The most incredible experiences money can buy
Dreams now a reality... for a price
Space tourism is about to become a reality, and that's just one of many incredible experiences available for those who can afford it. From out-of-this-world journeys to a private concert from your musical idol, click or scroll through to see the amazing things that money can now buy, and what they cost. All dollar values in US dollars and note some experiences won't be available during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Live out your dreams
Space tourism is about to become a reality, and that's just one of many incredible experiences available for those who can afford it. From out-of-this-world journeys to a private concert from your musical idol, click or scroll through to see the amazing things that money can now buy, and what they cost. All dollar values in US dollars and note some experiences won't be available during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tread in the footsteps of Antarctic explorers
For those wishing to explore regions that few have been to before, a trip to Antarctica might just fit the bill. Several luxury tour operators enable you to travel to the southernmost point of the world, explore the legendary Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station (named after the two explorers who competed to reach the South Pole back in 1911), and follow in the footsteps of famous explorers.
What it costs
Jacada’s luxury Antarctic trip will set you back at least $93,500 (£68k) – though that’s including Antarctic treks led by professional polar explorers, ice cave exploration, kite-skiing, ice climbing, a flight over the South Pole and private viewing of an emperor penguin colony. Oh, and specialist flights, concierge service and luxury accommodation are all included in the 11-day, once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Unearth the remains of the Titanic
Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of the hit movie, the tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912 still fascinates many. Fans are able to get up close and personal with the very eerie remains of the abandoned cruise liner on exclusive scuba-diving trips. Heading 13,000 feet (4,000m) underwater in a specially-designed submersible, tourists can see all corners of the legendary ship.
Read more about the Titanic and the world's greatest shipwrecks and their treasures here
What it costs
Luxury private tour operator Blue Marble offers the tour with specially-developed, expert equipment – but it doesn't come cheap. The most recent tours run cost a staggering $100,000 (£72.8k) per person, which includes return flights from Newfoundland, Canada and three days of training, followed by three days of diving with expert guides.
Explore the depths of the ocean in your own submarine
Want to take underwater exploration to new depths? You can go deeper in your very own private submarine, perfect for thrill-seekers and explorers who are desperate to uncover the mysteries of the deep. Many models now feature clear domes and can travel up to 7,500 feet (2,300m) underwater, allowing you 360-degree visibility and the chance to explore greater depths than ever before.
What it costs
A personal submarine can cost anything from $1.2 million (£870k) to $38 million (£27.7m), depending on factors such as capacity, size, battery life and endurance. Companies such as Triton sell personal submarines, and it's attracted the likes of billionaire tycoons James Cameron, Richard Branson and the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.
Have your own James Bond experience in an amphibious car
Submarines are cool, sure, but what about a car that can drive on land and underwater? For your very own James Bond moment, it’s now possible to buy a sports car that can cruise across roads and, at the pull of a lever, submerge you underwater, with help from water jets, scuba tanks and propellers. The future is here…
What it costs
Hammacher Schlemmer sold an amphibious car, inspired by the submarine Lotus Esprit which Bond drives in The Spy Who Loved Me, for a not-so-modest price of $2 million (£1.46m). However, for 007 fanatics who just can’t get enough of cool tech, it’s a small price to pay for such an out-of-this-world experience.
Enjoy an exclusive concert from your favourite star
A private show from your musical idol sounds like a dream for many, but if you’re willing to pay out a hefty sum it might be closer than you think. Artists don’t tend to brag about these gigs, but many have performed them – not least due to the handsome paycheques they can offer.
What it costs
It’s hard to put a price on it but reported costs for booking a big-name artist are anything from hundreds of thousands of dollars to millions. In one lavish example, David Brooks, CEO of defence company DHB industries, allegedly paid $10 million (£7.3m) for Aerosmith, Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks (among others) to perform at his daughter’s Bat Mitzvah to around 300 guests. While billionaire Indian business tycoon Mukesh Ambani hired Beyoncé to perform at his daughter's wedding for a reported $3-$4 million (£2.2-£2.9m).
Read more about Mukesh Ambani: the story of the Indian billionaire who hired Beyoncé for his daughter's wedding
Rent your own private island
If you hanker after luxury travel but want a secluded experience, particularly after the pandemic, renting an island is the ultimate treat. With numerous options available from the Seychelles to the Maldives, Fiji to Madagascar, you can explore beautiful locations and dazzling oceans. Many island rental packages also offer butlers, private chefs, secluded coves and exclusive tours.
