Forget the “Billionaire’s Calendar”: A Travel Expert Explains How to Plan Vacations That Are Actually Meaningful
Jaclyn Sienna India, founder of Sienna Charles, a luxury travel agency catering to high-net-worth individuals, knows a thing or two about how the mega-rich like to vacation. But she warns that even billionaires often make a common mistake: choosing vacations based on trends and what will look good on social media. Instead, she encourages everyone, from everyday travelers to billionaires, to consider their personal passions and seek out authentic experiences that connect them to the local culture.
Key Takeaways:
- Don’t just follow the "billionaire’s calendar": Avoid popular destinations during peak seasons, as they will likely be crowded and expensive.
- Break free from the "celebritization of travel": Don’t just try to recreate trips seen on social media because you want to share your experiences with others.
- Travel with intentionality: Choose destinations that align with your interests and allow you to learn something new.
- Engage with the locals: Find ways to connect with people who live in the place you are visiting to gain deeper cultural insight.
- Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations: Consider destinations outside of Europe, North America, and other popular tourist hotspots.
The Pitfalls of Trend-Driven Travel
India points out that many of her affluent clients find themselves "highly disappointed" when they follow what she calls the "billionaire’s calendar" – popular tourist destinations like Europe in the summer and Aspen in the winter. These destinations are often packed with other tourists, making it difficult to experience the authentic local culture.
"Why would you go [to Europe in the summer]?" she asks, "You see more Americans than you do locals."
This same principle applies to travelers of all income levels. India warns against falling into the "celebritization of travel," where vacationers seek to replicate the trips of celebrities because it makes for good Instagrammable content.
"A lot of people are taking the pictures for other people, but they’re not capturing the place for themselves," she says.
Traveling With Purpose: A Path to Meaningful Experiences
Instead of blindly following trends, India urges people to consider their own passions and what they want to learn when planning a trip.
"Go to places that interest you, that help build and shape your mindset [and] your world," she advises.
For example, India is interested in how different cultures approach longevity. As a result, she has traveled to places known for their wellness practices and lifestyles, hoping to gain a better understanding of their secrets to living long and healthy lives.
She also encourages travelers to consider their current interests, such as their reading list, Netflix habits, or conversations they’ve been having.
"Maybe you’re watching something on Netflix that’s really deep into history, or maybe you’re reading a book about Egyptology," she suggests. "Then, go deeper onto that topic, and learn more by going [to Egypt]."
Finding Meaningful Experiences on a Budget
India emphasizes that meaningful travel doesn’t require a billionaire’s budget.
"France and Italy are great, but it’s really based on luxury," she says. "Where is a place that you can eat at a food cart for 50 cents and have mind-blowing food?"
She recommends exploring destinations in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, often overlooked by tourists but offering rich cultural experiences for less money.
Connections Over Consumption: Prioritize Building Relationships
The most important element of meaningful travel, according to India, is connecting with the local people.
"I think it’s important to look for places that allow you to connect deeper with the locals," she says.
This might involve learning a few basic phrases in the local language, engaging in conversations with local residents, or participating in cultural events and activities.
By embracing a more intentional and purposeful approach to travel, we can break free from the pressure to follow trends and create travel experiences that are truly meaningful, regardless of our budget.
