At the end of a long and productive career, many Americans will look to reward themselves with a spending spree. In most cases, this takes the form of a single, extra-special vacation – the kind whose memory you’ll treasure throughout your retirement.
But what components come together to make a vacation truly unforgettable? Let’s consider a few factors that separate the average trip from an extraordinary one.
Transportation
Few things scream luxury louder than a private jet. It’s a form of transport preferred by stars of stage and screen, by billionaire tycoons, and by royalty. Since this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it makes sense to invest in once-in-a-lifetime transport – provided that your pockets are deep enough.
However, renting a private jet is not as uncommon as buying one and with the different price ranges offered you might be able to rent one within your budget. Renting a private jet means you’ll manage to cut out the stress of the airport while having the opportunity to access airports that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Hotel
You’ll be spending mere hours getting from one place to another. But you’ll be spending a significant amount of time in your accommodation. Look for luxury hotels and spa resorts that will pamper you, and make you feel like a welcome guest, rather an a lodger.
Location
If you’re like most tourists, then you might have composed a bucket list of destinations to experience in your lifetime. Here’s your chance to check something off the list. Make it a destination that you’ve always wanted to visit. Or, if you’re feeling extravagant, try to combine two or three items from your bucket list into a single trip. If you want to visit the Colosseum in Rome, for example, why not make a stop in Naples, and sample its legendary pizza while you’re in the area?
Activities
If you’re considering an active holiday, then you’ll want to think about exactly which activities most appeal to you. If you know exactly what sorts of activities you enjoy, then you might prefer to stick to what you love: experienced skiers, for example, might want to spend their entire vacation skiing. On the other hand, you might prefer a blend of activities that will expose you to plenty of novelty. Scuba diving, rock climbing, hiking: all these activities hold a unique sort of appeal.
Pictures
Nowadays, it’s possible to take hundreds of pictures in a matter of minutes. Make sure your digital camera (or phone) is up to the job. If you’re planning an upgrade, it makes sense to make it before you set out. These are memories you’ll be treasuring for years to come – but don’t forget to enjoy those precious moments, rather than simply documenting them.
