There is no doubt, the “empty nest” is a major life transition for parents and sometimes it can be a difficult adjustment. After years of playdates, ball games, dance recitals, homework, Disney trips and all the family things, empty nesters are faced with a whole lot of freedom they sometimes are not sure what to do with. Luxury travel offers the perfect way to embrace this new chapter.
Let’s talk about how to plan a rewarding luxury getaway for you and your spouse as well as some common pitfalls to avoid.
1. Why Luxury Travel is the Perfect Celebration for Empty Nesters
- Family vacations are without doubt some of our favorite memories. But after years of researching family friendly resorts, cruises with kids clubs, hours spent navigating the crowds at theme parks and being forced to travel during peak times when school is not in session, traveling to adults only luxury destinations can be a refreshing change of pace.
- Exploring new places, embracing the unknown, and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone can have a very positive affect on our mental health. Taking a much needed break from our routine can reinvigorate our spirits and rejuvenate our souls. Luxury trips give us the ability to truly unwind and can help reduce stress and boost happiness and satisfaction.
- Luxury travel replaces the usual stress of planning a vacation with unparalleled comfort, exclusivity, and rare experiences that leave lasting memories. It’s not just about luxury – it’s about traveling in a way that is meaningful, effortless, and deeply fulfilling.
2. Choosing the Right Luxury Travel Experience
- Romantic Escapes- Reconnect with your partner through luxury resorts, cruises, or private villas. Here are ideas for 5 romantic escapes and romantic destinations as well as top trends in cruising to help you get started planning!
- Solo Indulgence- Don’t underestimate the empowering and restorative nature of solo travel either. A weekend at a spa or wellness retreat can be just what you need to reset and rejuvenate! Here are 12 incredible Wellness Retreats to visit.
- Bucket-List Adventures- Now is the time to tackle that bucket list! Trips including luxury safaris, overwater bungalows, and private island getaways are now within your reach. These are 5 of the best Adventure Resorts around the world and Abercrombie & Kent is one of my favorite partners that tailors bucket-list worthy luxury vacations across the seven continents.
- Cultural Immersion- exclusive culinary experiences, private art tours, and historical explorations are just a few examples of ways to immerse yourselves into the local culture of the spectacular destinations you are going to visit. Traveling to specific Wine Destinations can be a wonderful way to learn about local traditions and of course taste some incredible wine! I love working with Project Expedition to curate unique experiences.
3. Making the Most of Your Luxury Getaway
- Try to strike the right balance between relaxation and adventure. If you plan a strenuous tour in the morning, perhaps plan a quiet dinner at your resort and a glass of wine while watching the sunset.
- Slow things down a bit. Slower travel allows for a deeper and more fulfilling experience. Soak it all in and savor the special moments.
- Utilize your concierge and travel planner to enhance your trip. Take the stress of planning all of the little details off your plate. Let your travel advisor handle things such as transfers, tours, and excursions. Your hotel concierge can handle things such as dinner reservations, show tickets, and spa appointments just to name a few.
- Now is the best time to splurge on these premium experiences. You’ve spent years raising your family and burning the candle at both ends, now it’s time to reconnect with your spouse and pamper yourselves. You are still young enough to be able to go on big adventures and you have time now to fit in all of those trips you’ve always dreamed about!
4. 5 Crucial Mistakes to Avoid
- Overpacking your itinerary- Trying to fit in too much can diminish the luxury experience. Pick your top must-do things and make time for them, but don’t forget to leave time to wander and explore with no agenda as well.
2. Not Prioritizing Comfort and Convenience- Choosing the wrong flights, hotels, or transport can make travel more stressful than it needs to be. Pay a little extra for the flights that don’t have excessive layovers. Stay in hotels that are within walking distance of the area you want to explore most. And don’t underestimate the luxury of having a driver waiting for you at the airport ready to bring you straight to your destination without any hassle.
3. Ignoring Personal Interests- Following trends can sometimes lead to underwhelming trips. Most trendy destinations are insanely crowded and don’t live up to their hype. Instead, let your personal passions determine where you go and what you do there.
4. Waiting Too Long to Book- Booking early insures that you don’t miss out on top-tier accommodations and exclusive experiences. Generally you get the best price and availability the earlier you book, and in some cases, such as some cruises, your travel advisor can reprice your trip in the event prices go down or there is some sort of a deal that you don’t want to miss out on.
5. Forgetting to Indulge- Sometimes we get wrapped up in checking all of the boxes of what we expect from our vacation and forget about the little indulgences. Luxury travel should be about pampering yourself without guilt. So, get that massage on the beach, have that fancy dessert, start the day with a mimosa, and savor the little luxuries.
Conclusion
- Luxury travel can mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for you and your spouse! Embrace the “empty nest” and reconnect and rejuvenate.
- Celebrate the freedom and possibilities ahead! Take that last minute cruise deal or travel to Europe on the off-season to truly experience the local culture when it isn’t so busy with tourists and families on break.
- I hope I have inspired you to get out there and explore this big beautiful world. Get started on planning your dream trip now! Here is a sample itinerary to inspire you even further. Here is some more info about me, let’s plan your perfect getaway!