations, travelling seems nothing less than a bothersome activity. What can be a great expedition turns into a headache! But what if we told you that there is a way you can ease your city group travel and in fact, enjoy it with utmost comfort and luxury? 

Wondering how is that possible? 

It’s simple. Switch to tempo traveller rentals. 

Bus Hire is now Ryde! 

To help our customers connect better with our products and services, Bus Hire is now Ryde! Offering tempo traveller rentals, buses for rent, car rentals and more, join us on this journey as you explore the plethora of rental options available that best suit your travel needs!

Unlock Guidelines for a Tempo Traveller for Rent

The measures imposed to control the spread of the covid virus are beginning to be relaxed. It is now possible to travel locally and to other states. In this new unlock phase, you can travel safely in a tempo traveller for rent. However, you should be aware of the following guidelines -

The safest way to travel with your family or friends is by hiring a tempo traveller from redBus. The vehicles are deep cleaned and disinfected regularly. 

All passengers must wear a face mask during the entire journey. Onboard the tempo travellers for rent, you will find a sanitiser. Your temperature will be checked before boarding.

The tempo traveller for rent will operate at 70% of its capacity for interstate journeys. You must also present a negative RT-PCR test report. There are tempo travellers for rent with different capacities, so you can select the one that suits your needs.

For inter-district travel, it is not mandatory to present an RT-PCR test, and the tempo traveller can run at its maximum capacity. To maintain safety, report any symptoms related to the virus immediately.

A tempo traveller for rent will allow you to attend any event, be it family, social or cultural. If you are still worried about using public transport, this is your best option.

What is a Tempo Traveler?

A tempo traveller is a luxury minibus with a seating capacity ranging between 12 to 30 people. Tempo travellers come with various features for a comfortable journey of passengers. They are spacious with ample room to stretch your legs and store your luggage. 

Why Should I Rent a Tempo Traveler?

Tempo travellers offer a variety of benefits that makes them suitable for renting. Some of the top reasons to book tempo travelers on rent are:

• Tempo travelers are good for both short and long-distance journeys.
• They are perfect for group travel ranging between 10 to 20 people.
• You do not feel tired even in long hours of journey in a tempo traveler.
• Tempo travelers are luxurious and offer a quality travel experience to passengers.
• Unlike in public transport, you can enjoy the privacy of your group by traveling in a tempo traveler.
• You have the luxury to not drive and sit back and relax with your peers. 

Occasions to Book a Tempo Traveler

Honestly, you can book a tempo traveler rental for anything you want. There is no fixed set of occasions on which you should consider this service. Some popular events to hire a tempo traveler for includes:

• Corporate Events
• Family Functions
• Picnic 

Types of Tempo Traveler Rentals

redBus offers both AC and Non AC tempo travelers on rent throughout multiple cities of India. redBus partners with the best tempo traveler operators in your city to provide a convenient online rental service. The three types of tempo travelers brands that redBus offers are:

• Force Traveler
• Bajaj Traveler
• Tata Winger Traveler

Seating Capacity of Tempo Travelers

The tempo travelers rentals by redBus have varying seating capacities. These includes:

• 9 Seats+Driver
• 12 Seats+Driver
• 13 Seats+Driver
• 14 Seats+Driver
• 15 Seats+Driver
• 17 Seats+Driver
• 19 Seats+Driver
• 20 Seats+Driver

Passengers can opt for any of these tempo travelers as per their requirements. They can mention the number of passengers at the time of booking the tempo traveler, so that redBus will show only the suitable seating capacity vehicles for their convenience.

Force Tempo Travellers

redBus offers the Force traveller to ease the challenge of travelling as a group. The tempo travellers for hire with redBus is ideal for a group of 9-20 people. These tempo travellers are available in different types and for both short and long trips for any occasion. 

Here is a bit more information about the force traveller for rent, the booking process, and what you can expect. 

• There are mainly three models of tempo travellers available with redBus- Force traveller, Bajaj traveller, and Tata Winger traveller with a seating capacity of 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, and 20 seats. 
• Force traveller or other models are available in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, etc. 
• The rent rate differs with the city and is usually in the range of INR 17-32 per km or INR 200, 300, or 500 per hour. The driver allowance is INR 400 per day. 
• There are local packages available in each city which is calculated from 4 hrs or 40 km at a cost of INR. 2300-5500, depending upon the city.  
• The facilities or amenities inside the force traveller for rent differ with the model and seating capacity. They usually have reclining seats with comfortable cushioning, seat covers, LED TV, music system, charging port, overhead storage, back compartment storage etc.
• You can hire a force traveller for rent by providing the details about your trip such as the type of trip- local, outstation, airport, etc., date of travel, boarding and destination details, and the number of passengers to get the best quote for the vehicles with options. 
• The quote and the vehicle number, registration date and different photographs of the interior and exterior of the vehicles will be shared with you via email.
• You can also see the number of times each vehicle was hired in the last month on the tempo traveller home page at the redBus portal. 
• You can go through the details and photographs and then decide which of the Force traveller or the other ones that you want to choose. 
• Once you choose a vehicle, we assure you that you will be getting the same vehicle. Otherwise, you will get 25% off. 
• The Safety+ feature of redBus is applicable to the force traveller for rent as well. Safety+ means that the vehicles are cleaned and sanitized at the end of each trip, providing hand sanitisers for the passengers, all the staff and any other employees will be wearing face masks all the time while travelling, there will be regular temperature check-ups for the staff, and avoiding the provision of blankets and pillows. 

A few reasons to book with Ryde

With Ryde, customers have a plethora of vehicles to choose from such as tempo travellers, luxury cars such as Audis, luxury sedans, hatchbacks, minibuses and much more.

Prices match quality where Ryde vehicles that are clean and safe are provided at affordable rates.

Prices are kept transparent which means that the price that a customer sees on the platform would be the price that they have to pay. There are no hidden charges that the customer would have to pay. 

Vehicles come with well-trained drivers and staff who can help make your journey a lot more comfortable.

Customer support with Ryde is unmatched with their 24/7 customer service along with the availability of a chat and call-back facility. In-trip feedback support is also provided with Ryde.

