Let me start with a question. How did you get into this hobby? I got into it by sheer coincidence, about 15 years back. I had corporate travel each month which meant that I had to travel to my office for a week each month for meetings. Very close to my office was an Embassy Suites property. I signed up for the Hilton Honors program, banked flights on the now defunct Virgin America and never looked back. From dipping my toes to get the first ‘free’ flight and hotel stay, I graduated to flying business class and staying at some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. In our space, we see a lot of coverage given to ultra luxe properties and flights. So, the question is, do travel bloggers talk too much about luxury travel?
Also Read: Is going to the Maldives worth it?
Luxury Travel – It attracts eyeballs
Let’s get this one out of the way. Luxury travel does attract eyeballs. It’s just human nature. People are more prone to engaging with content that talks about an Emirates First Class experience as opposed to a flight in United Basic Economy.
Similarly, people are more likely to be curious about what a stay at a Ritz Carlton Reserve property or a Waldorf Astoria property looks and feels like as opposed to one at a Days Inn or Travelodge. The reason? Exclusivity.
Certain brands market themselves on offering exclusive and curated experiences which may not be available easily elsewhere.
Beyond the hype, I think there is some substance to this. I’ve written about my recent stay when I experienced a Ritz Carlton Reserve property for the first time. Beyond the amazing location and the pristine look of the property, what stood out? What was really unique for me was that the staff was focused on two things:
- Deep customization: Trying to understand customer preferences to the maximum to serve them in the best possible way
- Attention to detail: Noting down each and every preference to make sure all bases are covered
I’m not saying that other luxury properties won’t be able to do that, but I saw this in action with great efficiency before and during my stay. The level of detail attributed towards understanding our food preferences, travel style and overall expectations was really impressive.
Mea culpa
To be honest, I’d say that I’ve been guilty of choosing more luxury options over basic ones ever since I got into this game. The reason?
- Fear of devaluation: I always fear that a hotel chain or airline can devalue points at little or no notice (which is true in most cases). Therefore, I usually just avoid hoarding miles and points and try to use them on more luxury experiences
- Miles and points balances: Given the number of credit card bonuses on offer, I usually tend to have way more miles and points in my accounts than I want to redeem. So, I tend to spend them on more luxury experiences.
Your Personal Situation
When I first started dipping my toes, simply getting a free flight or a hotel stay was a thrill. I never bothered much about whether it was a ‘luxury experience’ or a basic one. I was at the start of my career and had a lot more flexibility in terms of schedule.
15 years later, I’m more prone to doing fewer trips with more ‘luxury’ options simple because traveling with kids has its own challenges and I prefer added comfort (especially on flights longer than 6-8 hours) to smoothen things out.
The Pundit’s Mantra
So, is there too much hype when it comes to luxury travel? May be, yes. However, there’s more than whats meets the eye. Many travel publications are also incentivized through brand partnerships to write about a certain brand. In my case, if there’s any, I have a policy of disclosing it at the start of the article.
However, there’s no denying that aspirational travel attracts attention. Thanks to miles and points, I’ve been very fortunate to have had some amazing experiences, which wouldn’t have been possible without this hobby.
What’s your style of travel? Do you like to save points and use them for more flights and hotel stays? Or do you like to have unique experiences and don’t mind shelling out more to get an exclusive experience? Tell us in the comments section.
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I have no problem with bloggers focusing on the higher-end stuff. Generally speaking, flying coach is about the same regardless of wha airline it’s with – sure some slight touches here and there are different. The same goes with hotels; we know what a Hampton Inn experience consists of. If I’m considering a specific Hampton Inn, that’s what Tripadvisor is for.
If Travel bloggers show me some luxury beach resort that I didn’t know about and could conceivably stay at for free, that’s worthwhile information (even if it is a tough redemption to get).
That’s true. However, there are a lot of properties that are still unexplored. If the content is very US centric due to the audience, you may see more of the same properties covered by different blogs. If you look at some international blogs, you might find hidden gems around the world that you may not have otherwise found easily.
And don’t forget when they go on these trips to write a “review” even when they’ve reviewed the same product multiple times in the past, they use it as a tax write off.
care more about comfortable air travel then lux lodgings.
after all – I am a big camper. Mid-range hotel+ and I am happy.
stayed at some luxury hotels…but that’s only because of points-miles-FNCs. Loathe to spend more then $65 / night on lodging…if I can help it. Try to get good value on points.
5 hour+ try to fly business when feasible. 3-5 hours – some kind of prem econ…but exit row coach is sufficient.
especially more troublesome as people have gotten bigger (and a little myself — but more others). The risk of sitting next to a really fat person who oozes into your space is real. And I’ve suffered a few times because of this.
That and seat pitch in USA-based airlines in econ is pathetically tight. Oddly…Asian airlines econ is more comfy – and have smaller people on average.
I agree with you. I just flew Jetstar and Bangkok Air last year and was surprised that economy seating was pretty comfortable compared to their US counterparts. I’m 6 feet 2 and Iegroom is a big issue for me in economy for longer flights, especially if the seats are all crammed in.
I have to give you some props for bringing this up. A number of prominent points and miles bloggers come across as snooty because they only review luxury products. I suppose that works out well enough for them when they’re pumping a lot of credit card links and making the beaucoup bucks doing so but in a lot of cases when telling you 11 reasons the XYZ card is the best in the Galaxy they somehow neglect to mention that finding actual saver award space for 2 people in that vaunted luxury on dates you can go is not gonna happen.
I very much would like bloggers to primarily concentrate on attainable awards that don’t cost your firstborn child. What good does it do to learn about Emirates flights in first class to Oz when it will cost a quarter million Amex points and over a thousand dollars in scam fees? One way. I’d rather read about sensibly priced premium economy that has good availability three months in advance. Of course you have to do you but perhaps at least mixing in some more attainable ventures might generate a few less oohs and ahs but resonate more with readers. A category 2 Hyatt Regency Bali with lots of pools, a lovely beach, good rooms, and great club lounge anyone? It seems more realistic than The Maldives.
Thanks for your comment.
I agree with your point about SE Asia and locations like Bali. Some of the prices using points are an absolute steal, many at 5 star hotels with amazing food and service. Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia – four amazing hotel markets to redeem points.
Also, a lot of airlines have made business class redemptions prohibitively expensive, thanks to devaluations. Flying in business with a family of 4 long haul can severely dent your points balance, might as well fly prem econ and save points for another trip.