FAQs

1. WHAT IS ESSENTIALIST?

Essentialist is a private members’ service for passionate travelers, which combines highly personalized trip planning by experts with high-tech online and mobile travel content and tools.

At Essentialist, we believe there’s a difference between visiting a place and truly getting to know it. So, we gather deep intelligence from a worldwide network of insiders and combine it with our immersive customized trip-planning service to create transformative travel experiences for our members.

2. WHY JOIN ESSENTIALIST?

Conceived for sophisticated travelers with a passion for discovery, Essentialist brings together a global network of destination editors—top lifestyle and travel journalists from leading publications—who curate hotels, restaurants, and activities. Highlighting the hidden gems and local favorites, as well as significant news and trends, our local experts provide unique access to the people, places, and experiences that will form a lasting impression. Essentialist’s travel designers craft highly customized itineraries around members’ interests and needs, combining insights from our editors with expert support from travel specialists within each destination.

3. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO JOIN ESSENTIALIST?

Our annual membership fee is $2,600 per household. Please contact members@essentialist.com to learn more.

4. WHAT BENEFITS DO I GET IF I JOIN ESSENTIALIST?

I. Access to members-only Essentialist mobile app, with expertly curated travel inspiration
II. Unlimited access to your own dedicated travel designers
III. Custom-crafted itineraries by our team of experts
IV. Unparalleled global intelligence, with frequent updates on destination trends and news from our editors and their network of celebrated local tastemakers
V. On-the-go app with all of your itineraries and directions for all of the places on your trip
VI. Members get access to special perks, benefits and amenities on every trip

5. WHY SHOULD I PLAN MY TRIP WITH ESSENTIALIST?

Because we are different from other travel planning companies. We offer a unique fusion of inspiration and insight: We give you access to the very best of a destination, with insider tips from our top travel editors—based on the places they cover and your trip goals—while providing you with the necessary assistance, including booking all of your arrangements (flights, hotels, restaurants, activities, tickets, and transfers). We have an amazing team of travel designers and exceptional contacts who can tailor unique insider experiences to your specific interests.

6. WHAT DESTINATIONS CAN ESSENTIALIST BOOK FOR ME?

We can book any destination around the world, thanks to our extensive network of local experts. All trips are tailored to clients’ needs. Our local editors are specialized in the region or country you would like to travel. So instead of just recommending a set trip, we offer unique insights and recommendations for memorable experiences.

7.WHO DESIGNS MY TRIP?

Each member is assigned a Travel Designer, who leads the process of travel design and trip booking, with the help of the local Editor. Our local experts suggest all of the activities, hotels, restaurants, and what to see and do in your destination of choice.