Live tracking is available which can help you and your loved ones know where exactly the vehicle is located during the journey.

Along with these key advantages, customers can find vehicles offered by Ryde certified partners as well. Customers can easily distinguish between Ryde vehicles and regular vehicles by looking for the “ Ryde Certified Partner ” icon that would be available against the vehicle option. Some of the unique distinctions between Ryde vehicles from the regular vehicles that are offered are that Ryde vehicles come with drivers in uniform, good music, and amazing goodies that would come in handy on your journey.

Facilities Offered in Tempo Travelers

Tempo Traveler operators offer a variety of amenities and other services to make your travel journey comfortable. Though these services differ from operator to operator and the type of tempo traveler booked, some of the most popular ones include:

• Recliner Seats
• Music Player
• Seat Covers
• First Aid Box
• Customer Support

Things to know before booking a tempo traveller on rent with redBus Hire

Under the current circumstances, a tempo traveller on rent makes the safest option for a group of 9-20 people to travel together. Such group travelling needs comfort and space, which these tempo travellers can assure you. Keeping in mind the safety and comfort of all, redBus Hire offers you the best vehicles from reliable operators. 

There are a few things to keep in mind before you hire the vehicle. These are -

A tempo traveller on rent is available in various cities of India.

 You can choose an AC or a non-AC variant having a seating capacity of 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, etc. 

A tempo traveller on rent is ideal for any occasion such as a wedding, pilgrimage, picnic, vacation, airport pickup, outstation drop-off, etc. 

The tempo traveller comes with a professional driver, and the tank is filled with fuel as well.

There are no additional payments or hidden charges, and the rental fare is calculated per km on a round trip basis for the outstation trips and as local packages for the short trips within the respective city for 24 hours duration.  

The rental charges for a tempo traveller on rent from Chennai to Kanchipuram could cost approximately INR 6000 for a distance of 75 km.

Tempo travellers on rent can be used for intercity and interstate trips by following all the necessary Covid protocols by the staff and passengers. redBus Hire also insists on wearing face masks and using hand sanitisers that are available on all vehicles. 

You can hire a bus from redBus online following these steps:

•  Go to the redBus portal and enter 'City of Hire,''Starting Point' & 'Destination'
•  Click search
•  redBus will bring the best operators at affordable prices
•  Select the bus operator and confirm the booking

Benefits of Booking A Bus Online

When you book online, the following benefits are offered:

• Inventory - Access to leading vehicle providers in the city
• Zero booking fee - Transparent booking. No hidden fee
• Choose vehicle - Check vehicle images before making any choice

Operational City for redBus Tempo Traveler

The tempo traveler on rent service by redBus is available only in selected cities that include:

Tips for Booking and Traveling in Tempo Travelers

Here are a few tips that will come in handy while booking and travelling in tempo traveler:

• Check the weather conditions of your destination city before booking the journey dates. It will not only help with travelling but packing as well. 
• Compare the rates of different operators for the journey to get the best deal possible. 
• Carry some snacks and a water bottle with you to avoid frequent stops on the road for buying them. 
• Take care of your luggage and keep all the valuable items in your handbag. 

Customer Reviews

Pricing table.

redBus hire helps you hire a bus from the best bus operators in your city.

We ask you a few simple questions regarding your trip. We work with the best operators in your city to get you detailed quotations, so that you get the best deal.

We are currently operational in Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi and Ahmedabad.

Payment terms vary from operator to operator. Usually, operators ask for a 50% advance to confirm the booking and balance 50% at the start of the journey

Since we work with the best operators, the buses are usually reliable. In case of a breakdown, it is the bus operators responsibility to replace the vehicle during the journey

In case of outstation trips, Kilometers are calculated basis the return trip distance between the source and destination.Any extra kilometers which are used within the city and the distance from the Garage are not calculated.

Please email us at [email protected]

You can choose between AC & Non-AC tempo travellers on rent via redBus. redBus provides you with a variety of tempo travellers ranging from 9-seater to 20-seater. You can choose tempo travellers based on amenities via redBus. One can also feed additional requests in terms of vehicle type required on redBus at the time of booking tempo traveller rental.

redBus will provide you with operator quotes based on your trip details free of cost. You can compare the fare, amenities of different operators and can choose the best tempo traveller rental service. You will find vehicle images and the operator contact information in the quotes received from redBus.

redBus will collect your feedback after the completion of your trip. You can rate the operator and can also leave a review for their offered services. One should try to book tempo travellers from high rated operators on redBus. One can find affordable tempo traveller rental services on redBus.

No, you do not need to pay extra for the fuel. The fuel charges are included with the rent.

Yes, you can rent for the short drop-off trip as well. In such cases, go for the local packages which are most suitable.

6 Luxury Travel Trends That Will Be Huge in 2023

From hot new destinations to putting art ahead of food (really!), welcome to a fabulous new year of journeys near and far.

Japan, Italy, and Other Trending Destinations

“Japan!” says Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner at New York-based Embark Beyond , when he considers 2023’s hottest destinations. “Pre-COVID it was on one of the steepest growth trajectories; now people are clamoring to return,” he says, adding that one of the world’s hottest ski destinations for 2023 is Niseko on the country’s north island of Hokkaido.

Also hot: “Italy beyond the obvious,” he says: “Look at the regions of Piedmont, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna to pop up as the new Tuscany, fueled by great new properties like Casa di Langa .” Ezon also names Montenegro back on the hot list, thanks to the new One&Only Portonovi drawing eyes (and yachts) to this corner of the Med, Peru trending for foodies and outdoor adventurers, Tanzania topping safari destinations, and the beautiful new Kisawa Sanctuary pulling focus to Mozambique as “the post-safari retreat du jour.”

The Rise of Solo Travel

When it comes to grown-up luxury travelers, the allure of going solo has never been greater. Virtuoso recently reported that among its travelers aged 65+, interest in single travel went from 4 percent in 2019 to 18 percent in 2022. And the offerings for solo explorers just get better and better, whether it’s the Solo Package (literally!) at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives or a regenerative weekend of yoga, sound baths, hydro therapies, spa treatments, and more at Shou Sugi Ban House in the Hamptons .

