Sophistication, glamour and endless possibilities, the “golden era of travel” conjures up nostalgic emotions. And, after a period of enforced abstinence, we are craving the elegance and extravagance more and more.

We take a look into why we crave a new golden era of travel so much, and how you can experience it once again with Luxury Gold.

The Golden Era of Travel

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The period from the 1950s to the 1970s was fondly remembered for its glamor and luxury.

With the birth of commercial air travel came an endless world of possibility and wonder. Complete with cocktail lounges, five course meals and caviar served from ice sculptures, these dreams were fueled with an endless flow of champagne.  The timeless elegance of train travel was revered, with its opulent carriages, exclusive encounters and exceptional dining.

Travel was comfortable and spacious, and guests were lavished with personal attention with no ask too great.

Our yearning today

With the resurgence of travel comes a craving for the nostalgia, elegance and extravagance of golden era travel. And with more money to spend in the ultimate vacation, luxury travelers are looking for something extra special. 86% of respondents to the American Express Travel Global Travel Trends Report said they would spend more or the same on travel in 2022 compared to a typical year before the pandemic. And 65% of respondents agree they would rather take their dream vacation than purchase a new car.

 Read more: 5 benefits of visiting iconic tourist hotspots after hours

A renewed need to spread our wings

Restrictions due to the pandemic placed a curb in what most of us hold so dear, the freedom to move around. For travelers this inability to seek new experiences and discover new lands left many feeling empty and unfulfilled. Leaving time to get nostalgic and to foster even greater expectations.

For many of us travel is an expression, an extension of ourselves, as well as a treat and a break from everyday life. According to the Amex 2022 Global Travel Trends Report, looking beyond the pandemic, travelers are eager to experience the dream destinations they have not previously visited. In fact, 55% of respondents agreed they wanted to book a once-in-a-lifetime vacation this year.

Read more: Meet the Michelin star chef putting his stamp on the Orient-Express menu

Our craving for elegance

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The golden era of travel evokes a picture of elegance and sophistication. As we are able to explore once again, we are yearning for more exquisite hotels, exceptional dining and the very best service every step of the way. When considering why we crave travel, we want to picture ourselves again in the cocktail lounges, being waited on hand and foot, surrounded by opulence and the promise of endless possibilities.

From boutique properties to magnificent castles, at Luxury Gold we understand the craving for excellent and hand select the most exquisite hotels. Guaranteeing exceptional service and the very best amenities, every night is a delight. With multiple night stays at many properties, there is also time to relax in luxurious spas, play a round of golf or simply admire your magnificent surroundings.

Read more: Where the wilderness and luxury combine: Step inside the Lion Sands Game Reserve

The timeless lure of train travel

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The Golden Age of luxury train travel evokes old-world images of opulent carriages, mahogany-lined cars, and slow-moving scenery at your fingertips. Nowadays the world’s 5-star train journeys are elevating the experience, with everything from personal butlers and Michelin-star dining to luxury suites with bathtubs and marble floors.

If you are nostalgic for the romance of train travel, take a look at our limited edition luxury train journeys. Step onboard and back in time for some very special train tours across Europe, South Africa and North America, where we partner with luxurious trains that perfectly complement our guided tours.

Read more: 7 of the world’s most luxurious train journeys

Unforgettable encounters

When thinking back to the golden era of travel we remember the thrill of the promise of exclusive encounters. A chance meeting or a pre-arranged rendezvous at glamorous locations across the globe. For today’s traveler, the experience is about much more than meets the eye. 70% of respondents to the Amex Survey stated they were interested in cultural immersion on future trips. These once-in-a-lifetime experiences offer a glimpse behind the curtain, into another world and shine a unique, unforgettable light on your destination.

And for the most exclusive of encounters, take a look at the Luxury Gold Chairman’s Collection. Often one of the most rewarding aspects of travel is the people we meet. These cherished interactions forge an unforgettable connection with a destination and create lasting memories. Discover exquisite gardens with a Duchess, meet an Austrian Princess and dine with Italian nobility.

Read more: Royalty and Noblemen: The fascinating people you’ll meet in Europe with Luxury Gold

The new era is a responsible era

However much we crave the nostalgia, elegance and extravagance of the past, we know that the new golden era of travel comes a strong sense of responsibility. Virtuoso recently released a white paper “Conscious Comeback: Influencing a Sustainable and Regenerative Future for the Travel & Tourism Industry.” which showed that over 80% of respondents feel that the pandemic has made them want to travel more responsibly in the future. Luxury travelers are willing to pay more for sustainable experiences and are becoming increasingly conscious of their role in protecting the planet, communities and wildlife.

