Audley Travel reveals insight into the HNWI travel market

Frequency of travel 

50 per cent of HNWIs expect to take two or three international holidays in the next 12 months (with 27 per cent taking two international holidays and 23 per cent three). 10 per cent will travel once, 13 per cent four times, 11 per cent five times, four per cent six times and seven per cent expect to travel internationally more than seven times. Only three per cent don’t intend to travel internationally.

Younger HNWIs expect to take more international holidays than their older counterparts. 12 per cent of 18-34s and 15 per cent of 35-54s plan to travel six or more times, whereas only eight per cent of over 55s say the same. Seven per cent of 55+ don’t plan to travel internationally, compared to one per cent of 18-34s – all 35-54s respondents expect to go abroad.

Spend on travel

For nearly two in three HNWIs (64 per cent), typical total annual spend on international holidays is more than £40,000 for the household. Seven per cent spend more than £140,000, rising to 12 per cent for respondents in London. More than two thirds (69 per cent) spend more than £25,000 per person on their main international trip of the year.

There is a correlation between the higher per person per holiday spend and the number of trips – a third (34 per cent) of the respondents who say they plan to take six or more trips in the year also plan to spend more than £40,000 per person on their main holiday.

What luxury travel means to HNWIs

To HNWIs, luxury travel means experiencing the world's best restaurants, tours and accommodation, enjoying exceptional service and having access to exclusive experiences and excursions (cited as the top three by 55 per cent, 52 per cent and 48 per cent of respondents respectively).

Males associate first class travel with luxury more than females (in the top three criteria of a luxury trip for 40 per cent vs 29 per cent), whilst access to prestigious events is in the top three for 34 per cent of females vs 23 per cent of males.

For wealthier HNWIs, privacy is key with 37 per cent for those with assets of £10m+ citing it in their top three, compared to 17 per cent for respondents with assets of £1m to £1.99m.