How to Experience Luxury Travel on a Budget

Have you ever dreamed of going on a holiday retreat in a five-star beach resort? Or stay in a large family suite with a view of a metropolitan skyline?

If so, then it’s possible. Luxury travel isn’t only limited to the upper echelon of society; travellers who are smart with their money can also enjoy the luxuries of travel with the right strategies and techniques. That said, we have to emphasise one thing: being savvy with your money is a crucial factor in all of this. It’s possible to get a VIP experience on an economy budget, but you should know where to find the best deals and how to choose the best services to keep costs relatively low. If you want to know the tips and tricks to make luxury travel a reality for you, then you’re in the right place. We’ll share some practical tips to help you strike the perfect balance between luxury and affordability, making your next trip feel indulgent without the hefty price tag.

Let’s jump right into it!

1. Travel During the Off-Season

An easy way to save a couple hundred dollars of travel expenses is by going on holiday during the off-season. For example, exploring Europe and East Asia during the late winter can be a good way to experience these places without having to spend an exorbitant amount on flight and hotel costs.

During quieter months, flight and accommodation prices tend to be priced at their lowest to attract travellers. You can take advantage of these discounts and request for better flight seats and room upgrades, as they would be cheaper than usual.

Furthermore, you can cut costs even further by booking your holiday in the middle of the week. The most affordable flights, for instance, tend to fly out of the airport during Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Booking a flight during these days—or simply avoiding Friday and weekend schedules—can save you quite a bit of money.

Of course, by traveling during the off-season, you’ll have to compromise and be in your destination when the weather may be suboptimal. But with proper planning, you can make the most out of your trip and enjoy popular destinations more affordably and peacefully, all while maintaining a degree of luxury.

2. Choose Affordable Destinations

Another easy way to experience luxury without the premium price tag is by simply choosing affordable destinations. Many of the most beautiful and culturally fascinating places in the world don’t cost a fortune to experience, making them ideal for budget travelers looking to elevate their travel experiences up a notch.

For example, countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Mexico are known for having excellent tourist infrastructure at a very affordable price. You can easily find five-star hotels in major cities in these countries without having to spend a fortune. Furthermore, eating out in mid-to-high end dining establishments in these places is also much cheaper than eating out in average restaurants in more expensive regions.

If you’re coming from a country with a strong currency, like Australia and the United Kingdom, then many parts of the world will be fairly affordable from your perspective. Choosing the right location is therefore key in attaining a level of luxury without spending a lot of money relative to your income levels.

3. Use Miles and Points

One of the most expensive aspects of traveling is the cost of flights. This is especially true for travelers looking to fly more than eight hours out of their country (or continent), as the average price of round trip flights can rack up a couple hundred dollars or more.

But what if there was a way to circumvent this and not pay for flight tickets at all? Turns out there is, and it’s called airline miles and credit card points.

When a user uses an eligible credit card for long enough with a clean and timely repayment period, they can accumulate miles and points. These points can be converted into airline tickets, which can do away with the need to buy a ticket with your own cash.

Enough of these points can even be converted to first-class flight tickets and hotel stays. This can drastically reduce the amount of money you’ll end up spending if you have enough of these points. Moreover, these travel credit cards may also offer perks like airport lounge access and priority boarding. So, if you want to experience luxury the moment you step into the airport, then having a dedicated credit card can be a great way to unlock these premium travel experiences.

4. Track Your Budget Online

Even if you’ve prepared all the flights and accommodations beforehand, being on the ground in your destination is a different story.

It’s easy to get carried away and spend more than your budget permits. To ensure that you’re properly disciplined, tracking your budget online with a budget or banking app can be a good way to keep yourself from overspending on your luxury vacation.

Some excellent platforms that can help you set spending limits include Goodbudget and Pocketbook. When you update your spending on these platforms regularly, they can alert you once you’re approaching your budget limit.

Furthermore, you can also track your budget by looking at the amount value in your online bank. If you haven’t done so yet, consider opening a bank account online with Westpac or another banking provider based in your city. Then, download their accompanying app, apply for a debit card, and track your spending when you’re in your new destination. By doing this, you can have a clear view of your spending during your trip and not meet any unexpected surprises the moment you touch down back to your home base.

5. Allocate More Time For Free Attractions

It’s important to recognise that luxury travelers don’t exclusively enter one fancy establishment after another—and if they do, they’re sorely missing out on the cultural aspect of their target destination.

Arguably, the best way to travel is to mix different types of attractions and activities in your itinerary. This includes sprinkling a few free attractions on the itinerary. Instead of thinking of these places as free and cheap locations, think of these destinations as culturally enriching places to visit between your big splurges. Places like national parks, local markets, beachfronts, and parks have their own unique charm to them, and you don’t have to bring out your wallet to enjoy the sights and smells of these places.

By planning your itinerary to include more of these places, you can stretch your budget further and save a bit of cash for one or two more expensive activities, like a luxury spa visit or a fine dining meal on a cruise.

6. Make Bookings in Advance

Another way to pad your wallet a little bit more for the upcoming holiday is by making your bookings in advance.

Flights, hotels, and some activities offer early-bird discounts when booked ahead of time, typically a few months in advance. Take advantage of these savings and book these things as soon as you’ve confirmed your holiday. If you want some flexibility, you can consider booking hotels and flights that offer free cancellation or schedule changes. This will ensure you don’t get locked into a deal that you may reconsider in the future. By booking early, you’re also ensuring that your activity or hotel is confirmed. This means that you can look forward to your luxury experience with peace of mind, knowing that these places and activities are waiting for you.

We hope these tips will help you as you plan for your upcoming holiday!