Luxury comes in different forms. There are different levels of luxury. The same applies to vacations. Travel enthusiasts desirous of planning an affordable luxurious vacation should consider the following steps:
Step 1
Identify your budget and stick to it. As an experienced traveler, I can assure you that you can find a luxury vacation at different price points in most countries. It just depends on what you are looking for.
Step 2
Decide what is the most important activity for you while on vacation. For some people, it’s the beach. For others, it is shopping. For my hubby and I, it’s the quality of the dining experience and our mode of travel. I have found that for US travelers, a vacation is less about shopping, but more about entertainment, food, and sightseeing. This is why Mexico and the Dominican Republic are popular destinations for travelers desirous of achieving luxury on a budget. This brings me to my next point, the destination…
Step 3
Choose your destination based on your needs, travel costs, and what you can get for the money. As mentioned above, countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and Columbia, etc, are popular choices for many. The reason is simple. If you live in the North American region, the airfare to these countries is quite affordable. Similar if you live in the United Kingdom, your best choices would be Italy, Portugal, and Spain in terms of airfare and affordability.
Step 4
Off-season travel. Consider taking your overseas vacation trips when others are not on vacation. This makes it even more affordable. Months like May, September, October, January, and February are great times to vacation depending on the destination and climate. If you are blessed to “live where people vacation,” like in the Caribbean, for instance, then take regular vacations at home during peak travel season, and plan your international trips during off-season. Jamaica is one such destination where locals can enjoy a perfect holiday during long weekends and public holidays at 5 star hotels with great beaches without having to incur the cost of airfare.
Step 4
Be flexible with your dates when booking your trips. One day can make a huge difference in your cost and overall budget. Flexibility can create affordability. What you can get based on your dates may differ from another traveler based on their dates. This is where sites like Booking , Expedia, and others come in handy.
You can check and book the best deals in advance without prepayment. Liaise with your travel consultant and look out for packages and deals. Cruises are quite affordable and can be a better choice in terms of “affordable luxury.” You can see multiple destinations for a fraction of the cost.
Step 5
Cash in on those rewards programs. Using points and credit card reward programs for hotels, airfare, airport lounge access, car rentals, etc. can really save you tons. If you live in the US and you are a Costco member, you have access to many travel deals. Call your membership programs and enquire about travel packages, discounts, and deals.
Step 6
Choice of accommodation is key in saving money. Book luxury Airbnb and other alternative accommodations if you cannot afford a 5-star hotel. Even consider renting luxury villas jointly with friends and family to make the trip more affordable. Sometimes, it is more about a 5 star location and experience and not about a 5 star hotel.
I am a firm believer in the mindset, “Work hard and play hard.” However, one must also spend wisely. Do not exceed your budget. Never use your credit card to go on vacation if you cannot repay it in full right after your trip. It is better to take frequent vacations you can afford than to plunge into instant debt for one vacation.
No matter how long we live, life is still short, but it can be fun based on our choices. Be realistic about what you can afford and choose accordingly. Now that I am a woman of a “particular age,” vacations for me are less about shopping and more about experiences.
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