Defining Luxury Travel

text and photos by Marcia Simon ©2024
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"Luxury" means different things to different people. Mistakenly, many equate it solely as something expensive or lavish. The term "luxury travel" sometimes scares people who must keep track of how much they spend on their vacations.
 
People who never have to ask how much it costs are among the fortunate few. And even those willing to pay for unparalleled excellence in every aspect of their journey appreciate finding a good value.
 
The goal is never to spend a lot of money; it's to create the best possible experience for individuals and their guests. It could be in a 5-star hotel or in a tent surrounded by nature with hundreds of stars shining above.

The Tented Camp accommodations at Nayara in Costa Rica include a private en-suite bathroom and plunge pool.

​Think Expansive, Not Expensive
 
Luxury is allowing yourself to enjoy something that's not part of your daily routine. That might be morning yoga with the sound of the sea lapping at the shore, a day at a spa, or ditching your healthy lifestyle for indulgent meals and sinfully delicious desserts.
 
Places you've only imaged – Venice, Greece, Galapagos, East Africa, Japan.
 
Does your dream include sleeping in a glass igloo with the Northern Lights dancing in the sky above? Or someone bringing you a tall glass of ice water when you're nestled into your spot, reading a book on a gorgeous beach where the truly turquoise water is so crystal clear you can see with clarity the sand swooshing over your toes?

Sunset view from the infinity pool at Zemi Beach House in Anguilla

​Something you've never done before – kayaking on a gentle lake, ziplining over a canopy of trees, treating yourself to a hotel room with a magnificent view from your waterfront balcony.
 
Traveling outside of peak tourist season, when hotel and airfare rates are lower, can make luxury travel more affordable. And the experience is often more enjoyable during a less crowded season with fewer people vying for reservations at the best restaurants, and less crowded destinations......... which tends to make everything easier.
 
Think of "luxury" as hassle-free.
 
No Hassles
Whether you wake up at the crack of dawn to photograph a sunrise during a morning walk, or linger after a late-night dinner sharing a bottle of fine wine, luxury is knowing that everything will be taken care of. Your hotel is better than expected, dinner was amazing, your train seats are reserved, the service has been excellent every step of the way. Service matters – a lot. Plus, you didn't have to wait in long lines, you avoided the crowds and had time and space to capture special moments to add to your memory bank.
 
Every vacation should include at least one great splurge, which could be simple:

• Going for a full week without setting an alarm clock
• Not cooking and washing dishes
• Spending full days with your adult children and/or grandchildren
• Buying the VIP pass to skip the lines at an amusement park or museum
• Authenticity – staying in a gracious old inn rather than a chain hotel
• Time to yourself, privacy
• Personal enrichment, off the beaten path diversions

 
Time is a luxury in itself. Time with your children as you watch them grow up, time with your parents as you watch them grow old, time with your grandchildren as the constant march of time reminds you how precious every moment is.
 
Today’s luxury travelers are most often educated individuals who care about the environment and seek out eco-friendly options without sacrificing quality or lowering expectations.
 
Does luxury travel really cost more? It can, of course. There are amazing options, such as expeditions to explore nature and areas not accessible by large ships and big tour groups. However, don't cheat yourself out of a "luxurious" vacation by thinking that everything worthwhile needs to be purchased. Allow yourself to experience the magic of travel through destinations you've yet to discover.

The beaches of Oguniquit, Maine are an easy New England roadtrip for a 2- or 3-night getaway.

Marcia Simon is a travel writer, travel advisor and owner of Friendly Group Travel. Connect via Facebook or Instagram @friendlygrouptravel or send email to [email protected]