For travel lovers, the ringing in of a New Year means new vacation plans. But have you taken time to choose your new year’s travel resolutions?

If you are keen to make 2022 the best year of travel yet, then you are in good company. A recent poll from Expedia has revealed that 2022 will be the year of GOAT – Greatest Of All trips! They surveyed 12,000 travelers across 12 countries, and two thirds said this was their intention.

Check out these other top trends to help you choose your travel resolutions. And maybe your next dream vacation…

1- Step outside your comfort zone

It’s official! 2022 is the year to try something new. Are you thinking of getting back to travel? A popular travel resolution is to push your boundaries a little. There are many ways to add a little spice to your dream vacation without giving up all your comforts.

With Luxury Gold: Admire the Canadian Rockies by helicopter. There’s no better way to see these mesmerizing peaks. And get your thrills at the same time! You can choose a helicopter ride as an optional extra on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury guided tour.

2- Try New Foods

The world is bursting with flavors just waiting to be discovered. 40% of those surveyed by Expedia have vowed to be adventurous and try new foods on their travels.  We can all get stuck in a culinary rut sometimes, and it is well known that traditional recipes, delicacies and delights always taste best in their own country. For any particular eaters out there take a look at our sister blog from Insight Vacations for tips to help you on the way.

With Luxury Gold: Join a Tuscan culinary masterclass, set in the former hunting lodge of the Medici family on our Ultimate Italy luxury guided tour. Join a professional chef, uncover the secrets of Tuscan cooking then taste your creations over a lovely lunch.

3- Immerse Yourself in a New Culture

Travel is about more than just visiting another amazing destination. Travelers are keen to meet the locals and practice new languages. Learning new skills and joining in with local projects and activities are great ways to immerse yourself in new cultures too.

With Luxury Gold: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and culture of India in the stunning pink city of Jaipur. Join local ladies for a pink rickshaw ride, see the sights and learn all about their lives families and customs. Visit the local flower and spice market, enjoy high tea and sample delicious blends of traditional and contemporary cuisine.  Visit this beautiful country on our Essence of India with Ranthambore and Spirit of North & South India luxury guided tours.

4- Spend Less Time on Devices

Don’t we all wish that we would put our phones down and disconnect more often? Recent times have taught us not to take anything for granted, to savor the moment. Nearly a quarter of those surveyed plan to spend less time on their devices to be more in the present, and what better way to do this than with travel?

With Luxury Gold: Visit the magnificent Iguassu Falls in South America and devices will be the last thing on your mind. These immense cascades are the largest waterfall system in the world and sit on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Connect with the present in this enchanting world on our Classic South America and Grand South America luxury guided tours.

5- Get Back to Nature

Enjoying off-the-beaten-path experiences and destinations is a must for 2022, say a quarter of survey respondents. Maybe this means trying new routes around destinations you have seen before, or completely new journeys to faraway lands.

With Luxury Gold: Step away from it all with a voyage to the spellbinding Machu Picchu. It doesn’t get more off the beaten path than this! This is just one of the ways to get back to nature on our Treasures of the Incas 12-day luxury guided tour. Gain a whole new perspective as you explore the natural wonders of Peru.

6- Find a Sense of Contentment and Mental Well-Being

Wanting a little bit more from our travels is becoming increasingly important, to find a sense of contentment. This could be achieved by giving something back, contributing to the preservation of traditions or just knowing that you’ve left a lasting positive impact as you go.

With Luxury Gold:  Meet the fascinating and entertaining Marta on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, in Italy. Discover how she and her weavers are preserving the medieval Umbrian tradition of loom-weaving at their artisanal workshop. The workshop is owned by women and actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs. Meet the women and admire the craft, and bring this travel resolution to life on our Ultimate Italy luxury guided tour.

7- Go Luxury!

Among U.S. respondents, 40% say they are more willing to treat themselves and spend money on upcoming travel. This includes indulging in luxurious experiences, upgrading hotels or visiting a bucket-list destination.

With Luxury Gold: We’ve got all this and more! What better way to take the journey of a lifetime and visit the places you have always dreamed of? Think 5-star hotels, exceptional cuisine, VIP Experiences and your Travel Concierge and Well-Being Director taking care of every detail. With Luxury Gold you can just concentrate on having an amazing time.

