Of course, that is only sometimes possible, and that’s why it’s essential to understand peak days, or what some companies call high-demand days. Whatever the name, there are three significant challenges you have to reckon with during those periods.

1. Peak Day Surcharges

Many private jet flight providers heap surcharges on peak or high-demand days. These extra fees range from minimal to as high as 100%. The higher the surcharge, the stronger the message that the provider would prefer you not fly on that day.

In addition to being more expensive, busy days mean more delays. They happen on the ground at private jet terminals, which are still often short-staffed, post-COVID; and in the air, where the nation’s air traffic control systems are often overloaded.

2. Longer Booking and Cancel Windows

Flexibility is a crucial reason to fly privately. But restrictions on peak days can be intense.

Programs that let you book and cancel or change your flights at contracted rates as little as 24, 48, or 72 hours before departure will have a longer lead time requirement, or what’s known as “callout,” on peak days. In some cases, it can be as much as seven to ten days before your flight.

If you cancel too late, you could lose 100% of your money, according to the terms of the contract you signed. Some programs do not permit changes or cancellations at all after you book on peak days, so read the fine print.

And no, it’s not like the airlines where they assess a fee, and you receive the remainder of your value in a flight credit. With private aviation, your money is gone.

3. Sliding Departures on Peak Days

Another great benefit of flying privately is the ability to set your own schedule. But per their contract, virtually all providers can move your flight forward or backward by three hours on peak days.

That means fewer runs down the mountain when you get a morning call that the new return time is two o’clock instead of five. Sliding departures can also be a real pain for families scheduling flights for after the kids get out of school. They can also play havoc with checkout times, meaning you are cooling your heels at an FBO (a private jet terminal) or the hotel lobby.

How Many Peak Days Do Programs Have?

According to the buyer’s guide Private Jet Card Comparisons (where I’m founder and editor-in-chief), the average at the end of Q1 2024 was 47.5 peak days per year.

While that is below the all-time high of 55.7 days in 2022, it’s double the 22.8 days average before the Covid surge of private flyers.

It’s also important to know that some providers restrict upgrading jet size on peak days and guarantee fewer seats on smaller planes. That can be a bummer, since many times, it is those holidays when you are traveling with more people. In fact, some programs don’t guarantee availability or contracted pricing in those busy periods.

How To Avoid Peak Days When Flying Private

I always recommend reviewing any peak days, high-demand dates, or blackout dates before joining a program. Providers publish their calendars for the coming year, so ask your rep to include them when they send the proposal. Also, ask for a copy of the contract to understand the policies and penalties for peak days flying.

Paring back our ambitious to-do list, we decided to skip the Louvre in favor of more time at the Musé D’Orsay; swap out a hotel room in a bustling area for a beautifully furnished, homey Airbnb tucked away in the 4th Arrondissement; and—perhaps most importantly—account for much-needed downtime. While it was hard for us to make some sacrifices, we knew that allowing for quiet time strolling the Luxembourg Gardens or reading at a local café would put both of us more at ease. 

There are many different kinds of travelers. From the ardent timekeepers packing every moment with sightseeing to the impromptu, “all I need is my passport,” vagabond, it is important to think about what kind of experience feels best to you. If you have the time and the means, I would encourage some experimentation. It was definitely outside our comfort zone to slow things down. But doing so led to a more rejuvenating trip that left space for the occasional (and much-needed) afternoon nap; prolonged meals; and some unexpected, treasured shopping finds we never would have stumbled across had we been racing from one place to the next. So, here are some tips on how to plan, and not plan, for a relaxing five days in Paris. 

Disclaimer: This trip may spark a sudden urge to browse Zillow for available studio apartments.

Where to Stay in Paris: The 4th & 8th Arrondissements

Opting for a cozy Airbnb tucked away in the Latin Quarter couldn’t have been a better decision. Even though ascending to our bird’s nest required climbing seven—yes, seven—flights of stairs, our little Parisian apartment quickly became one of the highlights of our trip. The lovely host had filled her home with what felt like several lifetimes’ worth of travel curios, rich textiles, books, and gorgeously curated furniture. The personal touches that surrounded us sparked inspiration. We spent one evening planning our next trip away, kept an eye out during our shopping adventures for little curios to add to our collections, and even opted for a night in—sponsored by wine and cheese—to recoup from a 13,000-step day. 