Private Yachts Seas the Day

While a boat of one’s own (even if for only a week) has always been a hallmark of luxury travel, the world of private yacht excursions has never been more creative—or alluring. Cases in point: Kontiki Expeditions’ superyacht plying the Ecuador coast , and EYOS Expeditions , which offers superyacht excursions in Antarctica.

“Many people just didn’t realize it was possible to go to Antarctica via a private yacht,” says EYOS CEO Ben Lyons, “but it has travelers thinking how they can experience a destination in new ways,” including a fully customized experience and a boatload—as it were—of privacy.

For those who prefer their adventure in a glass, Belmond will debut Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne in May 2023: a restored river barge plying the region’s waterways in partnership with Maison Ruinart, the world’s oldest Champagne house. On offer: a weeklong private charter starting at €82,000 (approximately $79,500).

Embracing the Off Season

After the pandemic travel pause, the surge in luxury travel to beloved destinations like the Amalfi Coast and Greece pushed demand into the shoulder seasons like never before, and hotels responded by opening earlier in the spring and welcoming guests often all the way to Christmas—a move that seems to be sticking.

“At first, travelers were so anxious to get back out there as soon as destinations were opening up, they were ready to go right away, even if it wasn’t the typical season for that destination,” says travel advisor Beth Washington, founder of Washington, D.C.-based travel agency Getaway Guild .

Washington points also to African safaris now stretching beyond classic seasons of winter for South Africa and July through October travel for East Africa: “Travelers can have wonderful game viewing on safari most of the year if you work with a safari specialist,” she says. If the pandemic taught us anything, Washington says, “it’s that the ability to travel is not promised, and there is no time like the present to take that dream trip rather than wait for peak season.”

Art Is the New Food

Travel centered around art is poised to replace culinary travel as a leading luxury travel trend, says Jack Ezon, who points to Arles, Berlin, Havana, Paris, Milan, Miami, Mexico City, Marfa, Cape Town, and Marrakech as top destinations.

And the hotels! Airelles Le Grand Contrôle recently opened in the heart of France’s Château de Versailles and offers private tours and exclusive access to the Domaine de Trianon and the gardens. In the Scottish highlands, the Swiss gallerists Manuela and Iwan Wirth have created a stunning hotel-gallery hybrid at The Fife Arms (including more than 14,000 works including high-impact Picassos, Freuds, and Richters). In Marrakesh, Royal Mansour offers guests complimentary tickets to the stunning Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech . And creative art partnerships are the new Michelin-starred chef: In Italy, Belmond has joined with acclaimed Galleria Continua to create MITICO , four garden-based art installations (including Cameroonian artist Pascale Marthine Tayou’s stunning Les Routes du Paradis at Grand Hotel Timeo on Sicily) that will return anew in 2023. “Whether it’s cities with art festivals, cities with an art scene, or art shopping trips,” sums Ezon, “art is definitely the new food.”

Traveling to Gather

While solo travel is surging, particularly for the 65+ set, creative getaways for groups is top of mind at myriad luxury destinations, particularly among younger travelers (according to Virtuoso, solo travel interest among the 18-34 set dropped from 12 percent in 2019 to 6 percent in 2022).

“Beyond multi-gen trips, people are flocking around the world in groups,” says Ezon. “Groups of ladies. Groups of guys. Groups of a half dozen couples. Friends who like botany, fitness instructors bringing their fans to some remote place for fitness. Divorced ladies out for revenge. You name the affinity; people are traveling together. We are even seeing five and six families traveling together.” With a surge in villa offerings at hotels and resorts as well as private yacht charters, it’s never been more easier—or more fabulous—to gather together, the world over.

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The Cost of A Vacation

Feeling like taking a vacation, but not sure how much it will cost? We’ve got you covered. Whether you want to travel cheap or book a suite at a 5-star luxury resort, we have analyzed costs from millions of hotels and vacation rentals all around the world. Not only can we give you a good idea of how much your trip will cost, but we’ll tell you when to travel for the lowest price.

The final cost is really up to you and your style of vacation, but we’ll help you prepare. There are unlimited vacation options with many variables to consider. Are you planning to drive solo or fly out as a family? Do you intend to stay with your family or pay for a hotel? Do you prefer activities or staying near the hotel? All these, and more play a role in the average vacation cost. Here’s how we get to our final vacation costs.

Accommodations (Hotel or Rental Cost)

On longer trips you’ll probably spend more on a hotel or vacation rental (Airbnb or VRBO) than anything else. Hotel costs can easily eat up to about 1/3 of the cost of a 7-night trip, and that’s not even a fancy place. For longer trips hotels are often half of overall expenses, especially if looking at 4-star hotels and better. The graph below illustrates the average hotel cost by star rating across the entire world.

Prices rise sharply for a prestigious hotel. Many turn to vacation rentals instead. Our data shows these often result in minimal savings for solo traveler and couples unless they’re willing to share amenities and walls. Whole homes and condos are generally the most cost-effective option for families, though.

Most rentals fall in the $200 to $400 range for the entire place. Anyone who has tried traveling in more compact higher-demand cities understands this is because of the high cost of living and high demand for central locations.

The price varies substantially based on where you’re planning to stay. The Greek island of Santorini is beautiful, but tourists can rarely afford to stay on the island and most opt for day trips. Use our guides to learn more about destinations you’re interested in.

There are alternatives, too: some places offer room and board in exchange for a day’s work. Flexible travelers with background checks can actually get paid for house-sitting. If you’re smart and careful there are couch surfing options. If no friends are in the area, hostels and camping tend to be much cheaper. Most of these are beyond the scope of our analysis, but the more creative you can get, the more you might save on your travel costs.

Where are You Going, and Where From?

For shorter trips the bulk of the money spent during a vacation goes towards transport expenses like airline tickets. If you really want to save on a trip, check out our route-specific guides to cheap flights . A shorter or more common flight path will save you money. It’s often cheaper to fly from Los Angeles to New York than to take a much shorter flight to the Midwest. The route options below illustrate:

Timing matters as well. Flying at the least busy times can save you an a ton of money versus the most expensive times when most people travel. This graph shows worldwide average flight prices by week , and some places show an even steeper demand curve for their busy seasons.

