After two years of travel turmoil due to the coronavirus pandemic, the world is set to experience a return to the golden age of travel. With restrictions easing and borders opening, 2022 will undoubtedly be the year of the once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. Travellers have been dealing with cancelled or postponed trips for years and are now embracing the old adage: “there’s no time like the present”.  Whether the dream is to cruise the Nile River in Egypt or walk the ancient Machu Picchu in Peru, people are booking the most extraordinary bucket list adventures – and they’re willing to splurge to do it.

The year of the once-in-a-lifetime travel experience

Machu Picchu

Expedia is calling it the year of the GOAT, or the “Greatest of All Trips”. The company is naming extravagant bucket list holidays as the biggest travel trend of 2022, after its 2022 Travel Trends Report found that 65% of respondents intend to “go big” on their next trip. The report also found the top-searched international destinations for 2022 travel are Rome, London and Paris, along with Bali and Mexico.

Meanwhile, HomeToGo’s travel trends report found that searches for Tuscany in Italy are up 141% and the South of France are up 88%.

Amadeus is also seeing considerable increases in bookings for once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, with bookings to Peruvian cities near Machu Picchu up by nearly 50%, searches for safaris in Africa up by 36%, and flight bookings to Jordan’s Petra up by 22%.

The American Express 2022 Global Travel Trends Report found that 55% of respondents plan to book a once-in-a-lifetime holiday this year. The report also found that 74% of respondents are booking trips for 2022 even if they have to postpone or cancel later, and 62% intend to travel more in 2022 and take two to four trips this year.

So why are more travellers ready to spend big to ensure 2022 is their year of the once-in-a-lifetime travel experience?

Ready to indulge

Venice-Simplon Orient Express

Most travellers have not dipped into their travel funds for almost two years, so they’re financially ready to splurge on a memorable once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

A joint trending in travel report by the World Travel & Tourism Council and Trip.com found that 70% of leisure travellers intend to spend more on travel in 2022 than they have in the past five years. International spending is expected to​ rise by a massive 94% in 2022.

The American Express report found that people are not only willing to travel more, but are ready to spend more to do it. A whopping 86% of respondents plan to spend more or the same on travel in 2022 compared to previous years. Expedia has also found that travellers are more willing than ever before to spend big on travel.

Travellers are already putting their plans in motion, with American Express Travel bookings up 24% compared to 2019. Meanwhile, HomeToGo’s average booking expenditures have also increased by 54%, compared with 2019 figures.

The company also found that previously pent-up travellers are seeking more luxurious destinations and more spacious accommodation in 2022, despite the higher costs.

Importantly, travellers are being more thoughtful about where they spend their money and are seeking out brands that support local communities, such as Luxury Gold. The American Express report found that 81% of respondents want the money they spend while travelling to go back into the local community.

Seizing the moment

After losing two years to the pandemic, people are now feeling a sense of urgency to travel. They’ve been longing to get back out into the world and they don’t want to miss out on visiting the people and places they love, seeing bucket list destinations, and celebrating important life events. To make up for lost time, more people are now booking those remarkable once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.

So seize the moment now with a bucket list adventure. Whether it’s a safari in South Africa, a trip to see the cherry blossoms in Japan, or a journey around the most opulent cities of old Europe, 2022 is going to be one extraordinary year.

Where will you travel in 2022 for a bucket list adventure or a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience?

With its beautiful and quintessential architecture built upon canals and a myriad of small lanes to explore and get lost in for hours, Venice represents a burst of culture and history unlike any other. From Bellini cocktails and extravagant venetian masks to magnificent sights and luxurious hotels, how would you spend an extra 24 hours in Venice? Dine, sleep, do, here are our recommendations.

Where to stay – Bauer Palazzo 

Divinely located on the Grand Canal, just off St Mark’s Square, five-star luxury meets 1930s glamour at the Bauer Palazzo. Epitomizing the allure and decadence of the true Venetian lifestyle, step into a world of sumptuous interiors that transport you to a bygone era. Bask in the sublime views from the terraces and enjoy all that Venice has to offer.

