Banner image courtesy of Mohammed Maseru
These days, many people (if not most) get their travel destination and itinerary ideas from travel influencers. Across all the different platforms that appeal to different age groups (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok), there’s luxury travel content to be consumed. From aspiring creators to stars who already have millions of followers, this new generation of travel content creators or influencers is redefining the way luxury travel is thought of and what it actually means.
What is Luxury in Travel?
The definition of luxury will differ from person to person, so we’re going to take a look at a few different travel influencers and their favorite destinations. But first, let’s explore what luxury could mean in travel and how the concept has evolved over time.
1. The Way You Travel
For most travelers in 2025, the biggest luxury they can allow themselves is the freedom and resources to travel well. Getting from place to place via plane, train, or automobile (as the saying goes) usually takes up a fairly large portion of the time we have available to see new places. Making the process of moving from place to place as seamless, speedy, and comfortable as possible is going to add another luxury to your travels: arriving on time, well rested, and with no muscle spasms or cricks in your neck. The best way to do this? Travel on a charter private plane. The peace of mind and comfort that private air travel brings to any travel experience cannot be overstated!
2. The Things You Experience
While shopping on vacation is a lot of fun (who doesn’t love a good souvenir or even just an impromptu “treat yourself” moment of buying a new purse or shoes), what you’re really traveling for is the experience. Seeing new landscapes, visiting historically or architecturally important locations, getting to know other cultures, trying new cuisine, and getting in some serious rest and relaxation; these are the things that make a vacation a vacation.
Go the influencer route on this one and opt for private tours (these usually come with extra perks) that show you popular destinations after hours or on your own. If it’s sightseeing you’re after, skip the crowds there too and do it from the air: helicopter charters are the best way to get an eyeful of areas of natural beauty and cityscapes without being trampled by other tourists. Wishing to taste the local cuisine? Take a private cooking class or have a private chef wow you in the comfort of your accommodation – a kitchen will be required for this, of course.
3. The Way You Stay
Luxury hotels, aparthotels, and cottages are still at the top of the list for most luxury travelers. That said, there are other ways to stay that present you with a different kind of luxury: the luxury of knowing that you’re doing good and contributing in a positive way to the planet or to the area you are visiting. Eco and conscious tourism are on the rise, especially in the influencer community. Farm stays where you can pick your own food, eco hotels where almost all the power is green, and in some cases, the venue even gives power back to the local grid… It’s a load off any traveler’s mind knowing that they are supporting responsible tourism.
Top Travel Influencers and Their Destinations
@handluggageonly- Yaya and Lloyd
Santorini, Greece. Aremanki
This adorable couple is all about having fun when they travel and getting in as many experiences as they can. Maybe it was the incredible concierge service that attracted them to Aremanki in the first place. Not only is the hotel traditionally Greek in its design (the white house with the blue dome on the hill vibe is to die for!) and positioned just steps away from one of the most beautiful bays in Santorini, but the concierge is able to arrange any experience you wish to have on the island. Adventure luxury or five-star plush luxury – you decide. Gourmet tasting nights or classic Greek street food? It’s all up to you!
@Juliagal_-Julia Gal
Lacort, Dolomites, Italy
Julia loves a lavish stay, and this adults-only hotel in the stunning Italian Dolomites is nothing short of lavish to the highest degree. Couples, singles, friend groups…they’re all welcome to come and enjoy biking, hiking, skiing, or just taking in the Alpine view. At Lacort, your days are your own. Sleep till noon if you want – you get to decide what time it is! Breakfast is served until late morning, and the “Linner” buffet runs from 4 to 7 to accommodate your schedule. There is a gorgeous, heated rooftop pool for soaking in the water and the view – especially the sight of Ortisei at sunset – 26 freshly refurbished, on-trend rooms split into four categories, an honesty bar, and all the fresh air you can manage.
@Izkiz- Jennifer Tuffen
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
Atlantis The Palm hardly needs an introduction in the luxury travel sector. It is the resort hotel to beat them all, from the lovely Middle Eastern design accents that govern the place and bring an extra level of visual interest and cultural value to the rooms that are lucky enough to have a window view of the exquisite aquarium, there’s really nothing like it. Jennifer’s content typically focuses on the aesthetic appeal of a place and the level of luxury services and amenities on offer, so watching it is a great way to decide if a location is the right fit for your plans.
Next Level Luxury
The influencers redefining travel luxury are leading the way in where to go and what to see or do when you go there. Remember that luxury is whatever you want it to be, so take the pointers and options listed here and make them your own.