“You don’t have to be rich to travel well”
-Eugene Fodor-
As humans, independence is a key factor that distinguishes us from a machine or a robot which cannot think and perform, similarly traveling is also uniquely a human routine activity*. Some travel rich and some may travel moderate, but how do we clarify this statement?* Does it imply that traveling is all about the money in your pocket? But Eugene Fodor, an ardent travel enthusiast counter argues this question stating that “you don’t have to be rich to travel well”.
The luxury aspect of travel is a novel concept that arose after the 19th century. It exists to meet the luxury travel expectations of the traveler who seeks to fulfill his desires to get the best out of everything. In recent times an interesting fact that could be noted is that countries such as Russia, India, Brazil, and China have been experiencing a massive boost in their journey towards promoting luxury tourism. Due to this growth in the luxury tourism sector, those who have been providing tailor-made or customized travel packages to all travelers now opt to switch their packages to meet the needs of the luxury traveler.
A traveler prefers to spend extravagantly on luxury tourism and accommodation especially when they get an urge to break away from the hustling and bustling of the cities. Apart from this, some other factors have also been identified. These reasons vary from individual to individual and mainly depend on how and with whom you would like to spend your vacation. Some travel to enjoy the luxury in the wilderness while some travel to enjoy the luxury outlet in a different city and some others who enthusiastically explore fascinating cultures and traditions may travel to more environmentally appealing destinations, for instance in Peru and Israel there is a growth in their luxury traveling population as especially their travel is based on protecting endangered species of the two countries.
The term luxury doesn’t only mean money. Today it is more focused on experience and knowledge gained than the price you could afford to pay. Studies show that “shopping tourism” along with culinary travel has begun to dominate the tourism market today while the best part of traveling in comfort is that you get to have a unique or authentic experience just the way you wished as there are plenty of customized holiday packages meant just for you. Those who would love to explore the luxury of amenities while sailing across seas which ultimately take you afloat to many destinations would favor the comfort of a hospitable ship such as the Crystal Cruises that would offer its passengers a world-class luxury be it the in house spas to individual customer care services making it nothing less than a luxury seven-star hotel. It also offers the experience you could get when traveling in a yacht with outings via Zodiac and an intimate onboard vibe. Similarly one of the famous expeditions you would have already heard of, the Lindblad expedition offers its guests a bucket list of affordable luxuries where one could boast about floating platforms and balconies that open up to get a breath-taking view of the ocean, what more can you ask for? On top of all this nothing could beat its array of authentic organic food and spreads which will make you awestruck.
It is shown that presently luxury shopping and culinary seems to be taking an upward turn dominating the luxury travel list and this fact gets more precise especially in a context where your social status is determined by many erratic factors like the luxury car you drive, your branded outfits or by the most expensive restaurants or hotels you visit. Affluent customers seek to maintain that particular social status in society while simultaneously give more preference to experience than value for money. But market researches disapprove this statement vehemently having identified that it is no longer the trend as these luxury branded items have become aspirational and are sought after by customers in general. It is more about personalized experiences and curation. Brands such as Rapha, Aesop, Sipsmith Gin are all now seeking to create an impression on all like-minded customers about how they manufacture their products than only making it available to the affluent customers.
After all isn’t travel all about making memories to have the ultimate fulfillment and gathering inevitable experiences? Or is it about all the money you could spend? Just a moment of thought to think about the next time you plan your travel itinerary.
By Yoshangika Wadugodapitiya.
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Image Reference
Cover Photo : Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash
