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7 luxury travel trends for 2018

What does luxury really mean? Well, according to the trends throughout the last few years, what it means to provide luxury services is evolving. For 2017 and 2018 there are some new trends emerging that are less about opulence and more about personalization and customization. Learn more about the top luxury travel trends for 2018 here.

Earl Baldwin 6 Stories

Thursday May 03, 2018 , 4 min Read

A holiday vacation luxury hotel

Villa and house rentals vs hotels

Once upon a time, premium hotels were the ultimate example of traveling in style. Bellhops and concierge service waiting on your every need, and comprehensive door to door service, were all part of the norm. Today, people are moving away from being waited on hand and foot — many preferring the privacy and freedom of a rental villa or home.

Whether you’re looking for a villa in Malibu or a townhouse in New York, services like Airbnb make it easier than ever to book and stay in the location of your dreams.

Experience over ownership

A lonely boat

Traveling is the perfect time to experience what the world has to offer. Instead of owning a Lamborghini or taking care of a boat in the marina, yacht and exotic car rentals allow people to experience what it’s like to own a luxury item without committing.

The other element of experience over ownership is that people are spending less on “things” and more on unique adventures. From skydiving and bungee jumping to exclusive spas and hot spring visits, tours and trips are a bigger draw than anything else.

Personalisation

Big, faceless companies that offer generic hotel and flight services are on the way out. People with means are looking for personalized service that boutique rentals have to offer. Fulfilling personal requests and booking travel adventures for you based on your interests is something smaller travel companies are starting to offer. Customization is key today and people are looking for that one-on-one service.

Some companies offer travel itineraries based on your DNA, while boutique hotels take personalization even further and allow travelers to choose their own room fragrance or bath products.

Quality Over Quantity

In 2017, simplicity was a new trend, but everyone should anticipate that it will continue into 2018. A growing number of travelers are less impressed with branding and status and are more interested in alternatives that are tailored to their needs. Unique and off the grid travels are more prestigious today, as they juxtapose the traditional luxury of the past.

One of the first signs of quality over quantity is that today, people would rather pack for a trip in a one-of-a-kind luxury tote, than a Louis Vuitton bag.

Eco-Friendly Luxury

Punta Cana International Airport in Punta Cana, eastern Dominican Republic

Everyone is more aware of the effect people have on the environment today. To soothe guilty consciences and make people feel like they’re giving back, sustainable travel experiences are gaining a lot of momentum. There are a number of resorts that seek to educate visitors and contribute profits to improve local employment and provide environmental stewardship, as well as those that are completely off the grid and create their own power through natural resources. Hotels are going the same way of diamond jewelry — focusing on sustainability, environmental friendliness, and cruelty-free practices.

Instant Gratification

Everything “on demand” is the trend for the millennial generation. Getting what you want, when you want it is the new pinnacle of luxury. From borrowing vintage or designer items for free at your hotel to a team of personnel that is dedicated to your comfort, travel companies, hotels, and adventure services are all focused on you.

The Technology Connection

Europe's Sunset City

While an app may never replace personalized service, simplified check-ins and bookings make your travels much easier. Some apps even allow you to order food to your room, refill your toiletries, and manage reservations — all without talking to anyone. While technology has started to catch up to personalized, customized service, it’ll improve even further as 2018 progresses.