When it comes to the iconic Real Housewives trips, fans often wonder who’s footing the bill for those lavish getaways. Is it Bravo? The Housewives themselves? Or is there another mysterious benefactor at play? The answer may surprise you — and Kyle Richards just revealed some insider secrets about the trips she and her fellow cast members take.
Who Covers the Costs of the Housewives Trips?
Back in 2019, Real Housewives executive producer Andy Cohen cleared up the mystery in an interview with OK! Magazine. “We do… frankly, we do yeah, but you know it depends on the vacation actually,” Andy said when asked who pays for the trips. So while Bravo typically covers the costs, the specifics can vary depending on the vacation. Some trips are fully funded by production, while others might involve more unique arrangements.
Who Decides Where They Go?
Planning these extravagant trips isn’t just left up to the production team. As Andy explained, there’s a collaborative process. “The host of the trip will collaborate with production to pick the location and the itinerary,” Andy shared. Sometimes, the ideas come directly from the Housewives, and other times, the production team suggests the destination. “The women take the planning of the vacation really seriously, and so it’s a case by case but we have paid for them, yes.”
Kyle Richards Reveals What the Housewives Pay for Out of Pocket
While the basics like airfare and lodging are typically covered, Kyle Richards revealed that the Housewives often have to cover additional expenses themselves. In a 2022 BravoCon panel, Kyle Richards opened up about what they pay for beyond production’s coverage. “People always do ask about the planes and the parties and stuff, and they do think everything is paid by production — even other cast members from other shows ask about that,” Kyle explained. “We are actually paying for those things ourselves.”
So if a Housewife wants to splurge on a first-class upgrade or treat herself to a private jet, that’s coming out of her own pocket. The finer details of the trip — from luxury upgrades to exclusive excursions — are the responsibility of the cast members themselves.
The Intensity of Housewives Trips
Kyle also shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it’s like filming during these intense trips. “One of my favorite things with you guys is at the end of the shoot or in the morning, coming in and recapping like, ‘Can you believe this happened?'” she confessed during an interview with BravoTV.com. But it’s not all fun and relaxation; filming these trips is grueling. RHOBH co-executive producer Craig Turner explained, “There are literally 24-hour days — we wake up with you in bed, we go to bed with you.” With that kind of schedule, it’s no wonder the cast and crew develop a close bond. “A trip is intense, and you spend so much time together,” Craig continued. “That’s why I’ve always understood what you mean by the crew becoming family.”
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