Traveling is one of the most exciting, enriching, and extraordinary experiences a person can have. Seeing new and naturally gorgeous places, experiencing cultures that are nothing like your own, tasting the local cuisine, and seeing what the big, wide world has to offer in general is an experience that will change you as a person in a positive way. That said, some parts of traveling aren’t exactly stress-free, particularly the lack of privacy that most travelers experience, getting from place to place and at some very popular destinations. If the thought of all those strangers makes you want to retreat into a cave, we have suggestions for travel options and destinations to make it all better again.
1. Begin With Private Travel
You’ll first notice a severe lack of privacy in commercial airports and when taking commercial flights. The tapestry of humanity is on display in all its glory at an airport, but that means longer check-in lines, more time spent waiting for a coffee at the airport Starbucks, and sharing tight quarters with the entire plane full of people you don’t know, even in first-class. Private jet hire alleviates all of these stresses.
Private jet travel is something special. You’re starting your trip, as you mean to go on: in the lap of luxury. To begin with, you can set your own takeoff time, making scheduling a breeze. Secondly, you’ll have access to an entirely private airport or a private boarding terminal, eliminating the need to be in a massive crowd while waiting for your flight. The jet will be empty apart from you, the cabin crew, and the pilots, making the flight itself a peaceful and relaxing affair with the ultimate privacy of having a plane all to yourself.
Private jets are usually smaller than commercial planes, too, which means that you can get closer to your terminal destination in many cases. This reduces the likelihood of encountering more new people (drivers, porters, etc.) and further enhances the privacy of the experience.
2. Always Book the House or Villa
A five-star luxury hotel sounds impressive until you remember that the rooms above, below, next to, and across from yours are all filled with other vacationers. Choosing a resort or destination where a standalone house or private villa is available to rent will cut you off from the maddening crowd to a large degree and give you the kind of privacy and autonomy that will make your vacation truly memorable.
When booking accommodation like this, you may also have the option to include a private chef service. This will eliminate the need to dine in restaurants, which means more privacy for you and your party.
3. Choose Bespoke and Private Activities
Taking yourself around a new destination can be overwhelming for many reasons. There’s a lot to see and do, and you may not know the best routes or times to enjoy the sights, leaving you in a rush of locals and other tourists. Booking private tours and bespoke activities through a travel concierge or a concierge service at your accommodation will help you see the best that your destination has to offer, but at a pace that suits you and in a way that gives you as much privacy to enjoy the spaces and places as possible.
4. Rental Car Selection
Renting a vehicle provides a significant upgrade in privacy and autonomy compared to public transportation or ride-sharing. By having a personal car at your disposal, you can curate your itinerary and travel at your own pace, unrestricted by fixed schedules or routes.
This not only enhances the sense of freedom but also eliminates the need for close physical proximity to other travelers, which is a key component of a truly private vacation experience. Therefore, securing a private rental car is an essential strategy for ensuring consistent privacy from the moment you leave your accommodation to your return.
5. Off-Season Travel
Strategic timing is a fundamental element of private travel. By opting to visit a destination during its off-season or shoulder seasons, you can dramatically reduce the presence of crowds at major attractions, dining establishments, and resorts. This deliberate approach to scheduling allows for a more tranquil and intimate experience, even in popular locations that are not typically promoted for their seclusion. This shift in timing is a simple yet highly effective method for ensuring greater privacy throughout your journey.
6. Self-Catered Cuisine
An equally effective, and often more accessible, method for ensuring privacy is to leverage accommodations equipped with a full kitchen. This approach grants travelers culinary autonomy, enabling them to source fresh, local ingredients and prepare their own meals.
This not only completely eliminates the need to navigate crowded restaurants and public dining areas, but also provides maximum control over the entire dining experience, transforming a routine necessity into a personal and secluded activity.
7. Privacy-Focused Planning
Hiring a specialized travel agent or concierge service is a crucial first step in planning a private getaway, a point often overlooked. These professionals possess the expertise and connections required to handle the complex logistics of secluded travel, from securing exclusive access to remote accommodations and private villas to arranging bespoke tours.
By entrusting your trip to a specialist, you ensure that every detail, from the initial planning phase to in-destination activities, is meticulously managed to provide a truly seamless and private experience. This leveraging of expertise goes beyond what a typical traveler can accomplish, effectively building privacy into the very foundation of your trip.
8. Destinations In Central America That Offer Privacy and Comfort
Bocas del Toro, Panamá
Arrive: Isla Colón, public airport, private terminal
Stay: Casa de Mono, a luxury private villa that puts you in the middle of a jungle wonderland.
This archipelago in northern Panama lies along the Caribbean coast and offers the same luxury island experience without the scores of fellow tourists. The pace here is laid-back; you’ll be on island time. The small sleepy town brings a relaxation and chill that’s hard to beat. Starfish Beach is a must-visit for the stunning, clear water and, of course, to see the sea life.
9. Destinations In North America That Offer Privacy and Comfort
A) Bacalar, Mexico
Arrive: Chetumal International Airport private terminal
Stay: Boca de Agua, on the stunning Bacalar Lagoon
Stay in private treehouses in an area renowned for its natural beauty and tranquility. This destination is kept at as low a tourist level as possible, and the lagoon is even protected by a “rest day” when no motorized boats are allowed to traverse it. The Maya once valued this location for its beauty and fresh water, and the town itself has a unique feel thanks to its location near the Belize and Mexico border.
B) Canyon Point, Utah- Amangiri’s Camp Sarika
Arrive: Page Municipal Airport. Amangiri arranges private transfers for all its guests.
Stay: Camp Sarika, Amangiri
The Utah desert landscape is exquisitely lonely, making it ideal for travelers who like private and isolated experiences. Camp Sarika almost disappears into the earthy colors of red-rock country and holds more than 900 acres on the Colorado Plateau. This sanctuary comprises private, modernist suites, the Aman Spa for pampering, and an eco pool embraced by a natural mesa. There are also 10 tented pavilions at the camp for extra privacy and a way to enjoy the landscape up close.
10. Destinations In Europe That Offer Privacy and Comfort
Muğla, Turkey- D Maris Bay Resort
Arrival: Dalaman Airport. D Maris Bay can arrange airport transfers for the comfort of their guests.
Stay: D Maris Bay Resort, The Villa.
Nestled between a verdant pine forest and the softest white sand beaches, D Maris Bay is a shining example of private luxury somewhere off the beaten path. The water is a vivid blue and waits to enfold you at five private beaches, each equally beautiful as the last. This is paradise for adventure lovers, with 20 private adventure activities available to guests. The compound has stores, five restaurants, a fitness center, and a relaxing spa. The private 310 sqm villa has gorgeous views and offers a break from the world.
These tips and locations will offer you the most private vacation experience ever. From beaches to jungles, from private residences to elite resort villas, this is the best of private travel.