Skip to main content

Beyond the Bucket List: How to Vacation Like a One-Percenter

There are luxury vacations, and then there are luxury vacations. Most of us will experience the former at some point in our lives — on honeymoon, winning big on The Price Is Right, or celebrating the Miami Dolphins finally winning a damn playoff game.

However, there are some luxury vacations designed to tick the boxes off even the most ambitious bucket lists. For those, we look to Black Tomato, an elite tour provider whose annual Luxe List takes bucket list travel to an almost absurd level. For 2018, they’re going bigger and bolder with a host of extravagant, once-in-a-lifetime experiences you never knew you wanted. Here are five of our favorites.

Personal Champagne Concert Inside an Icelandic Volcano

Thrihnukagigur Volcano
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Champagne. Iceland. Volcanoes. Any one of these things is pretty awesome. But why not combine all three into one ridiculous, over-the-top private experience? For this, Black Tomato will fly you and (presumably) someone you really like via chartered helicopter into the crater of an Icelandic volcano. There, you’ll experience a private operatic concert and a Champagne toast, while golf-clapping and pretending you’re a Bond villain. Price from USD $25,000 per couple.

Arctic F1 Supercar Racing Under the Northern Lights

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Driving an F1 supercar is something most mortal men dream of doing, but probably never will. Ditto driving an F1 supercar across a frozen lake in Swedish Lapland (high above the Arctic Circle) on a full-scale replica of one of four legendary Formula 1 tracks, including Silverstone, Nürburgring, and Paul Ricard. Black Tomato ups the ante further by timing this experience to coincide with the Northern Lights. The stable for this package includes some of the world’s most exclusive rides: Porsche GT3, Maserati Ghibli S Q4, and Maserati GranTurismo Sport. Price from USD $5,000 per person.

Explore the African Continent via Private Flying Safari

Image used with permission by copyright holder

There’s a lot more to Africa than taking a traditional safari. If you’ve got five, well-heeled friends, Black Tomato is happy to prove it to you. Via private Cessna on their Flying Safari, travelers will cross the African continent from the Namibian desert to Botswana’s Okavango Delta to the Zambian savannah and Lake Malawi, before ending over the stunning islands of Mozambique. The 14-day itinerary soars over every imaginable ecosystem in Africa, providing a thorough view and appreciation of the vast and varied landscapes the continent has to offer. Price from USD $158,000 for six guests (all-inclusive).

Private Breakfast and Sunrise Fly-over of the Great Wall of China

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Great Wall of China is, well, pretty great — unless you’ve ever attempted a visit during peak season trying to elbow your way through a crowd of thousands. Black Tomato can arrange a private sunrise helicopter flight over the wall before landing on the Mutianyu section. There, you and your companion will be served a gourmet breakfast, then tour the world-famous landmark with a professional historian, all before the crowds arrive. Price from USD $3,400 per couple.

Night at the Museum, Dinner at the Palace

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you love fine art but hate crowds, the exclusive Night at the Museum package may suit you. After the snap-happy crowds disperse from the Louvre, guests are provided an exclusive tour of the legendary Paris museum. Alongside a gallery curator and private guides, you’ll explore 10 of its greatest masterpieces, plus a few the public has never seen. Because that’s not enough, the tour is followed by a private “Grand Siecle’”dinner at Versailles, courtesy of a team of Michelin-starred chefs. Price from USD $29,000 per person.

Featured image courtesy of Ullstein Bild/Getty Image.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Here’s the super weird reason why the Bellagio fountain was shut down this week
What prompted the fountains to stop?
Bellagio

The stunning spectacle of the Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas came to an unexpected halt on Tuesday, all thanks to an uninvited guest: the majestic Yellow-billed Loon. This rare bird is normally found only in remote northern waters, so its arrival on the Las Vegas Strip was a complete surprise, prompting the temporary stopping of the iconic water displays and live shows. 

What is a Yellow-billed Loon?
In a social media post from the Bellagio Las Vegas, it was stated that the Yellow-billed Loon is one of the 10 rarest birds in the United States. The adventurous bird was far away from home, as it is primarily found in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. As its name suggests, the Yellow-billed Loon is characterized by its striking yellow bill, which is a stark contrast to its black and white feathers. The bird is known for its ability to dive deep underwater in search of fish.

Read more
Delta is the latest airline to increase baggage fees — here’s how much every major airline charges now
How much will you have to spend in baggage fees on your favorite airline?
luggage in airport terminal

Preparing for a trip is an exciting time. First, you have to pick out a destination. If you’re a skier, maybe you opt for Lake Tahoe’s alpine magic. Or, if you need a warm getaway, Jamaica’s food, culture, and beaches could be ideal. Whatever you decide, performing research and learning about new locales is half the fun.

After securing accommodations, you’ll need to buy a plane ticket. But sometimes a fare appears that seems too good to be true. It probably is. Today, most major carriers charge baggage fees, making you pay to bring what you need.

Read more
Upgraded seats, renovated airport lounges, and more: 4 British Airways changes you’ll love
Will these new updates help the airline?
British Airways

British Airways took center stage at a media event in London on Monday, March 4, to unveil a series of groundbreaking enhancements set to redefine the passenger journey in the upcoming year. Business Insider reports that these transformative changes are not merely incremental adjustments but rather represent a giant leap forward, and the airline will put $9 billion toward the initiative. From cutting-edge technology to unparalleled comfort, these are the improvements that British Airways is promising to make. 
1. New app and in-flight perks
British Airways has revealed that they are working on a new app and website. Currently undergoing beta testing, these platforms promise to offer a level of customization and ease for passengers looking to change their travel plans. Gone are the days of lengthy phone calls to customer service; with the new app, passengers will have the power to make changes at their fingertips, effortlessly adapting their travel plans to fit their needs.

Additionally, starting April 3, Executive Club members will enjoy an added perk as they will be able to send messages for free using the onboard WiFi, regardless of their class of travel.

Read more