Explorations That Change You Forever: Gia Schiffino of Lux Voyage on the Power of Intentional Travel

Photo Credit: Lux Voyage

The common perception of travel has shifted over the years, today encompassing a lot more than a sunny vacation at a 5-star hotel. In fact, only 23% of people are the archetypal ‘sun and beach’ travelers. Others are lured in by culture and authenticity, adventure, socializing opportunities, and physical activities. After all, there is something innately fascinating about immersing yourself in vibrant cultures, each one shaped by different influences.

It’s clear that modern-day jetsetters care about a lot more than the destination. Instead of merely visiting a place, their desire is to feel it. Gia Schiffino, Partner at Lux Voyage, has observed these changing sentiments firsthand, noticing that travelers, more often than not, curate trips for specific reasons: to learn something, to challenge themselves, to discover spirituality. She calls this ‘intentional traveling.’

Photo Credit: Lux Voyage

Founded over a decade ago, Lux Voyage has quickly built a reputation as a trusted partner in luxury travel. Through its membership model, the company curates more than bespoke itineraries; it focuses on long-term financial and travel plans that evoke the essence of luxury explorations—whatever that means to the individual.

This approach broadens the definition of ‘luxury,’ recognizing that, while a spa resort by the sea might be the answer for some families, others find lavishness in the quiet moments, in the grounding of nature, and in experiences that reconnect humans with spirituality.

Having visited rugged terrains and remote destinations, like the Svalbard archipelago near the North Pole or the pristine mountains of Bhutan, Schiffino merges personal travel experiences with a psychological background, listening intently to clients’ needs and preferences. “Some trips are transformational,” she reflects. “There is nothing more special than finding yourself on the other side of the world and letting different cultures and traditions change your perspective.”

While the company promises a seamless journey without inconveniences, at Lux, intentional traveling transcends hotel brands and sheer opulence; it’s about returning from a trip as a better person. Beyond internal transformations, Schiffino highlights the importance of considering one’s impact on the destination itself.

“The beauty of remote destinations is that they remain untouched,” she stresses. “In some places, you can almost hear nature talking. These encounters enrich life beyond comprehension, and it’s important to give back. That’s why, when planning a trip, it’s important for us to work with like-minded, local partners that we know are giving back to the community.”

She alludes to the transformative power of Svalbard, one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas located between mainland Norway and the North Pole.  “There’s a vastness in Svalbard unlike anything else I’ve experienced.

Seeing firsthand the behaviour of the wildlife, and how they live in this environment is truly humbling. It’s like the destination asking you to do better and be more mindful,” she shares. “Some travels aren’t about creating long lists of seen landmarks or tourist attractions. They’re about learning something about yourself and the world, changing you on a profound level.”

Intentional travel isn’t confined to self-reflection. For instance, when working with families, Lux Voyage aligns the destination and itinerary with what the kids are currently learning about in school. Boasting a broad network of global partners, it can combine educational voyages with luxurious retreats, addressing the needs of all family members.

The company’s philosophy is not about chasing social media trends or popular destinations. The process always starts by identifying one’s purpose for the trip: is it to feel reconnected to nature or to discover ancient history firsthand? Is it to feel closer to spirituality or to witness wonders like the Northern Lights? Lux Voyage’s intimate understanding of the travel industry and the team’s authentic passion for worldly explorations is integral to curating bespoke itineraries, especially when clients don’t have a destination in mind.

As traveling continues to shift toward intentional discoveries, Lux Voyage remains a trusted partner for individuals, couples, and families alike, helping them define their own luxury. With a concierge approach that matches the level of affluence they’re used to and a team infatuated with the world’s beauty, Lux opens the gateways to unique, off-the-beaten-path discoveries, each one curated with purpose.

“Over the years, we’ve seen how destinations can change people. We’ve watched clients develop as human beings. We’ve seen children grow up, shaped by the magical experiences we helped create,” Schiffino reflects.

“Most of our clients have been with us since the start, and every year, they return for more. And every year, we join them on this journey, creating plans with intention. Why? Because that’s the most rewarding part of the business: clients trusting us with something as valuable as their time alone with loved ones.”

Disclaimer: Written in partnership with APG.

The post Explorations That Change You Forever: Gia Schiffino of Lux Voyage on the Power of Intentional Travel appeared first on Haute Living.