Our guides will also show you the cheapest day of the week to fly in and out of every destination. Not everyone can avoid the the busy summer or holiday seasons, but there are massive savings if you do. Alternatives include the train, bus, or road trip, which can significantly reduce your trip cost. If you’re driving, apps like Gas Buddy will help you find the lowest gas prices.

How Many People are Traveling?

Obviously costs are heavily influenced by the number of people traveling. A solo vacation is sometimes more expensive per person, but if you’re the only person paying that might not matter. That’s why we show you daily costs, per person costs, and overall costs. Our solo traveler costs include one room or a smaller rental. Couples costs are made more expensive primarily by the flight and food, but many costs can be shared or mitigated. Our analysis for a family of four includes two bedrooms or hotel rooms, but it’s up to you whether you want to pack into a room for a sleepover.

Our data shows prices for a mid-range week-long vacation can quickly go from about $1,750 for one person to $5,750 for a family of four. Luxury vacations are another matter, with prices rising from $6,100 for a lone traveler to almost $16,300 for a family of four. There’s a reason you don’t see many kids in five-star resorts. Parents can’t make themselves shell out that much for accommodations kids probably won’t even appreciate.

Food and Entertainment Costs

Many people disregard their food budget, then wonder how they spend so much at the end of the trip. They forget that food costs are among the highest expenditures while traveling. In fact, you are probably going to spend an average of $30 per day on food alone (without alcohol, snacks, or tips). However, this varies depending on where you are eating or the number of people you’re tagging along. Your needs and tastes will also have a role to play. Our analysis shows an average of about $59 spent per person per day including activities, drinks, etc. This depends very much on the activity, destination, and more. Make sure to check out our guides for the cost of a trip.

Car Rentals, Resort Fees, Room Service, and More Pain

If at all possible, it’s generally advisable to avoid renting a car. Of course if you’re going to Yellowstone outside of a tour group you don’t really have a choice. But it’ll be more hassle than it’s worth in New York or London. Remember that room service is nice, but after the tip and the fees and the high prices you’re often paying a 12x mark-up on food rather than your standard 4x mark-up. If you want to travel cheap there are ways, but they tend to be inconvenient. Small conveniences tend to add up to a large credit card bill, which is fine as long as you’re expecting it. Remember that free activities, such as relaxing in a park or taking a hike, are often free and more memorable than spending hundreds on a nice meal.

The Bottom Line

There’s no ceiling to how much you can spend on a trip, but we recommend planning expenses instead of letting them happen unless you’re filthy rich. You don’t have to add all of these number up: we’ve already done that for you. Just search for your location and you’ll be on your way.

Remember that Champion Traveler can help you with every aspect of your trip:

• The best time to visit anywhere in the world for weather and more.
• The cheapest time to go anywhere, and what you can expect to pay (you are here)
• What a flight will cost , and what times are cheapest for each flight
• Where to go from your home airport at any time of the year for cheap flights and nice weather (don’t put in a destination)

Be safe, be smart, and enjoy your trip!

The Cost of a Trip to More Places

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The 23 Best Luxury Travel Accessories of 2024

Pick up these accessories from Hèrmes, Naadam, and NuFace to elevate your next trip.

In This Article

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa

No matter where your seat is on an airplane, a luxurious travel accessory can upgrade your experience en route to your destination. Premium travel items can come at a cost, but there are also plenty of additions to your carry-on that won’t break the bank. In fact, every accessory on this list is under $500 including an Hèrmes Apple Watch strap and a cashmere blanket travel set from Sofia Cashmere. Keep scrolling through to find the 23 best luxury travel accessories that are worth the investment.

LARQ Bottle PureVis

The bottle is self-cleaning and UV sanitizes water.

It doesn’t have a top handle to carry it easily.

The LARQ PureVis water bottle offers unique features that set it apart from a typical water bottle. Dubbed as a self-cleaning and water-purifying bottle, it uses UV-C LED technology to rid water of germs like E. Coli and cleans the inside of the bottle to prevent bacteria from building up. The bottle also looks sleek and comes in several colors like navy, mint, granite, and pink.

Sensate Relaxation Device

The device uses stimulation therapy to calm the nervous system.

It requires the use of an app to pick soundtracks.

Traveling is stressful, so investing in this mini therapeutic device could be worth it for some mid-flight relaxation. Using subtle vibrations on the chest to target the nervous system, this device emits soundscapes to relax the body in a non-invasive way. Plus, the device isn’t bigger than a hand which makes it convenient to travel with. 

Cadence Toiletry Organizers

The capsules connect magnetically to save space in a toiletry case.

The one-ounce capacity of the capsules might be too small for longer trips.

Cadence capsules are small but mighty and completely leakproof — as we learned during our own toiletry bottle testing in the lab. You can customize the label of each capsule for the intended liquid that the jar will hold and the colors of the set can be mixed and matched.

Aberdeen Oak Travel Bartender Kit

The 18-piece kit comes with everything you need to make cocktails on the go.

You’ll have to supply your own glassware.

For making craft cocktails while traveling, this impressive bartending kit has everything you need to mix up delicious drinks. The set includes items like a muddler, shaker, jigger, corkscrew, and liquor pourers so you can create almost any drink you want. Everything fits inside the compact roll-up bag to keep track of all of the items. 

Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Eye Patches

The eye masks target dark circles, which is perfect after (or during) a long-haul flight.

 It comes with 30 pairs of eye masks.

Elevate your skincare routine at 30,000 feet with these premium 24-karat gold gel eye masks. The pack of 60 masks can be carried on an airplane without taking up much space in a personal item , and the eye masks can be applied en route to your destination to avoid dark circles while lifting the skin around the eyes.

Hermes Apple Watch Band

The sleek band is made with the iconic Hermès checked canvas material.

It’s compatible with 41- and 45-millimeter cases only.

