Last updated Jul. 30, 2024 by Jessica Green
Stop being skeptical! You can definitely afford to go on that luxury trip on a budget. All you need is the right guide and tips.
Most people who spend fortunes on a luxurious trip are either ignorant or have enough to spend. And if you’re wondering how your colleagues can afford to go on multiple trips, they’ve got an insider secret that you don’t.
Luckily for you, this article compiles all the secrets, tips, and information you need to go on that luxury travel without breaking the bank.
30 Tips To Afford Luxury Travel On A Budget
1. Travel With Friends
Traveling with a friend is one of the best ways to stay on a budget. This is because you can split the cost of anything and everything.
If you both contribute to accommodation, car rentals, food, and other activities, you’ll save a lot.
However, traveling with friends requires you to learn certain things. You must be communicative when making plans. Set boundaries, but be flexible at the same time. It is also important to give yourself and others some personal space.
2. Travel off-season and Shoulder Season
Most countries expect tourists at a certain period of year, and during this period, they hike prices to make excess profits. So, if you want to enjoy luxury travel on a budget, find out the country’s peak period, and avoid it.
Traveling off-season doesn’t leave out much from the experience you want. There’ll be fewer people and a good discount.
But note, do your research to find out off-seasons in the state/country you wish to travel to. Ask friends and colleagues who have been to the country. Go through travel forums and groups
3. Go for Cheap Flights
Flying economy may not align with your “luxury travel goals”, but it can save you a lot and help you divert money to other luxury activities.
Unlike what people think, an economy flight ticket isn’t so bad. There are ways you can make it seem like a business or first-class ticket. Here’s how:
- Find out the different offers from airlines: Some airlines offer good experience and legroom for economy class, you just need to discover them.
- Choose Your Seats Wisely: If you want enough legroom for long flights, choose bulkhead seats, front-row, and exit seats. If you sleep on flights, choose window seats to lean against the wall.
- Bring In Your Essentials: Make provisions for eye masks, noise-canceling headphones, horse-shaped pillows, and soft blankets. Make available everything that’ll make you comfortable mid-flight.
Get a leg hammock
Stock up on your snacks
4. Fly Mid-week
This isn’t a myth. Flight prices decrease drastically during mid-week. So this period is the best chance you have to cut down on your travel expenses.
To be more precise, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to fly. And whatever you do, avoid Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Statistically, most people fly during this period so the flight prices will tend to be expensive.
Secret Tip:If you can, book your flight by midnight on Tuesday and use an incognito browser.
5. Travel To Cheap Countries
Your travel destination can affect your budget. Since you’re on a budget but want to experience luxury, it’s advisable to travel to cheap countries, some of which include Thailand, Vietnam, Portugal, and other Asian countries.
These countries mentioned have unique tourist sites and affordable accommodations and eateries.
Avoid countries like Sweden, Singapore, Japan, Australia, and Switzerland. These countries are popular tourist destinations and already have a high standard of living.
6. Use Travel Reward Credit Cards
Flight tickets to and fro often take up half of your travel expenses. So to minimize the amount you spend on tickets, make use of travel reward credit cards.
Sign up for any travel reward credit card of your choice, and earn miles or points. The process of doing this is very easy.
For example, if you sign up for a credit card that is affiliated with an airline, you’ll earn points and miles when you pay for groceries or anything.
Once you rack up enough points, you can use it to cover or lower your flight expenses.
But note that if you make payments with a credit card, remember to pay it off on time.
Another Interesting Article: The Best Credit Cards For Black Friday
7. Conduct Research On Everything
Before going on any trip, conduct deep research on anything and everything. If you want to enjoy luxury without spending much, put in the effort to find deals, discounts, and offers that are available.
Watch travel vlogs, read travel reviews, follow travel influencers, and read through travel blogs to get accurate info. And if you have any questions, contact the bloggers, travelers, and locals of the country you’re visiting.
Speaking to reliable locals is one of the best ways to get all the accurate information you need.
If you also need a discount on flight tickets, talk to a travel agent. They often have access to flight discounts and special deals.
8. Save Money On Food And Sightseeing
When on a trip, be conscious of where you eat and sleep to avoid falling into a tourist trap. Most tourist attractions and activities are free, so find out about them to avoid spending unnecessarily.
