Bespoke travel may appear too polished to be thrilling. But with the right hands guiding it, even the most meticulously planned adventure can feel electrifying

Thrill, as it’s often sold to us, comes with dust in your teeth. It is loud, fast, and spontaneous. A little danger is to be expected, if not encouraged. In travel, this translates to a small yet intoxicating abandonment of sensibility. Whether it’s backpacking across borders, leaping into freezing lakes, or saying yes to strange detours and stranger company, a thrilling expedition—we’re told—can only be achieved by taking the path least comfortable.

There is, of course, a certain truth to this. The unknown is inherently intriguing. And a journey that unspools through happenstance carries with it a kind of wild, irreproducible energy.

Luxury travel—particularly the white-gloved, concierge-led kind—is rarely framed in such terms. To some, premium concierge services, although increasingly popular among discerning travellers, appear antithetical to the very idea of adventure. After all, where’s the thrill in commissioning an expert to plan and curate every last detail of your trip?

The modern traveller, however, is no longer satiated by silk sheets and caviar. Rare and meaningful experiences have become the true prize—and few are better placed to deliver them than white-gloved concierge services. With their finely tuned networks and unbridled access to places and moments typically hidden from the public, these travel experts promise to unlock doors to the most exclusive experiences around the world. Whether it’s a private tour of a fully booked museum or an intimate wine-tasting at a centuries-old Roman fort, these travel operators, quite literally at times, hold the keys to the castle.

In exchange, you give up a little spontaneity. In place of the rare dopamine rush that comes when you stumble across a quaint café or bookshop organically, you receive a fully tailored itinerary that has taken your dedicated travel concierge months of meticulous work to plan and curate. Some might lament the loss of exploration and natural discovery. But when all you have to do is wait to be whisked away to your dream destination for a truly behind-closed-doors experience, well, there’s a certain euphoria that comes with it too.

Getting the most out of a premium concierge service, however, requires a little vulnerability on your part. You don’t have to start confessing your sins, but offering a small peek into your habits and preferences can elevate your trip to new heights. While it’s tempting to immediately discuss potential destinations and experiences, the best way to begin is by sharing your routines, non-negotiables, and proclivities.

The best white-gloved concierge services understand this. Rather than attempting to dazzle you with the breadth of their portfolio, a truly world-class operator strives to build a relationship. The result is a dedicated travel manager who anticipates your needs and ensures that every detail of your trip, no matter how slight, is tailor-fitted to you.

In more ways than one, this close attention to detail can feel exhilarating. After all, when you find yourself booked for a massage because you’d once mentioned having trouble sleeping, or being seated at a quiet table in a restaurant that happens to serve the dish you’ve always wanted to try, it’s hard not to feel seen. And when it happens seamlessly—intuitively, and imperceptibly—it’s only natural to feel more than a little titillated.

This story first appeared in the May 2025 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here