Most of us are trying to get the best deals on hotels, flights, and even restaurants so as not to overspend on our travel budget. But when you’re wealthy, vacationing is a whole other experience. One of the perks that comes with wealth is vacationing in some of the most exclusive destinations on the planet. Indeed, having tons of money means you can escape to unusual destinations and experience out-of-this-world activities and places. But it can come at a big price.
From super yacht soirées to submersible excursions to the Titanic, these are some of the most expensive travel experiences in the world.
The submersible expedition to the Titanic
The pictured sub belonged to OceanGate Expeditions, a private company that provides crewed submersible services for exploration, industry, and research purposes. But on June 18, 2023, one of their submersibles went missing after two hours of getting into the North Atlantic to explore the Titanic wreck—a trip that cost US$250,000 a head. Tragically, the five individuals aboard were all declared dead on June 22.
Fly around the world with Etihad in first class
Etihad’s Residence is practically an apartment in an Airbus A380. Accommodating two, you can get from New York to Abu Dhabi for US$72,000. Oh, and that’s one-way fare!
Private jet tour from Cairo to Cape Town
For US$111,000, you could embark on an exclusive journey with Captain’s Choice that explores the world’s greatest animal migration in Africa. Plus, you’ll enjoy fine dining beneath the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Rent a whole town in Colorado
When money is no object, why not rent an entire town? Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado is a former mining spot, which was once left to rot but has been restored to luxury status.
The world’s most expensive guided tour
Thanks to TCS World Travel, you can go on a 24-day tour around the world. Flying on a Boeing 757 jet, stops include Rio de Janeiro, the Galápagos Islands, and Rwanda. Couples pay US$194,000 per person.
Stay at Richard Branson’s private island
Richard Branson’s renowned Necker Island offers the epitome of luxury from US$134,500 per night for up to 48 guests. You can also just book an individual room for $5,400.
The world’s most expensive train ride
At around US$4,500 per night for the Presidential Suite, India’s Maharaja’s Express is definitely on the right side of the tracks! Taking you to some of India’s most emblematic sights, this train has all the amenities needed for a luxurious ride.
A seven-star hotel
Live like royalty at one of the few seven-star hotels in the world, Burj-Al-Arab in Dubai. The spacious Royal Suite is on the 25th floor and is dripping in 22-karat gold. Pure luxury.
Sailing with the Queen Mary 2
Queen Mary 2 is the only transatlantic ocean liner in regular service between Southampton, in England, and New York City. Providing a luxurious experience, the liner also offers route options across the world for US$340,000 per person.
The secret suites at Heathrow Airport
Hidden away at Heathrow Airport, the Windsor Suites is the world’s most secretive and expensive airport lounge. Starting at US$5,055 for just three hours, elite flyers have booked out the entire lounge for 100 people for $166,000.
The Big Seven
This tour, titled the King of the Castle, takes you on a visit to the most lavish Indian palaces, including Lake, Umaid Bhawan (pictured), and Rambagh. Visitors enjoy a three-night stay at each of the palaces for US$1.67 million per person!
