While we slowly come out of this two-year pandemic, travelers have been channeling their wanderlust, gearing up to plan epic and enriching bucket-list vacation experiences. According to Expedia’s 2022 Travel Trends Report, more than two-thirds of Americans (68%) are planning to go big on their next trip and many are eyeing international destinations.
As bucket list travel continues to boom, elite private vacation club Exclusive Resorts is announcing the launch of its nine new 2023 Journeys on 3/16. The journeys offer members the unique opportunity to take part in luxurious group trips around the world that offer curated itineraries and exclusive, private experiences, led by a dedicated travel guide and Exclusive’s award-winning travel partners.
2023 Journeys include:
Around the World by Private Jet: Travelers can embark on the ultimate bucket-list adventure with top National Geographic experts and experience some of the world’s most celebrated wonders—all while traveling by private jet. Travelers can join a group of 75 fellow Members and experience a dazzling array of natural wonders, from the thundering cascades of Iguaçú Falls and the jungles of Borneo to the wildlife-rich savannas of the northern Serengeti. Travelers become immersed in phenomenal cities, exploring cosmopolitan Melbourne, captivating Muscat, and the historic streets of Porto. They also will get to know vibrant cultures in Fiji and Thailand, encounter ancient mysteries amid the stone statues of Easter Island and the Pyramids of Giza, and so much more during this one-of-a-kind, 25-day journey.
Australia and New Zealand Adventure: Island hopping takes on a whole new meaning on this thrilling journey between the Land Down Under and New Zealand. Travelers can discover the vibrant urban culture of iconic cities like Sydney and Queenstown, and venture outside of the cities and into the awe-inspiring beauty of natural gems like the Great Barrier Reef and Fiordland National Park—all with custom itineraries designed for an intimate group of 18 Members. Travelers will become immersed in authentic indigenous cultures, indulge in fine wines, and tick off dream adventures set against spectacular backdrops during this 12-day adventure.
Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto & Hakone: Members will immerse themselves in the exhilarating energy and rich culture of Japan. This 11-day journey of Eastern enlightenment explores three distinct prefectures in high-speed luxury. Sensory overload awaits in Tokyo with experiences ranging from cooking classes to sumo wrestling matches. In Kyoto, travelers will meet a Geisha, ride a rickshaw through the mystical Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and take part in a traditional tea ceremony. They will then continue to the charming mountain town of Hakone to soak in traditional onsen hot springs while savoring views of snow-capped Mount Fuji. Members will travel by the country’s legendary Bullet Train, arriving in speed and style at each destination.
Galapagos Islands New Year Excursion: During this ten-day excursion, members will ring in the New Year witnessing the unique wildlife and diverse ecosystems of the Enchanted Isles aboard one of Lindblad Expeditions’ newly renovated ships. One of the most biodiverse places in the world, the Galapagos is the only place on earth to spot a giant tortoise, fur seals, and flightless cormorants. The wildlife has not known predators, so they are not fearful of humans—offering one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Activities go far beyond sightseeing, with marine biologists and naturalists from our trusted partner, National Geographic, leading engaging nature walks, kayak expeditions, and snorkeling tours throughout the archipelago’s 19 islands.
Journey Through Portugal: Members will discover why Portugal is Europe’s new darling on this eight-day adventure through historic cities, chic coastal towns, and captivating wine country. While journeying along the coast, stop at fairytale palaces en route to Porto, the birthplace of Port wine. Travelers will see Lisbon, one of Europe’s oldest cities, where historical, unique architecture is juxtaposed with a rising and cutting-edge culinary scene. They will also get an exclusive visit to the Jerónimos Monastery, a stunning example of Portuguese Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before it opens to the public. Luxury accommodations—including Six Senses Douro Valley and the Yeatman Hotel—boast some of the city’s top restaurants and unrivaled vineyard views, plus access to VIP tastings of rare and aged Ports at nearby wineries.
Mexico City: Culture and Cuisine: Members will have their taste buds dazzled in one of the world’s most exciting food cities. This small group five-day trip provides just 20 Members VIP access to Mexico City’s two top restaurants, Pujol and Quintonil, and meals complemented by meet and greets with their star chefs. Fine dining is balanced with immersive cultural experiences, all topped off with an interactive mixology class. Travelers will work up an appetite on guided excursions to Teotihuacán Archeological Site and the National Museum of Anthropology, as well.
Bali and Komodo Luxury Cruise: Travelers can get off the beaten path on this 10-day escape deep within Indonesia’s remote Komodo Islands. Cruise in style aboard Aqua Expeditions five-deck, 15-suite Aqua Blu explorer yacht. Aqua’s team of expert guides lead excursions to swim alongside whale sharks in Saleh Bay and view the pre-historic Komodo dragons inhabiting the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Komodo National Park. Dive guides lead underwater safaris showcasing the park’s 1,000 species of marine life, including rays, sea turtles, and over 260 species of coral. Onboard, Members can get a taste of local culture with a Balinese massage or by savoring regionally inspired dishes such as 48-hour beef short rib rendang and Javanese prawns, developed by star Australian chef Benjamin Cross. The trip starts with two nights in Bali at the Four Seasons.
Holy Land Dual Immersion: Members can get a deep dive and dual perspective on the complicated history and current politics of Israel and Palestine. This 11-day journey inspired by the region’s peace-building efforts is full of colorful narratives from various local experts and discussions on topics ranging from the Syrian conflicts to the future of the Middle East. Learn first-hand what life is like on a Kibbutz and on an Israeli settlement, float in the Dead Sea, and enjoy a Bedouin-style lunch in Bethlehem. The trip concludes in the bohemian city of Tel Aviv, where a National Geographic Emerging Explorer will lead an archeological tour of coastal ruins and a local chef will reveal the secrets to making sensational hummus.
Botswana Family Safari: Families can create lifelong memories on an experience-rich, family-friendly safari in Botswana. A private charter bush plane doubles as a scenic flight above the Eastern Kalahari Desert, delivering guests to their intimate, luxury safari camp in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Explore the otherworldly landscape of the surrounding salt pans by 4x4 quad bikes, spot springbok and red hartebeest on game drives, and join Zu’hoasi bushmen on educational bush walks. Travelers should come equipped with their camera to snap family photos while visiting the region’s friendly meerkat colony. Head from the desert to the Okavango Delta to stay in treehouse-style tents at Tuludi Camp. Trumpeting elephants serve as morning alarms for game drives, and excursions in traditional mokoro canoes provide prime opportunities to view zebra, giraffe, and buffalo along the floodplains. Family vacations don’t get more memorable.