For those hopping on the quiet luxury trend, this timeless Hermès Apple Watch Band should be in your shopping cart. The collaboration between Apple and Hermès makes it the perfect time to pick up one of the timeless checked canvas bands to accessorize your watch. The checked canvas comes in green, gold, and denim colorways. 

Twelve South 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger

Twelve South 

The compact device is smaller than an Apple AirPods Pro case.

It can only charge an iPhone and Apple Watch.

Avoid tangled cords during trips with this tiny MagSafe charger from Twelve South. The charging pad measures 1 x 2.25 inches, so it can basically fit anywhere (even in a pocket). It can charge an iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously, but you’ll want to make sure both of your devices are MagSafe compatible. 

Kaai Mini Bowler Bag

The square-shaped bag is made with a premium leather material. 

It has a structured shape, so it shouldn’t be squashed in a suitcase.

This miniature bowler-style bag from handbag brand Kaai is the only purse you’ll need to bring on a trip. It’s casual enough to wear in the daytime, but it can easily be paired with a fancier nighttime outfit for going out on the town. The crossbody bag is made with a luxe matte leather material with a matching adjustable strap. 

NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit

This miniature face sculpting device is ideal for a quick facial on the go.

You may want to consult a doctor or esthetician before using a microcurrent device. 

This facial toning device from NuFace is the miniature version for giving yourself microcurrent facials away from home. The mini starter kit comes with the toning device, aqua gel activator, silk crème activator, and applicator brush. You’ll have everything you need to tighten and brighten your face without having to worry about making a spa appointment. 

Leatherology Tie Case

The slim leather case is designed to keep ties neat and wrinkle-free in a suitcase.

It only fits two ties.

If you’re traveling for work or to a fancy event like a wedding, a tie case like this Leatherology one will ensure the accessory arrives without any creases or wrinkles. The stunning leather case can fit up to two ties on either side and it’s slender enough to fit in a carry-on or personal item with ease.

Sofia Cashmere Emilia Travel Set

Saks Fifth Avenue

This upscale travel set comes with a cashmere blanket, pillow, and eye mask.

  All of the items need to be dry cleaned carefully.

Bundle yourself up in this luxurious three-piece cashmere travel set that includes a cozy blanket, eye mask, and pillow. You can opt for a neutral gray color or bold red shade. Either way, be sure to have these dry cleaned only to ensure the set lasts a long time.

Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask

The mask is made with a soft and cooling silk material.

It’s a little bulky to travel with. 

The Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask feels like wearing a pillow around your eyes since the material is soft, lightweight, and cushioned. The adjustable velcro straps make it easy to change the tightness of the eye mask without letting light filter through the corner of the mask. It is a bit oversized, so expect the mask to take up a bit more room than usual in a bag. 

Versace Biggie Black Sunglasses

Sunglass Hut

The black sunglasses are sleek and effortlessly stylish. 

They only come in one size. 

You can never go wrong with a pair of designer sunglasses. These Versace ones are the perfect, stylish-yet-versatile option. Designed to be gender-neutral, any traveler can toss these in their suitcase to elevate a daytime outfit. The sleek black frame and matching lens are elevated by the elegant gold branded hardware on the sides of the frame. 

SteamLine Luggage The Alchemist Vanity

SteamLine Luggage 

It can be used as a purse, camera case, or hat box. 

 It doesn’t offer much organization. 

This vintage-style vanity from SteamLine luggage is both glamorous and practical for traveling. The hardside vanity can be worn as a purse filled with personal items for flying, used as a camera case, or a transformed into a good ol’ fashioned makeup vanity to store skincare and cosmetics.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Over-ear Headphones

Bang & Olufsen

The headphones come in sleek colors like silver, copper, maroon, and black.

Over-ear headphones can take up more room in carry-on bags.

Over-ear headphones have had a trendy resurgence in the last few years, so these sleek Bang & Olufsen ones should be on your radar. The lightweight headphones are made with soft leather and feature metallic hardware on the sides of each earphone. They also come in stylish colors like copper, maroon, silver, and black. 

Ted Baker Matee Twill Retro Sport Flight Bag

Ted Baker  

The crossbody bag is the perfect size for storing essentials.

  It only comes in one color. 

This Ted Baker crossbody offers a more elevated look than a fanny pack but it still boasts the sporty and practical design you want in a travel bag. The compact bag can store items like a wallet, passport, and phone in the main compartment and the wide webbed shoulder strap is ideal for added comfort when carrying it around.  

Lunya Washable Silk Tee Set

The PJ set is machine washable for easy upkeep.

The T-shirt is oversized.

Wearing a pair of luxurious silk pajamas is the best way to crawl into bed after a long day of traveling. This set from Lunya doesn’t take up much room in a suitcase thanks to the thin silk material. It's entirely machine-washable, so you can pop the set into the machine after a trip and the top and bottom are ready to be worn again.  

Bellroy Pod Jacket Pro

The leather case comes with a lanyard to help keep track of your AirPods.

Be sure to double check that the case will fit your earbuds’ make and model.

AirPods can get lost easily while traveling, so this buttery leather case with a lanyard can easily be located in your bag. The Bellroy cover is made with a high-end leather that is designed to get softer the more it’s used, and the 150-millimeter lanyard is made with durable cord rope to withstand the test of time. 

Frankie4 Saint Loafer

The shoes have a podiatrist-designed footbed with four layers of cushioning and support.

Not all sizes are offered in half sizes.

Loafers might not be the first pair of travel shoes you think of, but these ones from Frankie4 are just as comfortable as a pair of walking shoes. They have four layers of podiatrist-designed cushioning and support. The shoes come with the brand’s Sole Saver pack that boasts various types of insoles to get the most comfortable and individualized fit for each foot. 

AirFly Bluetooth Headphones Adapter

The transmitter allows you to use your headphones with an airplane entertainment device.

It can only pair one set of headphones to the device.

This little transmitter device is the travel accessory you never knew you needed. T+L editors always bring the AirFly SE as a carry-on essential (since it’s easy to pair) and use noise-canceling earbuds or headphones of our own instead of the wired headphones airlines occasionally provide.  

Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case

The case is compact but can fit plenty of jewelry items.

It could use a few more latches to secure jewelry into the case. 

One of our favorite jewelry cases we’ve ever tried and an essential travel accessory for women , this one from Cuyana is made with a premium leather material and a unique oval shape that fits much more jewelry than meets the eye. It’s smaller than the average jewelry case, but we were able to fit various jewelry pieces in the case with lots of room to spare. 

Espro Ultralight French Coffee Press Water Bottle

This compact bottle has a built-in french press for making coffee on the go.

It can only make one cup of coffee at a time.

Coffee lovers will love this compact bottle for making a fresh cup on road trips or at the airport. It guarantees a tasty cup of coffee up to your standards every time, and it can be easily transported thanks to the 16-ounce capacity and convenient top handle for carrying it around hassle-free.

Naadam The Essential Cashmere Socks

The socks are made with luxe 100 percent Mongolian cashmere.

The socks come in one size. 

For a cozy and comfortable journey to your destination, consider investing in these lavish cashmere socks from Naadam. The crew socks are made with Mongolian cashmere and come in various shades of black, navy, and gray. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes about and reviews travel products. Anna enjoys a first-class seat of a flight (with a free upgrade, of course) and with her love of shopping, she’s racked up quite a few luxury travel accessories she can’t travel without (including a few added to this list).

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Understanding Today's Ultra Luxury Traveler

Not every traveler with a household income (HHI) of more than $100,000 takes luxury vacations. In fact, in a study of more than 1,500 travelers – all with an HHI of more than $100,000 – only 60% consider themselves luxury travelers. On the other hand, those with household incomes of more than $250,000 were more likely to both consider themselves luxury travelers and take more, and more expensive, annual vacations.

These are among the many findings in the 2022 "U.S. Luxury Traveler Study," which was sponsored, conducted and analyzed/reported by the Olinger Group, a full-service market research firm. The survey breaks affluent travelers down into three groups – those with HHI of between $100,000 and $250,000; those with HHI of more than $250,000; and "others" – then looks at their attitudes towards luxury travel, along with how they plan travel and what they like to do.

More Money, More Vacations Households with an HHI of more than $250,000 averaged about 5.53 vacations over the past 12 months and are planning for 4.81 vacations over the next 12 months. Households with incomes of over $100,000 but less than $250,000 took 4.07 vacations over the past 12 months and are planning for 4.3 vacations over the next 12 months.

Similarly, households with an HHI or more than $250,000 spent about $13,286 on their travel in the previous 12 months and plan to spend more than $17,000 over the next 12 months. Those with HHI between $100,000 and $250,000 averaged just over $8,000 in annual spend over the past 12 months and are planning to spend just over $10,000 over the next 12 months.

Who are these profitable higher income travelers?

According to the survey, their average age is 47, 56% have kids under the age of 18 at home and 44% have kids under the age of 12.

And why do they prefer luxury travel? While 89% said they enjoy being treated like a VIP, a whopping 98% said luxury travel is a well-deserved reward for their hard work. Ninety-two percent said they're willing to pay the full price on a vacation, as long as they're guaranteed the quality and service they deserve.

Travel Advisor Usage Over the past three years, survey respondents with household incomes over $250,000 said they've only used a travel advisor for 17% of their vacations. When it comes to their future vacations, 53% said they plan to use an advisor over the next three years.

Interestingly, more travelers with household incomes between $100,000 and $250,000 plan to use travel advisors for purchases like vacation packages/tours (94%), cruises (86%) and airline tickets (81%) than travelers with the higher HHI. Eighty-eight percent of this affluent group expect to use travel advisors for vacation packages and tours, while 75% said they'll use a travel advisor to book their cruise and only 69% said they'd use an advisor for their flights.

Eighty-six percent of the more affluent travelers said they'd use a travel advisor to help them choose their accommodations (vs 90% of the less affluent travelers).

Both are interested in getting help from advisors when it comes to choosing their vacation destination -- 71% of the more affluent travelers vs 78% of the less affluent travelers.

As for why affluent travelers (of both income levels) choose to work with a travel advisor, survey respondents cited strong knowledge of destinations, ability to research travel more quickly, trust that recommendations assure they'll have high-quality travel experiences, and less hassle as their top reasons.

Hotels Dominate Though some affluent travelers are looking for private stay options, hotels continue to dominate the travel plans of those with household incomes of more than $250,000, with 91% saying they prefer a hotel or resort when on vacation. Only 39% prefer a home-sharing options like Airbnb or VRBO.

Even fewer prefer a bed & breakfast (24%), timeshare (24%) or personal vacation home (21%).

Their reasons for choosing hotels over share options include better locations for hotels (100%), unwilling to share accommodations with strangers (82%), easier to book (64%), and quality and safety concerns (64% each).

As to which hotel brands higher HHI travelers prefer, 95% prefer Ritz-Carlton, 94% prefer Four Seasons, and 93% prefer JW Marriott. Other preferred brands include Waldorf Astoria (90%), Grand Hyatt (84%), St. Regis (82%) and Intercontinental (79%).

When it comes to hotel amenities: 98% expect proper shower water pressure and temperature; 96% want free Wi-Fi; 92% expect multiple electrical outlets; 91% want regular housekeeping; 89% want a refrigerator; and 83% want a balcony.

Interestingly, 86% want the ability to choose their specific room before arrival.

FIT More Popular than Cruise & Tours The popularity of organized travel with affluent travelers with household incomes of more than $250,000 is low, with only 39% extremely interested in cruising (vs 51% of lower HHI travelers) and only 33% (of both HHI levels) having ever vacationed as part of a tour group, though 60% of those with a higher HHI said they plan to in the future (vs 52% of lower HHI travelers). Another 30% said they're somewhat interested in cruising (vs 27% of lower HHI travelers).

Surprisingly, those more affluent travelers who are open to cruising are more interested in larger cruise lines than the smaller luxury lines with Norwegian Cruise Line (64%), Princess Cruises (57%), Disney Cruise Line (55%) and Celebrity Cruises (54%) leading the way. Only 25% expressed an interest in Seabourn, while a mere 19% were interested in Silversea and 22% were interested in Cunard. (Regent Seven Seas Cruises was not represented in the survey.)

