Jaclyn Sienna India knows how the super-rich love to vacation – she’s the founder of Sienna Charles, a membership-based travel agency that serves well-heeled clients on multi-million dollar trips around the world.
With clients including Wall Street titans, tech VIPs and Hollywood tycoons, India has high standards and endless resources.
But even billionaires make a common mistake when it comes to vacation planning that regular travelers make: choosing a vacation based on what’s trending and what looks great on social media.
“I think people need to stop following trends and follow their hearts more,” India told CNBC Make It. “If everyone flocks to the same place, then it’s going to be ruined by overtourism. There’s a A complete world.”
When many of her clients follow what she calls the “billionaire calendar” (think: Europe in the summer, Aspen in the winter) and end up going to the same places as everyone else, they end up being “very disappointed.” When a client says they want to visit a major European city in the summer, India wonders: “Then why are you going? You see more Americans than locals.”
India added that people with more income should avoid falling into “travel celebrityisation”. Vacationers “see what Beyoncé is doing or Jeff Bezos on a yacht” and want to recreate those trips “so you can share on Instagram that you did the same thing as the celebrity .
She found that “a lot of people were taking pictures of other people, but they weren’t capturing the place for themselves.”
Instead, India recommends choosing where to travel based on your interests and what you want to know. “Go to places that interest you and help build and shape your mindset (and) your world.”
Think about it: “What do I want to know more about? And then how do you connect with local people to help teach you that knowledge?” India said.
India, for example, said one of her main goals for the trip was to learn how other cultures achieve longevity, so she would visit places known for their health practices and lifestyles.
Think about what you are reading, watching, listening to and talking about to guide your travel decisions. “Maybe you’re watching something on Netflix that’s really deep into history, or you’re reading a book about Egyptology,” India said. “Then, delve deeper into the subject and learn more by going to (Egypt).”
You don’t have to spend like a billionaire to have a meaningful trip, she adds: “France and Italy are great, but it’s really built on luxury. Where’s the place to spend $50?” Eat on the dining car and get delicious food.
India says don’t count on destinations in South America, Africa and Southeast Asia, which are often overlooked but offer rich cultural experiences for not much money.
Ultimately, she says, “I think it’s important to look for places where you can have a deeper connection with the local people.”
Want to stop worrying about money? Sign up for CNBC’s new online course Achieve Financial Wellness: Happier, Wealthier, and Financially Secure. We’ll teach you about the psychology of money, how to manage stress and develop healthy habits, as well as simple ways to grow your savings, get out of debt, and invest in your future. Starting today, use code EARLYBIRD to get a 30% introductory discount until September 2, 2024.
Also, register CNBC Make It Newsletter Get tips and tricks for success in work, money, and life.
About The Author
