Mark Twain and The Slow Travel Handbook

Travel Industry News & Trends

Rushing is So 2003

Belmond is giving the fast lane a cheeky side-eye with their latest travel philosophy—one that suggests we all need to embrace our inner tortoise. Their new campaign celebrates the art of dragging your heels (stylishly, of course), where lingering over Prosecco on a Venetian train matters more than the destination selfie. Whether meandering down rivers or taking the scenic route by rail, Belmond's making a compelling case that true luxury isn't about the rush—it's about savoring every deliciously unhurried moment.

Check their campaign 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

The Ultimate Feast at Sea

Regent Seven Seas is redefining the culinary cruise with their deliciously ambitious Epicurean Explorer Tours. Picture yourself hunting truffles in Tuscan hills, mastering sushi alongside Tokyo's finest, or sipping barrel samples in legendary Bordeaux cellars. These aren't just excursions—they're immersive culinary adventures featuring Michelin-starred dining, chef-led market tours, and hands-on cooking experiences. Because when it comes to luxury cruising, why stop at seeing the world when you could taste it too? Luxury Travel Magazine

2025’s Luxury Showdown: Macau Reigns, the Rest Keep Fluffing the Pillows

In a dazzling display of opulence, the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards have anointed Macau as the reigning monarch of luxury, boasting the most Five-Star hotels for the third year running. Not to be outdone, the United States, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, China, and Vietnam have all elbowed their way into the spotlight with new Five-Star properties. Clearly, the race for global luxury supremacy is heating up, as these destinations vie for the favor of discerning travelers with deep pockets and a penchant for extravagance. Travel and Tour World

6 Luxury Travel Trends Shaping the Middle East’s Elite Journeys

Luxury travelers from the Middle East are upping their game in 2025—because sipping gold-flaked lattes just isn’t cutting it anymore. They’re chasing the Northern Lights, hitting the slopes, and booking wellness retreats to de-stress from their already stress-free lives. Multi-generational trips? Yep, because even grandma deserves a butler. Hyper-personalized service is a must (standard VIP treatment is so last year), and sustainability is in—so long as it’s wrapped in five-star comfort. The world is their playground, and they’re playing in style. Connecting Travel

Bolivia's Best: From Salt Flats to Sky-High Cities

Bolivia, a land of breathtaking altitudes and vibrant cultures, offers travelers a unique blend of natural wonders and rich traditions. The Uyuni Salt Flats, the world's largest, transform into a mesmerizing mirror during the wet season, reflecting vast skies and creating an ethereal landscape. In La Paz, the world's highest capital city, visitors can explore a fusion of colonial architecture and indigenous heritage, all set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop. For those seeking luxury amidst these adventures, the Palacio de Sal offers a unique stay crafted entirely from salt, providing an unforgettable experience at the edge of the salt flats. A Luxury Travel Blog

Featured Story

When Billionaires Ditch Tech and Let the Pros Handle Their Vacations

In its "Luxe 2025" report, our friends from Trip Concierge delve into the evolving preferences of luxury travelers, highlighting five key trends shaping the industry.

1. Hyper-Personalized Experiences

Affluent travelers are increasingly seeking bespoke journeys tailored to their unique preferences. This includes exclusive activities such as private tea ceremonies in Japan's Imperial Palace or savoring rare Scotch whiskies from remote Icelandic distilleries. Moreover, there's a growing demand for personalized in-room amenities, with travelers requesting custom mattresses, pillows, and favorite beverages sourced from previous destinations.

2. Pursuit of Tranquility

There's a noticeable shift towards serene destinations, with 63% of luxury travelers favoring Italy's coastal regions like Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily, often explored via ultra-small luxury cruise ships. This trend extends to South America, where 26% of luxury cruise bookings are complemented by extensive land tours, 80% of which are custom-designed, bypassing standard cruise line offerings.

3. Diversifying Tour Operators

A significant 36% of luxury travelers express a willingness to switch their usual tour providers in search of novel experiences. This desire for variety is particularly pronounced among solo travelers, with 46% exploring different operators to access diverse services and competitive pricing.

4. Embracing Expert-Curated Surprises

Contrary to influencer-driven travel trends, 79% of luxury travelers place their trust in seasoned travel advisors. Notably, 45% are open to surprise itineraries crafted by experts, valuing the personalized insights and unique experiences that come from professional curation.

5. Intentional Technology Detachment

While technology streamlines mass-market travel, 69% of luxury travelers prefer to delegate trip planning entirely, seeking to minimize screen time. For 36%, time savings is the primary motivation, while 52% desire curated options that align with their personal style. Additionally, 45% aim to disconnect from technology during their travels, focusing instead on wellness, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

In summary, the "Luxe 2025" report underscores a paradigm shift in luxury travel towards personalized, tranquil, and expertly curated experiences, with a conscious move away from technology dependence.

Trip Concierge complete report

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