This year, travel reached new heights for Ker & Downey. Our affluent travelers expressed a growing desire to venture to unique, off-the-beaten-path corners of the world. They also rediscovered familiar destinations through the life-changing lens of custom, immersive experiences. Even in well-traveled regions, our clients experienced firsthand why bespoke luxury travel experiences offer the best way explore.

Where Our Clients Traveled 

Once again, Southern Africa claimed the top spot as our most-traveled region. South Africa, Botswana and Zambia remain at the helm of our safari-based travel packages. Kenya and Tanzania come up just behind them and remain key trend-setters.

Close behind Southern Africa was Southern Europe, as our travelers became increasingly focused on destinations with charm and ease. Portugal saw an increase in travelers, as did Croatia with its beautiful yacht options in the Adriatic.

Another notable region that gained momentum this year was South America. Specifically, Peru (our 2024 Destination of the Year), Argentina, and Brazil saw the fastest growing interest.

Other ultra luxury consumer trends from our 2024 global travel trends report include Egypt, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. 

Our Favorite Journeys 

We asked our talented Travel Designers to reflect on their favorite custom journeys they created this year. Here are just a few of the standout leisure travel packages they designed for their clients: 

15 days through Scotland and Ireland in May 

This custom trip through Scotland and Ireland, created for two friends, offered a memorable journey through historic landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and luxurious hotels. They explored the ancient Rock of Cashel, kissed the legendary Blarney Stone, and cruised the serene Lakes of Killarney. They also marveled at the Cliffs of Moher and witnessed the untamed beauty of Connemara

Guests stayed in exquisite properties like Ashford Castle and Culloden House, blending opulence with history. Additional highlights included private tours of Waterford Crystal, a falconry experience, whisky tastings, and visits to iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness.  Indeed, each day came packed with enriching experiences.

A Family Journey through Iceland in June 

This bucket list journey through Iceland offered a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury. Guests arrived in Reykjavik and began their exploration with a relaxing visit to the Sky Lagoon. They then enjoyed an indulgent stay at The Reykjavik EDITION, a Ker & Downey favorite.

We filled the rest of their days with awe-inspiring experiences. For example, they descended into a volcano at Þríhnúkagígur and snowmobiled across Langjökull glacier. They also marveled at the iconic Gullfoss waterfall and the geysers of the Golden Circle.

Additional highlights included witnessing the icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, hiking in Þórsmörk Valley, horseback riding on Icelandic horses, and exploring ancient lava tunnels. Each evening concluded with relaxing stays in luxurious retreats like Torfhús and Skálakot Manor.

A Luxury Safari Through Southern Africa in February 

In this exclusive, custom designed safari, travelers embarked on an unforgettable journey through Southern Africa by plane, train, and safari vehicle. Their adventure began with a warm welcome in Johannesburg. From there, they then traveled to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, for a stay at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel. Indeed, breathtaking views of the falls and a colonial charm set the tone for exploration.

Their trip continued with a scenic Rovos Rail expedition. They followed it with a stay at Pretoria’s Tuscan-inspired Castello di Monte. Upon returning to Johannesburg, the group visited historical landmarks such as the Cradle of Humankind and Soweto. Next, they settled into the elegant Saxon Hotel, a travel industry favorite.

Their adventure deepened in Kruger National Park, with game drives and a unique stay aboard the Kruger Shalati Train on the Bridge. The travelers then explored the historical battlefields of Rorke’s Drift while staying at Fugitive’s Drift Lodge.

Finally, the journey concluded with a serene retreat at the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve. Here they immersed themselves in ancient San culture, pristine landscapes, and thrilling outdoor activities. The trip offered a perfect blend of luxury, culture, history, and wildlife adventure. 

QUEST Magazine 

Our biannual QUEST Magazine showcases the best of global luxury travel. Every issue is crafted in-house and reflects our team's firsthand experiences of the most extraordinary destinations, restaurants, properties, and trends in high-end travel. 

Where We Traveled

Our small but mighty team was on the move in 2024. We collectively visted 31 countries across six continents. All the while, we sought out the world’s best experiences for our clients and scouted out the next luxury travel trends 2025.

Highlights of our travels include Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Egypt, and Madagascar in Africa, as well as Costa Rica, Guyana, Peru, Argentina, and Chile in Latin America, and Portugal, Spain, Malta, Iceland, Switzerland, Wales, Scotland, Armenia, and Georgia in Europe. Additional favorites were Sri Lanka, Australia, and San Miguel de Allende. 

2024 Destination of the Year