While it’s not a travel style for everyone, luxury travel is definitely a great way to see the world. If your pocket book can allow for it, there’s nothing better than flying first class, staying in a suite at the best hotels or dining at some of the world’s most exclusive restaurants. Here are five apps to help you maximize your luxury travel experience.
1. Groundlink – This is a great app for getting fast and reliable car service just about anywhere in the world. Although it started in New York, and still guarantees super quick service in Gotham, sedans and limos can be obtained anywhere in the world. Just sign up for the service, register your credit card information and order car service directly from your phone. Your card is automatically charged and a receipt is given electronically whenever you use the service. If you’re in New York, you can even track your driver on GPS as they rush to pick you up. This is a great app for business or luxury travelers who need some help finding reliable car service.
Cost – Free
2. Marquis jets – The ultimate in luxury travel is avoiding commercial airliners and instead jetting off on your plane. Marquis offers fractional jet usage on a variety of aircraft. This app allows you to browse through their fleet with information on passenger capacity, range and everything you need to know to make the plunge and fly private. Granted, this is not for the everyman, but is a great app for the ultimate luxury traveler.
Cost – Free
3. Red Butler – This is a unique virtual concierge service and personal assistant requiring a monthly subscription fee. How much you pay depends on how much you need or want to have done, with the introductory level starting at $36.95 per month for 15 requests and tops out at $995.95 per month for unlimited requests. What do you get for this luxury price? You get access to a virtual personal assistant and standard concierge services in addition to travel discounts and access to the hottest events around the country. It seems to be mostly US centric at the moment, but I’m sure it will grow along with its customer base.
Cost – Free app, requires membership to service
4. Amble – Amble by Louis Vuitton is one of the app world’s first social-local-mobile app developed by a luxury brand. The idea is to connect Amble users with travel tips and advice based on their location accomplished through a series of destination specific ambles, or short walks. Let’s say you’re doing some window shopping in Paris and are curious what Sofia Coppola has to say; turn on Amble and find out. The user can also purchase in-app guide books, all revolving around the luxury brand’s unique aesthetic. The app is interesting in its attempt to connect chic travelers with one another and create a community of travel tips, but it unfortunately doesn’t connect to any other social media platform. Even though this a completely stand alone app, it’s a lot of fun to use and perfect for your next high-end getaway.
Cost – Free
5. Zagat – Food is a critical part of the travel experience, no matter what your budget. Zagat is one of the world’s best dining guides, all of which is accessible from your mobile device. In addition to ratings and reviews of more than 30,000 restaurants, you also get exclusive access to their online reservation system. While a little pricey for an app, it’s less than the cost of one guide and you get access to the entire Zagat library.
Cost – $9.99
