Little Luxuries That Make a Huge Difference While Vacationing

The Secrets to a Five-Star Vacation on a Three-Star Budget

If you’ve always wanted to take a luxury vacation on a modest budget, it’s not impossible if you know how to allocate your funds. Whether you’re jetting off to the coast or escaping to a cozy mountain cabin, you can elevate your travel experience without draining your bank account. 

With just a few strategic upgrades, you can unlock the feeling of a high-end vacation on a realistic budget. 

1. Book Your Accommodations Strategically

The cost of accommodations varies throughout the year, but seasons aren’t the only factors that impact price. Try these strategies:

·      Split a luxury vacation home. Teaming up with another family or friends can make it easier to afford a high-end vacation rental. You’ll get better amenities, more space, better privacy, and all the comforts of a real home without having to pay the entire bill.

·      Skip the weekend bookings. Most people book weekend stays, leaving hotels and other accommodations with vacancies mid-week. That’s when the prices drop. Plan your vacation for the middle of the week to get better rates.

·      Check for local events. Events that draw a crowd tend to cause booking rates to skyrocket. If there’s an event creating higher prices, plan your vacation for a different time.

·      Look for hidden value. If your accommodations include perks like access to a pool, a grill, free parking, and laundry, it might actually save you money and make your trip smoother.

·      Prioritize location over frills. Unless you plan to stay in your hotel room the whole time, a vacation rental within walking distance or a short drive from a beach or city center will feel more luxurious than a 5-star hotel.

High-end doesn’t have to mean high priced. Sometimes it’s just a matter of planning right and prioritizing your needs for convenience.

2. Plan Your Meals

One of the fastest ways to blow through your budget is to eat out and order room service for every meal. But with a little planning, you can eat well, enjoy luxurious meals, and put more of your budget toward other luxuries.

·      Book accommodations with a kitchen. With access to a kitchen on a week-long trip, you’ll save money that you can put into other luxuries. For instance, a family of four can easily blow through $200 a day on fast meals.

Fast food weighs you down. Buying food from the grocery store and cooking simple meals will save you money and keep you feeling great. Just remember to bring a few key items, like a sharp knife, your favorite seasoning, a spatula, and a corkscrew. You don’t want to end up flipping pancakes with a spoon.

·      Budget for a few intentional meals out. By cooking most of the time, you’ll have the money to splurge guilt-free on a few scenic beachside dinners or a Michelin-star lunch.

Anything you save on food can be used to enjoy other, little luxuries.

3. Upgrade Your Flight Without Paying Full Price

No matter where you’re headed, nothing is more frustrating than flying coach. By the time you get to your destination, you’ll already be in recovery mode, ready for a nap. For the ultimate luxury experience, upgrade your flight to business or first class. The trick is to do it in a way that doesn’t require paying full price. 

Your airline miles are better spent on an upgrade rather than covering your flight. Most major airlines allow you to upgrade by redeeming miles and making up the difference in cash. If you play it right, you can get a $1,000 upgrade in exchange for miles earned and around $150. That’s a small price to pay for lounge access, priority boarding, better meals, and a stress-free flight.

4. Add a “Wow” Experience to Your Itinerary

Luxury isn’t just about better accommodations and flying first class, although those things help. A single, unforgettable experience can elevate your entire vacation. Whatever you’re into, go for the best of the best. For example, if you want to take a tour, hire a private tour guide to escape the crowds and lines. You’ll get insider knowledge you won’t get from a brochure-trained guide. 

No matter where you go, there will be plenty of fun things to do locally, like taking a pasta-making class in Italy, or learning to surf in Hawaii. You’ll go home feeling like you’ve really indulged.

Treat Yourself – You Deserve It

Luxury vacations don’t always require staying in a five-star hotel and ordering room service. You’re traveling to enjoy the experience, so allocate your budget where it counts. Cook your meals, enjoy a few gourmet meals dining out, and use smart tactics to upgrade your experience. It’s the best way to “level up” your vacation and still maintain your budget.