It should come as no surprise that time is money. Many of the world’s richest people will have amassed personal fortunes that have come as the direct result of extreme dedication to work and putting in significant hours across the week. There are estimated to be 2,668 billionaires in the world today according to Forbes.com. Many of these people have gained such vast wealth by being at the top of their respective trees in industry and are often celebrities in their own right. Many have built their own fortunes completely on their own, by being extraordinarily successful in the world of business or designing a product or service that has now been adopted by millions of consumers. When it comes to transport, the ultra-wealthy often like to travel in style. This article explores three key methods of transport that are commonly used by the ultra-wealthy.
Prestige Cars
For many of the most successful people who have built vast business empires, travelling by a standard car is simply not an option. With extreme levels of wealth comes the ability and purchasing power to choose from a range of luxury and prestige vehicles. High end prestige cars are bought and a sold as and when desired. The rich tend to sell Mercedes Benz and other prestige marques to specialist dealers who can tap into a market of dedicated prestige car buyers. Often the vehicles are only kept for a short period of time before being traded in for newer variants. The main exception of this is when the ultra-wealthy invest in classic prestige cars such as a vintage Rolls Royce. These vehicles will often be driven on special occasions or kept in storage in immaculate condition and purchased purely as investment items that will be sold as they appreciate over time.
Yachts
For any self-respecting billionaire, a luxury yacht is an essential vehicle. The average price of such a high end vessel in America is estimated to be around $5.3 million which puts these methods of transport firmly in a category that only the world’s richest people can afford. Some “super yachts” are hundreds of meters long and are self-contained premises, often containing dedicated gyms, business areas, kitchens and entertainment spaces. They can be used to entertain guests, hold meetings, or simply be used as a way to explore far flung destinations for extended vacations.
Private Jets
Many of the worlds super rich enjoy travelling long distances in style and comfort by their own means. Waiting in line at crowded airports and queuing to get through security checkpoints are not viewed as a desirable use of time. As a result of this, the richest people tend to invest in their own private jets. Lear jets and Gulfstream jets are the favored options and are often customized to the owner’s exacting specification and needs. Jets such as the G650 can cost approximately $65 million but can travel to any destination in the world without needing to stop to refuel. Often these planes are furnished with fully functional kitchens and business suites so that work, travel and pleasure can happen all at once.
