Luxury travel trends to watch in the upcoming year

October 16, 2025

Luxury travel is no longer simply about opulent accommodations and exotic destinations. Nowadays, a new wave of trends is reshaping the industry, driven by a desire for personalization, authenticity, and meaningful experiences.

Savvy travelers are seeking hidden gems over crowded hotspots, private experiences that offer exclusivity, and opportunities to connect with local cultures on a deeper level. So, are you ready to discover the key trends that will define luxury travel in the coming year?

Explore the future of high-end travel, where exclusive services, curated itineraries, and unforgettable moments are paramount. Contact an authorized travel agency to start planning your next luxury escape.

Sky-high demand: Private jet travel is still soaring

Let's get straight to the point: private jet travel isn't just for celebrities anymore. While it's always been a symbol of luxury, something shifted in recent years, and now it's experiencing a surge in popularity that's rewriting the rules of high-end travel.

Remember the pandemic? It turns out that was a watershed moment for private aviation. People weren't just seeking luxury, they were prioritizing safety, flexibility, and control over their travel experiences. And the numbers don’t lie, demand surged by over 20%!

But it's not just about avoiding crowded airports. Today's private jet travelers are after something more:

Bespoke experiences
Unmatched convenience
Ultimate in privacy

With new ownership models and booking technologies making private aviation more accessible, it's no wonder that this trend is set to continue its climb. So, what’s driving this continued sky-high demand, and what does it mean for the future of luxury travel?

Solo Travel: the new status symbol

Let's be real, the image of the lone backpacker is so last decade. These days, solo travel is less about roughing it and more about owning your travel experience – and luxury brands are scrambling to keep up.

Forget awkward single supplements and feeling like the odd one out. The solo traveler is now a VIP, with hotels rolling out the red carpet and tour operators designing itineraries specifically for those flying solo. Seriously, have you seen the incredible solo-only suites on some of the new luxury cruise ships?

So, what’s fueling this trend? Well, for many luxury travelers, it’s about freedom and control. No more compromising on itineraries or enduring travel companions with questionable taste. It's about indulging your passions, on your schedule, with no apologies.

But it’s also about something deeper: self-discovery. Hitting the road solo forces you to step outside your comfort zone, connect with new people, and learn a thing or two about yourself along the way.

And the numbers don’t lie – solo travel bookings are through the roof. This isn't a fleeting fad, it's a fundamental shift in how people are approaching luxury travel.

So, ready to ditch the plus-one and embrace the adventure of solo travel? It might just be the most empowering (and luxurious) experience of your life.

Coolcation: the new escape from heat

What exactly is a coolcation? It's a vacation in a cooler climate, offering respite from the scorching temperatures of traditional summer hotspots. And it's not just about escaping the heat; it's about embracing a new way of traveling.

Are you ready to swap your beach towel for a cozy blanket and explore destinations that offer a refreshing change of pace?

The numbers don't lie. A survey by Virtuoso found that a staggering 82% of luxury travelers are interested in coolcations for 2025, with bookings to Scandinavian countries surging by over 25%. Why the sudden shift? Well, it's not just about comfort; it's about sustainability, avoiding crowds, and discovering new adventures.

Coolcations are more than just a trend; they're a conscious choice. They offer a chance to explore less crowded destinations, engage in unique experiences, and connect with nature in a more meaningful way. Imagine kayaking through Norway's fjords, soaking in Icelandic hot springs, or hiking the Scottish Highlands – all without the oppressive heat.

Savoring the Soul of a Destination: The rise of cultural and culinary immersion

Let's talk about the real luxury in travel today: cultural and culinary immersion. It's not just about where you stay or how you get there; it's about diving deep into the heart of a place, tasting its essence, and connecting with its people. And guess what? This trend is taking luxury travel by storm.

Why? Because travelers are no longer content with just seeing the sights. They want to feel the culture, taste the traditions, and live the local life. And what better way to do that than through food?

Imagine this: you're not just eating a meal; you're partaking in a centuries-old tradition. In Italy, you're learning to make pasta from scratch with a local nonna, or in Japan, you're sipping matcha during a private tea ceremony. These aren't just meals; they're stories, history, and culture served on a plate.

But it's not only about the food. Cultural immersion means engaging with local artisans, joining in traditional ceremonies, and exploring markets where the real heartbeat of a destination lies. It's about understanding the why behind the what – why do locals eat this way, celebrate this way, live this way?

Beyond the Beaten Path: Luxury's New Frontiers

The luxury travel map is being redrawn, and it's about time we talked about it. While Paris and the Maldives aren't going anywhere, sophisticated travelers are setting their sights on unexpected horizons. But here's the real story: it's not just about finding the next undiscovered paradise in luxury villas – it's about how these emerging destinations are becoming more accessible than ever.

