Do you travel like a member of the 1%? Well, most of us don’t. Does that limit the experiences we can have? Perhaps. Does it mean we can’t have a fantastic time exploring this great, wide, often strange world of ours? Absolutely not. In fact, some of the best trips you can have are those that felt strangely inexpensive.
For this reason, figuring out methods to enjoy a good trip isn’t always that difficult. Any helpful travel site (hello!) will have countless posts teaching you to do exactly that. But in the back of your mind, you may also wonder how the ultra-affluent think about travel and what it is that inspires them forward. If you can experience anything and probably have, then what novelty is there?
In this article, we’ll discuss some travel habits of the ultra-affluent and if lucky, what we could possibly learn from them.
Convenience is worth the cost
It’s understandably hard to justify paying double for a flight just for a slightly bigger seat because saving cash is usually the priority for most of us. But looking at how the very wealthy travel does have a specific truth about time management, since time is viewed as the only resource which can’t be restored. It makes sense then, to pay a premium for a direct transfer or a private terminal because it allows the trip to start immediately.
Not everyone can just pay their way to skip a queue of course, but for some heading to a private lounge so they don’t have to wait so long in lines or having a private taxi booked from the airport or paying for early check in is more than worth it. In fact, some might even consider this a luxury even if it’s not necessarily giving you an experience with all the glamorous trimmings you might expect. Saved time is saved time, after all.
Exclusivity saves you from tourist churn
Fighting through a sea of people to see a landmark is rarely the best part of any trip. Dealing with massive crowds ensures you spend half the day dodging selfie sticks and that is why exclusive resorts or private islands exist for those who can afford the luxury, as they guarantee a level of privacy. Sure, it’s true a luxury trip is going to have the same general experience outside of Buckingham Palace that a general tourist would, so you have to pick the right places.
Of course, while booking an entire island might be out of the question, finding the shoulder season or waking up at sunrise should have a similar effect, perhaps giving you a deeper connection to the location because the atmosphere stays calm. Silence is a commodity worth seeking out in some respects and paying a bit extra for a private tour or a hotel slightly off the beaten path can be a luxury in its own right.
Investing in a singular experience you can return to is helpful
Scouring the web for new accommodation every single year can be tiring and there is always a risk the hotel won’t be up to standard. As such, a common habit among the wealthy is purchasing a singular space to return to annually. For example, owning yachts provides a familiar home base while still allowing for movement between different ports so the bed is always comfortable.
In our case, developing a similar ritual is possible by simply finding a rental or hotel you love and booking the same room every year. It might give you a sense of stability and having a home away from home is pleasant in that way. Returning to a place you know means the holiday begins the moment you arrive because you know where everything is and you can get to know more in the area each year.
Some of the premier destinations really do justify themselves
Thinking famous luxury spots are hype or overpriced tourist traps is a natural reaction to high price tags. However, places like the French Riviera or the Maldives developed a reputation for a reason, since the service levels are often higher and the streets are cleaner. The views are preserved because strict building measures keep the skyline clear so as not to spoil the travel effect.
Visiting these areas do help us understand why people continue to flock there despite the cost as it’s an experience of quality where everything works as it should.
With this advice we hope you can see how the ultra-affluent habits might give you some fresh thoughts even if your budget is a bit different.
Photograph courtesy of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
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