In a previous post I talked a bit luxury concierge services for time-challenged travellers and those who prefer to leave the arrangements to someone else. But I also think its possible to have a more independent holiday whilst still enjoying a luxury 
experience. Renting a luxury holiday apartment or villa is of course one way and the other is purchasing a travel guide suitable to your tastes.
experience. Renting a luxury holiday apartment or villa is of course one way and the other is purchasing a travel guide suitable to your tastes.
No longer the domain of budget-minded backpackers, there are travel guides these days for nearly every type of traveller, including those wanting a more sophisticated and exclusive holiday.
The first to recognise that not everyone wanted to travel a lonely planet was the luxury baggage makers Louis Vuitton. As to be expected, their City Guides are beautifully designed with a certain 19th century ‘grand tour’ feel to them. They now cover 31 (mainly European) cities and come in boxed sets or nine. But don’t bother looking for them on Amazon. In a canny marketing move these guides are only available at Louis Vuitton shops.
If the Louis Vuitton Guides are aimed at the more distinguished traveller, then the Wallpaper* City Guides appeal to those who appreciate art and design. Small (they are the same dimensions as the classic Moleskin notebook) and compact, each venue featured is accompanied by stunning photograph. Focussing on super select best spas, hotels, shops and bars (and low on practical and background information) you would be fairly lost if this was the only guidebook you popped into your hand luggage for a long trip, though for weekend city breaks they are great.