Tour operators that luxury travelers have toured with or would tour with include Abercrombie & Kent (47%), Luxury Gold (42%), Insight Vacations (38%) and Trafalgar (37%).

Social Media Influence Highlighting why having a presence on social media continues to be important for travel advisors, 67% of travelers with a household income of more than $250,000 said they selected a vacation destination based primarily on social media. (78% of travelers with household incomes between $100,000 and $250,000 said the same.)

Seventy-seven percent also said they trust travel review websites when planning travel. Their highest level of trust is in the travel suppliers directly (81%), though 79% said they trust traditional travel agencies. Sixty-six percent trust online travel agencies and only 59% trust comparison shopping websites.

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review: Luxury perks for less

The Capital One Venture X Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who value luxury perks and can use the Capital One Travel portal. This card offers a generous sign-up bonus and travel credits that can easily offset the high annual fee.

Alene Laney

Alene is an award-winning personal finance writer based in the Southwest. Her focus is on helping families make optimal money choices in the areas of credit, mortgages, and loans. Award travel, in particular, is a true passion of hers that helped her travel when money was tight.

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If you want to travel in style, few cards offer as much value as the Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card .

At first glance, the card’s annual fee might seem steep. But the card's benefits — if used effectively — are worth more than the annual fee. And unlike some of their competitors, the benefits aren’t hard to use. 

From its generous welcome bonus and lucrative rewards structure to its extensive lounge access and valuable travel protections, Venture X is one of the best travel credit cards. 

Our review will explore the features, perks, and potential drawbacks of the Capital One Venture X Credit Card , helping you determine if it's the right choice.

Key takeaway:

The Venture X is an excellent option for jet setters who value luxury perks and can use the Capital One Travel portal. While the card has a high annual fee, the sign-up bonus and travel credits can more than offset the cost for those who travel often.

• Generous sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles
• $300 annual travel credit
• Unlimited lounge access
• 10X miles on hotels and rental cars, 5X on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X miles on all other purchases
• Up to $100 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• High annual fee of $395
• Redemption inflexibility with some travel partners
• Points value can fluctuate

Capital One Venture X benefits

The Capital One Venture X Rewards benefits are generous and easy to use. Its annual fee is also much lower than rival premium travel credit cards. 

“I think the Venture X has generated excitement among consumers, even those typically averse to annual fees, because the Venture X feels like having a few travel cards rolled into one,” says Zac Hood, founder of Travel Freely. “Because of its straightforward earning, redeeming, and simplified but valuable perks and benefits, it’s one of the simplest ultra-premium cards to understand.” 

Here’s a closer look at some of the Venture X’s benefits. 

Sign-up bonus

One of the most attractive features of the Capital One Venture X Credit Card is its generous sign-up bonus. 

New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. 

The bonus is worth up to $750 in travel when redeemed through Capital One Travel. This offers a significant boost to your travel rewards right from the start.

If that wasn’t enough, you’ll earn a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary — worth $100.

Whether you're planning a luxurious getaway or simply looking to offset the cost of your next trip, the welcome bonus can help you reach your travel goals faster.

Earning rewards 

The Capital One Venture X Rewards offers a straightforward and rewarding earning structure:

• Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn 2X miles on all other purchases

This earning potential allows you to quickly accumulate miles on everyday spending. It can be particularly lucrative for those who frequently book travel through Capital One Travel.

Keep in mind that the best earning rates — 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights) — require you to book through Capital One Travel.

Travel perks and credits 

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also offers a suite of valuable travel perks. Cardholders receive a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel. This effectively lowers the card’s annual fee to $95. 

Cardholders are also eligible for an up to $100 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit every four years.

Other notable travel perks include:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Primary rental car insurance
• Travel accident insurance
• Premier Collection perks and credits for hotel bookings 
• No foreign transaction fees

Lounge access 

Cardholders enjoy unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges worldwide. With over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges across the globe, this benefit can significantly enhance your travel experience.

Capital One Lounges offer a premium lounge experience, with amenities like comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more.

Redeeming Capital One Venture X miles

One of the most valuable ways to redeem rewards is to book travel through the Capital One Travel portal. This option allows for more flexibility, as you can book flights, hotels, rental cars, and more using your miles. There are also no blackout dates, and miles never expire. 

Cardholders can transfer miles to 15+ travel partners at a 1:1 ratio, including popular airlines like Air France/KLM Flying Blue, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines, as well as hotel chains like Wyndham and Choice Privileges.

Cardholders can redeem miles for cash back, gift cards, and other options. Remember that these redemption methods typically offer less value than travel redemptions.

How transferring miles work 

Transferring miles to travel partners can be especially lucrative, helping you save hundreds (or even thousands) on travel. 

Let’s see how transferring miles looks in practice. Let’s say you want to take a one-way flight to Dubai from New York City on June 8 via Turkish Airlines. 

Depending on when you book, prices are around $1,000 for economy class and well over $4,000 for a business class seat.

But, if you use transfer miles from your card directly to Turkish Airlines — a Capital One travel partner — you’d only need 78,000 miles for economy or 180,000 miles for business class ticket.

Or, let’s say you want to fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo, Japan, in September. A normal one-way economy ticket would cost around $2,000-$3,000. A business-class ticket would cost upwards of $8,000.

But Air Canada — another Capital One travel partner — offers flights between North America and Pacific time zones for 45,000-80,000 miles for economy class and 75,000-175,000 miles for business class. 

Finding deals with miles takes a little work, but the savings can be substantial. Also, ensure availability before transferring miles to a partner airline. 

If you don’t want to take the time to transfer miles to travel partners, you can also redeem miles as a statement credit or use rewards to book travel directly with Capital One.

Capital One Venture X drawbacks

One of the main drawbacks of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is its $395 annual fee. While this fee is lower than other premium travel credit cards, it can still be a significant expense for some cardholders — especially those who don’t travel often. 

