Private shopping and female-only getaways are quickly growing segment within leisure travel, catering specifically to women seeking exclusive and safe experiences. In fact, many travel packages offer bespoke itineraries that include private shopping excursions in some of the world’s most fashionable cities, access to high-end boutiques, personalized styling sessions, and of course, VIP treatment.
Female-only travel groups provide a supportive and secure environment, allowing women to explore new destinations with like-minded travelers. This trend is not only redefining luxury travel but also empowering women to embark on solo adventures in comfort and style. Friendship and shared interests have always provided a myriad of opportunities for ladies to get together. Add in the love of travel and you have the perfect reason for like-minded women to explore new destinations and experiences.
Women-only travel has increased over the past few years with some luxury purveyors of travel creating unique itineraries catering specifically to this demographic. These bespoke journeys promise comfort, convenience, and safety, providing ladies confidence in traveling solo.
Luxury travel providers know the importance of crafting travel plans that offer female guests safe, protected accommodations, and transportation. Boutique hotels are chosen not only for their location, and safety but also for the amenities they provide with women in mind. Spa facilities, luxurious bathrooms, and great restaurants are important; however, the feeling of security women get from well-lit hallways and attentive staff is immeasurable.
Travel arrangements with private jets or first-class air and porterage ensure ladies enjoy a comfortable and relaxed vacation. Luxury coach or limousine transportation provides the benefit of navigating the busiest of city streets or transferring to new destinations, while taking pleasure in companionship and being able to converse with the other members of the group.
Bespoke travel packages provide women the luxury of VIP treatment, more luxurious amenities, and exclusive access to private excursions that compliment or focus on the interests of the group.
Culinary experiences are elevated by private visits to restaurants and confectionaries for classes or tastings; while cultural or historic visits to iconic sites and buildings are more enjoyable when experienced in relative peace before the doors open to the public. Visiting the Vatican and Sistine Chapel without the crowds, the Taj Mahal at sunrise before the tourist buses arrive, and private tours of castles and chateaux provide memories that are unforgettable.
Besides the culinary and cultural experiences, shopping is always an integral part of most women’s vacation plans. Female travelers want the added benefit of private shopping excursions. The joy of walking into a signature store or boutique, closed to regular customers, with staff available to attend only to you and your select group is priceless. The ability to shop in relative peace and have the undivided attention of the store’s attendants is incomparable.
High-end luxury purveyors of clothing have traditionally opened their salons for private access to select customers, and they know the value of catering to their loyal clientele. The stylists at these stores can give shoppers insights and suggestions not readily available to regular shoppers and can sometimes give previews of upcoming collections and merchandise. Attracting new customers, especially from overseas, opens the door for women-only groups to capitalize on this opportunity.
From the Runway to Your Closet
A weekend getaway in Paris would only be complete with a shopping excursion to the Golden Triangle, the destination for exceptional shopping. This area contains the epitome of French luxury, bounded by the avenues George V, Montaigne, and the Champs-Élysées. Private appointments at famous boutiques like Saint Laurent Paris, Dior, Chanel, and Hermès are complemented by a luncheon at one of the several Michelin-starred restaurants nearby. Keep in mind that exclusive shopping experiences are not limited only to the world’s most fashionable cities like Los Angeles, Paris, Milan, New York, and London.
Dubai has emerged as a favorite destination for women-only groups. With legendary malls, traditional souks, and some extraordinary designers, shoppers have no trouble finding distinct items and one-of-a-kind clothing to purchase. In the historic Bur Dubai neighborhood, the Textile Souk provides an endless selection of raw silks, cottons, and embroidered fabrics as well as ready-to-wear items. Designers and tailors are also on-site, ready to turn fabric selections into any type of garment desired, ready before the guest returns home.
Unique shopping opportunities are constrained only by the destination. Private shopping visits to establishments for custom-designed silk suits and clothing in Bangkok or Hong Kong; designer sweaters in Norway; beautifully crafted shoes in Italy; or leather goods in Argentina (just to name a few), can all be included in tailor-made vacations for women.
Private shopping excursions are not only restricted to clothing, but the opportunities would also be determined by the interests of the ladies in the group, and the options are limitless. Carpet makers in the Middle East and Northern Africa provide private rug-making demonstrations, while guests enjoy refreshments and selecting exquisite hand-made rugs and hangings. Women who love porcelain and crystal can enjoy specially arranged factory tours and demonstrations at Waterford Crystal in Ireland, Wedgwood in Britain, Limoges in France, and Herend Porcelain in Hungary.
All of these tours provide ladies with the convenience of shopping at their leisure, the opportunity to be pampered, and refreshments, all in a luxurious and comfortable atmosphere. At the end of the trip, arrangements can be made to have purchases insured and shipped back home, eliminating the hassle of transporting excess luggage.