This exquisite hotel is located just a few blocks from the iconic St Mark’s Square, making it enviably placed for you to delight in the many spectacular Venice attractions and soak up the atmosphere of this enchanting city. Admire the sights in the morning sun before the day trippers arrive and settle back in peace and calm when they depart. Sip a famous Bellini cocktail or a glass of fine Italian wine on the hotel’s elegant terraces, and gaze upon the Chiesa della Salute, one of the most spectacular landmarks of the city

Also read: How to spend 24 hours at 7 of the most exquisite hotels around the world

Where to dine – Glam Enrico Bartolini

With an extra 24 hours in Venice, there’s even more time to appreciate the delights of Italian cuisine, so why not treat yourselves to an unforgettable gourmet experience at the two Michelin-starred Glam Enrico Bartolini? For food connoisseurs this is one of the ultimate things to do in Venice. In a gloriously romantic setting, with magnolia trees shading you from the Venetian sun, the Glam restaurant is a destination in its own right. And the pairing of multi-Michelin-starred chef Enrico Bartolini and Resident Chef Donato Ascani offers striking cuisine. Admire magnificent views of the Grand Canal whilst savoring intense and harmonious flavors, utilizing a wide variety of vegetables and aromatic herbs. This is true alfresco dining at its finest.

If you prefer to dine at your hotel, the Bauer Palazzo offers two exceptional gourmet restaurants: The Settimo Cielo Rooftop Restaurant and the De Pisis. Delight in creative dishes featuring a fusion of different accents brought together by the culinary cultures of the Venetian and Mediterranean regions, all with spectacular views.

Where to go:

Photo by James Lee on Unsplash

A unique landmark of Venetian architecture, the 12th century Torre dell’Orologio or St. Mark’s Clock Tower is well worth a visit. Here you can climb the Campanile or clock tower, the tallest building in Venice at 99 meters, for spectacular views of La Serenissima. Note that this is a popular attraction and tickets must be booked in advance. Either choose a VIP ticket to skip the queues, or you’re perfectly located at the Bauer Palazzo to head out early ahead of the day visitors.

Photo by Tjaard Krusch on Unsplash

With an extra 24 hours in Venice, we highly recommend taking a day trip to the enchanting island of Burano. One of the most memorable places to visit in Venice, the island’s Kodachrome colored fishing houses are a photographer’s dream. Famous for its lace and seafood, this active fishing village has many delights to offer. If you want to experience the magic of the canals and the picturesque buildings in a much more relaxed atmosphere, Burano is the place for you.

Travel with Luxury Gold and your Travelling Concierge* will happily assist and advise you with locating and reserving tickets for sights and events.

Shopping:

Photo courtesy of: https://lauramorelli.com/

The delicate beauty of Venetian lace is coveted worldwide, and this is your chance to source from master craftsmen. The ultimate souvenir, Venetian lace became popular in the 15th century, and the dexterity of its craftsmen can be traced back to the making and repairing of fishing nets. Lace has long been a specialty of the afore mentioned island of Burano and it’s here that you can visit the Lace Museum for a fine selection and good deals. If you are shopping in downtown Venice then the lace dealer of choice is Jesurum, on Calle Larga XXII Marzo.

Photo by Andrea Woods on Unsplash

Handmade Venetian masks also make for the most exquisite souvenir or gift. And, for an unforgettable outing we recommend a visit to Ca’ Macana, located at Dorsoduro 3215. Not just a shop, but a complete experience, you can touch, try on and photograph the masks freely. A memorable thing in Venice to do, learn the history and meaning of the masks and see unusual creations and unique pieces not sold anywhere else. Here you will also find the models made for Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick’s provocative 1999 film, starring Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise.

If you are looking for the biggest names in Italian fashion; Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, Bulgari, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, then the elegant Calle XXII Marzo is only a few steps from Saint Mark’s Square.

Tempted to spend an extra 24 hours in Venice?

Book on our 12-Day Ultimate Italy luxury guided tour and stay an extra 24 hours in Venice, the perfect way to finish your journey. For a limited time, Luxury Gold is offering the Gift of an Extra Night on selected tours from our collection. The ultimate gift of time, imagine what you would do with an extra night in some of the world’s most exquisite hotels, at no additional cost.

*Though your Luxury Gold Travelling Concierge will not be with you for your extra 24 hours, as true connoisseurs of your destination they will happily assist with recommendations and reservations to make your extended stay unforgettable.

With their sumptuous decor, incredible views, comfy beds and splendid bathrooms, exquisite hotels deserve to be appreciated and admired. And spending extra time in a luxury hotel means the gift of time; time for relaxation, time with loved ones, time to explore as well as precious time for yourself.

Extraordinary hotels are at the heart of every vacation with Luxury Gold, and to transport you to a world of decadence we’ve put together a selection of the finest 5-star hotels in Europe and across the world. Whether you prefer to pamper or work out, sip cocktails, see the sights or stroll magnificent grounds, there are so many self-indulgent ways to spend a blissful 24 hours.