Feeling tuned into the place you are visiting, even when taking some downtime, means you can let go of the guilt for not always being out and about. You are still absorbing a new experience, just at a more comfortable pace for your body and mind. That said, not everyone is at ease renting out somebody else’s home. If you feel more comfortable in a hotel, I recommend going boutique. Request a room on an upper level, with east- or west-facing windows; and your bird’s eye view, combined with the cozy comfort of a smaller establishment, will provide a similar experience. I recommend La Réserve. This luxury hotel is situated on a quiet street in the 8th Arrondissement, but it feels like staying in a friend’s treasured home. The hotel has everything you need, including an indoor pool, gym, bar, and outdoor restaurant. 

What to Eat: Pastries & Cheese

If you’re like me and love cheese, love to learn, and don’t know much about French agricultural practices, I highly recommend this Montmartre Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience. At $55 a person, this activity is well worth the price. It is held in a small, locally owned shop called Fromagerie Racine in Montmartre. The owner, an artisan expert in cheese and making English speakers feel right at home, closed down the shop for the two-hour tasting. Dining in privacy at the singular table in the middle of the shop, we tried eight cheeses and four wines. Our guide was exceedingly generous with his portions (we couldn’t even finish the plate), as well as informative and charming. Plus, it brings you to the quaint Montmartre area—go on a Friday or Saturday and hit up the local farmer’s markets before your tasting for a local experience.

While we did end up with a hefty bag of delicious slabs from Fromagerie Racine to take home with us, we couldn’t stop there. The most impressive fromagerie we found—in terms of available selection, price point, and general experience—was Barthélémy (pictured right), located in the 5th Arrondissement. Pop in here to sample, smell, and buy some of the most glorious cheeses you can find. 

Pro tip: Plan to eat at least one or two slabs during your stay (perhaps during a picnic on the Seine), and get the rest sealed for travel. This makes for a less-stressful packing experience when it’s time to go home—particularly if you selected a few soft cheeses. 

The sheer volume of patisseries and boulangeries in Paris can feel overwhelming. And looking up “the best pastries in Paris” will likely leave you feeling even more confused.

So, here are three recommendations for tackling this very serious business:

1.  Look for the little green sticker on the window or door of the boulangerie that says “Artisan.” They can only use these stickers if their breads and pastries are made in-house. This will narrow the selection much more quickly as you walk about trying to decide where to stop. 
2. If you see a line of well-dressed people, it’s a good sign. The French don’t mind waiting for quality bread, and it’s pretty easy to distinguish locals from tourists. 
3. Gamify your pastry experience.  

Let me explain that last one. My mom owns a bakery in Western Massachusetts and is learning how to make chocolate eclairs. So, we did some market research and went on a quest to find the best rendition. While this is not a comprehensive review, we did try somewhere north of 20. Not on any list, the best chocolate eclair in Paris was made by the Boulangerie Beaubourg in the 3rd Arrondissement. While we tried many treats from each of these establishments, homing in on one specific type of pastry made it a fun challenge. We got a ranking system going and compared each one we tried to the others—this provided some structure to our wild goose chase and turned visiting countless shops into a very entertaining and enjoyable game. 

Pro tip: Grab a few extra pastries to return to your apartment or hotel room. They may be inconvenient to carry around, but if you bring a tote, you will be very happy to have them after your downtime snack of bread, cheese, and wine. 

What to Do: Landmarks, Shopping & Tours

This is where you are going to have to exercise some restraint. While it is tempting to try to see a significant site every day, I recommend choosing just a couple off of this list: The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Musé D’Orsay, Sacre Coeur, Luxembourg Gardens, Notre Dame, and The Pantheon. These famous locations are worth a trip, but spend too long running from one to the next, and you will find your time in Paris overrun by crowds of tourists. Instead, opt for just a couple scattered throughout your stay, and don’t be afraid to leave plenty of time for free-range exploration in the surrounding area. 

