LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
DEPARTURES
EPIC
EXPERIENCES
Virtuoso’s 2025 Luxe Report unveils the year’s top luxury
travel trends, from jet-setting with pets and exploring
Slovenia’s natural beauty to unplugging in the Amazon and
circumnavigating the globe in ultimate style.
KATHERINE GANNON
The pulse of travel is shifting, and for those with a penchant for the extraordinary, Virtuoso®’s 2025 Luxe Report offers a tantalizing glimpse into the journeys of tomorrow. As a well-traveled connoisseur, I’ve often found that the art of adventure lies not just in the destination but in the experiences that awaken your senses and reframe your world. With input from over 2,200 elite travel advisors, this year’s trends celebrate the fusion of luxury, authenticity, and adventure. Here are nine journeys set to redefine wanderlust for the modern jet-setter.
Fly First Class with Fido
Move over, solo travel – it’s time for pets to steal the show. High-end private jet charters and luxury carriers are extending their impeccable service to four-legged companions, offering tailored travel experiences that include plush accommodations, gourmet treats, and personalized care for pets who are as pampered as their owners. Whether jetting off for a weekend retreat or embarking on a global adventure, today’s discerning travelers are ensuring their beloved companions travel in style and comfort, proving that no destination is too far for a furry friend.
Slovenia: Europe’s Undiscovered Playground
Slovenia is a revelation, where natural splendor meets adrenaline-pumping adventure. Paddleboard across the ethereal waters of Lake Bled, dive off the cliffs into the emerald Soča River, or explore Postojna Cave’s surreal depths. Winter transforms the landscape into a wonderland, where the slopes of Krvavec and Vogel call skiers and snowboarders. And after an active day, nothing beats sinking into a thermal spring surrounded by snow-dusted peaks—a lesser-known slice of European heaven.
Unplug in the Amazon
There’s nothing like the rainforest to strip away life’s distractions and reset your senses. The hum of cicadas, the whisper of the wind through ancient trees, and the vibrant flash of a macaw’s feathers replace the digital world. Virtuoso’s report notes a growing hunger for “awe and wonder,” and the Amazon delivers in spades. Without Wi-Fi or screens, you’re left with something rare: pure, unfiltered connection—to nature, to adventure, and to yourself.
Portugal: Europe’s Hidden Treasure
Forget the crowded canals of Venice or the steep price tags of Paris. Portugal is where old-world charm meets modern sophistication. From Lisbon’s cobblestone streets and the sun-soaked beaches of the Algarve to Douro Valley’s celebrated vineyards, Portugal offers a blend of affordability, hospitality, and beauty. With its mild climate and laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect spot for anyone seeking an authentic European experience—without the crush of over-tourism.
Chill with Cool Creatures
For those who dream of meeting nature’s most extraordinary inhabitants, polar safaris are the next big thing. Venture to Antarctica to observe playful penguins, track polar bears through the frozen tundra of South Georgia, or marvel at Canada’s elusive narwhals. These eco-conscious excursions don’t just bring you face-to-face with wildlife—they actively contribute to conservation efforts, ensuring these magnificent creatures and their habitats endure for generations to come.
Get Down and Yurt-y in Mongolia
There’s a rugged magic to the Mongolian steppe, where endless skies stretch above a landscape untouched by time. Staying in a traditional yurt combines authenticity with understated luxury, offering travelers a chance to live like the nomads while still enjoying modern comforts. It’s the kind of experience that reminds you of the beauty in simplicity: a roaring fire, a clear night sky, and stories shared over steaming bowls of buuz.
Cruise Europe’s Canals
Solo travel gets a luxurious twist aboard Europe’s river cruises, where itineraries cater to the adventurous and introspective alike. Glide past storybook villages, ancient castles, and vibrant cities, all from the comfort of a floating boutique hotel. Whether sipping wine on the deck at sunset or exploring Amsterdam’s cobbled streets, these cruises provide the perfect balance of solitude and camaraderie for those navigating life on their own terms.
Serendipity Meets Expertise
In the age of over-scheduled vacations, there’s a growing appreciation for leaving room for the unexpected. Virtuoso travel advisors are maestros of serendipity, crafting itineraries that blend structured must-sees with time to wander. Their deep connections mean you’re not just visiting a destination—you’re uncovering its soul, whether it’s a hidden trattoria in Tuscany or a private gallery tour in New York.
Around the World in Luxe Style
Why choose one destination when you can circle the globe? For those craving a high-speed adventure, private jet journeys deliver tailored itineraries with unparalleled exclusivity. For a slower tempo, world cruises offer months of discovery aboard a luxurious floating haven. Both promise unmatched service, personalized experiences, and a sense of grandeur that turns the journey itself into the ultimate destination.
These trends reveal a simple truth: luxury isn’t about extravagance; it’s about meaning. Whether it’s adventuring with your pet, finding peace in the Amazon, or experiencing the wild beauty of polar regions, Virtuoso’s 2025 Luxe Report inspires us to travel deeper, slower, and with a sense of wonder. Let these journeys shape your next adventure—and perhaps, your outlook on life. Virtuoso advisors can bring these nine must-have experiences to life or customize a trip to suit specific preferences. Find an advisor at www.virtuoso.com/travel-advisors.