Most people want their vacation to be luxurious and decadent, however, not everyone can afford to enjoy 5-star dining, first class travel and a deluxe hotel all at the same time.
However, there are ways that you can vacation in style without bankrupting yourself in the process. All you need is a little bit of forward planning, a touch of flexibility and the ability to prioritize what luxuries mean the most to you.
Think outside the box with accommodation
You may think that to enjoy a luxury experience you need to be staying in a 5-star hotel that offers you the world, but is this really what you want to be spending a large proportion of your budget on?
How much time are you intending to spend in the hotel? In all likelihood, you will want to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture so is it necessary to book such expensive accommodation? For example, if you were to rent a boat in Naples, you could choose a boat that you would also be sleeping on. That way you don’t have to pay to charter a boat and pay for accommodation.
Instead, consider a house swap. This is a particularly good idea if you live in a sought-after location or major city that other travellers will want to visit. Alternatively, for a truly authentic experience why not look into staying with a local; no doubt the food will be better than any 5-star hotel and much more original.
Book your flights far in advance
This is especially effective if you are flying long haul; most airlines have a set number of seats that they need to fill so you can find some amazing deals if you book early enough. Sometimes it is even cheaper to travel a more direct route than one which involves changes; the key is in doing your research and comparing all your options.
There are also a few tricks that could help you get upgraded when you fly including signing up to your airline’s loyalty program, arriving super early and hoping that there are a few seats in business class that you can take at no extra cost and even something as simple as dressing up to the nines and smiling at check-in can result in an upgrade.
Look out for special offers
You may think that a particular trip or mode of travel is out of your price range but how do you really know if you don’t look into it?
You will be surprised at how many travel companies offer discounts on high-end trips in order to be fully booked. For example, check out these special offers on P and O cruises which prove that luxury doesn’t have to cost the earth.
An easy way to find out about offers from your favourite hotels or travel providers is to sign up to their newsletters; you will then be emailed about any deals that they are offering, and in most cases, they will be personally tailored to your travel needs and desires.
Travel in low season
If you can be flexible when it comes to dates, then always try to book a luxury trip in low season. Not only will you save a fortune, but you will be able to experience your chosen destination without having to fight your way through the crowds and spend half your day queuing to get into the must-see tourist attractions.
Locals are likely to be more welcoming and friendly during low season when they are not overrun with tourists and therefore you will have more opportunity to befriend them and seek out some hidden gems that most tourists do not get to see. You will also be able to enjoy many more experiences as the cost per activity will be much lower; you could hire a local chef to cook you a private meal or hire a luxury speed boat and guide to take you exploring – the possibilities are endless.
