Planning A Luxury Break for 2023

Got big plans for 2023? As we reach the end of another year, many of us are turning our sights on the twelve months ahead. More specifically, travel over the course of the twelve months ahead. Luxury travel is where it’s at. Sure, you could hop around the world, staying in hostels and budget B&Bs, but doing things with style is what’s going to allow you to let your hair down and really relax. If this sounds good to you, here are some top tips that will help you to set your 2023 travel plans in stone!

How Much Are You Ready To Spend?

Of course, luxury doesn’t come cheap. So, how much are you planning on splashing on this trip? Setting a budget is always important, no matter how much or how little you’re considering spending. This will help to keep things controlled and will impact all aspects of your planning process, from what class flights you book to what accommodation you decide to stay in. Only you can know your limits, so take some time to look at your disposable income and how much of this you want to dedicate to your trip.

The Basics

No matter how lavish your break may be, you’re going to need the usual basics in order to head away. It’s generally best to organize these sooner rather than later. This will ensure that you have all of your documents and requirements in good time, even if there are delays and hold-ups. Make sure that your passport is within date. There are often urgent and express services that can replace your passport if required in a shorter period of time than the standard service. You should also look into vaccine requirements for your chosen destinations. Different locations have different requirements, from Covid vaccinations to vaccinations for Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Cholera and more. Speak to your doctor if you are unsure which you need to stay safe. Some destinations require visas and in case you’re in need of something like an ESTA then you can find some more details here. Look into specific requirements well in advance of heading away. You should also change your travel money in good time. This will ensure you have cash in your chosen currency to spend when you arrive at your destination.

Luxury Destinations

Once you know your budget, you can start looking at some destinations. There are countless luxury destinations around the world. You will know which best suit your individual needs and preferences. You may have a bucket list already fully formed. If not, here are some of the top luxury destinations around the world. Remember to check when your chose destination is in and out of season. You don’t want to book at the wrong time and find yourself with anything less than perfection!

• Dubai – the crown jewel of the UAE is one of the top luxury destinations for anyone seeking glitz and glamour. Home to the world’s most expensive hotel, the Burj Al-Arab, this is a top location for designer shopping, flash cars, champagne, fine dining and so much more.
• The Maldives – lying southwest of Sri Lanka and India, the Maldives is as close as you can get to paradise. Perfect for lagoon-side lazing, you can enjoy soft sands, turquoise waters and some truly beautiful surroundings.
• Seychelles – with miles of white, powder sand coastline, Seychelles is a top honeymoon destination for good reason. Romantic sunsets, lush tropical vegetation and warm sparkling waters make for a truly relaxing getaway.
• Hawaii – perhaps the most beautiful of all the US states, Hawaii is world renowned for quality surf, pristine rainforests and awe-inspiring volcanoes. This diverse state is full of surprises across its many islands.

Luxury Activities

Some getaways aren’t necessarily geared around rest and relaxation. Some are more focused on specific activities. There’s so much to do and, sometimes, the draw of a specific destination will be the specific activities you can get involved in there. Here are some high end options you might want to consider!

• Skiing – ski breaks are highly physical, but you can relax with a hot drink next to an open fire after a long day out on the slopes. If this is your first ski break, you should book some professional lessons to help you get a grip on the basics. Make sure to check whether you can hire ski gear or need to take your own ski gear before packing.
• Safari – safari features highly on most people’s bucket lists. What could possibly be more exciting and rewarding than seeing some of the big five out in the wild? Lions, cheetahs, rhinos, zebra, hippos, rhinos, wildebeest, gazelles and more all await. Make sure to find legitimate and experienced guides to keep you safe.
• Cruise – cruises are loved by all age groups. From Disney cruises for families to cruises geared towards the elderly and everything in between. The benefit of cruise breaks tends to be that you get to visit multiple locations, enjoying great food, entertainment and rest in between stops.

Luxury Accommodation

Of course, regardless of where you go and what you do while you’re away, your accommodation is going to have a huge impact on your trip. You could be in the most beautiful place and have the most exclusive schedule, but if your accommodation isn’t up to scratch, you’ll find yourself uncomfortable and unsatisfied. So, you need to make sure that you take the time to look into the best accommodation options in the area.

• Hotels – the most popular and commonly booked form of accommodation for a luxury getaway is a hotel. There are hotels with different ratings all over the world. Of course, the options to really look out for are five-star establishments. When you book a five-star hotel, you can count on flawless guest services in a state-of-the-art facility. You may find that they have quality dining on-site, luxury toiletries included and room service that goes above and beyond.
• Mansions – companies like JatinaGroup.com offer mansion rentals, which give you a more homely touch to your stay. Perhaps you’re looking to entertain others while you are away, throw a party, bring in a personal chef or want a luxury home away from home feel to your getaway. This is the ultimate solution.
• Resorts – if you’re heading to a resort, whether that’s a world-class theme park like Disney World or a ski retreat, you may find yourself staying at a resort. This is generally a collection of forms of accommodation that are on-site and close to the activities you’re going to engage with. They are designed and suited to match the expectations of those engaging in the activities. For example, Disney resorts will be family-friendly and have lots of additional amenities for kids.

No matter what type of accommodation you choose, it’s absolutely essential that you read reviews beforehand. This will help you to ensure that others have been happy with their stay, that the space lives up to the pictures shown online and that the service and facilities are as expected.

Fine Dining

Of course, you rarely cook for yourself when you head away on holiday. Dining plays a big part in the experience and, chances are, you’re going to want to experience the best while you’re away. Ideally, you should aim to find not only the best establishments in your chosen destination but also establishments that specialise in local cuisine. This will help you to more fully immerse yourself in the culture you are visiting and you may even find a new favourite dish! There are various ways to find the best eateries in your holiday location. The most effective tend to be a quick online search. Not only will this bring well-lauded and Michelin star restaurants to the surface, but it can also help you to find some real hidden gems. Another good place to look is social media. Start following foodie travel influencers and see where they go and what they recommend. Even if some ads are paid, you can find some nice surprises! Remember you may need to make reservations well in advance. Quality destinations tend to come hand in hand with a waiting list.

Packing

Make sure that you have everything you need for your trip. This will make the packing process as simple and straightforward as possible. From luggage to its actual contents, you need to make sure that everything is ordered and ready before you head away. Browse luxury brands for day wear, evening dress, swimwear, sunglasses, toiletries and everything else you might need. Ordering early will ensure you can try things on, exchange or return those that aren’t quite right and settle on the items you actually want to take away with you. Different trips will require different attire, so do a little research and come up with the ultimate wardrobe.

Planning a luxury trip takes a fair amount of work and effort. However, it will all pay off in the long run. Each of the pieces of information and advice outlined above will help to get your journey started off on the best foot!