They say you haven’t really lived if you only stayed in one place all your life. They say traveling the world is a must, and yet it’s completely intimidating when you think of all the expenses and the cost of accommodations. Luxury villa rentals and vacations in the Bahamas seem so inviting when you read about them, but then your day dream falls apart once you actually learn how much it would cost you if you were to make it a reality. This makes going on a vacation to the other side of the world very discouraging.
But what if I told you that you could go on a luxury vacation? You could flaunt them on social media, and soak up the sunny breeze in Saint-Tropez, and be able to actually afford it? That’s right. In this article, we have put together a few tips on how to travel luxuriously for less.
Collect Loyalty Points
Choose an airline that you know you can be loyal to. Sign up for their points program and credit card program, and only spend using that credit card you have signed up to the program with. All of your trips, no matter where it is in the world, should only be booked with this airline, and of course with the same credit card. Watch as your loyalty points accumulate (or not, sometimes it’s better to surprise yourself) and get free flights once you are eligible for them! When you have enough points, you can also upgrade to first class flights for free, which will make any trip you take feel luxurious without having to spend for it.
This works the same for hotels, too. Simply choose one hotel chain that has similar programs, and collect points until you are eligible for a free stay in one of their hotels in other parts of the world.
Pick the Right Destination
Not all luxurious-looking tourist destinations are expensive. Sometimes, you just have to pick the right places to go to. Some less popular yet still spectacular holiday destinations are full of beachfront hotels and bed-and-breakfasts that you can rent for roughly $30 per night. The key is to look into the cost of living in the place before you book your flight, so that you know that you don’t have to spend a fortune every time you eat and go out when you are there. It’s really all about smart planning.
Look Like a VIP
This may sound superficial, and you may be inclined to not follow this advice, but if you want to be taken for and treated like a VIP, you should look and act like one. Dress appropriately and try to look nice while still being comfortable, and the most important part of it all is to look confident. You will be surprised at how much better hotel and restaurant staff and airport employees treat you.
Drop By That Luxury Hotel For Brunch
If you can’t afford to stay at one of the finest hotels in the area you’re vacationing in, at least dine there. It wouldn’t cost you as much as renting a room, but the little things that make the dining experience feel luxurious will surely make you feel like royalty for a few hours.
Don’t Overwhelm Yourself with Itineraries
When you are visiting a new place, it’s completely understandable that you want to do all of the fun things that you hear other people do there. However, this can get expensive really quickly, so you will only end up spending all your budget and cutting your trip short. There are so many things that you can do without having to spend, like walking around and soaking up the place and the culture, or simply chatting with locals.