TOP 10: If money were no object

     It’s always fun to dream what I would do if money were an unlimited resource. Besides the obvious first moves like pay off debt, buy real estate and help the unfortunate - like I talk about in my “If I had a million dollars” article - I would like to focus solely on travel. How wonderful would it be to look at money if it were a simple boarding pass? Suppose your credit cards were linked to an unlimited source of money, where you simply need to only slide it to continue on and receive whatever it is you wanted. Here are some of the more brilliant experiences available to those blessed few, who may believe that money is no object. Keep in mind that the point of this article wasn’t to find the most ridiculously overpriced travel options, but to focus merely on luxury options available for some of the world’s most interesting travel destinations.  (Photo above from luxedb.com)

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Chopper trek & flight around Mt. Everest, Nepal - USD $5,000

     Mt. Everest is the highest mountain in the world at 8,848 meters (29,029 ft) above sea level and is a part of the Himalaya mountain range, which is the international border between China and Nepal. The human race has always had a fascination in exploration and pushing their limits - so of course, the tallest mountain in the world would be a popular choice to the typical climbing junky. The Everest Heli Trek offers a mix of flight and trek up the mountain over a six day expedition culminating in a helicopter tour near Everest above Kala Patthar (a popular viewing point of Everest).  (Photo by Julien Van Loye / ExploreHimalaya.com)

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Rent out a massive castle, anywhere in Europe - various from $14,000 to $29,000 per night

     Who wouldn’t want to stay in a historic European castle for the weekend? Prices range dramatically depending on size and exclusivity of the castle, but according to Celtic Castles there are many available for nightly and weekly rental. If you are looking to have a wedding or throw a celebration or party, or possibly hoping to have a private and romatic get away - a castle may be just what you need. Many castles offer excellent shooting and fishing game, as well as beautiful gardens, unspoiled wilderness and fine vineyards.
(Photo of Culzean Castle from NTS)

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Skydive license and lessons from over 10,000 ft, New Zealand - USD $3,365

     Skydiving the ultimate adrenaline rush - there’s just something special about the rush of a complete free-fall with nothing holding back. It’s only you, the pure silence of solitude and the bliss of falling helpless before it’s time to pull the parachute and return back to the tiny existence of everyday life. Ones perspective on life would dramatically be changed forever - a feeling of pure humbling. There’s no place more beautiful and breathtaking to skydive than New Zealand.  (Photo from Skydive.co.nz)

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Stay in the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at the Palms, Las Vegas USA - USD $40,000 per night

     There are times when the pure lavishness of the rich make me want to vomit - this is one of those moments. However, this is the ultimate penthouse experience on the famous Las Vegas strip. It’s described as the 'highest heights of the Fantasy Tower, where you’ll find every man’s definitive fantasy.' The villa is a two-story suite modeled after the infamous Playboy Mansion, boasting of 9,000 square feet in size with no luxury spared. It features an outdoor glass-walled Jacuzzi pool with a view of the Vegas strip, a steam room, an exercise room, a full wet bar with three bedrooms.  (Photo from FoxNews.com)

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Luxury tour through Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands, Peru & South America - USD $7350 +airfare

     Machu Picchu is the pre-Columbian 15th-century site of the Incas, located 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level. It’s located in the Cusco region of Peru on a mountain ridge above the Urubamaba Valley which is 80 kilometers (50 mi) northwest of the city of Cusco. Machu Picchu is the most famous icon of the Inca Empire, built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. It’s built in the traditional Incan style of polished dry-stone walls with three primary structures, the most well-known of which is the Intihuatana (Hitching post of the Sun) - a ritual stone associated with the astronomic clock and calendar of the society.

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     The Galapagos Islands are a collection of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean located 972 kilometers (525 mi) west of Ecuador in South America. There are 13 major and 6 smaller islands with more than 40 islets comprising of the Galapagos Islands. They are known for their vast number of endemic species of animals - famed from the studies of Charles Darwin during his voyage of the Beagle. Some of the more known and unique species on the islands are the pre-historic Galapagos Tortoises, Marine Turtles, Land & Marine Iguanas, Lava Lizards, Penguins, along with other strange birds, mammals, fish, sharks, dolphins and more.  (Photos from Jacadatravel.com)

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Stay at the Diamond Suite Winston Churchill at the Hotel de Paris, Monaco - USD $14,270 per night

     A short 20 kilometer (12.5 mi) drive from Nice, France and you’re in a another country. Monaco is one of world’s tinniest countries, but upholds one of the densest populations - it's also one of the wealthiest. Monaco is famously known for its gambling, international banking, and grand prix racing. The small principality of Monaco leads the world with the highest life expectancy at nearly 90 years (94 for females). The Winston Churchill suite is one of the more prestigious hotel accommodations available in Monte Carlo, Monaco, with its stunning views, private 8th floor access, large library, two bedrooms/bathrooms with jacuzzi and vast 70m² terrace.  (Photo from HotelDeParisMonteCarlo.com)

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Become one of the first space tourists - USD $200,000

     Virgin Galactic has been underway for the better part of a decade developing the worlds first commercial spaceships with successful inner-atmosphere test flights. If all goes according to plan VG will begin regular commercial launches in 2016 to just outside of the world's atmosphere, with its pioneer launch in 2013. Spaceport America in Sierra County, New Mexico USA has already been built in the anticipation of being the first-official spaceport in the states.  From article Bucket list - Space tourism.  (Photo by Chloe Rae / National Geographic)

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Feast & lounge at the underwater hotel and restaurant of Rangali Islands resort, Maldives - USD $1950 per night / $300 per meal

     The Conrad Hotels: Maldives Rangali Islands resort promises an unforgettable night below the Indian Ocean. The resort is more affordable than the Poseidon underwater hotel that I once featured as a bucket list destination. However, the meal price of $300 is definitely not for the budget conscious, but the underwater Ithaa restaurant, which is a part of the resort offers a 23 course seafood menu.
(Photo from Conrad Hotels / Hilton)

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Rent an entire island, Calivigny, Caribbean - USD $20,000 per night

     Like renting an entire castle - who wouldn’t want to stay exclusively on their own island? According to Private Islands Online, exclusive rentals of entire islands range from around $300 per night to $20,000 per night. Various islands offer specialized developments, from mansion retreats to build-your-own beach shack accommodations - either way, you will feel extreme peace and relaxation (unless you run into a hurricane, of course).
(Photo of Calivigny Island from PrivateIslandsOnline.com)

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Luxury safari, Africa - USD $32,000

     While many countries of Africa are up-and-coming and becoming safe havens for travelers - Africa still has a lot of uncertainty, danger and strife. The classic African safari is still one of the most popular bucket list experiences for nearly every traveler in the world. Now with luxury safaris, you can still experience the excitement of Africa’s wilderness, while also still remaining relatively safe and comfortable.
(Photo from AfricanSafariHome.com)


Majority of the information in this article is referenced from various Wikipedia entries or linked websites.

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