10 Luxury Travel Activities Only the Rich Can Afford
The world’s wealthiest travelers don’t just book first-class flights or five-star hotels—they go all out. This may include private expeditions to Antarctica, exclusive spaceflights, or entire islands reserved just for them. Here’s a peek at the kind of travel only the ultra-rich can afford.
A Safari in Style at Royal Malewane
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Royal Malewane offers an exclusive safari experience inside South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park. Guests stay in lavishly restored lodges, enjoy expert-led game drives, and indulge in world-class dining and spa treatments. There are only 32 guests at a time, so every detail is personalized for the ultimate luxury adventure.
Flying to Space
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Space travel is no longer just for astronauts. Companies like Virgin Galactic now offer suborbital flights where passengers experience weightlessness and see Earth from space. After three days of training, travelers take on this once-unthinkable journey—if they can afford the six-figure price tag.
Exploring Antarctica in Comfort
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Luxury cruises and private yachts now allow people to explore Antarctica without sacrificing comfort. These exclusive trips include gourmet meals, plush accommodations, and expert-led excursions to see icebergs, penguins, and untouched landscapes.
Owning a Private Island
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For the ultra-wealthy, a vacation home isn’t enough—owning an entire island is the real deal. Some turn their islands into personal paradises, while others develop them into high-end resorts. Either way, these secluded retreats offer unmatched privacy and exclusivity.
Touring the Silk Road by Luxury Train
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Most people can only imagine crossing from Moscow to Beijing on a train that feels like a five-star hotel. This journey takes travelers along the ancient Silk Road, stopping at historic cities while they enjoy gourmet meals and private suites. It’s adventure and luxury rolled into one.
Diving to the Titanic Wreck
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Only a handful of people have ever seen the Titanic up close. Now, deep-sea submersibles let travelers visit the famous shipwreck—two miles under the ocean! It’s a haunting, once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it comes with a price tag in the hundreds of thousands.
Jet-Setting to the World’s Greatest Cultural Sites
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Private jet tours whisk travelers across multiple continents to visit world-famous cultural sites. These VIP experiences provide exclusive access to ancient temples, museums, and UNESCO landmarks in destinations like Japan, Mongolia, and Sicily—all in first-class luxury.
Riding the Water Elevator at Grand Wailea Resort
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Maui’s Grand Wailea Resort features a one-of-a-kind water elevator in its Wailea Canyon Activity Pool. Guests step into a chamber where water lifts them effortlessly to the top—a fun and unique way to experience the resort’s breathtaking water park.
A Two-Year Trip Across 150 Countries
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At one point, a luxury travel company offered a two-year trip covering 150 countries and nearly 1,000 UNESCO World Heritage sites. First-class flights, five-star hotels, and expert-guided tours made it an adventure like no other. Unfortunately, the experience is no longer available—but if you’ve got enough money, maybe someone will bring it back just for you!
Chartering a Private Submarine
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For those who want to explore the deep sea in comfort, private submarines offer a front-row seat to coral reefs, exotic marine life, and shipwrecks. These high-tech vessels come with plush interiors, air conditioning, and panoramic windows, which makes underwater adventures as luxurious as they are exclusive.
Booking an Entire Luxury Resort
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Why share a five-star resort when you can have it all to yourself? The ultra-wealthy rent out entire resorts—whether beachfront retreats or secluded mountain lodges—to ensure total privacy, personalized service, and a vacation experience tailored exactly to their preferences.
Taking Space Tourism to the Next Level
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Space tourism is evolving beyond quick trips. Soon, the ultra-wealthy may be able to book extended stays in orbit, living aboard private space stations while gazing at Earth. Compared to that, first-class flights seem pretty ordinary!
Taking a Private Jet Tour Around the World
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Forget layovers and crowded airports—private jet tours take travelers to dream destinations in pure comfort. These trips include luxury hotels, exclusive experiences, and custom itineraries, making sure every moment is unforgettable.
Participating in Exclusive Conservation Safaris
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Luxury safaris are about more than just spotting wildlife. Some exclusive trips let travelers track endangered animals, help conservationists with rhino tagging, and support local wildlife efforts—all while staying in stunning, high-end lodges.