Travel is one of the most popular and rewarding activities for many people. It allows us to see new places, experience different cultures, and learn new things. However, not all travelers are the same. There is a huge gap between how the average person travels and how the rich and famous travel. In this article, we will explore how rich people travel differently than the rest of us, and what we can learn from them.
To gain firsthand insight we interviewed a travel concierge to the rich and famous. His clients are a who’s who of celebrities, tech billionaires and people who made their money the old-fashioned way, they inherited it. We agreed to not disclose his name for obvious reasons. We’ll refer to him as Mr. Jones. He explains, “My clients are not looking for ordinary vacations. They are looking for extraordinary experiences. They want to see the world in a way that most people can’t. They want to go to places that are exclusive, exotic, and exceptional. They want to do things that are adventurous, creative, and meaningful. They want to travel with style, comfort, and convenience.”
How Rich People Travel
According to various sources, rich people travel in ways that are completely different from the rest of us. Here are some of the main differences:
- They travel more often and for longer periods. Rich people have more time and money to travel, and they often take advantage of it. They can afford to take long trips, sometimes for months or even years, to explore different parts of the world. They also travel more frequently, sometimes several times a year, to enjoy different seasons and events.
- They travel more comfortably and conveniently. Rich people value comfort and convenience when they travel, and they are willing to pay for it. They often travel by private jets, yachts, helicopters, or luxury cars, which allow them to avoid the hassle of airports, security checks, and traffic jams. They also stay in luxurious hotels, resorts, or villas, which offer them the best amenities and services. They can also access exclusive facilities, such as spas, golf courses, or private beaches, which enhance their relaxation and enjoyment.
- They travel more adventurously and creatively. Rich people are not satisfied with the typical tourist destinations, such as Paris, New York, or Tokyo. They seek out more adventurous and creative places, such as remote islands, exotic countries, or hidden gems. They also look for more original and exciting activities, such as safari, skiing, or diving. They want to experience something new and different, something that most people don’t get to see or do. For example, according to Tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region – statistics & facts, the top destinations for outbound tourists from China in 2021 were Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, and Singapore, while the top destinations for outbound tourists from the US in 2019 were Mexico, Canada, the UK, Italy, and France. This shows that Chinese tourists, who are among the richest in the world, prefer more exotic and diverse destinations than American tourists, who are more conservative and traditional in their choices.
Mr. Jones elaborates, “My job is to make their travel dreams come true. I have to understand their needs, preferences, and expectations. I have to research, plan, and arrange every detail of their trips. I have to provide them with the best options, the best deals, and the best service. I have to make sure that everything goes smoothly, and that they have the best time of their lives.”
Who Are the Rich Travelers?
So, who are the rich people who travel differently than the rest of us? According to various sources, the rich travelers are mainly composed of the following groups:
- The billionaires. These are the people who have a net worth of at least $1 billion, and who can afford to travel anywhere, anytime, and anyhow they want. They are the ultimate luxury travelers, who have the most influence and power in the world.
- The high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). These are the people who have a net worth of at least $1 million, excluding their primary residence, and who can afford to travel in style and comfort. They are the main target market for the luxury travel industry, who cater to their needs and preferences. According to industry insiders HNWIs are mostly aged between 40 and 60, they are mostly entrepreneurs or professionals, and they are mostly from the US, China, Japan, Germany, and France.
- The millennials. These are the people who were born between 1981 and 1996, and who are the most influential and active travelers in the world. They are the main drivers of the travel trends and innovations, who seek out more authentic and meaningful experiences.
Mr. Jones breaks this down, “The wealthy millennials I work with are mostly urban, educated, and tech-savvy. They are mostly from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and they are mostly interested in social, environmental, and cultural issues.”
What Can We Learn from Rich Travelers?
While most of us may not be able to travel like the rich and famous, we can still learn some valuable lessons from them. Here are some of the main takeaways:
- Travel more often and for longer periods. Traveling can enrich our lives in many ways, such as expanding our horizons, enhancing our skills, and improving our well-being. Therefore, we should try to travel as much as we can, and as long as we can, to make the most of our time and money. We can also look for ways to save on travel costs, such as using budget airlines, booking in advance, or traveling off-season.
- Travel more comfortably and conveniently. Traveling can also be stressful and exhausting, especially if we have to deal with crowded airports, long flights, or poor accommodations. Therefore, we should try to travel as comfortably and conveniently as we can, to make our trips more enjoyable and memorable. We can also look for ways to enhance our comfort and convenience, such as using travel apps, packing light, or choosing quality over quantity.
- Travel more adventurously and creatively. Traveling can also be boring and repetitive, especially if we visit the same places, do the same things, or follow the same routines. Therefore, we should try to travel more adventurously and creatively, to make our trips more fun and exciting. We can also look for ways to spice up our travel experiences, such as trying new activities, meeting new people, or exploring new places.
Conclusion
Travel is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and others. It can enrich our lives, broaden our minds, and improve our world. However, not all travelers are the same. There is a huge gap between how the average person travels and how the rich and famous travel. In this article, we have explored how rich people travel differently than the rest of us, and what we can learn from them. We hope that this article has inspired you to travel more, better, and differently.
Mr. Jones sums it up this way, “My clients are not only travelers, but also learners, explorers, and changemakers. They are not only interested in seeing the sights, but also in learning the culture, exploring the nature, and making a difference. They are not only concerned about their own enjoyment, but also about the impact of their travel on the environment, the society, and the economy. They are not only consumers, but also contributors, supporters, and leaders.”
