The year 2023 unveiled a trend that is as grand as the luxury yachts that dot the Mediterranean–the six-figure family vacation. While most of us might consider a new tent for a camping trip or a quick city break a luxury, the globe’s glitziest are literally taking their holidays to new heights.
Welcome to 2023, the year the wealthiest declared: “If you’re going on a holiday, make it legendary!” But before we dive deep, let’s decode that ‘six-figure’ bit. We are talking $100k+ getaways. That is not just a trip. It is an odyssey. These holidays are less “all-inclusive resort” and more “rent the entire island.”
But why? Why the colossal increase in such high-rolling holidays? And what’s it all about?
Unplugging From the Digital Tether
In an era where our morning routines start with checking notifications and end with night-time scrolls, the wealthy are seeking an escape. They are chasing the real, the tactile, the non-digital. And if that means watching the Northern Lights from a private ice castle in Iceland, so be it!
The Allure of the Exclusive
While many of us hunt for hidden spots away from the tourist trail, the elite aim for the inaccessible. Think diving in undiscovered coral reefs shielded from public knowledge or dining atop ancient pyramids.
The Bespoke Boom
The wealthy are not looking for off-the-shelf holiday packages. They want journeys crafted just for them. Dream of tracing your lineage back to medieval Europe and visiting those exact towns, complete with historians guiding you? Done.
Fancy a cooking lesson with a world-famous chef in the heart of Tuscany? Consider it booked.
Redefining Family Bonds
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that life is fragile and unpredictable. The elite, amid their busy schedules, have felt this deeply. Now, they are funneling their resources into reconnecting with family in grand ways.
After all, bonding over a Balinese dance lesson in a centuries-old temple has a slightly different vibe than a regular BBQ. And that is what exactly the super-rich are up for.
Inspiration, Not Intimidation
While it is easy to get lost in the whirlwind of envy, there is inspiration to be found. No, we might not be able to book the entirety of Venice for a night. But who has to say we can’t create our own unforgettable experiences tailored to our tastes and budgets?
Memories Over Materialism
If the super-rich are signaling anything, it is that experience top possessions. While we may not be able to splurge on a six-figure trip, we can allocate resources to experiences. From attending a local pottery class to spontaneous road trips, memories await at every price point.
Local Luxuries
The push for unique experiences by the world’s wealthy also brings focus back to local artisans, performers, and historians. While they are catering to the elite today, the growing appreciation for such unique experiences means increased opportunities and recognition for these individuals.
A Shift in Travel Norms
The elite’s new preference emphasizes privacy, bespoke experiences, and deep dives into culture and history. This may soon reset the parameters of luxury travel, moving away from opulence for its own sake and towards authenticity and personalization.