The best vacations are the ones that are well-planned ahead of your departure. So, starting your 2020 travel plans now can help you save big money by finding the best rates available and booking in advance. You may also want to consider downloading a free budget template to really analyze what you can put towards your travel. And, if you think luxury and budget travel don't go hand in hand, you're in for a surprise.
Here are five tricks to planning luxury vacations that fits within your budget.
1. Choose a Five-Star Destination Somewhere Cheap
Some countries give you more bang for your buck, because the cost of living is lower, and the American dollar stretches further. In most cases, you'll be able to afford five-star resorts in these countries, as they also tend to be the most interesting and culturally rich destinations. Vietnam, Costa Rica, Peru and India are a few examples. While there, enjoy the beach, fine dining, safaris and lavish accommodations. You could even investigate jet card pricing and use the savings you make on that cheaper destination to fly to your vacation in comfort and style!
2. Select a Destination with Cheaper Flights
Be open to a few different destinations and make your decision based on which location is the cheapest to get to. It may vary based on the time of year, which is all the more reason to research and plan in advance. Additionally, when you have a destination in mind, search for flights to neighboring cities and see if there are any cheaper flights. It may be more cost-effective to fly to a nearby city and then take local ground transportation to get to your final destination.
3. Travel by Cruise Ship
Cruises tend to offer five-star resort accommodations and destinations all in one. That's because you get to enjoy luxury treatment on the ship and explore destinations and sights as you travel over water. You don't even have to leave the country for a luxury cruise. In fact, you'll find the best Alaska cruise is a great option, even on a budget. Cruises bundle food, accommodations, entertainment, sightseeing and more all into one value-priced package, making them easy to budget and great for saving money without sacrificing extravagance.
4. Look for Group Rates on Resorts or Cruises
When you team up to plan your vacation with friends or family, you can qualify for group rates that bring the cost down significantly for everyone. Indeed, it's an easy way to save when you agree on a destination and plan ahead. With this in mind, check out websites like Groupon.com for cruises and other vacation packages offering group discounts.
5. Skip the Tourist Traps
In whichever destination you agree on, do your research ahead of time to plan what you're going to visit, see and do. If you wind up falling into tourist traps when you get there, chances are you'll pay much more than needed to explore the city and get a feel for it.
To prevent that, try to stray outside the city center most of the time and explore the outskirts where locals live. You can still see landmark places, but skip on the tour guides and avoid packages or deals marketed directly to vacationers. In countries where everything is cheaper, locals know tourists are used to paying more for things, and they will overcharge you. It helps to follow the rule: "When in
Rome, do as the Romans do."
Follow These Best Practices to Enjoy Luxury Travel
Vacationing can cost a lot of money, but luxury travel can be affordable when you stay open and do the required research and planning. Using group deals, buying cruise packages and paying only what the locals pay are some of the best practices that will score you luxury vacations on a budget.
These are very good tips! I pinned them for later usage. One of the things I know is that you have to plan and buy early! Going standby isn’t fun. You’re right about the US dollar being worth more in some countries is true. Hard to believe?! If I go on a cruise vacation, I’ll have to go with a friend or a family member. I agree with skipping the tourist traps! Half the time, the cost and wait are not worth it! Except for bragging rights! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThese are very good tips! I pinned them for later usage. One of the things I know is that you have to plan and buy early! Going standby isn’t fun. You’re right about the US dollar being worth more in some countries is true. Hard to believe?! If I go on a cruise vacation, I’ll have to go with a friend or a family member. I agree with skipping the tourist traps! Half the time, the cost and wait are not worth it! Except for bragging rights! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice! I love to travel!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the excellent good tips. One of the things I know is that you have to plan and buy early. We take cruises every year and sometimes this helps you see a lot without planning and making the effort and expense for hotel and meals everywhere you go.
ReplyDelete