We spoke to travel guru and Managing Director Penny Spencer to find out where well heeled Australians will travel to in 2023.
There are plenty of people who say they can predict where Australians will travel to in 2023, but Managing Director and experienced Travel Agent Penny Spencer from Spencer Travel who specialises in luxury travel takes us inside her black book to share where high end Australian travellers have already booked for 2023.
From a surge in bookings for Wellness Retreats to some serious high end bookings in Africa, Europe and Egypt, Australians are set for a huge year of luxury travel in 2023.
Renae: What are luxury travellers looking for in 2023 that they were not looking for previously?
Penny: New destinations and new experiences. Private islands, private boats and jets.
They want exclusive, and not necessarily flying commercial. So the Four Seasons Private Jet itineraries, or Captain’s Choice private jet itineraries get done more quickly and in style.
Chartering Super Yachts is also popular – as they can have a large groups of friends in one location and holiday in style. There are also now a lot of charter boat companies which make it that bit more affordable.
Private islands in Fiji, in Australia will also be very appealing for Australians as they provide plenty of privacy
Renae: Where is the changing demand coming from within the luxury travel market in 2023?
Penny: Clients are now wanting to book their bucket lists . With 2 – 3 years of no travel before, they don’t want to wait anymore and are prepared to book long trips, different destinations and dream holidays. They are booking well in advance and really planning their trips.
Four destinations that will see a lot of Australians in 2023 are:
Egypt, as a lot of clients watched Murder on the Nile and subsequently put Egypt on their bucket list
Africa Offers so many options, but most popular in 2023 will be trekking with Gorillas or taking the whole family on safari.
Europe The most population destinations in Europe we are booking for 2023 are Norway and Scandinavia for something a bit different and new experiences.
Antarctica This is big ticket item and location that people are now prepared to pay for as one of their bucket list items, as they have been dreaming about it for so long and do not want to wait.
Renae: What changes do you expect to see to Australian’s travel habits at Xmas 2022 and into 2023?
Penny: Instead of travelling domestically Australians are travelling overseas both for Xmas 2022 and 2023. Cruises and Large Villas are very popular as they are great for multi-generational family holidays, or even holidays with friends who have children of different ages.
They are travelling to Hawaii, Whistler, and Aspen in the US, as well as to parts of Asia like Phuket and Vietnam
Renae: What are the top five destinations you predict luxury Australian travellers will visit in 2023?
Penny: Egypt, Italy, Greece, Japan, and Africa.
Egypt – cruising on the Nile and for the history and excitement.
Italy is always a favorite, but Australians will be looking at different parts of Italy to visit such as Sicily and Puglia, as they have not been before and are looking for the food and wine experience and something new but still familiar.
Greece is back for its beauty and affordability, and offers so many different islands and types of holidays.
Japan; Everyone loves skiing in Japan as well as the cherry blossom season. It has been closed for so long, it offers a lot of choice and newness including new hotels and restaurants.
Africa – There are so many different areas of Africa and so many parts that appea. Africa is not just about safaris but has incredible wine tasting, luxury hotels, trekking with gorillas, the Migration, and culture.
Renae: Do you think Australians will travel to Europe in high numbers again in July 2023?
Penny: Definitely. We already have lots of bookings and finding it hard to find seats right up to Sept 2023
Renae: Are there any other travel trends you are seeing out of Australia?
Penny: Wellness is going to be big in 2023.
Post COVID clients are looking to do something for themselves, revive, rejuvenate, they want to feel alive again and connect with nature
Renae: How does someone choose between all of the different wellness retreats available?
Penny: It will depend on what they are looking for in wellness. Is it to lose weight, get fit, have multiple treatments, detox, receive Ayurveda treatments? The reason someone is going to a Wellness retreat will help them choose which one. It could also be about budget and location.
Renae: What are your personal favourite Wellness Retreats?
Penny: I love the closeness of Golden Door Elysia in the Hunter Valley. It is so easy to do a quick 7 day detox close to Sydney
You also cannot go wrong with Kamalaya and Chiva Som. They are both stunning locations and offer a variety of everything within the wellness space.
Renae: How long does someone need to go to a wellness retreat for?
Penny: Minimum 5 days to get the real effects
Renae: Should you travel solo or with a partner to a wellness retreat?
Either. I have done both and also with a friend. I liked all options but again it will depend on what you are going to a wellness retreat for and what you are hoping to achieve. The majority of Australians travel solo or with a friend to a wellness retreat.
Renae: Do you have some wellness hacks you can share with us that you picked up during a wellness stay?
I like to write in a gratitude journal each night/Include in your journal positive reminders so if you are there to detox you can find some positive words to help you get through/ Don’t check in with home – stay in the moment.
To contact Spencer Travel to book your own fantastic getaway , click here.
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