So have we helped you make your travel resolutions?  Why not give yourselves the ultimate travel treat this year? Take a look at our collection of worldwide luxury guided tours in our interactive brochure and imagine yourself packing your suitcase.

As keen travelers we love to meet new people and experience other cultures, it is what travel is all about. Most cities around the world are welcoming to visitors, but some have earned an exceptional reputation for being incredibly friendly.

Here, at Luxury Gold, we’ve been doing some research and have highlighted some of the stand-out destinations on the friendliness scale – these cities are easy to navigate, offer amazing hospitality and a fun, jovial atmosphere. Now what could be considered more luxurious than a genuine warm welcome?

Dublin, Ireland

World renowned for its friendly people, Ireland is an enchanting country from its quaint villages and sublime landscapes to its vibrant towns and cities. To experience the very best of a warm Irish welcome, take a journey to its effervescent capital Dublin. A must for enthusiasts of history, literature, music and Guinness, Dublin is small but has it all. Experience the craic, a mixture of humor, intelligence, fun and entertainment for which Ireland is famous, and is guaranteed to make any visitor feel at home

The Custom House is a neoclassical 18th century building in Dublin, Ireland which houses the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Indulge in the very best of Dublin on our Ultimate Ireland and Castles & Kingdoms luxury guided tours. Both spend two nights in Dublin, staying in the gorgeous boutique Dylan Hotel. Choose to travel on a Chairman’s Collection departure and experience the ultimate in friendly invitations, as Patrick Guinness, historian, author and one of the heirs to the Guinness business dynasty joins you, after hours, at the Little Museum. Savor a a glass of sparkling, along with museum founder Trevor White, enjoy warm conversation and learn about Irish history and the origins of the Guinness’ brewing empire.

Vancouver, Canada

Majestic mountains, glistening oceans, rainforests, beaches and beautiful foliage make Vancouver an unmissable destination on any nature-lovers bucket list.  This coastal, seaport city is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada, truly a city for everyone, and is known for its affable, approachable people. Enjoy extensive parks, theatres and galleries, and treat yourself with fantastic shopping.

Tourists in Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park, Vancouver.

Arrive in Vancouver in style on our Majesty of the Rockies luxury guided tour, aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train. Taking the sumptuous Gold Leaf Service, indulge in gourmet dining and glorious panoramic views from the glass domed coach as you travel from Jasper to Vancouver. With a full day to explore this friendly city, see the sights, soak up the views  and enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Salmon n’ Bannock, the only restaurant in the city owned and operated by members of Canada’s First Nations.

Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.

In the country music capital of the world, expect a host of good-natured southerners who will flash you a smile and tip their cowboy hats to say hello. Nashville is a city eternally tapping its feet to the rhythm of life, where you will find good manners, intoxicating music and the very best of barbeque cuisine.

Nashville Tennessee

For music lovers, a visit to Nashville on The Sumptuous Soul of America and Southern Grace luxury guided tours is a truly unmissable VIP Experience, taking you deep into the heart of “Music City”. Tour historic Studio B with a professional sound engineer and take part in a choir-style recording session – you can even take home a copy of the recording as a one-of-a-kind souvenir to impress your friends and family! Join an esteemed singer/songwriter for an in-depth tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Then to top off an unforgettable day, take in a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry, country’s most famous stage.

If you choose to travel on a The Sumptuous Soul of America and Southern Grace Chairman’s Collection departure, you will meet one of two music legends, either Country Hall of Fame musician Charlie McCoy or Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Brenda Lee, for a special introduction to the city’s impressive music history. Wow!

Tokyo, Japan

Japan is renowned as a friendly, welcoming country, with a culture that places great value on courteous and gracious behavior, and its magnificent capital, the huge metropolis of Tokyo, is no different. An intoxicating mix of the ultramodern and traditional, where neon-lit skyscrapers sit alongside historic temples, there a new surprise for visitors around every corner. Despite its size, the city is so clean it almost looks brand new and, if you ever find yourself a bit lost in all the bustle, even with the language barrier you are never short of a helpful local to show you the way.

