Posts Tagged ‘luxury travel’
Glamping – Not Quite Roughing It!
Glamping at "Tent City", Paws Up, Montana.
Working in the private jet business, I know all too well that maximizing time is one very important factor for the business traveler today. Well, what about the leisure traveler? If you had a choice to start your vacation from the moment you stepped onto a beautifully appointed private aircraft, or rather endure a very long and irksome commercial flight where the vacation doesn’t actually start until you are finally able to walk through the airport exit, wouldn’t you choose the former? Well, how about an outdoor experience where all of the frustrating elements are removed and you are able to maximize your leisure time by doing the fun activities you head out into the open yonder for?
Now I love the idea of sitting around a campfire and getting out amongst nature, but cringe when faced with the thought of struggling with tent poles, sleeping on a lumpy ground and bugs. “Glamping” (glamorous camping) has taken camping to another level, one that involves your very own butler! Waking up in the morning on 300-count cotton sheets to the sound of water rushing over the rocks of the legendary Blackfoot River, and actually knowing where my toothbrush is, makes for a great start to the day. No longer having to scurry around looking for firewood to start the morning breakfast or sleep in a musty smelling sleeping bag. This new style of camping will allow you to enjoy every moment of your outdoor adventure, without the frustrating elements which bring you down from your fresh-air-high. We live in an era where we are always looking for ways to maximize our time. We can do this by flying private instead of commercial, we can text 5 people in seconds, and we can have our campsite butler do the dirty work!
Glamping sites are popping up everywhere, and at Paws Up in Montana none of the creature comforts of home are missed. Your 270-square-foot, beautifully-appointed tent comes complete with king-sized bed, electricity, spacious deck, nearby private master bathroom (with heated floor), twice-daily housekeeping service and butler-prepared gourmet meals. I mean really, who wants to collect firewood and cook canned food at the end of a long day of horse riding or golf? It allows you to sit, wine in hand on your very own deck and take in the fresh air, the spectacular view and delight in the fact that you are glamping, not camping.
With glamping’s focus on comfort and convenience, it is easy to spend most of your time doing what you really want to do when you camp, and that is experience the outdoors. For me, you’d have a hard time getting me off of the saddle of a horse, but you might find your favorite place to be on a mountain bike, behind the wheel of an ATV, or breaking in a new pair of hiking boots. Every day brings new beauty and adventure and since the warm summer days in Montana seem to never get dark, you will fill your adventure vacation with hundreds of moments you’ll never forget – from the very moment you step onto your private aircraft.
Glamping is for those only wanting to sleep under “5 stars”.
It’s All About the Baby Boomers!
There are 77 million of them and, according to an online article on Barron’s website, Baby Boomers are being ignored by marketers. What’s more, they are being ignored when they are the group who has driven 45% of all consumer spending for the last 60 years. In the next few years, it is estimated that the number will grow to 52%.
So who are the marketers going after? They favor the 18- to 49-year-olds, as they are the age group who are forming opinions, forming families, and are making major purchases like homes, cars, etc. However, they are not the age group with their wallets out ready to spend. Look at most advertising done today; it is aimed at the younger, hip crowd, in spite of the fact that over half of spending comes from the 45 to 63 year olds. And this trend is expected to continue for the next 20 years, Barron’s says.
So what about the traveler? Do we, in the aviation industry, target the Baby Boomers or Gen Xers? Do we even know?
Travel Marketing Decisions interviewed a series of experts to gather insight into this enormous and potentially lucrative segment. Below are some truths about Baby Boomers and the marketing implications for the travel industry.
1. Boomers consider travel a necessity, not a luxury. This is good news for the industry on two counts. First, the sheer number of boomers traveling will cause business to grow. Second, since travel is a necessity, Boomers engage in it no matter how scarce their time or money. Their travel behavior, therefore, is less dependent on life stage or the economy.
2. Boomers have traveled more than their predecessors. While their parents first visited Europe when they retired, Boomers criss-crossed the Continent as students. They’re already seasoned travelers, and know what they like and don’t like. They also seek out more in-depth ways of experiencing familiar places.
3. Boomers want to have fun. It’s not surprising that adult teenagers put a premium on having a good time. Although fun, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, Courtney Day, of a New Jersey research and marketing firm, said companionship, stimulation and the cultural/social experience make travel fun for Boomers. She added, “Part of the enjoyment of the experience is knowing it’s unique - that’s part of the rush.”
