If you’re a jetsetter and are always on the go, it can be hard to keep track of all the great places you’d love to visit. Making a bucket list of luxury escapes and planning your next big trip can be extremely stressful; if you don’t have time or energy to plan, how will you ever be able to reach your goal? Fortunately, there are some fun ways you can reach your dream vacation spots with this luxury escape bucket list idea for wanderlust jetsetters!
It seems like everyone wants to travel these days, and it’s not hard to see why! From the most beautiful beaches in the world to see snow-capped mountains, there’s just so much out there that we can experience. And if you want to experience some of the best parts of the world, you have to make sure you check off these luxury escapes bucket list items first. From Canada to Italy, these items are must-sees!
What are the luxury escapes bucket list ideas for wanderlust jetsetters
If you’ve always wanted to travel but haven’t been able to fit it into your schedule, 2022 is a year of luxury escapes. Gone are the days when a business or first class meant settling down in one seat and traveling in a boring fashion. If you’re looking for luxury travel, there are some luxe destinations on our bucket list that will satisfy even your most indulgent traveling needs! Here are just a few ideas…
1) Iceland – The Land of Fire and Ice has long been an object of fascination due to its stark contrasts between fire and ice. In fact, it’s so beautiful that many films have used Iceland as their filming location—the Lord of the Rings trilogy is one example. While it may not be warm enough for swimming, exploring waterfalls and glaciers with your loved ones would make for a perfect getaway.
2) Cape Town – This South African city is home to some of Africa’s best wines, restaurants, and attractions like Table Mountain National Park, Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned), and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
3) Istanbul – A city filled with history dating back thousands of years, Istanbul offers travelers something new around every corner. For those who love shopping, head to Grand Bazaar; if art is more your thing, check out Topkapi Palace Museum.
4) Prague – For music lovers who want to experience both classical and modern music without leaving Europe, Prague should definitely be on your bucket list. It’s also known for its amazing architecture, which includes Gothic churches and Baroque palaces.
5) Paris – No need to explain why Paris is a must-see destination! You can spend days wandering through museums, lounging along boulevards, or taking in stunning views from atop Eiffel Tower.
6) Santorini – One of Greece’s top tourist spots, Santorini boasts breathtaking views of blue-domed islands and white-washed buildings clinging precariously to the cliffside.
7) Tokyo – With over 13 million people, Tokyo is the largest metropolitan area in the world. Travelers should take advantage of Japan Rail Passes to save money while sightseeing.
8) Lisbon, Portugal – Known as the Venice of Portugal, Lisbon offers a unique blend of medieval and contemporary architecture.
9) Barcelona – Spain’s second-largest city features beaches, parks, gardens, and markets.
10) Rome – The ancient city of Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the oldest cities in the world. Notable sights include Vatican City, Colosseum, and the Pantheon.
6 top luxury escapes bucket list ideas for wanderlust jetsetters
Vanuatu
A tiny Pacific island nation, Vanuatu is a world away from everything—but also surprisingly easy to get to. The country’s main airport, Bauerfield International Airport, is serviced by direct flights from Los Angeles and Sydney, Australia.
When you arrive in Port Vila, you’ll find yourself on one of the most beautiful islands on earth. For those looking to escape their busy lives and explore something new, here are five things that should be at top of your bucket list when visiting Vanuatu.
A trip through time: If there’s one thing travelers love about Vanuatu, it’s how easily accessible its past is. In fact, you can visit villages with ancient customs still intact!
On Malekula Island, you can travel through time as you watch residents cook food over an open fire and learn about ancient tribal rituals that continue to be practiced today.
Iceland
With its breathtaking natural landscapes, friendly people, and rich culture, there’s a lot to love about Iceland. It’s like stepping back in time while enjoying all of the luxuries of today.
In fact, you can say that Iceland is a lot like Scandinavia but with more dramatic scenery. Take your loved one to hike in lava fields or soak in geothermal hot springs.
For an extra special experience, book an overnight stay at Hotel Ranga. The hotel offers private cottages built on stilts over a lake where guests can enjoy views of Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.
And if glamping isn’t quite your style, try staying at The Blue Lagoon the most famous geothermal spa in Iceland where you can relax in warm waters surrounded by stunning nature.
Singapore
The luxury traveler’s paradise that’s home to skyscrapers, nightclubs, a Formula One track and 50 miles of beaches is also one of Asia’s greenest capitals.
Whether you want to party all night at one of Singapore’s nightclub hotspots or immerse yourself in nature on an outdoor adventure, there are plenty of things to do here.
As well as its lively atmosphere, Singapore is known for its multiculturalism it has four official languages (English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil) and over 80 percent of its population are from ethnic minorities.
If you’re looking to experience a truly diverse city while traveling with kids or planning a romantic getaway with your partner, then make sure Singapore is top of your bucket list!
Vietnam
Incredible food, beautiful landscapes, and incredible history. I’ve been to Vietnam three times now and it’s one of my favorite places in Southeast Asia.
This is definitely a place where you can ‘get lost.’ With little tourism, locals will tell you that they don’t know how many days are in a week because it’s all one long weekend.
If you like hiking, biking, or kayaking through nature, then Vietnam is your destination. The cuisine here will blow your mind with its delicious flavors; I recommend trying everything from Pho (noodle soup) to Banh Mi (sandwiches). You can also take day trips to nearby islands like Phu Quoc or Halong Bay – both have pristine beaches and water activities galore!
Mexico
Say ¡hola! to Mexico, one of America’s most popular luxury escapes. Known throughout Central and South America as a party destination, Puerto Vallarta is Mexico’s number-one resort city. Explore cobblestone streets lined with art galleries and lively eateries.
Book an excursion to Isla de las Muñecas (Island of Dolls) or take a day trip to El Tuito, an ancient Mayan site where you can snorkel among tropical fish in crystal clear waters.
When it comes time to unwind, book yourself into a spa treatment at one of many luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta—the Ritz Carlton Reserve or Rosewood Resort are just two that offer top-of-the-line pampering treatments.
Looking for more action? In Cancun, scuba dive amid underwater caves teeming with sea life. For something a little more adventurous? Trek through archaeological ruins in Chichen Itza on Yucatán Peninsula.
And if relaxation is what you seek? Cabo San Lucas offers both luxurious spas and romantic beaches perfect for cuddling under an umbrella drink with your sweetheart by your side. Plan your escape now! You won’t regret it!
Cuba
Traveling to Cuba is currently restricted, but President Obama has relaxed travel restrictions. Recently, New York City became one of a handful of American cities to have direct flights to Havana; if you can’t yet visit Cuba in person, at least take a virtual trip there with these online resources.
Start with The New Yorker’s Cuba Stories, and then explore other lists and articles on sites like Vogue and National Geographic. You might also consider reading up on Cuban history and culture through books such as Julia Cooke’s Buying the Night Flight: A Story of Love and Revolution in Castro’s Cuba.
Even if you don’t end up going, it’s always good to learn more about places that are off-limits—it makes them seem even more exotic.
Ways to make your travel more luxurious
Adding luxurious touches to your traveling experience is a great way to make it more enjoyable. If you’re looking to make your travel experience feel even posher, you may want to look into booking your trip with rewards points or frequent flier miles.
Hotels and airlines often have special promotions which allow you to use these points or miles at hotels and resorts that are out of reach when redeeming them through their programs alone.
You can also look into getting access to exclusive lounges, such as those offered by Priority Pass or Lounge Club. You can find out about some of our favorite perks here!
And if you really want to splurge on luxury, be sure to check out our guide on how to book an unforgettable stay at The Ritz Carlton—it’s one of our most popular posts!
Or maybe you’d like to spend less time on flights altogether? In that case, take a look at how technology is changing air travel.
We recently wrote a post on how new airline technologies could change flying forever; click here to read it!
Top 10 destinations for luxury travelers
Luxury travelers want to see new sights and experience different cultures, but they also want creature comforts. The highest-end hotels around the world are a luxury travel bucket list essential. Whether you’re planning an intimate honeymoon or an extravagant family vacation, here are 10 of our favorite luxury destinations on earth:
1. The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Maui (Hawaii) – This is one of only two Ritz-Carltons in North America that doesn’t have its own golf course, but it makes up for it with unparalleled views of Hawaii’s sunsets over Pacific Ocean waves.
2. Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc (Cap d’Antibes, France) – A historic seaside resort located on France’s Côte d’Azur, Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc has been welcoming guests since 1930.
3. Rosewood Mayakoba (Riviera Maya, Mexico) – Located on Mexico’s Riviera Maya near Playa del Carmen, Rosewood Mayakoba features luxurious beachfront villas and accommodations surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
4. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London (London, England) – The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London is one of three hotels located within Hyde Park; all three are owned by Mandarin Oriental International Ltd., which claims to be the world leader in luxury hospitality.
5. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaʻūpūlehu (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii) – An exclusive property located on Hawaiʻi Island’s Kona Coast, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers guests access to amenities such as private beaches and championship golf courses.
6. Grand Hotel Europe (Stockholm, Sweden) – Grand Hotel Europe was built in 1874 and was once considered one of Stockholm’s most prestigious hotels.
7. Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul (Istanbul, Turkey) – One of five Shangri-La properties in Turkey, Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul overlooks both sides of the Bosphorus Strait from its perch on the Anatolian side of Istanbul.
8. Taj Lake Palace Udaipur (Udaipur, India) – Taj Lake Palace Udaipur is part of a chain of luxury hotels operated by Indian conglomerate Tata Group under its flagship brand Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces.
9. Le Bristol Paris (Paris, France) – Le Bristol Paris opened in 1929 as a residence for wealthy American expatriates living in Paris during Prohibition; today it remains one of the city’s finest hotels.
10. Fairmont San Francisco (San Francisco, California) – Fairmont San Francisco dates back to the 19th century and is one of the city’s oldest hotels. It was designed in the Beaux-Arts style and modeled after New York City’s Plaza Hotel.
Essential things you need in your luggage for international travel
A quick jaunt to your local drugstore won’t do you any good if you plan on jet-setting to Europe, Asia, or South America. If you’re one of those globetrotters who likes to hit new spots more than once a year, then it’s likely that you have all of these essential products covered—but if not, don’t worry.
There are a few specialty items that should be at top of your mind when planning out your next trip abroad. Here are some things you need in your luggage for international travel. (If you’re flying domestically, just swap out international travel with domestic travel.)
New travel products to try: Getting ready for an international trip can feel like getting ready for an actual adventure, but there are still new product innovations to try out every day.
From moisturizing makeup wipes and stretchable sandals to packing cubes and liquid soap dispensers, there are countless innovative ways to make your trips easier and more enjoyable.
The best part is that many of these clever products can also be used in everyday life, too! Need inspiration? Check out our favorite new travel products from 2022.
1. Moisturizing Makeup Wipes
2. Travel Socks
3. Liquid Soap Dispenser
4. Stretchable Sandals
5. Packing Cubes
6. Neck Pillow
7. Waterproof Phone Case
8. Carry-On Bag
9. RFID Blocking Wallet
10. Toiletries Organizer
11. Umbrella
12. Portable Charger
13. Passport Holder
14. Eye Mask
15. Ear Plugs
16. Luggage Scale
17. Universal Adapter
18. Portable Steamer
19. Clear Toiletry Bottles
Items to pack when you’re traveling abroad
Be aware of local customs—even if you’re a veteran traveler, something as simple as wearing shoes in a mosque or baring shoulders in certain regions can get you into hot water.
It’s also helpful to pack an international power adapter since outlets vary from country to country. And don’t forget your passport! You won’t be able to travel without it.
Finally, make sure your phone is charged and that you have some kind of map app downloaded so that you know how to get around once you arrive at your destination. (There are often local taxi apps available too.) The last thing you want is to get lost when you’re traveling abroad.
To really step up your style game, pick up some accessories while you’re abroad—especially ones with cultural significance (e.g., alpaca scarves in Peru).
Not only will they help add color and personality to your wardrobe back home, but they can be meaningful souvenirs of places you visited on your trip.
Wrapping Up
After a vacation, it can be hard to resist falling back into your old routines. In order to create a healthy balance between vacations and everyday life, make sure that you account for all of your new adventures when planning your annual trip or breaks.
Envisioning a relaxing getaway is one thing, but having a way to remain productive while on vacation is another. Do you have any tips on how to find work-life balance during a luxury escape? Share with us in the comments!