As a treat to our guests, Luxury Gold is giving the Gift of an Extra Night across selected luxury guided tours this summer, offering the chance to extend your stay at these exquisite hotels.

Mena House Hotel, Cairo

One of the world’s most spectacular sights, the Great Pyramids of Giza are the pinnacle of any journey to Egypt. Now, just imagine having this iconic natural wonder watching over you as you relax in your luxurious hotel. A frequent stop for dignitaries and celebrities, the Mena House Hotel is a truly exceptional retreat. Sip champagne cocktails on the terrace, soak in the heated outdoor pool and stroll 40 acres of green gardens, all under the pyramids’ mighty gaze.

We recommend slipping into pure relaxation at the sumptuous spa. Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating body wrap, indulge in a sublime foot massage and spend time with your loved ones in peace and serenity.

Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Cape Town

The exclusive, tranquil location of the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is simply breathtaking. The Atlantic Ocean rolls endlessly out in front of this exquisite hotel, with Table Mountain National Park and Lions Head towering behind. Enjoy the calm and privacy of a country hotel, whilst residing just on the outskirts of Cape Town.

Renowned for its dining, a stay at the Twelve Apostles is the perfect opportunity to treat yourselves to a gastronomic journey around the Cape. Think succulent produce and rich culinary traditions, from craft gin tasting to fine dining. And revel in fine South African wines, skillfully selected by their expert sommelier.

Grand Villa Argentina, Dubrovnik

Reside in decadent style with sublime views across the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik’s fairytale Old Town. Set into the steep hillside, surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens and enchanting terraces, the Grand Villa Argentina is one of the finest luxury hotels in Europe.

With both the beach and the city just minutes away, we recommend spending time by the crystal waters of the Adriatic, letting the golden sand run through your toes. Followed by a stroll through the cobbled lanes, fountains and Baroque churches of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Maybe browse local shops for gifts, or simply sip a coffee and watch the world go by.

Olha Eixample, Barcelona

This exquisite urban boutique hotel is set in one of the most vibrant neighborhoods of Barcelona. The perfect location from which to enjoy the delights of the city, you are just a ten-minute walk from two of Gaudi’s major works, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.

With numerous luxury boutiques on your doorstep, we suggest you treat yourself and engage the expert assistance of the hotel’s personal shopping service. Then, dine in style at the on-site Michelin-starred Xerta Restaurant. Savor traditional flavors and aromas from the Ebro Region, expertly crafted with fresh fish sourced daily from the local market. No stay at the Olha Eixample is complete without taking in the incredible views of Barcelona from the rooftop. Toast your travels with a glass of fine Spanish wine and enjoy one of the best vantage points in the city.

Hotel Schweizerhof, Luzern

Among one of the most prestigious destinations in Switzerland, Hotel Schweizerhof has been owned and operated by the same family since the 19th century. Marble columns, crafted floors and delicately molded ceilings exude elegance from every angle. It comes as no surprise that this luxury hotel is a favorite of royalty, writers, politicians, musicians and actors; Karl Frey, Richard Wagner and Leo Tolstoy have all rested here.

A hotel so striking you won’t want to leave; this is perfect reason to simply relax and enjoy your surroundings. Explore the art and architecture, indulge in opulent rooms and enjoy flawless service. All with spectacular views over Lake Luzern and the Swiss Alps.

JW Marriott Hotel, Lima

Serenely rising high above the city with its vast glass frontage, the 5-star JW Marriott Hotel is a majestic sight. Everywhere you turn there are windows, inviting you to feast on the sprawling ocean views and the golden beaches of the Costa Verde.

The Peruvian capital offers an extraordinary range of colors, flavors, emotions and sensations, and we recommend spending your time exploring this intriguing city. Step outside and into the vibrant Miraflores district, stroll beautiful parks and discover colonial-era riches. And take time to browse the many art galleries and museums offering a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Peru.

Bauer Palazzo, Venice

Located in the heart of Venice, the exquisite Bauer Palazzo epitomizes true Venetian lifestyle, giving guests a taste of 1930s glamour. Sumptuous interiors transport you to a bygone era, while elegant outdoor terraces invite you to sip fine Italian wine and bask in unforgettable views across Venice.

With its truly enviable location, this is the perfect opportunity to explore this magnificent city at your leisure. Just a few blocks from the iconic St Mark’s Square, take your time to admire the sights in peace and serenity before and after the day trippers leave.

Click here for more information on our Gift of an Extra Night offer and to see the full range of exquisite hotels where you could be staying an extra 24 hours.