But it’s to analyze the value of the card's benefits in relation to the annual fee. For example, the $300 annual travel credit effectively reduces the annual fee to $95 for those who can fully utilize the credit. The value of the lounge access, travel insurance, and other perks can easily exceed the remaining $95 for frequent travelers.

The Venture X’s annual fee is also much lower than other premium travel cards. For example, the Platinum Card® from American Express has an annual fee of $695. See rates and fees. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has an annual fee of $550.

Redemption inflexibility

While Venture X offers a 1:1 transfer ratio to multiple travel partners, the value of these transferred miles can fluctuate based on the specific program and redemption. There’s often limited availability for award tickets, especially business class, which may not coincide with your travel plans. 

 Some travel partners may also have limited availability or blackout dates, restricting the usefulness of transferred miles.

Redeeming miles through the Capital One Travel portal may not always provide the best value, as prices on the portal may be higher than booking directly with airlines or hotels. That’s why you should carefully compare redemption options to ensure you get the most value from their miles.

Is the Capital One Venture X right for you? 

While the Capital One Venture X Rewards offers impressive benefits, it's essential to consider your travel habits and spending to determine if the card is a good fit. The Venture X is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who:

• Spend significantly on travel: If you frequently book flights, hotels, and rental cars, the Venture X's bonus categories and travel credits can provide significant value.
• Value airport lounge access: If you appreciate the comfort and convenience of airport lounges, the Venture X's complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges can enhance your travel experience.
• Can use the card's annual travel credit: If you can easily use the $300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel bookings, this effectively reduces the card's annual fee to just $95.

If you rarely travel or prefer to book directly with airlines and hotels, the Capital One Venture X card may not provide enough value to justify the annual fee. On the other hand, if you frequently book travel through the Capital One Travel portal and can take advantage of lounge access and other perks, the card can be a valuable addition to your wallet.

“For those who can utilize the Capital One Venture X card's numerous benefits, it provides excellent value despite the $395 annual fee,” says Hood. “The card effectively pays for itself with the $300 travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles [on each account anniversary].”

Alternatives to the Capital One Venture X card

The major alternatives to the Venture X card include The Platinum Card from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve . Here’s a shortcut to how their fees, benefits, earning rates, and perks stack up. 

The bottom line 

The Capital One Venture X Rewards is a premium travel credit card with great rewards, benefits, and travel protections. The card's tiered rewards structure, which favors travel purchases made through the Capital One Travel portal, can also be lucrative for those who can utilize this booking method.

However, the high annual fee and potential redemption inflexibility may be drawbacks for some cardholders. It's essential to carefully consider your travel habits and preferences to determine if the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card fits you.

Editorial disclosure: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.

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• Why Travelers Are Ditching Paris Hotels for Supersized Châteaux During the Summer Olympics

With prices competitive with the capital's best hotels and space for your entourage, the historic homes surrounding Paris are this summer's hottest booking.

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Hidden among 12 acres of private woodland 35 minutes from the center of Paris , Château Bouffément is filled with five Napoléonic-era reception spaces, a sweeping horseshoe staircase, manicured lawns, and a mirror lake. 

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“They have tickets for three days of events, other than that they have various activities in and around Paris planned,” says Gogebakan.

 “We have a few clients who prefer to pop in and out of château properties rather than stay in Paris itself,” says Staunton, an ex-superyacht crew member turned CEO of SoldOut Events . “That way they can invite larger groups of friends and family for a unique experience.”

As it stands, Staunton has personally inspected and confirmed four exclusive-use castle bookings for UHNWI clients flying in for the games from around the world. “The appeal of the château is absolute privacy and the ability to bring in existing house staff, chefs, butlers, and the like because there is space for it,” he explains. 

They also don’t want to be jammed into the chaos of central Paris, since they are mostly targeting particular events.

“These are people who sail or ride horses or play golf or tennis, coming to Paris for their passion sport,” Staunton says.

That’s why a Korean family booked six nights at Château de Méridon , southwest of Paris. They’re coming to town to support their national archery team. After they leave, an American family is checking in to Meridon to watch equestrian events at nearby Château de Versailles .

“One of the families was eying Le Royal Monceau or Le Bristol , but decided to stay with us because we’re surrounded by greenery,” says Château de Méridon co-owner and managing director Jehanne Bosco. “They’re able to avoid the hassle of Paris yet are only 22 miles away.”

One of the groups coming for the Olympics found the $71,000-a-week property via Instagram. They were wowed by the Art Deco styling of the newly refurbished castle that once stood at the heart of the wildlife reserve of French King Louis XV. 

“We’re like a Parisian palace [a status awarded to exceptional French hotels], but people can enjoy the grounds, breathe in fresh air, and discover the rural side of France here, too,” Bosco says.

Some of the world’s top athletes are also eschewing Paris, and the traditional stay at the athletes’ village, for a château stay. A 45-minute drive from Paris, Château de Farcheville has a one month booking for one American Olympian and their entourage of around 25. The athlete was so sure of their participation that they made the reservation two years ago, property owner Conny Carlsson says.

Surrounded by a deep moat, the 13th-century castle promises total seclusion with all the trimmings including a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a spa and fitness center. 

But getting one for yourself ahead of the games won’t be easy. It’s estimated that there are 500-plus châteaux in the Île-de-France region surrounding Paris, although some are ruined, while others are museums or private homes. And only a small percentage of what’s on the luxury rental market actually tick the boxes for the likes of Staunton’s clientele: swimming pool, helipad to fly in and out of Paris, and separate accommodation for staff. 

Still, not every gold medal worthy property has been snapped up. Just 40 minutes from the Champs Elysées, Château de Villette was finished by the same architect as the Château de Versailles and served as a location in 2006’s The Da Vinci Code .

“The Château has seven luxurious suites and regularly hosts events and A-listers as they seek respite close to Paris,” says Madison Littlejohn of luxury real estate agents Carlton International. 

John Travolta, Tom Cruise, and Lenny Kravitz are just some of those who have stayed at the property which is, at the time of publication, still available for the entire Olympic period at a cost of $76,000 a night. Both Château Bouffémont and Château de Méridon are also showing availability for dates in early August. Talk about historic wins.

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