Planning a trip abroad? If so, you’re not alone.

Pent-up travel demand is driving strong bookings in sunny locations like Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal, which could receive record tourism revenues in 2023, according to a Reuters report. Many reports point to the extreme popularity of shows set throughout the continent, like The White Lotus, Emily in Paris and Game of Thrones, as a driver behind the surge in travel. Carlo Messina, the CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy’s biggest bank, was quoted in the Reuters report as calling the Italian tourism boom “unbelievable” and saying that it was “impossible” to find a room in a five-star hotel. Similarly, Spain received 13.7 million international tourists in the first quarter of 2023, 41.2% more than the same period in 2022.

For seasoned travelers who are well familiar with the rugged beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast or the black and white sand beaches of the Canary Islands in Spain, the sudden influx of tourists — characterized as a “flood” in a CBS News report — will make already popular destinations even more congested. To avoid the crowds and cultivate a private, intimate experience with friends or family, review the following luxury travel trends to help you craft the perfect trip.

The Benefits of Planning (Far) Ahead

For the average person, 2022 or 2023 may have been their first opportunity to book a plane ticket to a far-flung location without worrying about COVID restrictions or border closures. In fact, according to a report by U.S. News, many of your average vacationers are now taking longer trips instead of smaller ones throughout the year or spending some days working in their hotels to get the most out of their vacation and offset the cost of inflation.

 

As such, expect many of the popular destinations you know and love to be densely booked and crowded with tourists due to high demand — including previously “closed” countries, such as Australia, China and Japan. Instead, work with your trusted global travel agent to book your journey and accommodations well in advance for the 2024 or 2025 season and beyond.

Planning ahead will also allow you to set your sights on new attractions and experiences, ensuring you beat the competition. Some of our recommendations include the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, the world’s largest archeological museum scheduled to open for visitors in late 2023; the new immersive Shakespeare Museum in London that will welcome visitors on the old playhouse grounds in 2024 and the Rosewood Shenzhen in Shenzhen, China, a 300-room hotel slated to open in 2025 that caters to business travelers and “affluential explorers” eager to experience the city’s artistic, architectural and culinary offerings.

Additional benefits of planning ahead go hand-in-hand with another travel trend we’re seeing in 2023: Due to the restrictions and limitations that have characterized travel for the past few years, multi-generational trips are becoming more popular as families seek to make new memories together in exotic locations. A vacation can be the trip of a lifetime — if everyone can attend. Comparing schedules ahead of time helps guarantee you can secure the trip of your dreams and that your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews can attend without encountering scheduling issues while avoiding crowds.

Book an Educational Journey

As a frequent traveler, you know the educational benefits of immersing yourself in a new culture and history. Many travelers emerging from the pandemic are booking educational getaways to create a more fulfilling vacation that promises authenticity and personal growth. Educational itineraries can include hands-on lessons on marine ecology in the Maldives or conservation activities, such as elephant collaring and rhino chipping, at the Madikwe Game Reserve. To begin planning your next educational journey, look to luxury travel companies like Artisans of Leisure, Black Tomato and Abercrombie & Kent that promise small groups, experienced guides and authentic access to your desired destination.

Planes, Trains and Yachts: Why You Should Plan Beyond the Private Jet

Before you book a private jet for your next globe-trotting adventure, consider reclaiming some of the glamour of a bygone era by incorporating slower transportation methods in your 2023 travel plans and beyond. Slow travel — such as those offered by trains or boats — is making the rounds among the sustainability-minded as an eco-friendly alternative to air travel that can help immerse visitors in new cultures. For those seeking exclusive access to new or unusual travel experiences, these alternatives — or additions to — chartered planes and private jets can provide a brand-new view of a city, landscape or culture.

  • Purchase a ticket back in time – Capture the glamor of the Golden Age of travel or the artistic fervor of 1960s Italy by booking train tickets for two very unique experiences. Sister to the famous Orient Express, the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is as close as one can get to a true Golden Age train journey. Made up of 17 authentic and meticulously-restored 1920s carriages, travelers can enjoy a cocktail in 3674, their iconic and dedicated bar car, or any of three uniquely styled dining cars. Depending on where your travels take you, Belmond also offers luxury train tours in England, Scotland, Asia and Peru.

    The Orient Express “La Dolce Vita” will accept travelers in 2023 for an Italy-focused luxury train journey. Comprised of 11 train cars, there are six itineraries to choose from and iconic regions to explore. “La Dolce Vita” boasts the ultimate Italian cuisine experience with seasonal dishes, wines from regions visited during the trip and, if you’re a fan of tea, the opportunity to participate in a tea ceremony with the first female tea master in the history of China. In 2025, the Orient Express will begin welcoming travelers aboard 17 original cars from the 1920s and 1930s.

  • Charter a yacht from a leading hotel brand – The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has been making waves — and headlines — since its first of three luxury cruise vessels launched last October. They’re not the only ones seeking to elevate the common cruise experience. The Four Seasons is launching yacht experiences destined to set sail in 2025, followed by Aman’s Project Sama, a 50-suite vessel designed by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design in 2026. For those seeking a look at Indonesia’s rich past by sea, Aman currently offers Amandira, a twin-masted Phinisi sailing and diving vessel handcrafted by artisans. While the size of the vessels can vary, each offers a unique and bespoke ocean adventure that prioritizes guest experiences with onboard amenities you’d expect from a five-star hotel brand, including private spaces, restaurants, health and fitness opportunities and more.

A vacation is a powerful opportunity to encounter new cultures and experiences — it shouldn’t be rushed or diminished due to high tourist demand. By following our tips, you and your travel advisor can book a trip that is just what you’re looking for — immersive, educational and unique.

Before embarking on your next trip, ensure you and your special guests are prepared for whatever your trip may bring by carrying appropriate travel insurance. Experiencing an injury, lost luggage or other unforeseen event away from home can be stressful and disruptive. Travel insurance can help safeguard you when you’d rather be exploring and making memories.