Billionaire adventurers like Virgin Galactic’s Richard Branson and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos are pushing the boundaries of extreme experiences, with pursuits from space tourism to deep-sea explorations. However, most affluent thrill-seekers prefer high-end yet less perilous adventures, according to Wall Street insiders and luxury travel providers.
Alexandre Cymbalista, CEO of Brazilian travel agency Latitudes Viagens, states that wealthy travelers are seeking unique experiences and personal development, rather than just luxury accommodations. These exclusive trips often come with professional photographers and immediate medical aid.
Abercrombie & Kent, a luxury tour operator, offers tailored trips that include safaris in Botswana and treks in the Himalayas. At a cost of $250,000 to $300,000 per trip, the company also handles unusual requests, such as assisting a Saudi prince in landing a plane on an aircraft carrier.
As the number of millionaires increases, so does the demand for unique experiences. From staying in luxury tents in African wildlife reserves to private art viewings and learning about watch trends from a Sotheby’s auctioneer, the elite seek personalized experiences. Goldman Sachs even offers its wealthiest clients exclusive tours around the Art Basel fair in Miami.
To cater to clients with more than $50 million in assets, Bank of America has partnered with luxury travel agency Indagare. For around $20,000, Indagare provides a three-day stay at a boutique hotel in Italy, combined with a visit to the Ferrari headquarters for test driving.
However, the growing trend of billionaires pursuing dangerous hobbies has raised concerns among some investors. About eight years ago, billionaire investors Bill Ackman and Whitney Tilson participated in a gruelling training camp led by former U.S. Navy Seals. Despite all participants returning safely, the risky nature of such activities is leading to apprehension among investors.
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