4. Boomers demand immediate gratification. Unlike their Depression-era parents, Boomers grew up in times of plenty. Easy gratification bred a desire for still more and quicker rewards. As a result, Boomers don’t wait to take the trips they want. If they don’t have the money, they just use plastic.
5. Boomers are not passive. They want a measure of control in designing their travel experience, and, once on the road, they want to choose their activities. “If you tell them they’re going to do A, B and C, they might want to do E or F,” noted editor Malott. The challenge for travel marketers is to make it clear their product offers plenty of options.
6. Boomers think they are special. Having always been a force to be reckoned with, they are very demanding consumers. Whether they go budget or luxury, Boomers tend to want the best.
7. Boomers like creature comforts. This fact, according to Malott, actually keeps Boomers from booking the exotic locales they profess to like. Day puts a slightly different spin on the issue. “A tent is OK,” she said, “but it better have a great view and great food. Even if you’re in the wilderness, luxury is being served a delicious meal without having to lift a finger.”
8. Boomers are time deprived. To get relief from their stressful schedules, Boomers vacation where they can do absolutely nothing but be pampered. Or they may go to the opposite extreme, choosing adventures that are physically or mentally challenging – or both. When booking travel, Boomers also need time-saving devices. They like 800 numbers, the Internet, videos and virtual reality because they offer convenience and interactivity. Internet use is so common among Mature Traveler readers, editor Malott automatically lists website addresses along with phone numbers. Day pointed out that Boomers use the Internet more for information gathering than booking. “It’s human nature to want to feel connected to what you’re about to sign up for,” she said. However, she added, Boomers also like the freedom of not involving other people when they are exploring a subject. Their attitude is, “When I’ve decided, I’ll initiate the next move.”
9. Boomers will pay for luxury, expertise and convenience. ATM fees, nannies and bottled water prove Boomers are willing to pay for what they want.
Seems to me Baby Boomers are the perfect customer for the private aviation industry. So how do we reach them? We should concentrate on adding value to the process of buying experiences. So…a Citation XLS or a Lear 45?
Air Travel Is Abysmal!
When it comes to air travel today, no one enjoys it.
Recently, I had to be in New York City. My meeting was scheduled for 10:00 am EST. I live in Nashville, Tennessee, and none of the commercial airlines had flights that would get me to New York early enough for my meeting that morning. As a result, I was forced to fly in the night before.
I had to leave my home two hours before scheduled departure time to get to the airport then park my car and get through security in time to catch my flight. The flight to New York took five hours because of delays and connections. Upon arriving, I had to spend $75 on a cab and 45 minutes to get to my hotel which cost $210 for one night’s stay. The next day I spent $25 on a simple breakfast and $40 to get from the hotel to my meeting place in New York.
After my meeting, I had to take yet another cab (for $75) to get back to the airport two hours before scheduled departure time in order to get through security on to find that the flight was delayed. The trip home took another five hours because of delays and connections. I had to pay $20 for parking my car and I got home late that night, tired and worn out. My productivity level the following day was affected and it took me a full day to get back into my normal healthy routine.
The airline ticket was $589, parking, hotel and meals totaled close to $500. Out of pocket cost were over $1,000. However, the higher cost was my time. From start to finish I spent a total of 18 useless hours (not including sleep time the night before) traveling to a two hour meeting. The cost of my time and the inconvenient experiences far exceeded the out of pocket cost of travel.
The cost of this broken air travel system to the traveling public in the United states is enormous.
- Over 140 million hours of productive passenger time lost each year with a pricetag of over $4 Billion for businesses.
- Tourism industry in the United States has lost 200,000 jobs and $98 billion in revenue because of the poor quality of our national transportation service.
- Productive time lost to the ineffective United States air travel system is only the tip of the iceberg. Billions are lost every year because of illness, fatigue and stress caused by the existing “system” of air travel.
Is There A Better Way?
Watch the video below and give this alternative some thought the next time you think about using a commercial airline. This alternative would have enabled me to go to New York City and back within the same day. Total travel time would have been roughly five hours instead of 18. And it would have cost me less!
Economy slow down but we still need to vacation!
As the economy has slowed down,Americans have reduced spending in many areas of their lives. But one thing that has remained high on the list of priorities is to have at least one vacation each year.
