Wealthy travellers and what they buy
A recent study by Judaica WebStore analysed the luxury travel habits of wealthy individuals, focusing on the high-end purchases they make while travelling.
The study took into account factors such as the most sought-after items, average prices, and the specific destinations where these luxury goods are acquired.ÂTake a look:
Custom jewellery
Average Price: $5 000 – $150 000
Custom jewellery ranks high among luxury travellers, with destinations like New York City, Dubai, and Paris leading the way. New York attracts visitors seeking bespoke engagement rings and one-of-a-kind designs from Tiffany & Co. At the same time, Dubai’s famous Gold Souk offers a vast selection of gold and gemstones, often commissioned into exclusive pieces. Paris, synonymous with elegance, stands out for its celebrated maisons like Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier, renowned for their timeless craftsmanship.Â
Fine art
Average Price: $10 000 – $1 000 000
Fine art remains a favoured choice, with Paris, Florence, and New York as standout destinations. Paris provides access to historic galleries and Sotheby’s auctions for both contemporary and classic works. Florence, with its rich Renaissance heritage, attracts art buyers seeking original masterpieces or high-quality reproductions. New York, especially during events like Art Basel, offers opportunities to acquire rare and exclusive artworks. Prices for fine art vary widely, starting at $10 000 and reaching into the millions.
Limited-edition handbags
Average Price: $1 500 – $150 000
Limited-edition handbags are another draw, bringing wealthy travellers to Paris, Milan, and Tokyo. Paris is home to the iconic Hermès Birkin bag, often available through waiting lists or special orders. Milan is a hub for limited collections from Gucci and Prada, while Tokyo offers unique Louis Vuitton designs tailored for Japanese buyers. Prices for these handbags range from $1 500 to $150 000.
Exotic spices and gourmet ingredients
Average Price: $50 – $1 000
For culinary enthusiasts, Morocco, India, and Italy are popular for exotic spices and gourmet ingredients. Morocco’s markets in Marrakech provide access to aromatic spices, while India’s Kashmir region offers the world’s most prized saffron. Italy, particularly Piedmont, is known for its white truffles, a delicacy available only during harvest season. These gourmet items are priced between $50 and $1 000, depending on rarity and quality.
Antiques and collectibles
Average Price: $50 – $100 000
Wealthy travellers seek antiques and collectibles in London, Istanbul, and Jerusalem. London’s Portobello Road features vintage markets with rare artifacts, while Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar offers Ottoman-era treasures. Jerusalem’s Old City is well-regarded for its religious antiques, including menorahs and other unique items. Prices in this category range from $50 to $100 000.
Perfumes
Average Price: $500 – $10 000
Perfumes are a classic luxury purchase, drawing visitors to Paris and Grasse in the French Riviera. Paris is a leading destination for iconic perfume houses like Fragonard, where travellers can create bespoke scents. Grasse, the birthplace of modern perfumery, provides workshops for crafting custom fragrances from locally sourced flowers. Prices for these luxurious perfumes range from $500 to $10 000.
Luxury wines and spirits
Average Price: $50 – $10 000
For wine enthusiasts, Bordeaux in France is a destination unlike any other. Home to world-famous vineyards, Bordeaux offers private tours and tastings where buyers can purchase limited-edition wines. Scotland, known for its rare Scotch whiskies, is a must-visit for collectors looking to purchase exclusive bottles only available on-site. Piedmont, Italy’s famous wine region, produces the highly coveted Barolo, which is known for its complexity and aging potential.
Handcrafted leather goods
Average Price: $500 – $5 000
Travellers looking for top-tier leather goods often turn to Florence’s Santa Croce leather district. Marrakech is renowned for its handcrafted leather products, including bags and belts. In Paris, Louis Vuitton offers leather goods, with options to customize bags and accessories.
Fine china and glassware
Average Price: $200 – $5 000
For collectors of fine china, Vienna’s Augarten porcelain is world-renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and unique hand-painted designs, making it a sought-after item among collectors. Prague is known for Moser glass, with each piece crafted by hand and highly prized for its exceptional quality. London offers Royal Worcester porcelain, which is a must-have for anyone looking to invest in fine china and glassware.
Luxury watches
Average Price: $5 000–$1 000 000
Luxury watches remain a key investment for wealthy travellers, with Geneva and Zurich at the forefront. Geneva is home to prestigious brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe, while Zurich features high-end Swiss brands like Audemars Piguet and IWC. Prices for luxury watches range from $5 000 to $1 000 000.