What it costs
Unsurprisingly, private island rental doesn’t come cheap – according to Private Islands Inc., a small 2.5-acre island off the coast of Belize starts at around $3,950 (£2,875) per night – although larger islands can cost upwards of $150,000 (£109k). However, when costs are split between a group, it may seem like a relatively small price to pay for such a unique and luxurious experience.
Have a private sandbank experience
If you dream of falling asleep under the stars to the sounds of gentle waves, turns out there are ways to do so now without compromising on luxury. Travel companies such as Milaidhoo offer the chance to stay on a private sandbank, with a four-poster bed, candles and battery powered tealights creating a romantic atmosphere.
What it costs
Try the Sleeping Under the Stars experience at Milaidhoo from $3,000 (£2.2k), where you can opt for a private butler, bespoke four-course dinner and yacht thrown in too. At the more reasonable end of the scale, you can stay on a Maldives sandbank (pictured) courtesy of Soneva Fushi resort from $1,900 (£1,380) per night.
Marvel at Mount Everest from a balloon
For adventurers unafraid of heights, here's the perfect trip for you. Join only a handful of people in the world ever to see the highest and most iconic summit of all from a hot-air balloon with experienced pilot Chris Dewhirst. Thrill-seekers get to experience 360-degree unparalleled views of Mount Everest from the skies.
What it costs
When it was offered, the trip cost an eye-watering $5.9 million (£4.3m) and is certainly not for the faint-hearted, as travellers must commit to a month of training to prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime expedition.
See the world in a year-long luxury cruise
If you’re a travel addict that just wants to go everywhere, aptly-named cruise operators The World provides a year-long trip that spans six continents, allowing you to visit more than 120 ports in over 30 countries. Compared to most cruise ships, The World spends almost twice as many days in port as at sea, giving optimum time for exploration of beautiful and exotic locations.
What it costs
Trips are designed by passengers in collaboration with ship captains, based on best sea routes and travellers’ personal desires. The bespoke nature of the trip makes it difficult to put a price on, but it’s estimated that a ticket on board will cost anything from around $600,000 (£436.8k) plus fees for a studio, to upwards of $2.95 million (£2.15m) for a two-bed ocean apartment.
Have a Star Wars moment on a hoverbike
The HoverSurf HoverBike looks like something from outer space, but in fact it’s a fully-functional, self-manned vehicle which combines a quadcopter drone with a motorcycle. Bearing a strong resemblance to the galactic speeder bikes seen in several of the Star Wars movies, these real-life versions use custom software to control velocity and range for the perfect ride.
What it costs
The futuristic-looking HoverBike costs $150,000 (£109.2k). There’s also a $10,000 (£7.3k) charge to be paid for an obligatory training package, which includes a custom Hoversurf suit and helmet.
Sleep with the fish
If you prefer the sea to the sky, the world's first underwater hotel villa may be more up your street. The Muraka is part of Hilton's Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, providing guests with an idyllic undersea escape complete with a butler, private island tours and your own speedboat, as well as panoramic ocean views from your bed.
What it costs
Even the en-suite bathroom has a panoramic glass wall, so don’t mind a peeping manta ray or shark. Staying in the suite 16 feet (5m) below sea level, which comes with a second level and another two bedrooms, will cost around $50,000 (£36.4k) per night before taxes and up to $250,000 (£182k) or more depending on the length of your stay, including your own personalised itinerary.
Space tourism
Space tourism, once the realms of billionaires’ fantasies, looks set to become a reality. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin is flying a sub-orbital flight on 20 July, with one seat being auctioned online. Elon Musk's SpaceX is flying an all-civilian crew on a flight that will orbit Earth funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, likely in September. Axiom Space, based in Houston, is flying three tourists to the International Space Station (ISS) next January aboard a SpaceX rocket piloted by a former NASA astronaut. The trio – American entrepreneur Larry Connor, Canadian financier Mark Pathy and Israeli entrepreneur Eytan Stibbe – will spend eight days at the ISS.
Space tourism
The three men are each paying $55 million (£40m) for the trip. But that's not the only intergalactic opportunity out there. More than 700 people have already signed up for a $250,000 (£182k) ride into space on a Virgin Galactic rocket, which the company says will be taking off this year. And Virgin Galactic's billionaire CEO Richard Branson anticipates that over time the cost of space travel will reduce to around $40,000 (£29k).
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