So, for the aviation enthusiast, I have found some great aviation related destinations to visit. Even if you’re not into all things that fly, these are just “plane” cool places to visit. Here are my top pick destinations for flights of fancy:
Hotel Costa Verde’s Boeing 727 Fuselage Suite
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
This suite is a salvaged airframe of a 1965 Boeing 727. It was transported in pieces from a San Jose aircraft graveyard, to the jungles of Manuel Antonio. With a breath of fresh life, this aircraft has now been resurrected into a meticulously detailed, two bedroom suite, perched on a 50 foot pedestal to take in the stunning views of the Costa Verde II area in Costa Rica. But it is nothing like a regular 727 inside the fuselage. It features teak paneling from the cockpit to the tail, two bedrooms, each with their own bathroom and flat screen TVs. I think I would most enjoy sipping wine on the wing terrace, while taking in the ocean views and watching the monkeys, toucans and sloths in the lush surrounding treetops. http://www.costaverde.com/727.html
Seattle, Washington
The Museum of Flight showcases a collection of more than 150 historic air and spacecraft and related artifacts in unique and inspiring exhibits. Walk in the footsteps of Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon on their presidential 707 jet, see the world’s fastest jetliner - the Concorde, as well as other exhibits such as The Museum of Flight Tower at Boeing Field, Space: Exploring the New Frontier, The Montgolfier Brothers’ Balloon, and World War II Fighters.
Open now and running until May 2010 is the popular exhibit In Search of Amelia Earhart. The Museum of Flight says it has brought together resources from around the country for this new exhibit about the remarkable life and times of famous American pilot, Amelia Earhart. It features many of her original personal artifacts, as well as photos and newsreel footage”.
http://www.museumofflight.org/
Fighter Jet Experience at Thunder City
Cape Town, South Africa
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the thrill of a lifetime in a fighter jet (that is, head out to sea at a speed of close to 650 miles per hour just 50 feet above the water: your limits and sortie profile are determined purely by your ability to handle them, then go vertical), then Thunder City is a destination you must visit. Ok, so it’’s in Cape Town, South Africa! But this is your one vacation a year, right? Why not zoom over the point where the Indian and Atlantic points meet? Fly up the coastline of some of the world’s most stunning beaches.Climb high over Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain. And do it all in the most exciting and graceful combat jets. Thunder City’s jets include the world’s only flying English Electric Lightnings, Bae Buccaneers, and Hawker Hunter jets. Choose from a variety of jet flight profiles; ultra high, supersonic, aerobatic, surface-hugging, formation or a combination of these. Then spend the rest of your vacation recovering from adrenalin overload by enjoying the diverse and unforgettable offerings of Cape Town. http://www.thundercity.co.za/
If you’re only going on one vacation this year, why not make it a completely unique experience that you can take with you for life!
Dreaming of Destin
Destination: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Destin, Florida
Mode of Transport: Jetstream 32 (executive configuration)
Closest Airport to Destin: Destin Fort Walton Airport
Now that the weather has well and truly cooled off, it’s time to head south for some warm sun. And Destin, Florida, is the perfect getaway to recharge and take in the warmth and natural beauty of Florida’s Emerald Coast. I knew this trip would be a lot of fun. Firstly, it is a beach getaway. Secondly, I was staying in a stunning condo on the edge of a golf course. And lastly, a group of friends came along with me!
As wonderful as Destin is, the best time I had on the trip was the flight down there. Huh, you ask? I know that might seem strange considering the majority of travelers in this country find flying a chore and irritating to say the least, but we were flying down on our own private, executive aircraft; so, the commercial experience of long lines, removing your shoes and sitting in an airport terminal waiting, was thankfully removed. Instead it consisted of arriving at the FBO 15 minutes before the flight, walking out onto the ramp and stepping into a gorgeous aircraft with large cabin and luxurious seats. And none of my friends who joined me had ever flown on a private aircraft before; so, to see and share in their excitement was priceless. For that hour of flying, with wine in hand, we actually did feel like rock stars flying to a resort! It’s a very cool feeling.
So the trip started with a long day losing myself at the beach. Situated along Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast, Destin’s beaches are among the best in the US. The sand is like sugar and the water is clear and warm. It has been said that the best season to visit Destin is in the shoulder season. Golfers, shoppers and fisherman, in particular, find the shoulder seasons are great times to be at the beach. The weather is milder, and there are fewer tourists. And compared to Florida’s other popular beach destinations, such as Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Destin is less of a party town, and more of a place where you can enjoy the many offerings of the area. 
