12 Outdated Luxury Experiences That Are Dying Out With Boomers
As times and trends ebb and flow, so do the ways people define luxury. Some luxe experiences that were once cherished by baby boomers are now fading into obscurity, either due to younger generations finding them impractical or because their exclusivity no longer holds the same appeal.
From extravagant black-tie galas and debutante balls to timeshares and even ski chalets, here are 12 outdated luxury experiences that are slowly being phased out as society redefines what it means to live the good life.
1. Owning a Timeshare
Once a symbol of luxury travel, timeshares promised to offer families a slice of paradise without the full cost and burden of ownership. But the concept of sharing a vacation home with multiple people always felt a bit scammy (and messy), with younger generations viewing them as more of a financial trap than a worthwhile investment. Now, with the rise of Airbnb and other rental platforms like Vrbo and Houfy, timeshares feel like an outdated relic that even boomers have left behind.
2. Black-Tie Charity Galas and Events
These elegant evenings of ball gowns, tuxedos, and fine dining used to represent the pinnacle of social status and philanthropy. But as technology evolves and priorities shift towards more inclusive spaces and events, many younger donors are now opting for fundraising efforts that are more in tune with the masses (aka, non-millionaires). These include online campaigns or experiential social media events that aim to foster community engagement and create a shared sense of purpose.
3. Membership-Only Yacht Clubs
While yacht clubs are synonymous with wealth and status, their appeal is starting to dwindle among younger generations. Compared to boomers, Millennials and Gen Zers tend to be more interested in one-off experiences over memberships and sky-high fees. Plus, the heinous environmental impact of luxury yachts have further tarnished the image and prestige of these hyper-exclusive spaces.
4. Debutante Balls
Once a rite of passage for young women from affluent families (particularly in the South), these extravagant events were designed for parents to “present” their daughters to high society as eligible for marriage. But today, debutante balls are increasingly falling out of favor, with critics viewing them as outdated. Many younger generations are also opting to celebrate milestones that reflect real achievements rather than old-school (and let’s face it, slightly creepy) societal norms.
5. Owning a Ski Chalet
Ski chalets used to be a winter dream for wealthy boomers, but they’ve become impractical for younger generations as time goes by. Maintenance costs, changing weather patterns, and the rise of ski passes with lodging options make permanent ownership less attractive. The idea of committing to one location for yearly vacations or ski trips also feels quite limiting in today’s travel culture. (Real ones know you sometimes have to hit up different resorts to shred the best gnar.)
6. First-Class Ocean Liners
Luxury ocean liners once offered an unparalleled sense of glamour and leisure on the high seas. But with the rise of modern cruise ships, coupled with a steep decline in long-haul ocean travel, these massive vessels have become relics of a bygone era. Younger travelers also tend to favor more adventurous and sustainable travel over sipping Champagne in a tuxedo on deck.
7. Having a Country Club Membership
Country clubs used to be the ultimate status symbol for boomers by offering all their pretentious activities in one convenient location: golf, tennis, fine dining, and snobby social connections. But as times change and hobbies shift, a declining interest in golf as a a sport, coupled with high membership fees, have made them less appealing to younger generations. Instead, casual, pay-as-you-go social spaces (think communal work spaces) are taking over as hubs for networking and fun.
8. Shopping in High-End Department Stores
Luxury department stores like Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, and Saks Fifth Avenue were once cornerstones of high-end shopping. But today, the rise of online shopping, next-day delivery, and direct-to-consumer brands has shifted the way people purchase luxury goods (or really anything, for that matter). Hooray for modern convenience! Let’s just hope the robots won’t eventually kill us all.
9. Owning a Second Home Abroad
Boomers once dreamed of owning villas in Tuscany or beachfront properties in the Caribbean. Today, many people see second homes as both financially-draining and environmentally-unsustainable, especially among climate-conscious younger generations. Instead, younger folks tend to value freedom and flexibly above all, preferring to explore multiple destinations over the burdens of being tied down to just one place. (We also can’t afford jack bleep, so thanks to the economy for that.)
10. Exclusive Spa Retreats
Spa retreats in far-flung locations were once seen as a luxurious way for rich folks to unwind and emerge rejuvenated. But the popularity of these highly-exclusive and pricey spaces has since diminished. Instead, wellness trends today have shifted their focus on accessibility and affordability, with local spas, wellness apps, and fitness spaces replacing these high-end retreats. The emphasis has also shifted from splurging on spa treatments to incorporating self-care into one’s daily life and routine.
11. Designer Dining Clubs
High-end dining clubs where members pay hefty fees for exclusive access to gourmet experiences are also losing popularity, as they feel increasingly out-of-touch with regular consumers. Today, foodies and influencers tend to prioritize unique and authentic dining experiences by seeking out spaces like food trucks, pop-ups, and street food over upscale dining.
12. Owning a Private Plane
Private jets were once seen as the ultimate status symbol for wealthy boomers, but they’ve since fallen out of favor among young generations. Environmental concerns, maintenance costs, rapid depreciation, and the rise of fractional ownership or private jet charters have made them less practical and attractive. After all, why spend a fortune on a private plane when one could splurge much less on a first-class ticket that offers the same luxury experience?