17 Incredible Places to Visit If Money Were No Object
Got piles of spare cash and looking to quench some seriously exclusive wanderlust? Then worry not because there are plenty of divine destinations throughout the world where you won’t have to rub shoulders with raucous and unruly budget travelers.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Resort
Those after a ritzy tropical island escape need look no further than Bora Bora, a picturesque French Polynesian island considered by many to be the finest in the South Pacific. Here, all-inclusive US$1000-a-night overwater bungalows are pretty much the norm.
Find places to stay with our partner, Hotels.com
A Round the World Cruise
Let’s face it: one-week cruises are the plaything of the proletariat. Those with real money would surely prefer to circumnavigate the entire globe on an epic journey lasting three months or more. With a typical voyage taking in dozens of port calls across six continents, an RTW cruise is the only way to travel the world in style.
Destinations Unlocked:
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Space
The Russian Space Agency has already taken a handful of billionaire tourists to explore the final frontier, while American company SpaceX is planning to be the first private venture to offer trips around the moon in 2018. Although SpaceX is remaining quiet about exactly how much their interstellar journey will cost, some estimates are as high as US$175 million. It’s just as well since money is no object.
Antarctica
Only accessible on a multi-day cruise from Ushuaia in southern Argentina, a trip to the world’s most isolated continent will typically add up to US$10,000 or more. For this reason, those who do make it to this incredible winter wonderland will be surrounded by little more than penguins, icebergs, and fellow millionaire tourists.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hotel
A small fishing village just a few decades ago, Dubai has undergone a miraculous transformation to become the international epitome of wealth and affluence. Stay in the iconic sail-shaped Burj Al Arab for a truly opulent seven-star hotel experience.
Tuscany, Italy
We’ve all heard of the ancient sites of Rome and the picturesque canals of Venice, but Tuscany in central Italy is where the millionaires go to holiday. With extravagant country manors to rent and endless rolling hills to explore (preferably in a Ferrari), Tuscany is a decidedly upmarket destination best enjoyed with huge sums of excess cash.
Find places to stay with our partner, Hotels.com
Safaris in South Africa
Leading the way in the upmarket safari industry is South Africa, home to a myriad of elegant lodgings that cater to the world’s economic elite. The best of the lot may well be Richard Branson’s very own Ulusaba, which charges a cool US$6,000 per night for what one would hope to be a truly unforgettable wildlife-spotting experience.
Laucala Island, Fiji
There are plenty of stock standard resorts in Fiji offering shabby accommodation to the economically challenged. And then there’s Laucala, a private island owned by Red Bull billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz, which has become a lavish playground for the rich and famous. A favorite of many celebs is their in-house submarine, which allows guests to explore under the sea without the hassle of having to learn how to SCUBA dive.
Mount Everest, Nepal
Natural Feature, Hiking Trail
Cocoa Island, Maldives
Overwater bungalows are synonymous with the Maldives, the best of which are on the Cocoa Islands, where opulent rooms lie just meters away from the aquatic life below. But get in quick: if climate change predictions are correct, these tropical digs might be fully submerged in the not-too-distant future.
A European River Cruise
For a unique and decidedly upmarket perspective of the old continent, hop on a river cruise down the Rhine or the Danube. With packages stretching into the tens of thousands of dollars, river cruising is a luxurious alternative to traveling Europe, which feels a world away from those stuffy bus tours.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
Hotel
Las Vegas, United States
Las Vegas is pretty lame if you’re broke. But for the wealthy and reckless, this “Disneyland for adults” is chock-full of fancy hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, glamorous clubs and non-stop 24-hour gambling. Just remember the old saying, “What happens in Vegas…”
Find places to stay with our partner, Hotels.com
The Mediterranean Sea
Sailing around the Mediterranean is a favorite pastime of Europe’s financial elite who dine on lobster for breakfast while exploring the region’s crystal clear waters. Don’t have your own super yacht? No worries, just rent one for a mere US$646,000 per week.
The French Riviera, France
The southern coast of France is extravagant, to say the least. Well-to-do socialites descend on the region during the warmer months in droves, seeking sun and fun as part of their endless luxurious lifestyle. While you can visit the Côte d’Azur on a modest budget, a few extra million in spending money certainly wouldn’t go astray.
Find places to stay with our partner, Hotels.com
New York, United States
Hotel
Ever tried booking a hotel in New York? Then you’ll understand why it’s on this list. Thankfully, the Big Apple’s energetic vibe and countless attractions make such outrageous hotel prices seem almost worth it in the end. Almost.
Find places to stay with our partner, Hotels.com
Mars
Okay, we might be jumping the gun a little here. But give it a few more decades and Mars may well be the solar system’s hottest travel destination. Of course, a trip to our red neighbor is going to be pretty expensive, so best start saving ASAP.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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