Taking a weekend getaway is a longstanding tradition that dates back a long time. For example, you can find photos of elegant 19th-century resorts that attracted all kinds of guests, many of whom were there for the weekend. Here are 10 of the latest weekend getaway trends that affluent travelers lead.
Foodie-Themed Trips
Food is shaping how people travel nowadays. For those with ample budgets, this means sampling the top-rated restaurants, exploring hip wineries, and attending the latest food festivals. Those looking for local getaways can drive to a scenic area and stay at a comfortable hotel, Airbnb, or resort. The more adventurous can fly off to Paris, Rome, or other places known for their savory cuisine.
Sleep Tourism
While active vacations remain popular, many travelers are also looking for a couple of days to de-stress and catch up on their sleep. There’s now a whole category of travel known as “sleep tourism.” These are trips; getting quality rest is the primary goal. People seeking this type of getaway will also be drawn to spa resorts that offer relaxing activities, such as massages, yoga, and meditation.
Sports-Related Trips
A sporting event is perfect for a weekend trip. You can arrive in the city Friday night, watch the big game on Saturday, and explore on Sunday. For people with ample budgets, flying across the globe for an event is getting increasingly popular. GWI reports that the number of people flying abroad for a sporting event has increased by 20% year-over-year. This could include events such as the Olympics, the World Cup, the Super Bowl, or a World Series game.
Multiple Weekend Trips
Even those who can afford long trips can’t always get away for a week or more. For busy professionals, it can be more efficient and even more fun to take frequent weekend trips.. Taking a break for, say, one weekend every month gives you a chance to explore many destinations and experience a variety of things. Some of these might be local excursions, while others may require flights.
Renting Luxury and Exotic Cars
How you get somewhere can be just as important as the destination. Renting a luxury car for the weekend is a growing trend. Drivers get a chance to operate their dream vehicles as they explore both familiar and new destinations. Even for those who already own luxury cars, it can be fun to try out a different set of wheels.
Renting Private Jets
Renting a luxury car is fun, but if you want to cover more distance, a private jet is another option. While many celebrities and wealthy individuals own their jets, many others find it simpler to rent one when it’s convenient. Private jets offer a much more relaxing experience than dealing with the hassles of a crowded airport. Some popular destinations include New York City, Aspen, Miami, and Las Vegas. However, with your jet, there’s almost no limit to where you can go.
Privately Curated Experiences and Tours
For those who can afford it, private tours are an appealing way to see an area’s most popular landmarks. Private showings can be arranged to suit the schedule of upscale travelers. The cost and difficulty of arranging private events vary depending on the size and popularity of the destination. For example, even most high-income travelers probably couldn’t rent out Disneyland, but they could arrange a private tour of a winery, historic site, or small museum. In California, some top choices for private tours include Joshua National Park, helicopter tours of Monterey County’s wine country, and off-roading at Big Bear Lake.
Less Crowded Destinations and Times
Many luxury travelers are seeking to escape the crowded tourist scene. For example, if you’re flying off to the Caribbean for a weekend, you might skip the usual spots like the Virgin Islands and the Bahamas in favor of somewhere more chill, like Anguilla, Montserrat, and Saba. Those with the means can also choose the timing for their getaways. They might postpone going to places during peak seasons to enjoy a quieter time of year.
Eco-Friendly Travel
Eco-friendly getaways are another trend gaining popularity among various types of travelers. Those with a high net worth can choose resorts that combine luxury with environmentally friendly practices. While there are eco-themed resorts all over the world, those looking to escape for just a weekend have many options to choose from in the United States. In particular, the Southwest and Grand Canyon regions offer a diverse selection of luxurious, sustainable accommodations.
Charter Cruises
While affluent travelers have always enjoyed cruises, busy professionals don’t always have time to stay on the water for a week or longer. There are now many briefer options, such as river cruises along the Mississippi, two- or three-day excursions to the Caribbean, and other destinations, including Key West and Puget Sound cruises to tranquil islands in the Pacific Northwest, such as the San Juan Islands or Victoria, BC. While public cruises are available to these and other destinations, more affluent passengers can arrange charter cruises.
The Evolution of Luxury Weekend Getaways
High-net-worth individuals have always loved taking weekend trips, which often took the form of excursions from the city into the country. Now, there are many more choices, whether renting a luxury car, a private jet, or taking a brief cruise. Generally, the trend is towards more personalized and curated experiences.
