Do you love to travel but don't want the hassle of planning each trip yourself? Or maybe you're tired of staying in hotels and would rather have your own place to relax on vacation. If so, then subscription luxury travel may be right for you! This is a new type of travel that is becoming increasingly popular. With a subscription service, you have access to high-end luxury vacation homes and hotels all over the world. You can stay as long as you like, and there are no blackout dates. Plus, you get exclusive perks like early check-in and late check-out, as well as discounts on food and activities.
What is a Subscription-Based Model?
Nearly everyone is familiar with the concept of a subscription-based service. The first thing that may come to mind is a streaming service like Netflix. You pay a monthly fee to access media and it comes in several tiered pricing sets. The same is true for a luxury travel subscription. You have different options to choose from and each one offers a different set of benefits.
A subscription for luxury travel is often the right choice for those with the money to spend and the desire for high-end travel. Whether you’re going to New York or Los Cabos, Mexico, it's a good way to try out different places without having to commit to a long-term rental. And, you can cancel at any time. However, there is usually an enrollment fee and sometimes a monthly fee as well.
What are the Benefits of Subscription Luxury Travel?
There are several benefits of subscription luxury travel. First, you have access to a wide variety of vacation homes and hotels. You can choose your destination based on your mood or the time of year. With some subscriptions, you can book your ideal trip months ahead of time whereas with others they take advantage of last-minute cancellations and pass that saving on to the next consumer.
Second, you don't have to worry about planning each trip. The subscription service takes care of that for you. All you need to do is show up and enjoy your vacation.
Third, most luxury travel subscriptions come with a concierge service. This means that someone is available 24/seven to help you plan your trip, make reservations, and more.
Lastly, many of these services offer additional perks such as travel insurance, priority check-in at hotels, and discounts on other activities.
How Does it Work?
Subscription luxury travel is a new way to vacation. You pay one upfront fee or a monthly fee and in return, you get access to a variety of high-end vacation homes and hotels.
To get started, you first need to choose a provider and sign up for their service. Then, you can browse through their selection of vacation homes and hotels. Once you've found the perfect place for your next trip, you can book it just like you would any other vacation rental.
If you have any questions, there is usually a customer service number that you can call. And, if you need help planning your trip, most providers have a concierge service that can assist you.
What are the Downsides?
The biggest downside of subscription luxury travel is the cost. This type of vacation is not for everyone. It's important to do your research and make sure that you can afford the upfront fee or monthly payments.
Another downside is that you may not have as much control over your trip. With some providers, you have to book your trip well in advance. And, if you need to cancel, you may not be able to get a refund.
Lastly, this type of vacationing requires a bit more planning than others. You need to make sure that your travel dates line up with the availability of your chosen vacation home or hotel.
Luxury Travel Subscriptions
The biggest name in the subscription-based luxury travel market is Inspirato. Inspirato was founded in 2008 by Brent Handler and his father David. The company is based out of Denver, Colorado, and offers a variety of high-end vacation experiences including cruises, safaris, villas, and more.
Inspirato handles everything from itineraries to travel experiences. All you need to do is sign up and pay a monthly fee.
What sets Inspirato apart from other providers is its focus on customer service. They have a concierge team that can help you plan your trip, make reservations, and more. Plus, they offer 24/7 customer support in case you have any questions or problems.
To become a member of Inspirato, you first have to pay an enrollment fee. Then, you can either pay a monthly fee or an annual fee. Inspirato offers perks at all levels of enrollment. There are two price tiers for luxury travel, and neither is inexpensive.
The first is the Inspirato Pass. This pass costs $2500 monthly and gives you access to a variety of luxury hotels and Inspirato properties. The nightly rates for these accommodations can range from $500-$2000. However, with the subscription fee, these accommodations are at no cost to you. The only time you have to pay is when you book a trip, and even then you only have to pay a $75 reservation fee.
The second option is the Inspirato Club. This club has an enrollment fee of $4500 and an annual fee of $4000. With this membership, you have access to all of the same benefits as the Inspirato Pass, plus a few additional perks. These include discounts on airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.
What Inspirato offers is luxury travel for the high-end guest. However, it's important to note that this service is not for everyone. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, other travel companies offer similar services.
Other Luxury Travel Subscription Services
If you're interested in subscription luxury travel but Inspirato doesn't fit your needs, there are other options available. These services are similar to Inspirato in that they offer access to a variety of high-end vacation homes and hotel rooms. However, they may differ in terms of price, perks, and more.
One option is Luxury Retreats, now owned by Airbnb. This company was founded in 1999 and offers a selection of over 4000 vacation homes in 100 different destinations. To become a pass holder of Luxury Retreats, you first have to pay an enrollment fee. Then, you can either pay a monthly fee or an annual fee.
Another option is Onefinestay. This company was founded in 2009 and offers vacation rentals and five-star hotels in over 6000 cities around the world. To become a member of Onefinestay, you first have to pay an enrollment fee. Then, you can either pay a monthly fee or an annual fee.
If you're looking for a different kind of subscription model for travel, consider a service like Scott's Cheap Flights. This subscription service does not offer access to vacation homes or hotels. Instead, it sends you deals on airfare so that you can plan your trip.
To become a member of Scott's Cheap Flights, you pay a monthly fee of $49.99 with no long-term commitment. This service is best for those who enjoy the planning process and don't need help booking accommodations.
Credit cards often offer monthly subscription-type services or loyalty programs for travel. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers access to the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program.
To become a member of this program, you must first have an eligible card. Then, you can book your stay through the American Express travel portal. You'll receive perks like free breakfast and spa credits at participating hotels.
With so many travel clubs and vacation clubs out there, it can feel overwhelming when you're looking to join. The travel industry is waiting to show you the best it has to offer with its subscription-based travel services.
Looking for more about the travel industry? Check out our travel blogs!