The World's Greatest Vacations

A high-resolution photograph of a luxury infinity pool overlooking the ocean, with lounge chairs and palm trees under a golden sunset—evoking affordable yet stylish travel indulgence.

Luxe for Less: Where the Dollar (or Euro) Still Goes Far in Style

2025-08-18

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations Luxury travel doesn’t always require an unlimited budget. In fact, some of the most indulgent experiences can be found in destinations where your dollar—or euro—stretches further without compromising on style. Whether it’s savoring five-star cuisine, enjoying a private villa, or unwinding at a world-class spa, […]

Why I Loved Explora Journeys – Part 2: The Mediterranean, Refined

2025-07-28

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations The only difficult part of an Explora Journeys voyage? Choosing where to go. Explora Journeys spans the globe: the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, the Red Sea, South America, Iceland, Alaska—even the Amazon. I chose Rome to Barcelona, a captivating westward sailing that included Naples, […]

A cliffside luxury villa at sunset overlooking the sea, surrounded by natural rock formations and lush greenery.

Castles, Caves & Cliffside Villas: The Most Unique Luxury Stays Around the World

2025-07-28

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations When it comes to unforgettable travel, where you stay is just as important as where you go. For those looking to blend luxury with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the world is brimming with incredible accommodations that go far beyond the typical five-star hotel. From sleeping in ancient […]

From NYC to the Ends of the Earth: Scenic Eclipse Redefines Ultra-Luxury Exploration

2025-07-23

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations 📍 New York City, September 10, 2019 — A moment that marked the dawn of a new era in luxury expedition cruising. 🚢 The Launch Heard Around the World It’s been six years since I was fortunate to participate in the dazzling debut of the […]

Explora II gliding across the Tyrrhenian Sea—a yacht-style silhouette of modern elegance.

Why I Loved Explora Journeys – Part 1: High Expectations, Exceeded

2025-07-21

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations Understanding the elegance of Explora Journeys requires sailing it. I boarded Explora II with high expectations—every one of them was surpassed. As someone fortunate to experience many of the world’s greatest vacations, Explora has climbed to the very top of my list. From the moment […]

Explora Journeys celebrates milestones for three ships under construction

2025-07-15

Explora Journeys is celebrating three milestones on July 14: the Explora III’s float-out, the Explora IV’s coin ceremony and the Explora V’s steel-cutting. The three ships are under construction at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy, where leaders from the cruise line gathered for the triple-milestone event. This was Explora’s second consecutive year reaching […]

A high-resolution photo of a gourmet in-flight meal with plated filet mignon, fresh vegetables, and a glass of wine, set on an elegant tray table with ambient cabin lighting.

Sky High Dining: The Best In-Flight Meals Worth Booking a Ticket For

2025-07-14

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations Long gone are the days of bland reheated meals in plastic trays. Today, in-flight dining has taken to the skies—literally and figuratively—with gourmet offerings that rival Michelin-starred restaurants. Airlines around the world are redefining luxury with curated menus, wine pairings, and regionally inspired dishes that […]

A high-resolution photograph of a neatly packed, stylish carry-on suitcase placed on a luxurious hotel bed, with curated minimalist travel essentials like a linen shirt, sunglasses, and leather accessories—evoking the elegance and efficiency of luxury travel.

Cruise & Carry-On: Mastering Minimalist Packing for Luxury Vacations

2025-07-07

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations In a world of overstuffed luggage carousels and baggage fees, the savvy luxury traveler knows that less is more. The art of minimalist packing isn’t just about saving space—it’s about curating a travel experience that’s both effortless and elegant. Whether you’re setting sail on a […]

A luxurious airport lounge featuring elegant seating, ambient lighting, and panoramic runway views—showcasing the next level of travel comfort and style in 2025.

Next-Level Airport Experiences: The World’s Most Luxurious Lounges and Transfers

2025-06-30

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations For seasoned jet-setters, the luxury travel experience no longer begins at the hotel—it starts the moment you enter the airport. In 2025, airport lounges and VIP transfer services are redefining what it means to travel in style. From private suites to spa treatments and gourmet […]

A private chef preparing a gourmet meal at sunset on an oceanfront terrace, symbolizing personalized luxury dining experiences.

Private Chef, Please: How Culinary Personalization Is Changing Luxury Stays

2025-06-23

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations In today’s world of high-end travel, luxury is no longer defined solely by thread count or square footage. Instead, personalization—especially when it comes to food—has become the pinnacle of indulgence. Enter the rise of the private chef experience, a trend that’s reshaping the meaning of […]