After a full day at the beach, the next day consisted of hitting the shops. I could write an entire blog on the shopping in Destin! And the funny thing is, I didn’t even expect this trip to involve any shopping at all. But it did, as I discovered that a short drive from the resort is the Silver Sands Factory Stores, the nation’s largest designer outlet mall. Yes, you read right, the largest in the nation! It features more than 100 designer and name-brand factory stores, and is the best factory outlet mall I have ever been to. My wallet can vouch for that. Sandestin Resort also offers a variety of retail experiences. Shoppers can choose from the boutiques at The Market Shops, or the specialty retailers at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Now something for the guys – Sandestin features four championship golf courses reputed to be the best in Florida. Located on 7.5 miles of beach and bayfront property between Pensacola and Panama City, Sandestin’s championship courses have been designed by world-renowned course architects. Our condo was situated right on the edge of the course, and although I didn’t play this time, I can see how the course has gained the reputation as one of the finest in Florida. If you golf, you must play one of these four fantastic courses.
By Sunday evening, everyone was worn out. It really is tough work relaxing on the beach, shopping, swimming, eating at fine restaurants and golfing. Especially when it has been packed into two days. So, no doubt, the Sunday evening trip home consisted of the entire group curling up in our luxurious seats, snuggly blankets, and dreaming of our return to beautiful Destin.
Charleston…A Historic City In The Prime Of Its Life!
Destination: Wentworth Mansion, Charleston, South Carolina
Mode of Transport: Jetstream 32
Closest Airport to Charleston: Charleston International Airport
When I first discovered that I would be traveling by private aircraft to Charleston, South Carolina, and staying in a historic mansion built in 1886, I knew this would be the most unique trip I have taken yet. I’ve been to big cities like New York and Chicago, beautiful beach destinations like Destin, Florida, but I have never experienced the historic Old South. What’s more, Charleston is among the country’s oldest cities. With more than 300 years of history, Charleston has had many historic “firsts” – the first shots of the Civil War, the first decisive patriot victory of the American Revolution, the first playhouse in the nation, and the first museum in America. So, it is fitting that I write about my “first” experience in this beautiful and charming city.
I arrived, had my walking shoes on, and was ready to explore! Charleston is made for walking. I started down at Waterfront Park overlooking Charleston Harbor. The surrounding streets are residential, and it’s easy to imagine what life was like here 150 years ago. A walk along the waterfront will carry you past grand mansions to White Point Gardens (East Battery Street and Murray Boulevard). It was at this oak and palmetto lined sanctuary where townspeople watched the first shots fired on nearby Fort Sumter in 1861. Historic forts are the most visited attractions in the Lowcountry area, and there are many ways to discover these and other gems of the city. Indeed, the best way to enjoy the historic district is on foot or by bicycle. The city’s bicycle shops offer various types of rental vehicles – bicycles, tandems, and pedal carriages. There are also horse-drawn carriage tours and boat tours. The themes of the tours vary from architecture, gardening, Civil War history to African-American culture and Jewish heritage.
History seems more alive here, somehow. Perhaps it’s the cobblestone streets, the gas-lit lantern alleyways, or the beautiful, Victorian influenced mansions. I was fortunate enough to stay in the charming, yet opulent, Wentworth Mansion. Built in 1886, this mansion was the private residence of a wealthy cotton merchant. Today, it features 21 luxurious rooms and suites, all with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. The most appealing feature of this hotel, one of the finest hotels where I have been a guest, is that the original look and feel of the residence has been preserved perfectly. With hand-carved marble fireplaces, intricate woodwork, Tiffany stained glass windows and never-ending detail, you will most certainly feel like a lady or gentleman of an era gone by.
The service at Wentworth Mansion is the best I have ever experienced – anywhere in the world. This is a big statement, but completely deserved. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and on a mission to make your stay as delightful as possible. I definitely recommend dining in their restaurant, Circa 1886. Nestled in the gardens behind the mansion, in what was once the carriage house, Circa 1886 provides an intimate setting, first-class service and an exquisite menu.
After exploring the city, shopping on wonderful Market Street, and relaxing in my magnificent hotel room, the only other thing that I HAD to do was visit the beach! Growing up near the beach, and then moving to land-locked Tennessee, it is a given that I head to the beach any opportunity I have. The Isle of Palms is beautiful, and the people there were friendly, as I know Southerners to be. I found a new friend at the beach (Samson the Great Dane) and began to explore what quickly became my new favorite city. Alas, Sunday brought my time to head back home before my explorations were complete.
Some other time, Charleston, some other time.
