10 of the World’s Most Expensive Luxury Vacations

Private planes, luxurious accommodations, champagne every night...just a few of the perks awaiting travelers who indulge in high priced trips.

The lofty society lifestyle may only be available to most of us after we win the lottery, but a girl can dream, can’t she? Besides, even though a more reasonable budget trip may not offer champagne every night, Stride has a multitude of budget travel options available too. And after all the main point is to travel, regardless of the price tag, right?

Just for today, let’s pretend we do have an extra $80,000 laying around - where could we go? The options and extravagances are limitless. Africa in our own private plane? Sure. Or perhaps we want to be a bit more frugal, and spend only $20,000 per person on an amazing four month round the world adventure.

Whichever your choice, call the butler, pour yourself a glass of bubbly, and enjoy a few minutes of escapism aboard 10 of the world’s most luxurious and expensive vacations:

1. Africa by Private Plane - $84,950

For the man or woman who has everything. On this trip, you’ll feel transported back to the heyday of glitz and glamor. Take a ride on a 1930s restored railroad, taste delicious wines in the Wineland District, visit majestic gorillas, and feel the spray from the incredible Victoria Falls. Private game drives bring you up close and personal to the African wildlife. You may never want to leave!

2. Classic Antarctic Fly and Cruise - $11,050

Antarctica is a destination few get to experience and even fewer vacation to - since technically you can’t go except on a tour or as part of a scientific expedition. On these cruises, you will get to explore the remote lands via Zodiac through mysterious and icy waters. Observe incredible antarctic wildlife like humpback whales and maybe even catch a glimpse of an orca.

3. Emperors & South Pole - $67,977

In a room overlooking a dramatic ice wall, your luxury accommodation in the South Pole will feel like another world. Walk amongst incredible snow and ice formations on your way to an Emperor Penguin colony. Feel the kingship with these incredible animals (no you can’t take one home. I checked.)

4. The Human Journey: Legendary Peoples & Sacred Places - $67,950

Get your private jet ready - you’ll use it no less than four times on this three week trip. Meet local Mongolian families and stay in a traditional ger. Enjoy a private museum tours and reception with the museum director. Take a guided walking tour with a professional paleontologist.

5. Emperors and Explorers - $69,850

Visit an incredible Emperor Penguin colony accompanied by a professional naturalist. Explore the Amundsen-Scott research station, beautiful Union Glacier, and experience the other-worldy scenes that only the South Pole can provide.

6. Around the World - $30,681

51 Days, 5 Countries. Party like it’s 1899 on this tour which takes you around the world by train, (with a few river cruises and planes in between). You’ll make your way across the United States through China, Siberia to the plains of entrancing Mongolia, and through the canals of Venice.   

7. North Pole (50 Years of Victory) - $28,745

Aboard a powerful icebreaker ship, feel the explorer in you come alive. Ride a hot air balloon over vast expanses of ice and snow (children, this is when it will be acceptable to belt out “Let it Go”). Visit remote seabird colonies and appreciate the sensation of being on top of the world.

8. New York to New York - $28,715

Around the world in 134 Days. 18 Countries. Travel through Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, Europe, the UK, and the United States. Truly the trip of a lifetime.

9. The Alps by Classic Car - $25,850

Embrace the posh life as you explore Germany’s ancient streets and castles via BMW, vintage 1950s classics, and horse drawn carriage. Take a private tour of the BMW factory, and get the VIP experience as you stay and dine at a medieval estate. The only thing missing will be a cigar and a twirly mustache -- unless of course you already...oh.

10. Switzerland Walking Private - $10,495

Enjoy hikes in the fresh mountain air. Picnic lunches on a mountain top after taking the Glacier Express. Learn to make goat cheese at a private farm. Spa days at The Omnia Mountain Lodge. It’s the perfect alpine escape -- the fun kind, not the ‘Climb Every Mountain’ running away from Nazis kind.

Taste for champagne, budget for beer? Check out this list of amazing and affordable tours on Travelstride.