Tokyo Sky Tree and cherry blossom during spring at Japan.

Explore this amazing city and country on our 11-Day Majestic Japan luxury guided tour, and get deep into the heart of the fascinating culture and delectable cuisine with the expert guidance of your Traveling Concierge. Stay at the 5-star Imperial Hotel which has welcomed royalty, heads of state and celebrities for over 120 years, and enjoy flawless Japanese hospitality and sumptuous rooms. For lovers of gastronomy, choose to join a cooking class and learn about the art of making sushi, using the highest quality fish. Test your artistic skills and discover why it takes ten years to become a Master Sushi Chef!

Copenhagen, Denmark

Home to some of the world’s happiest people, cutting-edge architecture and radiating a laid-back lifestyle, Copenhagen is a colorful, welcoming city. Compact and easy to navigate, the danish capital is picturesque and surrounded by sea, with a center largely given over to pedestrians. Cafes and exceptional museums rule by day, with a vibrant music scene taking over the night. Famous landmarks include the Little Mermaid, the Rosenborg Castle and the Renaissance Stock Exchange.

Nyhavn with colorful facades of old houses and old ships in the Old Town of Copenhagen, capital of Denmark

Our Timeless Scandinavia luxury guided tour takes you on a magical 12-day voyage through friendly Nordic lands, starting in Copenhagen and finishing in Oslo, Norway.  A Luxury Gold highlight in Copenhagen, above and beyond the standard sights, is Tivoli, an amusement park founded in 1843 and considered a national treasure. Enjoy beautifully manicured gardens, let your hair down with thrilling rides and revel in the entertainment and enchanting atmosphere – a guaranteed a fun night out.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a sight to behold, spread out either side of the mighty Danube River, everywhere you look there is beautiful architecture and, when lit up at night, it is a truly unforgettable experience. Everywhere you turn, friendly residents are very keen to show off their customs, traditions and warm hospitality – expect music, smiles and lot of entertainment.

View of Budapest and the Danube river

Spend a blissful two nights in Budapest on our 13-day Harmony of Central Europe luxury guided tour, which also takes in Prague, Vienna, Kraków and Warsaw. Visit the stunning, neo-Gothic Parliament Building and see the Holy Crown of Hungary. Admire St Stephen’s Basilica, explore the medieval Castle District and visit the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Indulge your senses at the Michelin-starred Borkonyha Winekitchen, with its innovative and creative gourmet cuisine that combines French bistro style and contemporary Hungarian influence.

Feeling Inspired by the friendliness?

Well, we hope you’re feeling warm and fuzzy from all this friendliness, and that it has got you thinking about where to travel next for your dream vacation.

Whenever you choose to travel, we invite you to make up for lost time and treat yourself with Luxury Gold. Enjoy 5-star hotels, exceptional dining and exclusive VIP experiences that will stay with you forever. From the moment you leave your home until you return, you don’t have to worry about a thing, with your Traveling Concierge and Well-Being Director ensuring a flawless and luxurious journey tailored for you.

For more information on the fabulous destinations and luxury guided tours mentioned here, and all the amazing destinations in our collection, take a look at our website and interactive brochure for 2022 & 2023.

We’ve all been missing travel, the delight of exploring an exciting destination and soaking in its sights, sounds and aromas. The joy of meeting new people and learning about their culture has also been missed, but did you know there are many hidden benefits of travel beyond the obvious?

Maybe you have been traveling recently, or perhaps you are waiting for the right moment to explore the world once again, either way in case you’re undecided, we at Luxury Gold have put together some extra reasons for you to get back out on the road when you’re ready.

It is good for your heart

Travel is fun, that’s for sure, however were you aware that it is scientifically proven to be good for your heart? Studies have shown that taking vacations can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, a real concern for many today. A study by Finnish researchers using data collected over a 40 year period showed that those who take their full holiday entitlement are significantly less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack. And a U.S Travel Association joint study concluded that women who vacation twice a year significantly reduced their risk of heart attack when compared to those who only traveled once every six years. The same study also concluded that men who don’t take vacations at least once a year increased their risk of heart disease by 30% and their risk of death by 20%.