A city famed for its couture, Paris has plenty of luxury shopping. I wouldn’t blame you if you head straight for Maje, but don’t forget about the boutique options, too. A particular favorite of mine is Nina Kendosa Paris in the 6th, where you will find the last word in indulgent loungewear. A hole-in-the-wall leather goods shop called Sidonis Maroquinerie in the 18th is also worth a visit—a great place to stop after seeing Sacre Coeur. The proprietor seems to have morphed with his shop over the decades, eventually becoming part of the wall of haphazardly placed yet perfectly maintained, gorgeous vintage purses. It’s a little hard to spot, but you’ll make his day and yours because it’s impossible to walk out of there without picking up one of his collection. For those classic Parisian textiles, I recommend a stop at Simrane, which offers a beautiful selection of handmade quilts, throw pillows, placemats, etc.  

Don’t forget your umbrella. 

Finally, there are several tours that, while a bit cheesy, can add a really special element to your trip. Sitting back and letting someone else take the wheel for a few hours while you get to soak in the sights and architecture the city is known for is a lovely reprieve from the impossible decisions you had to make all day. Boulangerie or fromagerie? The designer first or the boutique? I recommend an evening boat tour along the River Seine. Bateaux Parisiens is a great option. Starting close to the Eiffel Tower base, you will cruise along for about two hours (depending on the package you select) and understand why it is called The City of Light. Green River Cruises offers a beautiful selection of private services if you want to avoid other people for an even more relaxing experience.

Miami is beginning a new chapter. As ever, the city’s soul lies not just in the shimmering façade of its luxury developments but in the stories told by its streets, the murals that adorn its walls, and the rhythmic pulse that defines its cultural heartbeat. Here’s how you can dig into all of it.

Where to Stay in Miami

Eden Roc

Designed by the renowned architect Morris Lapidus, the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami is a testament to the city’s golden era of glamour and luxury. Opening its doors in 1956, the hotel became an instant icon with its distinctive mid-century modern architecture characterized by sweeping curves, opulent details, and a sense of grandeur. Lapidus, famous for his innovative and theatrical designs, created a space that exuded sophistication and elegance.

During its early years, the Eden Roc attracted a glamorous clientele, including Hollywood celebrities, prominent political figures, and international jetsetters. The hotel quickly became a hotspot for the elite, drawn to its lavish amenities and prime beachfront location. Every room has an ocean view, and guests can choose between two experiences. There’s traditional Miami-Beach style in the Eden Roc property, where the rooms have a breezy beach vibe with minimal color, allowing the ocean, sky, and sandy beach to provide the pop. The Japanese beach house style at the Nobu property, nestled within Eden Roc, offers quiet, modern luxury. No matter which guest experience you choose, you’ll inevitably want to grab a drink at the 16-seat bar in the landmark hotel lobby.

Nobu Restaurant

While there, you can grab elevated bar bites from Nobu or reserve a table at the restaurant, its own singular experience. The restaurant features undulating washi paper that floats above the dining tables, as if you’re immersed in the ocean under ribbons of seaweed. On the menu, Chef Matsuhisa’s iconic fusion of traditional Japanese dishes with Latin American flair, like the Nobu Tacos, each delicately prepared with fish. Can a taco be chic? At Nobu, the answer is yes.

Miami Art Immersion 

Miami hosts Art Basel every December, but you don’t need to plan a special trip to immerse yourself in the city’s dynamic art scene. From contemporary galleries to avant-garde museums, the Magic City has a range of experiences to offer.

Pérez Art Museum

Located in Museum Park overlooking Biscayne Bay, PAMM is a cultural landmark designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Opened in 2013, the museum has become synonymous with Miami’s commitment to contemporary art. PAMM features a diverse collection of international contemporary art, including works by established and emerging artists. The museum showcases paintings, sculptures, and installations that push the boundaries of artistic expression. Permanent exhibitions include “Transfer Download: Sea Change,” an immersive exhibit that reflects on the interconnectedness of technology and the natural world. The museum also features an outdoor sculpture garden and Verde, an on-site restaurant that boasts sweeping views of Biscayne Bay.

Wynwood

Always a good idea and always changing, Wynwood is an outdoor street art museum in the Wynwood Arts District. Established in 2009, this project transformed the neighborhood into a global destination for street art. Murals and graffiti by renowned artists like Shepard Fairey and Retna adorn the walls, creating an ever-evolving outdoor gallery that blurs the lines between street and fine art. One of the best ways to view it is to book a curator to guide you through the different works. You can also add your own graffiti experience to the schedule: a 30-minute hands-on spray-painting demo to immerse yourself fully in the Miami street art scene. While you’re there, stop by the Margulies Collection at the Warehouse. Founded by Martin Z. Margulies, this private-collection-turned-public-institution has been a cornerstone of Miami’s art scene since 1999. The collection spans various mediums, featuring sculptures, installations, and multimedia art. Artists like Willem de Kooning, Anselm Kiefer, and Olafur Eliasson contribute to the museum’s diverse and impactful collection.

