The new rules of luxury travel
Bill Prince looks at how the pandemic has changed the world of international travel – perhaps for good
Sometimes it pays To plan ahead . Sometimes it doesn’t. And 2020 will go down in history as the year that those who laid down their proverbial towels on the globe’s best beaches in anticipation of another heady season of sun-kissed vacationing rather wished they hadn’t. Wherever you turn, whichever direction you take, your next trip will probably feel more like a mystery tour than the mandated seven days of same old, same old we’ve all been used to. But, we’re not here to wonder, we’re here to wander. Here are eight tactics for making the best of any outbound adventure you have planned
Forget air miles, collect concierges.
Attempting to spend loyalty scheme reward points during the snarl-up of international aviation will be an exercise in futility. Better to double down on your directory of on-theground operators to speed your journey and help you through the inevitable pitfalls of business travel.
Repeat as required: hand luggage
Your “flight” of big, hard-shelled luggage? Rest it up. The requirements of air travel now mean you’ll want as few hands (gloved or otherwise) on your possessions as possible. So dig deep, pack light and use a holdall, such as the Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière, to maintain health and sanity.
One (compound) word: microadventures
Meaning: domestic short-haul or on-your-doorstep opportunities to swim, hike and scale, popularised by stayat-home explorer Alastair Humphreys. OK, it’s not, say, the Machu Picchu, but head to Knysna for some ziplining, and when the adrenaline kicks in you really won’t notice the difference.
Go private (jet)
It’s a pricey proposition, but many southern European destinations are currently underserved by struggling commercial airlines “offering” vastly reduced services. Choose Greece or Ibiza, say, and chances are, if regulations allow, you may be able to take advantage of a “shared transfer”. It will add to the cost of your trip, sure, but will be a sight more enjoyable than seeing that villa deposit go down the drain.
Trade up to an Aman
Feeling trepidation at the thought of mingling with your fellow guests next time you travel to a destination resort? Then check in to an Aman, which has some of the largest square footages per guest of any luxury chain. Staff are so sincere in their discretion it’s likely that you’ll end up feeling you’re the only resident.
Style yourself like a courier
Suddenly, all that flaunting of threeply cashmere while cavorting around in “jet slippers” seems terribly old hat. Navigating the new reality of air travel means dressing with comfort while covering up. Completely. So invest in high-end performance wearwic king fabrics that stretch, but ideally hide every inch of flesh.
Go ‘inclusive’
Banish all thought of barging elbows at shared buffets and consider instead the benefits of choosing somewhere you don’t have to leave. Example: Finca Cortesin in southern Spain, which is set within its own golf course with familyand adults-only pool areas, as well as a top-flight Japanese restaurant. And if that’s not secure enough, you can also rent a serviced private villa.
Embrace the age of arms-length travel
Because with a little imagination and a scintilla of foresight it’s possible to create many of your best holiday moments in the comfort of your own home or garden. Order in delicacies from a favourite deli and dial up the tunes that take you back to Tunisia or Tibet – or simply get on a Zoom call with friends and colleagues from around the world. It ain’t “travel” travel, admittedly, but nor is it dozing in an armchair.