Curated travel is a more refined and personalized way of planning not just any ole trip, but an experience that you won't soon forget.
Travel curators are the brains behind the operation. They partner with a select group of hotels, restaurants, and special attractions that offer something unique, like hitching a hot air balloon ride over the temples of Myanmar.
What does this mean for the traveler? Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, they can now have a tailor-made trip with all the bells and whistles, without having to do all the research themselves.
What Makes Curated Travel Different?
Curated trips usually stick with a theme. This could be anything from culinary to adventure or even history and culture. They also tend to work with smaller groups of travelers.
Rather than crossing off bucket-list destinations simply by showing up and moving on, a curated trip offers a more immersive experience and handles all of the logistics for you. That might mean skipping the long lines at tourist traps and getting VIP access to exclusive events and experiences.
For example, you might tag along on a Mongolian eagle hunt or catch a festival in the Gobi Desert, but you might also have a more low-key experience like retracing Jane Austen's footsteps in England. It all depends on what the curator has put together for you based on your interests.
But perhaps best of all is the level of service and support that comes with curated travel. A good curator will be with you every step of the way, from planning to booking to post-trip follow-up.
What Are Some Real-World Examples of Curated Trips?
There are a variety of ways to experience curated travel. Here are a few examples:
- A wine-tasting tour of the Napa Valley arranged by a sommelier
- A photography workshop in Iceland with a professional photographer
- A tour of New Zealand for "Lord of the Rings" enthusiasts
- A culinary tour of Italy, with visits to local artisanal cheese shops and olive oil mills
- A ski trip in the Swiss Alps, with a personal guide to help you find the best slopes and trails
To plan the perfect curated trip, it's important to know what kind of experience you're looking for and to work with a qualified travel curator who understands your specific needs and interests.
How To Find a Curated Travel Provider
Curators like Explorer X and Superfly specialize in "transformative travel," which is any travel experience that allows individuals to improve their lives in some manner.
You could also find other curated travel providers by doing a quick search online. Start by typing in "curated travel experiences for" followed by the type of adventure or experience you're interested in.
For example, if you're looking for a cultural experience, you might type in "curated travel experiences for history buffs." Another would be "curated travel experiences for foodies."
These search queries should yield a list of unique travel experiences that may be curated to some degree. Once you've found a provider you like, be sure to read reviews from previous customers to get an idea of what to expect.
Travel Gear for the Curated Trip
A travel backpack system may be all the gear you need to explore the "Avatar" mountains in China or the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Our bundle includes a 42L travel backpack, an 11L everyday carry, and a sling belt that links the two together. The sling belt can also be used as a crossbody bag or waist pack, giving you plenty of options for how to carry your gear.
The best part is that it's all convertible, so you can use the backpack as a carry-on and the smaller daypack as a personal item on the plane.
Don't forget to pack clothes for a variety of climates and activities. Curated travel often entails going off the beaten path. Ask your travel curator if they offer a packing list for your specific trip or check out our packing list for some ideas.
Finally, make sure to pack your sense of adventure and enthusiasm for a new, transformative experience! After all, the world is your oyster when it comes to curated travel. Why not make the most of it?
Know any curated trips that we left out? We'd love to hear where you've been. Let us know in the comments below!
