Luxury Travel Trends 2018 header-1.pngYou already know how tough it can be to secure the funding needed to support your cause. With passage of the recent tax reform bill, it may get even tougher.

As reported by Fox BusinessCBS Money Watch, Forbes and more, the new tax bill doubles the standard deduction for individuals and families. This means an estimated 21 million taxpayers will likely not itemize their giving for 2018.

While the change won’t affect the giving of those who are truly passionate about your cause – historically, itemizers are almost twice as likely to donate to charity and comprise more than 80 percent of total giving.

One bright spot: The increased deduction puts more money into the pockets of those who give small to mid-size gifts.

As the economy improves and GDP rises, people may set aside more money for travel.

Why not tap into growing donor travel budgets by offering exciting travel packages in your charity auction?

In today’s post, see which destinations are generating the most buzz among luxury travelers in 2018. Try using this information to come up with ideas for your next event.

Luxury Travel Trends Infographic v2.jpeg

Auction Items that Open Donor Travel Wallets

Donor travel budgets are a potential revenue source that many nonprofits leave untapped.

Surveys show 83% of donors budget at least $5,000 each year for leisure travel. Over half (53%) budget a whopping $10,000 or more!

Do you have wow-worthy auction items that appeal to travel spending?

Below are a few Winspire Signature Experiences and Luxury Properties that cater to bucket-list destinations mentioned in the infographic. They cost nothing upfront to use. If an item sells in your live or silent auction, you keep all the profits above the Nonprofit Cost.

1. Italy

Italy, a perennial favorite destination for travel, continues to draw 49 million visitors to the country each year.

The sun-soaked hill towns of central Italy offer donors the chance to slow down and enjoy the pace of the countryside. Towns like Cortona are rich with medieval cathedrals, 16th-century farmhouses, and atmospheric enoteche serving tasty wines and homemade pasta.

As noted in the infographic, immersive experiences allow people to feel like authentic “travelers” and not “tourists”. There’s no better way to experience the Italian countryside than in a private villa in Tuscany.

Appeal to groups of friends in the crowd with Winspire’s top-rated Tuscany Truffle Hunt Experience.

Tuscany Truffle Hunt

Tuscany Truffle Hunt

Cortona Countryside Villa, Truffle Hunting, Daily Chef-Prepared Breakfast, 7-Night Stay for Up to 4

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This is a seven-night trip for up to four people to enjoy in a 2-bedroom, 3-bath villa in the Cortona countryside. Surrounded by olive groves and overlooking the peaceful valley of Valdichiana, travelers are within a short distance to the town of Cortona. The outdoor terrace offers beautiful views and a perfect spot for barbecues and dining al fresco, while the garden and private swimming pool allow guests to relax “under the Tuscan sun.”

The trip also comes with an interactive truffle hunting experience. Donors first join expert hunters with their trained dogs to find and dig up truffles. Later, they’ll visit a small truffle museum to savor an unforgettable 4-course lunch with local truffle-based dishes and delicious wines, all prepared and served by the farmhouse owner.

2. Australia

Sydney, Australia earned high marks in multiple lists of Top Destinations.

Popular attractions include Sydney Harbour, Opera House, Aquarium and Wildlife Park, Sydney Tower and more. Whether donors are looking for adventure (like kayaking and surfing) or a quaint experience wandering the cobblestone cul-de-sacs, pubs and boutiques, Sydney offers something for every traveler.

Winspire offers an Explore Sydney, Australia Experience. Send your donors to the land down under with a 6-night stay in a classic room at 5-star Swissôtel Sydney, Australia and daily breakfast for 2, plus airfare.

Explore Sydney, Australia

Explore Sydney, Australia

5-Star Swissotel Sydney 6-Night Stay with Airfare for 2

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3. Thailand

As millennials (roughly ages 18 to 35 today) make up more and more of the work force, it’s important to procure items that appeal to both their passion for social causes and love of travel.

Thailand is a hugely popular destination among this age group. Millennials are flocking to the South Asian country to find thrilling adventure, cross world-famous landmarks off the bucket list and enjoy delicious cuisine.

One gorgeous property we offer in Thailand is The Tongsai Bay, a luxury resort in Koh Samui on the Gulf of Thailand. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and located along a serene private beach, travelers relax in private villas and eco-friendly, spacious suites. They’ll enjoy breathtaking ocean views from a private outdoor tub, unwind with a spa treatment, and simply take in all the natural beauty of Thailand.

This hotel is one of over 100 Luxury Properties we offer – discounted hotel stays at 4-and 5-star hotels and resorts around the world. Unlike Signature Experiences (which typically bundle lodging, airfare and a unique Experience), Luxury Properties are hotel stays only.

The lower price point makes Luxury Properties an ideal addition to silent auction tables.

The Tongsai Bay

The Tongsai Bay

Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand

Retail rate: $339/night

Our rate: $195/night

Winspire Luxury Properties

4. Costa Rica

Attracting more than one million visitors annually, Costa Rica is at the top of bucket-list tropical getaway spots. Visitors can spot sloths and brightly hued macaws, bathe under waterfalls, enjoy world-class surfing or just relax poolside.

One item you might offer: Costa Rica Getaway. Winning bidders can choose from two luxury Marriott Resorts in Costa Rica, plus daily breakfast and round-trip airfare.

Costa Rica Getaway

Costa Rica Getaway

5-Night Stay at Los Suenos Marriott (Playa Herradura) or JW Marriott Guanacaste (Tamarindo) with Airfare for 2

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5. New York City (Broadway)

As noted in the infographic, multigenerational travel is a growing sector of the travel industry. People are increasingly giving experiences as gifts to loved ones rather than physical items.

One gift idea for parents and grandparents that will create plenty of lasting memories: a trip to see Frozen on Broadway. The show opens this March and is already generating plenty of buzz.

Best of all, with a Winspire Experience, children can join a Broadway vocal coach and Frozen cast member in a pre-show vocal session in a rehearsal studio! Travelers then enjoy a private in-theater meet and greet with a cast member after the show.

Ultimate Frozen The Broadway Musical

Ultimate Frozen The Broadway Musical

Private In-Theater Meet and Greet, “Let it Go” Vocal Session, Mezzanine Tickets for 2

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