See Yourself at Mirror Lake
Destination: Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, Lake Placid, NY
My Mode of Transport: Jetstream 32
Closest Airport to Lake Placid: Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK)
Stepping onto the private aircraft on my first getaway to Upstate New York, I certainly had ideas of what the Lake Placid area would be like. And by the weight of my one piece of jam-packed luggage, it was obvious I was prepared for anything. My trip definitely started on the right note. My pilot took the luggage right from my hand and loaded it into the private aircraft, which was waiting just steps across the ramp. GREAT! No airport security checks, no lines, just step onto my own aircraft and enjoy the ride.
Now I’ve seen pictures of the Adirondacks, and I’ve heard the stories. “, the air is so crisp”. Crisp alright! I actually did feel the need to inhale deeply a number of times on the tarmac as I stepped off the stairs of the aircraft. But the clean, pine-scented air is just the beginning:
The drive through Adirondack Park is quite spectacular. Rugged green mountains (fall would be breathtaking), quaint towns, and roads snaking beside glassy lakes lead you to gorgeous Mirror Lake. True to its name the lake mirrors its surrounds majestically. Walking into the lobby of Mirror Lake Inn, I felt its charm wrap me up immediately. The wood paneling, the adjoining library with spectacular fireplace, and the smell of scented candles was so inviting. The Resort is low-key elegance at its finest. The rooms are comfortable and cozy, and the suites have the most spectacular views of the Lake. I literally had to get out of bed (as hard as it is getting out of a bed that is even more comfortable than my own) as the sun was coming up, just to peek outside and see Mirror Lake in all its sunrise glory.
So being prepared for anything is never a mistake, and this place has something for everyone. The only problem you may encounter here is not having enough time to enjoy everything the area has to offer.
For the adventurer – bobsledding at the Winter Olympic Park, fishing, canoeing and hiking for all levels.
For the romantic – cozy rooms and spectacular views of the lake, a spa and wonderful restaurants.
For the family vacation – paddle boats, water activities, and a lake-side beach.
My suggestion, do what makes you smile. For me, as an adventurer, it was a bobsled ride at the Winter Olympic Sports Park (did the ½ mile course in 43.44 seconds), and a hike up Cascade Mountain (Tip: if it says “beginners hike”, it may not be, in my opinion. Ask.) The only thing that could have made it more perfect is if it were fall, and the leaves had turned. I can only imagine how spectacular that would be.
So my only other suggestion, visit Mirror Lake and bask in the serene natural beauty, taking a pause for oneself. I will definitely find myself there again, with a winter experience at Mirror Lake now on my must-do list.
BITTEN BY THE AVIATION BUG
Having been born and bred in Australia, I never imagined that I would ever be living my life in Tennessee. But two years ago I made the journey to the United States from Queensland, Australia with the task of starting a new life ahead of me. It was a daunting task, but one I saw as a challenge, and I jumped at it.
I’ve always believed passion is one of the most important things a person can possess, and for me, I have an inner urge to explore and release my creativity. However, I am always eager to add to the list of things I am passionate about. I did add to that list a year and a half ago when I began working for Corporate Flight Management. I had no experience in aviation at all (private jets and corporate jets – these were just aircraft wealthy businessmen and rockstars rode around in, from what I knew). But, having been bitten by the aviation bug and learning firsthand about this industry, I now know the business for what it really is, and I am happily immersed in an industry that I can call fun and exciting. I am constantly being educated about the business of private aircraft charter and management by highly skilled professionals whom I respect and admire. I feel so fortunate to be working beside them on a daily basis.
I was bitten so hard that I am now learning to fly and will soon be a pilot! Amazingly, I am able to explore this beautiful country and release my creativity by having the opportunity to blog about my travel adventures and my experiences as a student of flight. If you have any interest in travel, flying, or just want to know about the fun side of aviation as well as some unique and luxurious travel destinations, then I’m your girl.
In my travel blogs, I will strive to write about the unique, luxurious, and adventuresome destinations I visit in our corporate aircraft, providing stories detailing my experiences at these locations, so you can learn firsthand what they have to offer. These are sometimes going to be destinations that are not easy to get to when flying commercial. The business of general aviation is not about flying rock stars to resorts in private jets but is one in which flying in private aircraft allows the traveler to get to out-of-the-way destinations without having to spend 12 hours and two commercial flights getting there. Your vacation can start when you step onto the aircraft! Whether you are a Cirrus owner, a jet owner, a charter customer, a flight student, or someone who just wants to know, I will share with you the unique places I have experienced, my flight training stories, and maybe some cool tips along the way.