You Will Never Believe How Much Luggage, People Travel With Saudi Arabia's King

Image: PHOTO: Saudi Arabia's King Salman has a ridiculous entourage. (Photo via Flickr/ Global Panorama) (Flickr/Global Panorama)
Image: PHOTO: Saudi Arabia's King Salman has a ridiculous entourage. (Photo via Flickr/ Global Panorama) (Flickr/Global Panorama)
Gabe Zaldivar
by Gabe Zaldivar
Last updated: 11:45 AM ET, Thu March 2, 2017

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud does not pack lightly.

According to a CNN report, the king actually might be the heaviest packer in the world, commanding some 1,500 people in his travel entourage and over 500 tons of luggage.

We feel foolish when we arrive home after a two-week trip and stare at that t-shirt we packed that we never got to wear on the trip.

Then we scold ourselves for once again over packing. Well, take it easy on yourself if you do the same.

Actually, you are free to pack away an extra pair of pants, hair dryer and superfluous sneakers when you consider that none of us have actually stowed away elevators before a trip-let alone two.

Yes, according to the report, Saudi Arabia's king's trip mandated not one but two elevators and Two Mercedes-Benz S600.

It seems a tad excessive, especially when we consider taking two books with us on a backpacking excursion to be wildly optimistic and a bit overzealous.

[READMORE]READ MORE: Donald Trump, Travel Ban Blamed For Drop in NYC Tourism [/READMORE]

CNN reports this entourage and the massive amount of luggage are all an effort to maintain the safety and comfort of the country's monarch as he makes his way throughout Asia on a month long excursion that resembles a momentary migration.

King Salman will have visited China, Japan, the Maldives and Bali, and he will do it with hundreds of his closest friends and citizens.

The 1,500 people includes: "ten ministers, 800 delegates and 25 princes," greatly dwarfing that family reunion you once had to fly to that tropical destination once upon a time.

As we have previously noted, traveling heads of state is an expensive ordeal. President Donald Trump has already been taken to task for travel expenditures that may quickly surpass that of his predecessor.

The country's ambassador is quoted as saying of the king's stop in Bali: "There is no special agenda in Bali. King Salman and his entourage will enjoy the natural beauty of the island."

This particular visit means the use of three luxury resorts in the area to take care of this enormous entourage. Most of us would be perfectly happy demanding a simple complement of adjoining rooms on our next vacation.

Thanks to this report, the stress we felt in trying to corral that family on our next epic holiday adventure doesn't seem so insurmountable.

Heck, we may even leave one of our elevators at home.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...
Upcoming Webinar
July The Travel Corporation WebinarTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...
Upcoming Webinar
July The Travel Corporation WebinarTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...