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- While I didn’t experience luxury travel in my childhood, my career has enabled me to take my family on extravagant trips.
- My twins have primarily stayed in upscale accommodations and visited numerous lavish locations.
- I fear they may face a harsh reality when they grow older and have limited access to such luxurious experiences.
During my childhood, family vacations consisted of road trips to beaches or national parks in our old station wagon. It wasn’t until I reached my early 30s that I began traveling internationally with any seriousness.
I was unfamiliar with the concept of luxury travel until much later, when I embarked on a journey into freelance travel writing.
This new path opened doors for me to explore the world, staying at exquisite hotels and indulging in exclusive experiences. Coincidentally, this coincided with the birth of my twins—unlike their parents, they have only known an extravagant lifestyle while traveling.
Their lack of exposure means they don’t have any real frame of reference for comparison regarding their travels.
A Modest Life Contrasts with Luxurious Travel Experiences for My Children
Despite residing in a quaint two-bedroom house that is nearly 100 years old and prone to leaks during rainstorms, our family’s typical travel arrangements are quite lavish.
The resorts we frequent often provide us with suites featuring amenities like private pools, gourmet chocolates upon arrival, and expansive soaking tubs nestled within marble-clad bathrooms.
This past summer marked an unforgettable experience for my children as they enjoyed stays at both the stunning five-star Shangri-La Tokyo and the newly opened Four Seasons Cabo del Sol along Mexico’s picturesque coast.
The suite we occupied at Four Seasons spanned over 2,000 square feet—significantly larger than our home in Los Angeles—and included its own pool alongside an outdoor shower set within beautifully landscaped grounds.
The summer prior when they turned eight saw us retreating to a beachfront villa on Canouan—a Caribbean paradise known as a hideaway for billionaires seeking solace from millionaires. We arrived via private jet!
This unique access isn’t due solely to financial status like many other guests we encounter; rather it stems from their mother’s role as a luxury travel writer who enjoys exceptional opportunities through her work.
However, they’ve never experienced any other form of travel; thus they’re likely unprepared for what awaits them once they’re adults planning their own journeys using age-appropriate budgets and resources.
I envision scenarios where their college friends organize budget-friendly spring break getaways while they’re left astonished by these more modest conditions compared to what they’ve always known!
I understand those carefree adventures can be incredibly enjoyable—I was an avid camper and dedicated hiker before parenthood changed things! Yet all that remains familiar territory is luxury travel for them.