Out with Budget, In with Luxury

When the covid-19 pandemic hit, no one could have guessed how it would change the way we work, interact with our friends and family and how we would travel in the future. While the pandemic hit the travel industry hard, it made the wealthy, even wealthier and their priorities have shifted. Instead of owning material possessions, they’re looking for experiences and look to travel advisors to take care of travel plans from A through Z so that they and their families can enjoy it to the max. In an article by Travel Weekly, they believe the luxury travel market will be the new genre and travel advisors should be ready for this heightened style of traveling. 

“Think private: Private jets, private island villas, private tours. People like the seclusion, the uninterrupted time bonding with friends and family, while at the same time being able to easily venture out into the community around them. And as the vaccine for children and boosters for adults become widely available, luxury clients are looking again at Europe, cruises and intimate, small-group tours.”- Travel Weekly

At Cruise Planners, the demand for European travel has seen a major uptick in interest and numbers are looking very close to pre-pandemic levels. Departures for 2022 are already trending significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels indicating that consumers are ready to get out and travel.

Consider this: Royal Caribbean recently announced the itinerary for their first world cruise slated for 2023 and within 7 days, sold 70% of the ship’s staterooms. That’s not too shabby considering the least expensive stateroom starts at $60,000 per person and the Royal Suite, the top accommodation on Serenade of the Seas, was sold for $760,000. People have saved a lot during the pandemic and now is the time to splurge on big trips full of unique experiences. 

If you’re thinking of booking, travel advisors have access to the most in-the-know accommodations and destinations and can steer potential clients to itineraries that are unique and luxurious. To find a Cruise Planners agent near you, click here.