Even if your travel planner or concierge is the best of the best, it's good to have even a basic idea of the building blocks of an excellent VIP trip so that you can double-check to make sure nothing, but nothing, is left to chance.
1. Flying Like a Celebrity
Private Air Travel
The foundation of every VIP trip has got to be some reliable, exclusive travel experiences. For longer trips that require an actual flight, there's never any sensible option other than a private jet charter flight. For example, a private jet charter flight offer obvious benefits: the cabin is reserved exclusively for you and your party, so you will not need to share the space with anyone other than the cabin crew. You’ll be able to relax and watch a movie, catch up on some last-minute pre-holiday emails, or get in some pre-landing skincare: it's your space, so it's up to you. The catering options are far superior in both quality and variety when it comes to private jet flights: larger classes of jet will have an onboard galley. They may even be able to offer freshly chef-made meals. In comparison, smaller classes offer extensive catering options so that you can indulge in all your favourites while you’re in the air, whether it's caviar and champagne or a classic club sandwich.There are a few benefits that the traveller might not think of, but that certainly make a difference, so let's take a closer look.
Fast-Tracked Security
Even if you are using a commercial airport, private jet clients are fast-tracked to their own private, personal check-in and boarding gates and, in most cases, also have a “pass” to allow you to skip the long lines and get through these often slow processes with a lot more speed.Premium Lounge Access
Private airlines either have their own lounges (specifically at private airports) or have understandings with existing premium lounges (in commercial airports) that allow their passengers to use these. Comfort, convenience, and excellent service, always before you board and after you land.Meet and Greet/ Transfer Services
Private jet companies more often than not also offer transfer services to their clients. At a private airport, you are likely to get tarmac access to allow a chauffeur-driven car service to fetch directly from the steps of the jet. If a helicopter transfer makes more sense, that's on the table too: whatever will make the life of the traveller that much easier and more comfortable. Meet and Greet services are also available: your driver or a coordinator will find you at the airport, wheel your bags along, get you installed into your car or helicopter and get you safely to your next destination.
2. Packing Smart
This is one that every traveller has direct control over, making it easy to achieve even if you’re planning your travel without assistance. A VIP trip usually involves attending at least a few locations that have a dress code, so there is that to consider, but apart from that, packing for most trips can follow a simple formula that ensures there's no overpacking, but you also don't run out of outfits!
Don’t waste time choosing from a full wardrobe every day: provide yourself with a capsule instead. The 54321 method is a great example: five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two layers, one set of accessories. This packing method thrives on compatibility, so choose items that will work well together. This is obviously just a guideline and should be scaled up if needed. Including a few “night out” looks like a nice fine-dining dinner or dancing till dawn, but don't go crazy: it’ll just stress you out and waste time that you could have enjoyed some other way!
3. All-inclusive, Private Destinations and Accommodation
VIP trips aren't just about the designer shopping, the sumptuous meals and the eclat of staying at a world-renowned resort: they’re also about convenience, privacy and customisation. All-inclusive resorts take the extra paperwork and effort out of simply existing day-to-day, offering you access to all of their luxury amenities, restaurants, services and experiences for one single cost. If you’re looking for something a little more private, a way to experience the VIP treatment without all the extra people around is to choose private accommodation such as a home, cabin, or villa. Maid services and chefs can usually be booked through the accommodation itself, for a seamless experience. If the idea of privacy piques your interest, you may want to consider choosing a destination that's off the beaten track or, even better, entirely private and only accessible to those actually staying in the area or location. Private islands, remote destinations…these are the places you’ll want to choose.
VIP Life
These smart choices separate VIP trips from every other kind of travel experience. The understanding that these travel choices can make or break a trip will help all travellers make the most of their time away from home.