Use a bicycle when sightseeing to avoid paying high prices for Uber or taxis.
Always plan. Ask locals about the price of food and transportation before paying for anything. This can help you enjoy luxury without breaking the bank.
Remember, tour operators charge differently for their service. Compare prices, and ask for discounts.
One of the best ways to enjoy luxury travel while on a budget is by owning a timeshare.
With a timeshare, you can enjoy a luxurious vacation at an expensive resort without spending a fortune.
Contact timeshare companies around you, and make a deal with them.
10. Use Public Transportation
Save on transportation, and use the save money to enjoy any luxurious activity of your choice.
If you’re on a really tight budget, use trains, bicycles, or buses to get to a destination – these means of transportation are way cheaper and can get you to interact with the locals.
But if you have a little more to spend, utilize ride-sharing services like Uber or any similar service available in the country. Before using a ride-sharing service, compare prices to avoid falling into the tourist trap.
11. Become a Travel Influencer
Most influencers get paid to enjoy luxurious activities and travel around the world. Airlines, resorts, and hotels are willing to pay influencers to advertise their services.
So, if you have the right amount of followers on any social media platform, you can badge any all-expense-paid trip to any country. Here’s how:
Create quality content on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Engage with travel brands
Interact with your audience
Reach out to travel brands and advertise yourself to them.
12. Go to Lesser Known Destinations
Popular destinations are expensive, and your budget may not let you enjoy the luxury you want in those destinations. So opt for lesser-known or emerging destinations.
Rather than visit the Maldives or Lake Geneva, try out the unique sea resorts in Thailand or the Philippines.
Choosing an emerging destination comes with its perks. You get to enjoy luxury without worrying about queues, crowds, and expensive items. You can enjoy numerous activities without falling victim to tourist traps.
If you’re planning a travel to Europe, choose Eastern Europe over Western Europe to save money. Also, look into Thailand and other Asian countries.
13. Find Affordable Luxurious Accommodation
If you can’t afford a luxurious hotel, opt for luxurious dormitory-style accommodations. Most 5-star hotels offer this service, and they’re often more budget-friendly than a private room.
B&B is another great place to find affordable but luxurious accommodation. There are tons of luxurious options for you. You can find a house with unique decors, a pool, a fine dining experience, and exclusive amenities.
If your budget can allow it, consider doing a home exchange. Some websites allow you to swap your house with anyone around the globe. If you find this inconvenient, try out a rental apartment on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Vacation Home Rentals.
14. Enjoy Fine Dining On A Budget
You do not need to dine in a high-end restaurant to enjoy luxury. But if you feel the need to, here are some budgeting tips to help you while in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Ditch dessert and appetizers
Avoid specials
Request for tap water
Eat during lunch hours, it’s often cheaper
Find out restaurants weeks
Go to newly opened restaurants, they often set cheap prices to attract customers
Visit deals websites like Groupon to discover restaurants that are giving out discounts
Sign up for a reward credit card to earn points that can be redeemed for free meals at restaurants
Here’s a bonus tip, if your goal is to only enjoy a luxurious atmosphere, just order coffee and dessert – this allows you to vibe and stick around.
If you still can’t afford a high-end restaurant with the above tips, give a chance to local eateries and cafes.
15. Travel To Countries Where Your Currency Has Strong Value
Most country’s currencies have a weak exchange value. So the amount you view as little can achieve so much in some countries.
If you reside in Europe or the U.S., consider traveling to South-Eastern, Asian, or African countries where your local currency holds more value. Doing this helps you enjoy the luxury that you can’t afford in your country.
Avoid countries where the exchange rate is higher than your local currency.
16. Sign Up For Hotel Reward Programs
Signing up for hotel reward programs is a good way to access hotel discounts and special offers.
Most hotels offer their program members complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, cocktails, or free parking space – all this can help you enjoy your time even on a low budget.
To be eligible for hotel rewards, join your favorite hotel’s loyalty program. You can do this through the hotel’s website. Once you sign up, rack points and move into higher point tier levels.
17. Save Money on Travel Insurance
Getting travel insurance while on a budget may seem like a not-too-good decision to make, but it can save you a lot.
During trips, the unexpected can happen, such as medical emergencies, missing/stolen luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you have no travel insurance, you’ll be left to shoulder the expenses.
