A luxurious oceanfront spa with an infinity pool overlooking turquoise waters, surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs, evoking relaxation and wellness by the sea.
Wellness by the Waves: Oceanfront Spas Worth Traveling For
2025-09-02

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations   There’s something inherently healing about the ocean—the rhythm of the waves, the salt in the air, the endless horizon. Now imagine combining that natural therapy with world-class spa treatments. Oceanfront spas are redefining wellness, offering travelers a chance to restore body and soul where land […]

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A tranquil luxury retreat surrounded by mountains and nature, with a serene infinity pool and cozy lounge chairs, symbolizing relaxation and digital detox travel.
Unplugged & Unbothered: Digital Detox Retreats That Actually Work
2025-08-25

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations   In a world of constant notifications, endless scrolling, and being “always on,” the idea of disconnecting can feel radical—yet it may be exactly what we need. More travelers are trading Wi-Fi for waterfalls, emails for meditation, and screen time for serene escapes. Enter the digital […]

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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, […]

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cruise ship sunset
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, […]

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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 […]

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Scenic Eclipse in NYC
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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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