Lately we've seen a lot of travel brands get creative when it comes to generating revenue. With so many businesses having liquidity issues, we're seeing companies offer a deal if you pay now for travel later. In particular, we've seen lots of hotel brands sell discounted gift cards or stay certificates for future stays. In…
Continue reading: Explora Hotels Selling Vouchers With 50% Bonus
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Luxury and adventure don't really go together... what luxury sells is faux adventure which may be enough for the luxurious 🙂
Every travel company is looking for credit - whether in the financial markets or from customers.... good luck to them!
What a fantastic way to lose all of the money you give them.
I'm better off day-trading Hertz options in Robinhood, thank you.
The comments above say a lot about how this is perceived. I tend to agree. It's compares to transferring credit card points to LifeMiles right now, or buying points in a big bonus promotion these days. Who is going to risk it?
The travel industry needs to get more creative beyond just enticing us to give them cash up front. They are not to be trusted at all after what we have seen with many hotels refusing to return deposits and airlines not refunding.
Having been to Both Explorer Easter Island and Explorer Patagonia, all I can say is what splendid value for money they offer. While they are extremely comfortable , they are not ostentatious or luxurious in the true sense of the word. What you getting for your money are experienced, empathetic guides who understand and love with a passion the territory they are lucky enough to call home.
I would say Easter Island Explora is not bad. I would not say Four Seasons level for sure but given lack of 5* choices, it’s fine. The one at Patagonia looks like a dorm. The location is fantastic but I would hardly call that luxurious in anyway. I highly recommend Awasi Patagonia. You get a large free standing cabinet and a private driver/ guide to show you around. It’s not quite at Aman level but given how remote this property is, it’s good enough. With that said, Awasi is about an hour outside of the park so if Patagonia is the only thing you are looking to see, then it’s a toss up. Otherwise Awasi will take you to other surrounding area as well which is much less traveled and just as interesting/ pretty imo. Chasing after guanaco was fun! I was able to do citi fourth night free at this property couple years back. My flight out of Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas was crazy windy. I have never experienced anything like it. Makes landing at Paro in Bhutan seem like a cake walk. Actually I take that back. My flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla was much safer than the one I experienced at Punta Arenas. Hands down!
I loved Explora Sacred Valley! What's better than private hikes in low traveled areas in a region that is over-touristy?! And Virgilio Martinez was the guest chef during that time, and it's all inclusive. I can't wait to book another experience with them. Expensive and worth every penny.
Another “give us your money now, and hopefully don’t travel at all”-money grab...
I’ve been to the Explora Patagonia. Absolutely loved it. I went in the winter when it was way cheaper and quieter. It is expensive but worth it. It’s the right mix of luxury while still offering an amazing location, fantastic guides, and easy planning without worrying too much. We did 15-20 mile day hikes in groups of 2-4 people.
Again not for everyone but don’t dismiss it as overpriced luxury.