Take Saudi Arabia, for instance. Once virtually closed to tourism, it's now rolling out the red carpet with ultra-luxury hotel resorts and ambitious projects like NEOM. Or consider Georgia (the country, not the state), where ancient wine traditions meet contemporary luxury in a setting that feels refreshingly authentic.

But accessibility isn't just about new destinations opening up. It's about how we get there. Private aviation is expanding its routes, luxury train services are launching new journeys, and exclusive yacht charters are exploring previously hard-to-reach coastlines. The question isn't whether you can get there – it's how luxuriously you want to arrive.

What's driving this shift? For one, luxury travelers are craving bragging rights to places their friends haven't visited. But more importantly, they're seeking authentic experiences in destinations that haven't been overdeveloped. These emerging locations offer something increasingly rare in luxury travel: genuine surprise and discovery. Discover how a concierge luxury design team can craft your next extraordinary journey here.

HOW TO BOOK A JET CHARTER

April 6, 2022

How To Book / Charter A Private Jet

Setting your departure and arrival times, rocking up just twenty minutes before the flight, and being the only passengers on board is something few people get to experience. But if you do, it can completely redefine your idea of air travel.

With more people recognizing such freedoms and safety benefits, the private jet charter market is experiencing a huge surge in bookings. Private air travel allows many people to keep their lives and businesses flowing in style, even during economic or public health crises.

Many others turn to book a private jet for their privacy and confidentiality advantages. Some private jet brokers work with elite clients regularly and are used to making discretion an utmost priority.

Chartering a private jet isn't a difficult process. But unlike renting a car, it's not something you want to do without careful consideration. There are more risks associated with private air travel, from hidden fees to unexpected technicalities to extended travel times, and it pays off tremendously to be prepared and manage the whole process with an experienced private jet broker.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT AIRCRAFT

Finding the right private jet depends heavily on several key factors. The first is the number of passengers you are traveling with.

On average, private jets can accommodate from four to around 18 passengers, in jets ranging from turboprops, very light, and light jets to midsize, super-midsize, and heavy bizliner jets. The jet size you choose may also depend on the height of the passengers, the cabin layout you require, and the space requirement.

The second main factor is the amount of luggage. Some jets don't carry more than one or two pieces of carry-on luggage, while others can carry twenty pieces of stowed luggage. Make note of the number and size of the luggage you will carry and inform your private jet broker in the early stages of booking.

The third factor in chartering a private jet is flight distance. If you are traveling long distances and don't want to take a break for refueling, you need a large, efficient jet with a big fuel capacity. Large jets also often come with convertible sofa beds for taking a nap on longer flights.

Finally, airport restrictions can impact the type of private jet you choose. Traveling to remote areas or small airports may mean a shorter runway, which can rule out larger jets such as Gulfstreams and Falcons. The safety ratings of the jet, crew, operators, and brokers also have to meet the ARGUS industry safety standards.

SETTING THE DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP

Unlike commercial flights, private jet charter flights don't require you to conform to set times and arrive at the airport several hours before the scheduled take-off time. There is much flexibility in choosing your departure and arrival time, and as you leave from a private terminal, you can avoid delays and only need 20 minutes to board and get settled before leaving.

Once you have decided your take-off and landing time and accounted for the time differences, you will want to arrange transfers from the private terminal. Some private jet brokers also offer ground transfer services, including a private chauffeur service that can drop you off at the steps of your private jet and pick you up as soon as you arrive at your destination. It's also possible to arrange a luxury vehicle to be ready and waiting for you at a nearby pick-up point.

GATHERING ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS

Chartering a private jet still requires you to carry certain travel documents, including any visas that are necessary for entry into the country. However, you are treated on a priority basis with chartered flights and there are zero tickets, making the boarding process much swifter.

Other crucial factors are to check your passport and National Identity card are valid and that you have completed any COVID paperwork required by the state/country you are flying into. Your private jet charter documents will include route details, booking references, and other essential information about your flight such as contact details of your crew, the time of departure, and the tail number of your aircraft. In private jet charters, the tail number is the reference, not the flight number.

REVISING THE COST OF THE JET

As the demand for private jet charters has greatly increased in recent years, the market has become even more exclusive and costly than it once was.

Depending on the time of the year, some jets may not be available for one-way pricing. Some brokers may also include an unauthorized tax for an international trip, when tax only applies for domestic flights. You will also want to consider the cost of the aircraft handling company or Fixed Based Operator (FBO), catering, landing fees, accommodation, and parking.

