Key Takeaway of Virtuoso Travel Week 2024: Air Travel is Overrated; Try These Methods Instead

Image courtesy of HX

The old adage that the journey is the destination is perhaps truer than ever. Unconventional travel — whether by train, cruise or yacht — was a major theme at Virtuoso Travel Week this year, and our advisors took notes. Here are the destination-as-travel experiences they’re most excited about.

Cruise: Celebrity Cruises, Galápagos Islands Cruise Vacations

“They offer all-inclusive packages that include shore excursions, tours, flights to the Galápagos, meals, transfers and gratuity,” Fora Advisor Jenny Hong said. “All cruises include participation in their Galápagos reforestation project, where guests can help by planting trees. They partnered with the government and parks, and are the only cruise tour operator to do this.”

Cruise: Explora Journeys

“This luxury cruise line is the best value at sea,” said Fora Advisor and HQ Cruise Lead Cameron Tempest. “Their ships boast spacious suites and spaces reminiscent of some of the most beautiful luxury hotels. Their culinary options are top notch, and each dining venue operates its own kitchen, unlike all the other cruise lines. Their fares are inclusive of meals, premium Wi-Fi, gratuity, alcoholic beverages — they will even customize your mattress and pillows.”

Cruise: SeaDream Yacht Club

“They have an incredible 1:1 staff ratio, but were voted the best value for boutique luxury cruise experience,” said Fora Advisor Nilda Del Valle Heller. “Their Mediterranean cruise itineraries are extremely flexible and start at one week. Clients have loved this yacht experience!”

Image courtesy of SeaDream Yacht Club

Cruise: Hurtigruten

“A great small cruise option for someone who wants to potentially see the Northern Lights!” Fora Advisor Chirag Panchal said. “Hurtigruten ships hug the coastline so guests don’t usually experience a choppy ride. Their ships are energy efficient, and they are very much focused on sustainability: Culinary on board is also claimed to be great and they source homegrown produce and fresh ingredients from ports they visit.” 

Related article: A Beginner's Guide to Eco-Friendly Cruises

Train: Orient Express

“All of the trains are super modern, but what's cool is they have taken old trains and completely refurbished them,” Chirag said. “Everything is included, from food, drinks and local experiences. There’s a maximum of 62 people on board, so it's a really intimate experience.”

Train: La Dolce Vita Orient Express

“A new luxury train experience launching in Spring 2025. This train is a similar product to Belmond Venice-Simplon, but it offers six itineraries beginning and ending in Rome, ranging from one to two nights,” Fora Advisor Stephanie Vaughn said. “Destinations include Tuscany, Matera, Venice, Portofino and two itineraries to Sicily…Not for families — definitely more geared toward couples.”

Yacht: The Moorings

“Not only do they offer charters, but they also curate your itinerary!” Fora Advisor Kaitlan Leonard said. “They offer self sailing, skippered or all-inclusive offers. Standard charters are seven days, but at times they can do five nights if requested.”

Feeling inspired? Connect with Fora to plan and book your dream getaway. Also check out our other key takeaways from VTW 2024: One-of-a-Kind Experiences Are In and Under-the-Radar European Destinations.