5 Ways to Add Luxury to a Budget Trip
Tips to Get Extra Bang for Your Buck While Traveling
So if you want to add a bit of a luxury touch to a vacation that’s on a tight budget, these are some of the best ways to do it.
Luxury on a Budget Tip 1: Eat at a 4-Star Restaurant
So what if your budget demands under-$10 meals for the entire trip? Pick one of the last nights of the trip and splurge on eating out for one meal. Try a new restaurant everyone is raving about or an award-winning established one.
Budget too tight? Try booking during lunch, when there are often specials, or just visiting for dessert and drinks. Or time your visit during a city’s restaurant week for gourmet meals at not-so-gourmet prices.
Luxury on a Budget Tip 2: Get a Spa Treatment
Nothing eases the kinks of non-stop sightseeing like an hour getting a massage. Think you can’t afford it? Many upscale hotels have spas that often offer discounts or packages. Still too expensive? Ask locals for day spa recommendations or just get a mani/pedi treatment.
Just the act of being pampered by others while on vacation can be worth the slight dent to the budget.
Luxury on a Budget Tip 3: Spend the Last Night at an Upscale Hotel
Your desire says fancy hotel on the beach, but your budget says cheap chain motel. Compromise and spend your last night or two at the hotel you really want.
Often if you do enough searching and stack things in your favor, like traveling off-season, luxury hotels can sometimes be surprisingly affordable to the budget traveler. And make sure you book it at the end of the vacation so it’s one of the last memories you have of your trip.
Luxury on a Budget Tip 4: Rent a Convertible for a Day
Staying in an area with picturesque drives? Spend a full day driving around in a rented convertible. Search online for deals or coupon codes to help bring the costs down. Split the cost with a friend to make it more budget friendly.
It’ll be worth it when you’re driving that coastal highway with a 360 degree view of your surroundings and the sun on your face.
Luxury on a Budget Tip 5: Splurge on Sightseeing
Free and cheap attractions are the mainstay of any budget traveler, and while many are worthwhile memories, sometimes it’s worth it to spend just a little bit more. Take a helicopter tour of Vegas at night. Go on a canal cruise in Amsterdam or Venice. Do a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley during the harvest season.
Your whole trip doesn’t have to be expensive tours, but adding one or two to the schedule can make your trip a little more special. Look for area coupon books or visit the city’s visitor bureau websites to nab extra savings when available.
