The Art of Traveling Rich

For the ultra-wealthy, summer travel isn’t just about getting away; it is a tradition, a must, the season of yacht parties and outdoor gatherings. While most travelers battle overbooked flights, crowded terminals, and sunburned itineraries, for the people of the upper class, stress simply doesn’t make it past the front gate. Gone are the frantic scrambles, the heavy sighs in check-in lines. Picture this: You wake gently, no alarms, no rush. The aircraft awaits, because it will not take off without you. Then, when you are finally ready, a car is already waiting for you, your driver greets you, and inside the car, chilled drinks and premium snacks await. Perfectly clean car, smells as it looks – brand new, the cabin’s temperature is set to your exact preference: not too cold, never too warm. The driver drops you off at the private terminal, reserved only for the elite. Your driver retrieves your monogrammed leather suitcase, places it delicately in your hand, and wishes you a pleasant journey. As you step into the hushed terminal, the only sound is the rolling sound of your luggage wheels against polished marble.

The Luggage Itself

The luggage itself is as expensive as it looks: the essence of looking wealthy while travelling, without the need to say it out loud. When someone sees a Louis Vuitton hard case with its signature monogram, a custom Goyard trunk, a sleek Berluti leather weekender, or a Rimowa aluminum suitcase with bespoke detailing, there’s no mistaking the message: this traveler operates on a different level.

Every element is created intentionally with one purpose – to look premium. Personalized monogramming, hand-painted initials on a Goyard trunk, or the heat-stamped monogram on a Berluti leather piece, mark ownership and tradition. Bespoke interiors go beyond utility: they are often lined in suede or silk, with compartments crafted to house watches, shoes, and even premium cigars. This is luggage designed not just for travel, but for identity.

It’s the contrast that tells the story: on one side, you see a traveler in the airport anxiously rearranging an overstuffed backpack at the check-in counter; on the other, someone effortlessly passing through the terminal with a Rimowa trunk, unbothered, put together. This isn’t just luggage, it’s a statement. Each single detail is a symbol of wealth and legacy.

Wardrobe Staples on Board

Curate a packing list:

For the upper class, the essentials aren’t the same as what you would normally think of. No, they do not wonder whether they remembered sunscreen or packed the right pair of socks. Instead, their focus lies in curating the perfect capsule wardrobe: minimal in volume, maximal in impact. The perfect packing list contains outfits that are in billionaire style: edited, curated, and expensive. The daily outfits lean towards the “old money” aesthetic – comfortable, yet elegant, like the Loro Piana linens in combination with The Row flats. Accessories are equally precise: a pair of classic black Prada sunglasses, with a vintage Hermès scarf, worn as a headband.

The dinner outfits are never overdone, always balanced between two words: effortless and luxury. Starting from a minimalistic Jacquemus summer dress that hugs all the right places, paired with strappy Alaïa sandals, promising not only a sleek and structural look, but comfort as well. Accessories are discreet and whisper power, like a classic pair of Cartier diamond studs. This is the kind of elegance that doesn’t chase trends, because it is the standard.

Beauty & Grooming Essentials

Of course, the Upper East-Siders never travel without their beauty and grooming essentials. Instead of buying travel-size bottles and transferring product from the original size bottle, skincare comes in the form of luxury travel kits from Augustinus Bader, La Mer, or Dr. Barbara Sturm. Fragrances are miniature, like Maison Francis Kurkdjian travel sprays, don’t take up a lot of space, and yet are long-lasting, ideal for travelling. Everything is precisely packed in a Valextra or a Bottega Veneta beauty bag – a reflection of the same quiet luxury that defines their every move.

Gadgets and Toys

⁠Include unexpected luxury items:

You will be surprised by the goods carried in those suitcases. Inside, you’ll find items like Vertu phones or custom iPhone cases, because even their tech accessories depend on their mood or outfit. In the unlikely event that boredom strikes, they have packed Gold-plated playing cards and a Hermès backgammon set. While travelling, the Noise-canceling headphones by Bang & Olufsen are a must, offering the perfect way to stay in your own world, unbothered by the chaos of the terminal. To bring a sense of home wherever they go, they pack playful luxury items, like a travel-sized Loewe candle or a miniature Diptyque diffuser, because small details make the difference and have the power to make every hotel room feel like home.

The “Just In Case” Items

Despite being from the elite, they have the so-called “Just In Case” items. But unlike everyone else, their idea of an emergency looks a little bit different. A last-minute invite to a private beach? No problem, a Frette pareo and vintage sunglasses are already packed, just in case. Or an unexpected gala? A folded tuxedo, a Patek shirt, and an AP watch roll with options are already packed.

For a quiet beach day, the essentials are out of the ordinary- a first edition book, a rare vinyl record for the villa’s turntable, or a sketchpad in case of an idea or a sudden inspiration strike.

It’s Not What You Carry, It’s How You Arrive

At the heart of it all is the philosophy of discreet opulence- luxury not worn for show but chosen for personal pleasure. It’s the softness of a cashmere throw in first class, the comforting scent of a Diptyque diffuser in a foreign hotel room, the quiet confidence of knowing your suitcase holds only what matters. It is quite interesting how different people live, diverse in lifestyles and habits. While money is the main force of the world, it is truly the mindset that defines wealth. This is the essence of Chiconomix: modern luxury: intimate, curated, and meaningful.