Travel improves your mental health and reduces stress levels

Travel is good for your mental health in numerous ways. It promotes happiness and helps you to take your mind off stressful situations, leading to lower cortisol levels, making you feel calmer and more content. Stepping into an unfamiliar environment among new people enables you to learn and adapt building resilience, ultimately making you more flexible, patient and emotionally strong. Plus taking a break from the daily hustle and bustle is essential for your mind to relax, recharge and rejuvenate. According to one study, three days after taking a vacation, travelers report feeling less anxious, more rested and in a better mood, with these benefits lingering for weeks after the journey has ended.

La Alhambra complex, Granada, Andalusia, Spain

Of course, we know the complexities of travel can be somewhat stressful, which is why we at Luxury Gold take care of every detail so you can just concentrate on having an amazing experience. When you choose luxury guided travel with us you can relax knowing your Traveling Concierge and your Well-Being Director are at your service for the entire voyage. Combine this with the very best 5-Star hotels and exceptional dining, who wouldn’t feel content and refreshed!

Planning a vacation makes you happy

The anticipation of taking a vacation is far greater than the anticipation of acquiring a physical possession according to this study by Cornell University, thus the benefits of traveling begin well before the journey does. We suggest that you test this theory by taking a look at our Luxury Gold Chairman’s Collection and imagining yourself sipping tea with a Duchess on a luxury guided tour of Great Britain (British Royale, Castles & Kingdoms) or by reading more about our VIP Experiences and picturing a private, after-hours visit to Graceland (The Sumptuous Soul of America). Just to be completely sure maybe add some thoughts about spending the night swathed in five-star splendor at Ashford Castle in Ireland, one of our fabulous hand-picked hotels (Ultimate Ireland and Castles & Kingdoms). Truly exclusive travel. Feeling happier yet? We thought so!

Travel promotes physical activity

With busy lives and regular routines, it is easy to let physical activity slide, and we all know how important it is for us all. Traveling allows you to be active for many hours a day, without really noticing how much you are working your muscles as you get discover your destination, peruse through grand museums, explore quaint towns and stroll around beautiful gardens.

Vineyards at Dianella Winery in Tuscany

Luxury Gold tours offer three activity levels of guided tour – Leisurely, Balanced and Dynamic – so you can chose the pace you want to take. For example, if you’re looking for a more active pace you’ll love our Dynamic tours which can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills – take a look at Ultimate Italy, Majestic Japan or Inspiring Indochina for three inspiring examples.

Travel benefits People, the Planet and our Wildlife

The benefits of responsible travel and tourism to communities are huge. Your visits can help support ancient traditions, boost employment and equality, and exchange important information and opinions with the characters you meet about ways of living with our planet and its wildlife.

We certainly believe travel is a force for good and include MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences on every Luxury Gold tour, which not only enable you to leave a positive impact but are lots of fun and will even give you some new skills!

Marta, workshop director of the Giuditta Brozzetti Atelier

When in Umbria, Italy, you can meet the delightful Marta, Director of Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, and delve into the colorful history of traditional Perugian textiles – try your hand at loom-weaving at one of the few remaining traditional frame hand weaving workshops in the country. Or get a unique insight into the slow food movement at Tracey’s Farmhouse in Northern Ireland – roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with an Irish soda bread-making lesson and indulge in a seasonal Farm-to-Table lunch in the most beautiful setting. Just two fabulous examples to whet your appetite.

Benefits of Luxury Gold

With all these extra benefits of travel, we thought it is a good moment to also mention some extra benefits of guided travel with Luxury Gold. As well as fantastic destinations, magnificent hotels, exceptional dining and VIP experiences, no matter where you journey with us, there’s never a crowd. Starting in 2022, you’ll always travel in a small group of about 20 guests on average on our luxury tours. With our small groups, you benefit from more personalized service from your Traveling Concierge and gain access to people and places that are closed to larger groups. You also benefit from having both a Traveling Concierge and a Well-Being Director to look after every detail of your vacation, and to ensure everything runs smoothly throughout leaving you free to enjoy every moment. So, the only thing you have to decide is where you want to go next?

For more information on Luxury Gold destinations click here. Tours for 2022 & 2023 are now available to book.