Through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences know that you are looking forwards and helping preserve our planet for future generations. From meeting the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw in Jaipur to learning about the conservation efforts taking place at the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland, you can crave the thrill of the past whilst contributing to a better world in the future.

Read more: Alternative dining and CO2 absorbing aprons: welcome to Fotografiska

 If you are looking to embrace a new golden era of travel, then take a look at our exclusive worldwide collection of luxury guided tours.

Let me introduce you to Pink City Rickshaw. Rajasthan’s capital of Jaipur lives up to its nickname of The Pink City. Upon arrival, you can see the distinctive salmon hue across the city’s skyline. But beyond appearance, it’s also a place that is steeped in heritage. Traditional folk song and dance, textile markets, handmade designer shopping and local cuisine are all part of Jaipur’s rich culture. 

Newer additions are the bright pink, custom-designed and eco-friendly Jaipur rickshaws driven by local women. What better way to see the city sights? It’s more than just a fun way to explore Jaipur. Pink City Rickshaw employs female rickshaw drivers and offers a unique opportunity to help support more than 200 local women from low-income households. 

Employing and empowering women who often have no work opportunities prior to guiding Jaipur tours, Pink City Rickshaw equips its employees with professional training and opportunities for economic empowerment among their communities. 

Does that sound like your kind of ride? Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on our Essence of India with Ranthambore luxury guided tour to meet these women for yourself and learn all about the initiative. Hop in, share stories and see the magnificent sights of Jaipur. 

“Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are a beautiful exchange of values between our guests and the people that we meet,” explains Lucie Dalila, Sustainability Manager, Travel Experiences at Luxury Gold “This is a two-way experience – a sharing of stories, ideas and knowledge that shines a whole new light on your destination. We all leave feeling empowered, inspired and keen to contribute even more.” 

Empowering local women 

Puja Gour, Vice President of ACCESS Development Services, a nonprofit organization based in Jaipur, that partners with Pink City Rickshaw tells us: “Empowering women is our main initiative but creating an engaging and curated experience on our sightseeing tours is a top priority as well. Tourism meets philanthropy as you are guided through the medieval mystique of the walled city, seeing the local culture and sites through the eyes of the smart, enthusiastic and knowledgeable women who navigate Jaipur’s streets.” 

A modern icon since the 1880s 

“The presence of rickshaws in India has played an important role, from the electric cities to the smaller towns of rural regions,” explains Puja. “Growing up in Patna in Bihar, we didn’t have a public transportation system. Hopping on a rickshaw (usually hired by a family or friend) for weekly outings with other neighborhood children continues to hold a warm place in my heart.  While the city’s rickshaw industry has traditionally been dominated by men, the societal backdrop is adapting to the transition of new drivers — giving women the power to gain professional experience and income, while also giving you a fuller experience compared to the standard point A-to-B taxi service.” 

Soaking up the sites 

Sites like the 16th-century Amber Palace and UNESCO world heritage site Jantar Mantar observatory are part of what draw so many visitors to the magic of Jaipur. Stroll Amber Palace’s cobbled paths and take in views of Maota Lake. The magnificent City Palace is home to Mughal and Rajput architecture. It is also the present residence to the last ruling royal family who live in a private section of the palace. 

You’ll also get lost in some more off-the-beaten path destinations. Explore the partially hidden lower level of Mansagar, a beautiful place of solitude often overlooked by the masses.  When you take a tour with the women of Jaipur, you’re making a personal impact on the local community and contributing to a cleaner environment. You’re also experiencing the magic of one of India’s most dynamic cities. 

Feeling inspired to rickshaw around Jaipur? 

Jaipur is a featured destination on our Essence of India with Ranthambore and Spirit of North & South India luxury guided tours. 

Travel to Jaipur with us and enjoy the opulent rooms of the 5-star Jai Mahal Palace.  Discover the 18 acres of Mughal style gardens in this magnificent hotel showcasing Rajasthan’s stunning heritage. 

Sample the best of the city’s exquisite food. Dine at the sumptuous 1135 AD, with its royal interior, traditional music and breathtaking sunset views. And, celebrate the final night of your voyage at the Cinnamon Restaurant in Jai Mahal Palace. Here the chef expertly blends traditional and contemporary cuisine from the four princely states of India. It’s an unforgettable feast. 

Visit our website for more information on all our luxury guided tours to India. Download our interactive brochure for 2022 & 2023 Worldwide tours. And learn more about our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. 

Imagine the luxury of having some of the world’s most iconic tourist hotspots all to yourself. To be able to take your time and enjoy them as you please. Well at Luxury Gold that’s how we believe travel should be and are proud offer our guests unique VIP access  to some truly amazing places. To tempt you further we’ve highlighted five benefits of visiting these magnificent landmarks out of hours.

