Five ways to travel like a VIP

Want to live it up like a VIP on your next vacation? Here’s a look into the glamorous gypset lifestyles of the rich and famous - cough up enough coin and you too can follow in their stilettos.

1. Charter a private jet
Beyonce, Paris Hilton… the celebs love to flaunt their private jets on instagram - it’s the only way to fly when money is no issue. Forget the long check-in queues and have your limo drop you to the plane’s door. Then climb aboard and pop that bubbly! A number of online and social-media driven last-minute charter services blast out empty seat packages on various routes predominately in the United States, making private flying a reality within reach for those with flexible travel schedules.

2. The pointy end on public
Ok, so the private jet thing might be a bit out of your reach, but upgrading to business or first class on public flights has become more affordable as rival airlines compete to get you up the pointy end of the plane. Fly though check-in, security and immigration with a VIP fast pass, relax pre-flight in the lounge, walk by the long line of passengers waiting for cattle class when you’re called among the elite to board first. Wnjoy all the perks in the sky, from bottomless Champagne to multi-course restaurant-quality meals and fully flat beds.

3. Rent an island
Forget standard accommodation and book out an entire island with your friends. You’ll be amazed to find there are a number of idyllic island escapes all within easy reach from Australia, and some won’t even break the budget. If money is no option, book a holiday to Richard Branson’s Necker Island. Necker is frequented by many of the stars such as Eddie Murphy, Geena Davis, Robert De Niro and Kate Winslet who helped Richard’s mother Eve to safety during a house fire on the island. Magician David Copperfield, Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicholas Cage also own their own Islands.

4. Head to Mexico
J.Lo, Brad Pitt and Charlize Theron all desire privacy on their travels, and Las Ventanas in Los Cabos, Mexico, is their intimate destination of choice. Empty beaches, expansive suites and private spas are among the appeal; check in discreetly and come and go as you please while living out that fantasy of escaping the prying eyes of the paparazzi.

5. Look the part
If you can’t afford all of the above but still want to add a touch of importance to your travel status, invest in some snazzy luggage and pair with style inspirations from the latest catwalk shows. Go for a hardy-yet-stylish travel case and clothes you can dress up or down at your destination.