The best way to ensure you are being charged fairly and appropriately for your private jet charter is to work with a respected broker. Private jet brokers can increase the cost of chartering a private jet, but they know the industry inside out, offer around-the-clock support, and are there to ensure your trip goes exactly as planned.

SECURITY & TECHNICAL ISSUES

Technical and logistical issues are present in the majority of private jet charters. The problem isn't that they happen, but what measures are in place to reduce their disruption and keep things running smoothly when they do.

Safety is a number one priority in aviation, and when chartering a private jet, ensuring the broker is Wyvern Wingman or Argus Platinum safety-approved is a must. This ensures all aircraft meet rigorous safety standards and pilots and crew undergo strict, recurrent training in the aircraft they fly.

Argus and Wyvern safety ratings also ensure the aircraft performance is recorded for each flight, dramatically reducing the chances of a problem occurring. Chartering from a trusted broker also ensures that a replacement jet can be mobilized quickly and efficiently, should a mechanical fault or issue occur.

CHECKING OVER THE CONTRACT

If you work with a private jet broker, they will ask you to provide the required information and help you prepare the contract for your private jet rental. This is an undervalued benefit of working with a reliable broker who understands the small print of the industry and can help manage the whole process from start to finish.

Once you receive the contract, you want to be aware of the cancellation and payment terms. How much is the advance payment and is it refundable in the case of COVID travel restrictions? Will the payment be made via wire transfer or debit or credit card?

Ironing out such details prior to the flight will greatly improve your private jet experience. Should any passengers have any special food preferences or require particular assistance with luggage, for instance, this is where you can make sure it is arranged.

Chartering a private jet can save you time, increase safety and privacy, and overall ensure your trip is marked by sophistication and class. With many years of experience as a specialist private jet broker, we can help with everything from pre-trip itineraries to COVID restrictions to choosing the right jet, ensuring you make the most out of every moment of your trip.

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Flying Private: L.A. to London in a Gulfstream G650

January 28, 2019

Since its release in 2008, the Gulfstream G650 has been the peak standard in luxury business travel. It’s a level of quality which, I believe, has yet to be matched in a private jet of its class.

I had the good fortune to take a flight in the ultra-luxurious Gulfstream G650 from L.A. to London recently, giving me the opportunity to experience flying privately in what is considered to be the most well-balanced business jet in terms of speed, range, and ride comfort.

The Gulfstream G650 is a twin-engined business-class jet which is capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 0.925. That's nearly the speed of sound. The sheer velocity of this powerful jet means that we will arrive in London 30 minutes earlier than if we were crossing the pond in another jet of similar size.

The G650 has fantastic grace at high speed due to its stylish design. The sleek wings offer minimum air resistance, allowing the jet to cut through the sky like a warm knife through butter. The reduced drag not only significantly increases speed, range, and ride comfort, it also creates a quieter ambiance for its passengers.

Despite traveling close to the speed of sound, the G650 feels like it is gently gliding through the air. This is due to a highly efficient airfoil which creates an incredibly smooth ride.

The Gulfstream G650 performs very well over long distances, with an 8-passenger load and a long-range cruising speed of Mach 0.85 providing a maximum range of 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km).

The low-pressurized cabin delivers 100% fresh air every two minutes and is designed for the ultimate comfort of its passengers. The pressure inside the G650 is more than twice as low as a commercial airline, making the cruising altitude of 51,000 feet feel more like 5,000 feet.

The Gulfstream G650 has a spacious cabin - the largest in its class - with a comfortable environment for up to 19 passengers. The cabin feels generously sized compared to other jets, with a width of 2.59m.

The cabin has gorgeous handcrafted leather recliners and features 16 large windows - ensuring the space is brilliantly well lit. The numerous windows also serve spectacular panoramic views of the earth from above.

The G650’s cabin is designed as a series of rooms, which provide the appropriate spaces for business meetings or entertainment. The forward cabin has four single seats, the mid-cabin has four seats with a conference table, and the separate stateroom hosts two leather recliners and a three-person sofa. The cabin can be configured to sleep up to 10 passengers.

The G650 is wired with state-of-the-art connectivity, including high-speed internet connections and multi-channel satellite communication systems. The G650 also has a local wireless network with printers and a phone service.

High-definition audio and video systems provide entertainment for those who just wish to relax. Temperature, entertainment, lighting options, and window shades are controlled by on-board smartphones and tablets. Passengers can synchronize their own devices to make managing their environment all that easier.

The fully-equipped galley includes an oven, large ice drawers, and specialist storage space for a formal dining set. The kitchen is more than capable of catering for a business dinner in the sky.