You feel like a VIP

As you approach and the velvet rope is pulled back, with the doorman admitting only selected individuals to an iconic landmark, this is a truly VIP experience. This is Luxury Gold.

Join us to explore Italy and in Venice you’ll step into the spectacular Doge’s Palace after-hours for an exclusive tour. Bask in the 14th-century Venetian Gothic details, stroll the halls and  the magnificent Gold Staircase in an intimate group. Formerly the Doge’s residence and the seat of Venetian government, the Palace is the symbol of Venice and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

From the moment you enter to the moment you leave, the joy of such a rare and special experience at one of the world’s iconic tourist hotspots will leave memories for a lifetime.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy

Read more: Dine, Sleep, Do: How to spend a blissful 24 hours in Venice

You have the place to yourselves

When we dream of seeing the world’s magnificent sights, we generally don’t account for the crowds. In our minds it is just ourselves, wonder and awe. But understandably, iconic tourist hotspots are also popular with other travelers which can have its drawbacks.

Now imagine gazing up at one of Egypt’s ancient structures with just a handful of your traveling companions for company. If it is serenity that you are after, travel with Luxury Gold and enjoy exclusive VIP access as you explore UNESCO World Heritage Site the Temple of Luxor after-hours. Founded in 1400 BC during the Golden Age of Thebes, this was the largest and most significant religious center in ancient Egypt.

Meander at your heart’s content without having to think of others. Choose your own route as you explore, stopping to view anything of interest to you, without waiting in line or jostling for space. Embrace the unique opportunity to really lose yourself in your location and appreciate the wonders of the world in such a decadent way.

Discover this on: Elegance of the Nile

Read more: Travel and Leisure names Mena House Hotel Cairo one of the world’s best

You can take as long as you want  

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When presented with a Picasso or a Renoir, you want to savor the moment. And, with champagne in hand at a private viewing, you can take all the time in the world. Admire the subject and textures, the intricate details and contemplate the meaning of the masterpiece. With no pressure to move along, stay until your curiosity is sated.

At the acclaimed Rosengart Collection in Switzerland, we invite you to enjoy an exclusive VIP experience, with a private after-hours viewing. The collection exhibits over 300 works of art by 23 different artists of the so-called Classical Modernist Period, including Cézanne, Monet and Matisse. And is world renowned for housing two unique groups of work by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee. The Rosengart Collection was originally the private Art Collection of the art dealer Siegfried Rosengart (1894–1985) and his daughter Angela.

Whether you are an expert or just an admirer, and be it masterpieces or artefacts, having the opportunity to take your time is priceless.

Discover this on: Majestic Switzerland

Read more: Majestic Switzerland through the lens of a Travelling Concierge

You have more time to learn from your expert guide

The joy of exploring a magnificent palace is only enhanced with a historian at your side. Whether an aficionado or a newcomer, the amount you can learn from such an expert greatly enriches your experience. And when visiting iconic tourist hotspots after-hours you have the time and space to ask everything you want and more.

During an VIP visit to Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace after-hours you can use up every minute of your Local Expert’s time. At Luxury Gold we have selected the most knowledgeable and likeable experts to bring the iconic sights to life for you, and to truly personalize your visitor experience. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames, where Mozart performed as a child prodigy and ask anything you want. Whether you want to examine the opulent furnishings or the socio-political history of the time, there is no rush.

Discover this on: Harmony of Central Europe

Read more: Why a highly personalized travel experience has never been more important

Iconic landmarks have so much to offer, so many nooks and crannies and different aspects and angles. When you have access out of hours, you have the space and time to fully appreciate the finest details that you might otherwise miss.

Travel to England with luxury Gold and after the sun sets and London lights up, embark on a private tour of the Tower of London after-hours. Beneath the moonlight, a serving Yeoman Warder greets you and accompanies you through the grounds. While you walk they regale you with stories of this haunting site. Full of intriguing buildings and small historical details, enjoy the freedom to pick out the things that interest you most. With no one blocking your view or hurrying you along it is amazing what you can discover.

To round off a very special evening, you’re invited to to experience the ancient gate-closing ritual of the Ceremony of the Keys. This is the oldest practiced military ceremony in the world. Get an inside look at the history of the tradition and etiquette of handling the keys. This tradition has been carried out every night by the Yeoman Warder for the past 700 years.

Discover this on: British Royale

For inspiration: England destination guide

If you want to discover the world like a VIP and benefit from special access to iconic tourist hotspots, then take a look at our exclusive worldwide collection of luxury guided tours.