For those of us who are constantly searching for the best airfares, the budget-priced but excellent hotel or the best season to go—well, National Geographic Expeditions aren’t looking to help us out. Not unless we win the lottery.
The company recently sent out a flashy 36-page catalog of its next five Private Jet Expeditions, with luxury private flying on a chartered 75-seat 757, luxury sleepovers, a full-time physician and a private chef and caterer who design meals based on local cuisine. And, of course, National Geographic area experts, photographers and writers.
Sound good? Get out your checkbooks! The prices start at a relatively modest $78,945 per person (with a $7,895 single supplement) for a 21-day tour of Central and South America. Next up are Around the World itineraries at $89,995 per person or $92,595 Around the World: Northern Route. For only $200 more you can get a tech-focused Future of Everything Tour.
But the top price is for an Africa trip that uses a 49-seat plane with flatbed seats (yes, you apparently don’t get sleepers on the other plane). Both planes are operated by Icelandair. Passengers are responsible for their own airfares to and home from the starting points. Oh, about baggage: No charge, but limited to 90 pounds. Who carries 90 pounds of luggage? Only the 1%.
