Some vacations are simply out of reach unless you save up for a long time or get a large unexpected amount of money. But for the wealthy, there are virtually no limitations on where they can go or how much they can spend on a vacation, which allows them to take some pretty lavish and luxurious vacations in places that are out of reach for most people.
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If you've ever wondered where the wealthy spend their holidays and what they spend their money on, here are some popular spots, according to experts.
French Polynesia
The islands of French Polynesia, and Bora Bora in particular, are known as popular travel destinations for the wealthy, and one of the biggest reasons for this is that these islands are difficult to access.
“In my experience, the only destinations that only the wealthy or the rich can go to are those that are difficult to access,” says Mac Steer, owner and director of Simify. “That's why rich people tend to go to places in the South Pacific like Tahiti and Bora Bora. They're beautiful, but they're difficult to access.”
These places are hard to get to for the average person, so you're more likely to meet other wealthy people while on vacation.
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Caribbean island of St. Barth
“One of the most expensive holiday destinations in the world is the Caribbean island of St. Barthélemy, where accommodation alone costs an average of $1,770 per night,” says Alonso Marly, travel expert at Skylux Travel.
Besides the pricey accommodations, there are several other factors that make St. Barthélemy a top destination for the wealthy.
The island “has attracted those seeking the ultimate in luxury with its luxury villas, high-end designer boutiques, gourmet restaurants, white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters,” says Marley. “In St. Barthélemy, every day is a unique adventure, from sailing on a luxury yacht to scuba diving and exploring vibrant marine life, to simply immersing yourself in the ocean.” [up] Soak up the sun on one of the island's picturesque beaches.”
Adding to what makes the island so special is the fact that there are no direct flights to St. Barths from the U.S., meaning a trip to St. Barths is often longer and more expensive than excursions to many other Caribbean islands, unless you fly in a private jet, of course.
Aspen, Colorado
For well-heeled travelers looking for a winter getaway, the mountain town of Aspen, Colorado, is a top destination. “It's one of the most popular winter destinations in the world, with some of the most expensive ski resorts and five-star hotels, up to $5,000 a night,” Marley says.
“This elite winter wonderland is renowned for its fine dining, upscale shopping and world-class outdoor activities, making it a top spot for celebrities and billionaires looking for a glamorous winter getaway that combines luxury and nature,” Marley added. “Among other unique adventures, Aspen offers private snowmobile tours, hot air balloon rides over snowy mountains, horseback riding, dog sledding and tandem skydiving, all at prices far beyond what the average traveler can afford.”
For those looking for a truly exclusive and bespoke experience, Aspen also offers luxury spas, personal concierge services, private dining experiences and more.
Luxury Vacations for the Rich: Money Isn't an Issue
For the truly wealthy, the reason for going on vacation is more important than the cost of the vacation.
“Affluent individuals travel to a variety of destinations around the world based on a variety of factors, including preferences for sports and leisure activities (golf, skiing, sailing, film festivals, yacht shows, charity events, etc.), when the weather is optimal, high society social events and the need for privacy,” said Philip Ballard, chief communications officer and investor relations officer at Hotel Planner.
“Generally speaking, cost is not as determining a factor as the purpose of the trip,” Ballard says. “Luxury travelers are less cost-sensitive than the average traveler. It's not uncommon to spend $50,000 to $100,000 on an all-inclusive, bespoke, or ultra-luxury experience (from transportation to lodging to entertainment).”
With that in mind, here are some destinations that, according to Ballard, only the truly wealthy can afford to vacation in.
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Fall travel destinations — Maldives, Lake Como (Italy), Semui Island (Thailand), Fiji
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Winter vacation destinations — Luxury ski resorts such as Chamonix and Megève (French Alps), Gstaad (Switzerland) and Nozawa Onsen (Japan)
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Spring travel destinations — Cannes or Saint-Tropez (France), Venice (Italy), Monaco
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US travel destinations — Palm Beach (FL), Hamptons (NY), Newport (RI), Napa Valley (CA), Phillipsburg (MT)
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Africa and the Middle East — Marrakech, Tangier (Morocco), Dubai, Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda
In some of these destinations, you don't need to be wealthy to simply visit or spend a few days there. But for many, the cost of accommodation, airfare, food, and entertainment can all be prohibitive. This is especially true for popular spots that are secluded, exclusive, or far-flung, or that come with a custom-made experience.
Additionally, many of these places charge higher prices during peak travel periods and events like fashion weeks, film festivals, yacht shows, etc. While this doesn't typically affect wealthy travelers, it certainly impacts those looking for a more budget-friendly experience.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Vacations Only Available to the Rich
