If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to exotic destinations like India, Japan, or Madagascar, or would rather stay closer to home in Napa Valley or the Bahamas, flying via private jet is the most efficient, secure way to travel.
Luxury resorts, upscale travel firms, and private-aviation companies continue to assemble a wide range of transcontinental tours, providing guests with insider access and bursts of nature, arts, and culture. Local food, luxe accommodations, and one-of-a-kind activities are curated into these visits.
Some are private trips for a couple or family, but many of the longer journeys are organized into small groups, lowering the costs of flying and accommodations while enhancing sociability. Even with a group, one can still expect white-glove service, haute cuisine, and exclusive access. Short hops can be via helicopter or turboprop, while regional travel is on midsized business jets, and for crossing time zones, ‘bizliners’ (larger, converted commercial jets) are the only way to travel. The customized interiors of these large jets feature open areas, more spacious bathrooms, and fewer seats—typically recliners meant for sleeping. The longer group trips can also include medical staff, onboard chefs and chauffeured car services.
Here are seven of our favorite private-jet vacations. Some of these trips can still be arranged for the upcoming holiday season, while the longer, multi-destination journeys are dated farther into next year. But they can make wonderful gifts.
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Aman: ‘A Mindful & Cultural Journey’
Image Credit: Getty Images Visit some of Asia’s most impressive destinations with a customized 11-day flight plan arranged by luxury resort Aman. A Mindful & Cultural Journey expedition travels via the company’s customized Airbus AC319 private jet, with seats for up to 18 guests, open social areas, and two cocktail lounges. Flying out of Nepal, the itinerary includes stays in Aman properties across Asia, including Amankora Thimphu in Bhutan, Amangalla in Sri Lanka, and Amanbagh in India, to name a few. Beyond the luxe accommodations, the stops include local cuisine, pristine natural settings, revered temples, and colorful street markets. From $108,888 per person.
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California Wine Country Private Jet Package
Image Credit: Auburge Hotels Escape to California’s wine country, thanks to a new partnership between private aviation company Surf Air and two new Auberge Collection hotels, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern and Stanly Ranch. The package begins with two days in Los Olivos at the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern with exclusive wine tours and culinary feasts. That is followed by a flight on a Surf Air aircraft to the 700-acre Stanly Ranch where guests will enjoy spa treatments, cooking classes, and the nearby vineyards and incredible Napa restaurants, before returning by Surf Air to Los Olivos. From $25,000 per person.
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Four Seasons: ‘International Intrigue’
Image Credit: Four Seasons On April 15, Four Season’s “International Intrigue” experience takes off, transporting guests on a 24-day journey through nine destinations: Seattle, Kyoto, Hoi An, Maldives, Serengeti, Marrakech, Budapest, Florence, and Cap Ferrat. Guests will stay in local Four Seasons’ resorts, while being transported by the Four Seasons Private Jet. This converted, 48-seat Airbus A321 travels with an executive chef, a doctor, a Four Seasons concierge, a journey manager, and an assistant journey manager. The itinerary includes insider access to curated expeirences at every stop, with Majorelle Garden in Marrakech and Hungary’s wine region being two examples. From $208,000 per person based on double occupancy.
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Abercrombie + Kent: ‘Wildlife Safari’
Image Credit: Getty/Anup Shah Abercrombie and Kent is taking guests on a 20-day adventure to see some of the planet’s most remote wildlife. The Wildlife Safari expedition starts in the U.S. and travels to Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Madagascar, Uganda, and Kenya before returning stateside, onboard A&K’s chartered Boeing 757 aircraft—with lie-flat seats, concierge staff, and an executive chef. During the journey, 48 participants will experience sightings of endangered Bengal tigers, mountain gorillas, and dozens of other rare species, with curated experiences at each stop to generate memories. From $164,950 per person.
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Magellan Jets and Denison Yachting: Superyacht Charter
Image Credit: Denison Yachting Magellan Jet’s recent partnership with Denison Yachting provides a way to link private flight with yacht charters. One itinerary that caught our eye includes a charter aboard Rule No.1, a 131-foot superyacht that can accommodate 12 guests. The package includes a 25-hour jet card with Magellan, which accesses different jet types, along with a week’s charter around Baja California. After landing, guests will enjoy frollicking, feasts, and fishing from the yacht in remote, pristine waters while also visiting natural Baja landmarks such as Playa Punta San Basilio, Isla Coronado, and Agua Verde. From $343,750 per person.
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Blue Marble Private: ‘Bespoke Scotland Trip’
Image Credit: Recounter Photography Blue Marble Private has created a quintessential itinerary for golf and whiskey lovers on a journey through Scotland. On the seven-night trip, passengers will start with a stay at the Old Course Hotel, which boasts breathtaking views of the iconic St. Andrews golf course. During the week, golfers will sate their appetites at popular courses such as St. Andrews Jubilee Course, Dumbarnie Golf Links, and Kingsbarns Golf Links, among others. A helicopter ride offering aerial views of the wild, verdant Scottish landscape, private whiskey tastings, and other unique experiences are part of the journey. From $22,500 per person.
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XO Firsts Miami
Image Credit: XO Want a single-destination trip? In December, XO is offering members an unusual visit to Miami to immerse themselves in the local art and culture scene. The trip begins with a an XO jet flight, followed by a visit to Romero Britto’s Palace Studio for a private interactive tour and dinner prepared by world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud. The special itinerary is part of a new program called XO Firsts. Each month, a series of first-come, first-serve events are announced for XO members. Price upon request.