ICA Miami, the Institute of Contemporary Art

A cutting-edge institution in the Design District, ICA Miami opened its doors in 2017 and has been a focal point in Miami’s evolving art landscape ever since. The institute hosts rotating exhibitions that push boundaries and promote continuous experimentation. Their commitment to advancing the work of local, emerging, and under-recognized artists is apparent: Admission is free all year round, providing open access to the public. ICA also hosts public events designed to promote the exchange of ideas and stimulate creative thinking. 

Neighborhood Culture

Miami Design District

The Design District is renowned for its luxury boutiques featuring international and local designers, offering a shopping haven where fashion enthusiasts can explore the latest trends and exclusive collections. Cutting-edge galleries and public art installations dot the artfully designed streets, transforming the district into an open-air gallery that transcends traditional boundaries. And there’s always something happening—a maker’s market, a design fair, a celebration, or other events that give you a reason to drop in and stay awhile. You’ll also find Michelin-starred restaurants—Le Jardinier, recently awarded one star, and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, boasting two Michelin stars. And don’t miss Mia Market, a chef-driven food hall that might be the best way to taste all the flavors Miami offers.

Allapattah

Named after the Seminole Indian word for “alligator,” Allapattah is a barrio just west of Wynwood and an emerging cultural hot spot. It’s grounded by the Rubell Museum, renowned for showcasing thought-provoking contemporary art from the extensive Rubell family collection, featuring works by some of the most-influential artists of our time, including Jeff Koons, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Allapattah is a cultural melting pot, with residents from Central America, Cuba, and the Caribbean making up much of the local population. You’ll find many hidden gems to experience, from sophisticated Basque cuisine at Leku in the Rubell Museum to a Dominican chimichurri sandwich from the Chimichurri Donde El Primo truck on 36th Street.

Española Way

It is not a neighborhood per se, but a vibrant street tucked inside of South Beach. Built as an artists’ colony in the 1920s and designed to evoke the quaint villages of France and Spain, this pedestrian-only corridor features more than a dozen restaurants and cafés, three boutique hotels, and a smattering of specialty shops.

Prefer to stroll through Espanola Way and dine nearby? Gianni’s at the Former Versace mansion is a few blocks away. Located inside the former home of Gianni Versace, which has been both a membership club and boutique hotel since he died in 1997, it features an upscale Italian menu, and the setting is undeniably one of the most beautiful in the state. Casa Tua, also located a few blocks away on 17th Street, could be described as a hidden gem, as it still manages to fly under the radar. Dining at Casa Tua is like attending a dinner party at a well-heeled but low-key friend’s house, complete with a library, lantern-lit trees in the garden, and a 20-seat chef’s table with a view of the kitchen.  

Music cruises have been around for over a decade. Coachella even jumped on the bandwagon back in 2012 with the Coachella Cruise. Hosting only 2,800 fans, it was the opposite of Coachella in the desert, which now hosts 125,000 people each weekend. Those who were on the Coachella Cruise were able to hang out by the pool with Jarvis Cocker from Pulp, attend a wine tasting hosted by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, and join a literary event hosted by Father John Misty. That type of access still exists on board the modern music cruise. At sea, the audiences are manageable, the performances are intimate, and the hallway conversations often include your favorite rock star.

Crafting an Onboard Experience for Music Lovers

Atlanta-based Sixthman has been holding music festivals at sea since 2001. They collaborate with artists, managers, and agents to redefine the music festival by combining it with a vacation and in the process, break down the fourth wall. Producing festivals with hospitality and the fan experience at the forefront ensures guests return to music cruises year after year. “Super serving is the best way to describe it, for fans and artists alike,” says Mike Simon, a talent buyer for Sixthman. “We cater to exactly the type of experience fans want while being at sea, in a tropical location, on vacation—elevated with multiple stages and fun activities like a live Q&A with the performers or hosting a game with the bands involved.”

