Luxury travelers are paying more for truly memorable vacations

By: Mark Chesnut, Contributing Writer

Inflation may be a source of frustration for many travelers, but upscale globetrotters are willing to spend more—especially for unique and immersive experiences, according to the Annual Luxury Travel Report published recently by Flywire, a global payments enablement and software company. And hoteliers around the country are answering demand with new ways to entice guests, with one-of-a-kind packages and excursions.

According to the Flywire study, 91% of respondents are likely to pay more for the opportunity to travel with a private group for unique experiences. In addition, 92% said they were likely to use or have used a travel advisor for trips over the next 18 months, a rise of 5% from last year.

Luxury trips are lasting longer and travelers are using travel agents and advisors more, according to the Flywire story.

A recent report in Luxury Columnist, meanwhile, highlights that upscale travelers are seeking a variety of elements when they book travel today—including safety, personalization, flexibility, customization, unique experiences, “frictionless” travel and a “wow factor” that will help to create long-lasting memories.

Luxury lifestyle magazine Veranda is also naming a variety of hot trends for luxury travel this year. A recent article highlighted favored ways to get away, including yacht excursions, off-season travel and both group and solo vacations.

Hoteliers Respond

A variety of hotels around the United States have upped the ante with new amenities, services and experiences that are designed to please the most demanding traveler.

To assure a more personalized, hassle-free vacation experience, for example, the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole in Wyoming now offers private plane excursions to visit a lesser-known area of Yellowstone National Park, accompanied by a naturalist who shares information about the region’s legendary gray wolves; lucky guests may even get to spot a few of the beautiful creatures.

Nature lovers may also want to consider a visit to Armendaris, the latest addition to Ted Turner Reserves, a collection of sustainable travel destinations in New Mexico. The 360,000-acre, sustainable wildlife preserve, located in the southern part of the state, features a four-bedroom hacienda and offers experiences including bat and bison expeditions.