New Years Resolution: Travel More!
We are about 10 days into the new year! Happy 2024! How many people have created a New Year’s resolution list? Or perhaps created a vision board for the year. Or both?
As we have heard from many, resolutions are usually made up of health, wellness and fitness goals. Resolutions to ‘take a class’, ‘learn new language’ and get more involved in philanthropy are popular; As are finance and relationship goals. And, according to a Forbes Health 2023 Survey* 6% of the nation adds “Travel More” to the annual list.
So let’s dig in a little deeper to “travel more” and identify some of the key places recommended for 2024.
Conde Nast Traveler features several articles about the top places to visit in 2024. Globally, the top 10 countries they most recommend are: Ghana, Hungary, Greece, French Polynesia, Grenada, Guatemala, Australia, Japan, Kosovo and Madagascar.
For US travel, Conde Nast has these five cities as the top destinations: Washington DC, Big Sky, Mobile, Santa Fe and (upstate) New York.
Has one of these destinations made it to your resolution list? If so, the next step is to start planning and researching with details like: the best time of year to visit, what are the must see attractions? What is the history of the region? What activities are best to plan? The best restaurants and local cuisine to try? This is just a starting point.
You can approach this like another part time job - as that is how time consuming this can be - or you can also check off ‘be more productive’ on your list and easily reach out to one of the many new Travel Advisors available to you, a career choice category that continues to grow each year (in line with the growing popularity of travel).
Travel Advisors can not only help you plan but they can provide the reassurance of providing the following Travel checklist that is trending, according to a study quoted in an article posted to LuxuryColumnist, for the components that make up the ideal trip:
Personalization and Customization
Safety and Reassurance
Flexibility and Efficiency
Exclusive, unique ‘wow’ factor
Technology forward with ability to use wifi powered maps and communication
Attention to Detail for all aspects of the trip
Sustainability and support for local economies
The most important element of a luxury trip is creating a personalized experience**. A recent study by Virtuoso for YouGov found that 80% of travelers spend more on brands that tailor products to them.
The definition of Luxury Travel is now defined as personalization, flexibility, exclusivity and attention to detail. It’s not just about high thread count sheets and hotels where you never leave the property, it’s about having cultural experiences that are seamlessly integrated into your vacation with no hassle, safety and reassurance that you are truly getting the most out of your trip experience and investment. According to a report by ARC **, the global luxury travel market should increase to $8460 million by 2024, compared to $5200 million in 2019.
This experience starts the moment you finish packing your bag(s). If you did decide to work with a Travel Advisor, you will receive a fully detailed itinerary for each day starting with your ride to the airport and your journey to the gate.
For those Travel Advisor’s, paying attention to the details and the need for personalization means they are most likely booking the services of a company like Alpha Priority Worldwide. Disclosure: the author of this blog consults for Alpha Priority Worldwide. Alpha Priority services provide luxury vehicles to get you to the airport on time and escort you through the terminal to board your plane - handling all your details for check in, security and luggage/belongings. Upon arrival, your Alpha Priority greeter will meet you to whisk you through customs (if traveling internationally) and/or the airport to your awaiting vehicle that will take you to your hotel. While on vacation if transport is needed, your Travel Advisor will also work with Alpha Priority to get you to your excursions, adventures, dinners, etc. At the end of your trip the same services will get you home hassle free.
So go ahead and add “more travel” to your 2024 resolutions list, reach out to a Travel Advisor and be sure to request this level*** of attention to detail if they don’t recommend it first!
https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/new-year-resolutions-survey-2024/
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-2024
https://www.cntraveller.com/article/best-places-to-go-north-america-caribbean-2024
https://luxurycolumnist.com/luxury-travellers/
***alphapriority.com