Artists benefit from the experience as well, says Simon. “Everyone is there for the duration of the festival, exploring and getting to know each other. By day two and three, the ship becomes home, and the energy in the artist’s lounge is magical.”

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Maggie Rose has performed on several music cruises. “So many of the people I met on those trips have become lifelong fans. The cruises facilitate a really special kind of relationship between artist and listener because there’s more access to one another. One of my favorite experiences was playing on the Cayamo cruise because it was a great fit musically and so many of the people I met were returning from previous years, excited to enjoy a week of perfectly curated music from familiar artists and make new discoveries, like me! I’ve since joined Sixthman for the blues cruise and beach boys cruise.” 

Opportunities for Musicians

The collaborative nature of the festivals also benefits the artists in a way that supports their work. Oftentimes, the headlining artist is programming the festival line up, as was the case for 2023’s Headbangers Cruise. Lamb of God was the host partner, so their management company and agency worked with Simon and his team to develop the show.

As Simon explained, Sixthman was helping the artist realize their creative vision for the festival. “The festival is booked with artists that the host talent wants to have on the ship and who they know their community will be excited to see.” Randy Blythe, the lead singer of Lamb of God, is also a surfer and is already scouting out surfing expedition spots for the next Headbangers cruise.

“It’s that elevated experience that fans can only get on one of our boats,” CEO Jeff Cuellar explains, “Some artists are now creating their own whiskeys, or they have their own beers and different types of things they’re creating. Our environment works so well because we can showcase all that to a dedicated audience. It’s a way to curate a lineup, not only of bands, but also experiences.”

But, what about the vacation part? Cruises offer something for everyone at every price point, and a Sixthman festival, like other themed cruises , is no different. The customer service team is engaged with guests early on to ensure that their trip is tailored to the type of vacation they want to have. If a guest knows that they want to dine in the steakhouse on most nights, for example, they can bookmark that with Sixthman customer service rep, and it will be integrated into their package.

It’s also a vacation for the artists. “The different venues give each show a different experience so it never feels stale, “ says Maggie Rose. “The outdoor daytime pool party set can feel totally different from the sultry evening lounge vibe. It also allows us to switch up our set lists, and it challenges us to show some repeat concertgoers everything we can. I also love the friendships that I have struck up with fellow artists on the ship and the spontaneous collaborations that come from us all being together. By day three I am greeting guests and artists at breakfast like they’re old friends. I always hit the spa, gym, and casino, and there is never a chance of going hungry.”

The Growth of Experience Cruises

Cruise travel is one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism, according to the Clia State of the Cruise Industry Report. Post-pandemic, cruise travel has not only been reinvigorated, but cruise lines are attracting younger travelers seeking immersive, bucket-list experiences like seeing their favorite band up close in an intimate setting.

Wellness and health cruises have also become major priorities for cruise lines, as have themed cruises that go beyond a music festival. Expedition cruising, one of the fastest growing cruise experiences, takes passengers off the cruise ship for guided tours to remote locations via kayaks and submarines. Hospitality brands like Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection have also expanded into maritime offerings by transforming cruises into resort-like journeys where each state room has a private balcony and world-renowned wineries and chefs offer master classes and sommelier dinners.

The accelerated growth of the cruise industry offers tremendous opportunities, according to Sixthman’s Cuellar. “I only see room for growth at this moment. I don’t think there’s an oversaturation. I think there’s space for more, and I’m excited about what we’ve got in store for 2024, 2025, and beyond.”

Sixthman is already diversifying into different entertainment genres, exploring culinary experiences, Broadway performances, and cruises themed around popular TV shows, like the upcoming Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise—a chance to vacation with your favorite Hallmark stars. They’re also building immersive cultural activities into cruise itineraries, allowing passengers to connect with the destinations they visit on a deeper level. 

For those unsure about taking a cruise or questioning its value, Cuellar and Simon agree—a music cruise delivers an unparalleled experience. Onboard entertainment, access to performers for behind-the-scenes moments are more than worth the plunge when combined with the luxury of a cruise and beach vacation. More than 50% of guests return yearly, reinforcing the value. Cuellar encourages skeptics to take the risk, promising an unforgettable return: “Just let go, take the chance, take the risk. I promise you will not regret it. You will come back.”