When it comes to lavish travel gifts, the world’s most famous men have set the bar astronomically high.
From private islands to custom-built jets, these extravagant gestures redefine the meaning of "spoiling your partner”.
While some of us can’t even get our partners to buy us a travel cushion, here’s a look at some of the most outrageous travel-related gifts ever given by famous men to their significant others.
Richard Burton’s jet for Elizabeth Taylor
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor’s love story was as dramatic as it was glamorous.
In 1968, Burton gifted Taylor a Hawker Siddeley 125 jet, which he famously dubbed "Elizabeth’s Airplane”. The jet was outfitted with luxurious interiors, including a full bar and plush seating. Burton reportedly said: "I would have liked to buy her the Taj Mahal but it’s difficult to transport."
This extravagant gift was a symbol of their larger-than-life romance, though their relationship was as turbulent as it was passionate. “The Guardian” reports that the jet became a staple of their jet-setting lifestyle, whisking them to film sets, vacations and high-society events.
Roman Abramovich’s yacht for Dasha Zhukova
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is no stranger to splurging on travel luxuries. In 2010, he gifted his then-partner, Dasha Zhukova, the Eclipse, one of the world’s most expensive yachts. Costing an estimated $1.5 billion, the yacht spans 533 feet and features two helipads, a swimming pool, a mini-submarine, and a missile defense system.
The Eclipse, reported Forbes,became a floating palace for the couple, hosting lavish parties and private getaways in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. While the couple eventually parted ways, the yacht remains a symbol of Abramovich’s unparalleled generosity.
John Lennon’s island for Yoko Ono
In 1967, John Lennon purchased Dorinish Island, a small private island off the coast of Ireland, as a gift for Yoko Ono. The island, which cost around £1,700 at the time (approximately $40,000 today), was intended to be a peaceful retreat for the couple, according to “The Irish Times”. Lennon and Ono visited the island several times, even camping there during their famous "bed-in" era.
Though the island was eventually sold after Lennon’s death, it remains a testament to his romantic and idealistic nature.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s private jet for Georgina Rodríguez
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his opulent lifestyle and he didn’t hold back when it came to spoiling his partner, Georgina Rodríguez. In 2020, Ronaldo gifted her access to his $20 million Gulfstream G200 private jet, complete with a custom interior featuring gold accents and personalised details.
The jet has become a staple for the couple’s travels, whether for Ronaldo’s football matches or their family vacations. Rodríguez frequently shares glimpses of their luxurious travels on social media, showcasing the jet’s lavish interiors.
Elvis Presley’s pink Cadillac for Priscilla Presley
While not a traditional travel gift, Elvis Presley’s iconic 1955 pink Cadillac Fleetwood became a symbol of his love for Priscilla Presley. Elvis famously bought the car as a surprise for Priscilla, and it became a staple of their travels together. The car was later customised with gold accents and a white leather interior, making it one of the most recognizable vehicles in pop culture history.
The pink Cadillac is now on display at the Graceland Museum, a reminder of Elvis’s larger-than-life persona and his affection for Priscilla.
David Beckham’s custom Range Rover for Victoria Beckham
David Beckham has never been shy about showering his wife, Victoria, with luxurious gifts. In 2017, he commissioned a custom Range Rover for her, complete with a personalised interior featuring her initials and a state-of-the-art entertainment system.
While not a traditional travel gift, the car has become a staple of the couple’s travels, often seen ferrying them to high-profile events and family vacations.
“Hello! Magazine” reported that Range Rover is just one of many extravagant gifts Beckham has given his wife, but it stands out for its practicality and style—a perfect reflection of the couple’s brand.
Jay-Z’s $40 million private jet for Beyoncé
Power couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé are known for their extravagant lifestyle and Jay-Z took it to the next level when he gifted Beyoncé a $40m Bombardier Challenger 850 private jet. The jet, which features a custom interior with gold accents and the couple’s initials, has become a staple of their global travels, according to reports.
Beyoncé has been spotted using the jet for everything from concert tours to family vacations, making it one of the most practical yet luxurious gifts in celebrity history. The jet also symbolises the couple’s shared success and their ability to turn even the most mundane travels into a first-class experience.