Another Interesting Article: 10 Best Travel Insurance Companies
18. Book Accommodations With Sites That Offer Discounts
Before booking a room at a hotel, find out the cheapest room rate offered by the hotel. You can do this on HotelsCombined and Trivago – these sites allow you to find prices of hotel rooms and hotels that offer the cheapest.
Another site with lots to offer is Hotel.com. If you book up to ten nights via Hotel.com, you’ll be offered one free night.
To get up to 20% discounts, use the best rate guarantee program when booking a room.
19. Follow Famous Travel Bloggers
Unlike what you think, there are tons of cheat ways to enjoy luxury on a budget. And if you want firsthand information, follow famous travel bloggers.
Subscribe to their channels and engage with them to get updates on tips and tricks. Most travel bloggers open spaces for people to ask questions, so take advantage of that.
20. Look Out For Sales By Airlines
Like every other business, airlines often have sales. And they offer different deals during this period. It could be lowered flight prices, discounts for flying first class, or 2-for-1 sales where you get a free ticket for buying first-class tickets.
If you want to enjoy luxury on a budget, find out airlines that are giving out discounts for first-class tickets. You can do this by adding yourself to multiple airline’s mailing lists.
21. Upgrade Flights Using Your Miles
If your budget can only afford economy flight tickets, you can still enjoy luxury by upgrading your flight class using miles.
Here’s how it works; if you purchase economy tickets, you can upgrade to a premium economy class. And if you purchase premium economy tickets, it can be upgraded to business class.
There are two ways to earn flight miles or points. One way is by joining frequent-flyer programs, and the other way is by using a credit card affiliated with an airline.
22. Book Newly Opened Hotels
Patronizing newly opened hotels can also save you a lot. These hotels are in need of customers so they charge at cheap rates and offer amazing discounts.
To retain customers, some newly opened hotels also allow you to negotiate room prices.
Another Interesting Article: 15 Cheap Alternatives to Hotels When Traveling
23. Sign Up for Email To Get Travel Deals
Join email lists of airlines, hotels, and travel agencies months before going on a trip. This enables you to stay updated on deals, special offers, and reduced prices.
24. Try Luxury Vacation Rentals
A 5-star hotel isn’t the only place to enjoy luxury. Rather than spending money on an expensive 5-star hotel room, you can access the same level of luxury at a vacation rental.
Platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, Vacation Home Rentals, and HomeAway connect to luxurious accommodations that are priced at an affordable rate.
In addition, you can save money on food costs by cooking at the apartment.
25. Book Last-Minute Flights
If you can, book a last-minute flight for your trip. Airlines, in general, discount their prices to fill up empty seats.
Google Flights and Going are sites that can help you find last-minute tickets.
Take notes: if you’re aiming for discounted ticket prices through last-minute flights, avoid peak travel periods and be flexible with your travel date.
26. Utilize Deals On Groupon
Groupon is home to coupons and deals of all kinds. So before paying for anything, browse through Groupon to find cashbacks or coupons relating to your purchase.
On Groupon, you can find special meal offers, cashback for hotel stays, coupons for spas, 50% off for services, and a lot more.
27. Contact Hotels and Negotiate A Deal
Most hotel prices aren’t fixed. If you call up a hotel and try to negotiate a room rate, there’s a high chance you’ll get access to either a room upgrade at a low rate, freebies, or a discount.
To avoid disappointment, contact your preferred hotel and negotiate rates with them before going on a trip.
28. Use Luxury Car Rentals
Although public transport is way cheaper and allows you to enjoy a new place in an authentic way, it doesn’t offer luxury.
If your budget allows for it, opt for a luxury car rental. They’re convenient, and allow you to have a taste of luxury at an affordable rate.
29. Inform The Hotel Or Restaurant If You’re Celebrating An Important Event
Most restaurants or hostels give out discounts or special offers to customers celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or any other important event.
So when booking a reservation, tell the receptionist or make a note telling them about your special event.
30. Make Friends
Be flexible, interact with people, and make friends. In this way, you’ll get access to tips and tricks on how to save money.
Conclusion
Luxury isn’t reserved for the rich! Take advantage of the above tips and tricks when next you go on a trip.
