From Tequila Shots to Private Yachts: How Spring Break Went Luxury

Travel Industry News & Trends

Alexa+ Wants Your Job… Sort Of

Amazon’s Alexa+ just got a travel agent makeover—because clearly, booking luxury vacations is as easy as ordering toilet paper on Prime. Now, she can plan trips, book Ubers, and even secure dinner reservations (via Priceline, Tripadvisor, Uber, and OpenTable).

And the best part? It’s free for Prime members! (Because nothing screams ultra-luxury like budget-friendly AI, doesn’t it?)

But don’t panic dear Colleague—Alexa may book a hotel, but she won’t know which penthouse has the best sunset views, which concierge has a private yacht on speed dial, or where to find a Michelin-starred restaurant with an off-menu truffle tasting. So let her handle the Uber—your clients still need you for the actual magic.

Virtuoso’s UK Takeover: Because Luxury Knows No Borders

Virtuoso, the luxury travel powerhouse, just expanded its UK network with four new members, reinforcing its global dominance. This move is part of its worldwide expansion strategy, ensuring that high-net-worth travelers get nothing but top-tier service and exclusivity. With the UK now playing a bigger role in Virtuoso’s grand plan, expect even more elite travel experiences curated by the best in the biz. Because in luxury travel, bigger isn’t just better—it’s essential. TTG Media

ULTRA Summit 2025: Where Luxury Travel’s Power Players Mingle

The Luxury Travel Advisor's ULTRA Summit (May 5-7, 2025, Chateau Elan Resort & Winery, Georgia) is where the who’s who of luxury travel gather—by invitation only, of course. Attendees can anticipate intense networking opportunities, exclusive one-on-one meetings, and cutting-edge industry insights to maintain a competitive edge. With top-tier suppliers and elite advisors swapping strategies, it’s less “conference,” more “power play.” Suppliers apply; advisors qualify. Details at ltaultrasummit.com—because in luxury travel, connections are the real currency.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is Finally Unwrapping the Mummy

Mark your calendars—on July 3, 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will finally open its doors in Giza, proving that great things take time… and a few delays. Located next to the Pyramids, this $1 billion masterpiece will flaunt 50,000+ artifacts, including King Tut’s full collection (because apparently, he was quite the hoarder).

The goal? To make Cairo the next global tourism hotspot. So, get ready—your ultra-high-net-worth clients will want front-row access to history… without the crowds.

Six Senses Unveils Female Wellness Program: Because Women Deserve More Than Just Spa Days

In a groundbreaking move, Six Senses is launching its Female Wellness Program across five of its luxurious properties in 2025, including Douro Valley, Rome, Kanuhura, Ninh Van Bay, and Crans-Montana. This initiative aims to address women's health comprehensively, focusing on nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and overall lifestyle. Designed by women for women, the program empowers participants to overcome anxieties and symptoms associated with various life stages, offering personalized tools and therapies to restore balance.

Spring Break: From Keg Stands to Caviar

Ah, Spring Break!

Once upon a time (let’s say the ’80s and ’90s), it meant cheap motels, questionable tequila shots, and stuffing six people into a single hotel room. Fast forward to 2025, and the same people who partied in Cancun are now dropping $8,306 per trip on five-star resorts, private islands, and Michelin-star dining.

Spring Break Then vs. Now: A (Very) Expensive Glow-Up

Back in the day, Spring Breakers had budgets under $1,000 (SafeLite), prioritizing cheap drinks and all-inclusive buffets over actual relaxation. Today? Luxury Spring Break is booming, with multi-generational families, Gen Z influencers, and even empty nesters all splurging on curated, high-end experiences.

Spring Break 2025: Where Are the Luxury Travelers Going?

• Mexico (11.3% of travelers) – Classic Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta, but make it five-star, with private villas and VIP yacht charters. Average spend: $3,872.

• The Bahamas (7.1%) – Think Rosewood Baha Mar, overwater bungalows, and butler service. Average spend: $4,235.

• Japan (5.6%) – Sushi, cherry blossoms, and hot springs, with travelers dropping a staggering $9,987 per trip.

• Italy (3.6%) – Amalfi Coast over Miami Beach? Yes, please. Travelers are spending $6,455 per trip for La Dolce Vita.

• Dominican Republic (2.8%) – Luxury all-inclusives like Eden Roc Cap Cana draw travelers spending $4,745 per stay (Morningstar).

Luxury Spring Break Travel Trends in 2025

Multi-Generational Getaways: Forget party cruises. Families are booking private villas and five-star resorts where everyone has their own space.

Luxury Adventure Travel – One in five families is choosing adventure over pool lounging, opting for safaris, private yacht charters, and skiing in the Alps.

High-End Cruises – 19 million Americans will set sail in 2025, but they’re choosing Regent Seven Seas and Ritz-Carlton Yachts over party boats.

Gen Z Calls the Shots – 80% of family vacations are Gen Z-approved because, let’s be honest, if it’s not Instagrammable, why bother?

The Takeaway for Us, Luxury Travel Advisors

Spring Break is no longer about binge drinking at sticky nightclubs—it’s about curated, multi-generational, and ultra-personalized luxury experiences. Today’s affluent travelers still want to celebrate—just with better wine, better views, and a butler who actually answers their requests.

Marketing Corner

Instagram Stories Strategy for Luxury Travel Designers

Want to turn Instagram Stories into a powerful engagement tool for your luxury travel business? Take a page from Shannon McKinstrie’s strategy and start your day with these three key stories:

1️⃣ Say Hello & Set the Scene

• Start the day by greeting your audience.

• Share a quick behind-the-scenes moment: Are you scouting a new luxury resort? Prepping an itinerary for a high-end client?

• Add polls, question stickers, or countdowns to encourage interaction.

2️⃣ Showcase Your Expertise

• Post about an exclusive destination, luxury property, or VIP travel experience.

• Share a testimonial from a happy client or a real-time booking success story.

• Use link stickers to drive traffic to your services or newsletter.

3️⃣ Get Personal & Relatable

• Give a glimpse into your own luxury travel lifestyle—whether it’s sipping coffee at a five-star hotel, exploring a hidden gem, or unboxing exclusive travel perks.

• Repost engaging travel content from other creators (think stunning resorts, private jet experiences, or unique excursions).

• Add fun engagement tools like emoji sliders or “this or that” travel quizzes.

📲 Pro Tip: These stories build trust, showcase your expertise, and make your audience feel connected to your brand.