
I’ve always been a bit of a travel addict. My husband, Josh, and I have been fortunate enough to explore a fair share of the globe, from the vibrant markets of Casablanca to the serene beaches of Hawaii. But luxury travel doesn't have to be the exclusive domain of the obscenely wealthy. With a bit of creativity, planning, and a healthy dose of resourcefulness, luxury travel on a budget is possible!
Points and Miles: Your Secret Weapon
Let's be honest, accumulating points and miles is the single most powerful tool in the luxury travel arsenal. Credit card rewards, airline loyalty programs, and hotel loyalty programs are your friends.
Credit Card Strategies: We have a rotating, dedicated travel rewards card that we use for almost all of our everyday expenses. The points rack up quickly, and we strategically redeem them for flights, hotel stays, and even experiences like airport lounge access. Once we’ve hit a sign-up bonus for one card, we explore what other cards with enhanced sign-up bonuses (SUBs) might be available for us to apply for and then transition to that new card for a whole new set of bonus points.
Airline Loyalty: Because our home airport is Kansas City, which offers very few international flight options, and none to Europe, we’re loyal to airlines that have transfer partnerships with the credit card transfer programs we utilize. Utilizing online tools like point.me and Roame can help you find flights that work for you using the credit card points you already have. When it makes sense, we apply for airline credit cards so get perks like free checked baggage, lounge access, and SUBs that include a big stack of airline miles.
Hotel Loyalty: We prioritize hotels that are available through credit card travel portals, as well and we’ve had some pretty amazing hotel experiences all over the world using credit card points to book our stays. Some of the higher cost travel rewards credit cards also give you perks like status with hotel brands, so we get upgrades and perks when we’re staying with those brands.
Finding Deals on Luxury Travel
The internet is a treasure trove of travel deals.
Travel Aggregators: Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak are invaluable for finding the cheapest flights. (But I always recommend booking your flights directly with the airlines rather than through those aggregators.) Be flexible with your travel dates and consider exploring nearby airports if you’re in an area that has several airports within driving distance.
Repositioning Flights: This is a lesser-known gem. For example, instead of flying out of Kansas City International Airport (MCI), we sometimes take a cheap flight to a larger hub like Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to reposition our starting location to find better deals, especially on international flights. When we do this, we typically fly in the day before our international flight and spend the night in an inexpensive hotel near the airport that we booked on points.
Last-Minute Deals: While not always reliable, last-minute deals can sometimes offer significant savings on flights and hotels. Websites like Hotwire and Expedia often feature "secret deals" where you know the hotel star rating and general location, but not the specific property. This can be a thrilling way to discover hidden gems. I generally don’t recommend this as a regular practice though, especially if you are looking for a specific flight itinerary or class of service. This can be risky and you may end up with an expensive trip with even more expensive flights.
Prioritize Experiences Over Possessions
Luxury travel isn't just about five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. It's about creating unforgettable memories.
Cooking Classes and Food Tours: Instead of splurging on expensive dinners every night, consider taking a cooking class or going on a food tour. You'll learn about local cuisine, interact with locals, and even bring home some culinary skills.
Day Trips: Explore the surrounding area with day trips. Hiking, biking, or simply wandering through local markets can be incredibly rewarding and far more budget-friendly than expensive tours.
Free Activities: Many cities offer fantastic free activities. Take advantage of free walking tours, visit museums on free admission days, and enjoy the local parks and gardens. GPSMyCity is a fantastic resource for cities across the globe and offers free walking tour options for people with all abilities and interests.
Embrace the Local Culture
Immersing yourself in the local culture is one of the most rewarding aspects of travel.
Eat Like a Local: Skip the tourist traps and dine at local eateries. You'll not only save money but also experience authentic flavors and discover hidden culinary gems.
Shop at Local Markets: Instead of buying souvenirs at overpriced tourist shops, browse the local markets for unique and affordable gifts. You'll find handmade crafts, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs that reflect the local culture.
Learn a Few Basic Phrases: Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way. Not only will it help you navigate your way around, but it will also show respect for the local culture and enhance your travel experience. There are a lot of language learning apps out there, but I’ve been using Duolingo for travel for years and highly recommend it. Knowing basic foods in the language of the country you’re traveling to can be a huge help when navigating menus!
Leverage Casino Perks
If you enjoy a bit of gambling, casinos can be a surprising source of luxury travel deals.
Comped Cruises: We've been fortunate enough to experience several complimentary cruises through our casino play. Casinos often offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points towards free or discounted cruises.
Hotel Upgrades: Casino hotels often offer complimentary upgrades to their most luxurious suites based on your play.
Free Amenities: Many casinos offer complimentary amenities to their frequent players, such as free meals, show tickets, and even airport transfers.
Charter Flights: Some casino programs offer their frequent players opportunities to visit their lesser known casinos throughout the country by providing flights and accommodations from hub airports. These offers can also include free play, food and beverage credits, and spa or resort credits.
Travel Off-Season
Traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or even the off-season can significantly reduce costs.
Lower Prices: You'll find lower prices on flights, hotels, and tours during these times.
Fewer Crowds: Enjoy a more relaxed and authentic travel experience with fewer crowds vying for your attention.
Pleasant Weather: In many destinations, the shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather without the scorching heat or harsh winter conditions.
Travel with Friends and Family
Traveling with friends and family can significantly reduce costs by splitting expenses.
Shared Accommodation: Renting a villa or apartment can be more cost-effective than booking separate hotel rooms.
Shared Meals: Cooking together in your accommodation can save money on dining out.
Shared Transportation: Consider renting a car and sharing the costs of transportation.
Pack Light
Packing light can save you money in several ways.
Avoid Excess Baggage Fees: Airlines charge hefty fees for overweight or oversized luggage.
Increased Mobility: Traveling light makes it easier to navigate public transportation and explore different areas.
Reduced Stress: You'll spend less time worrying about your luggage and more time enjoying your trip.
Embrace the Unexpected
Some of the most memorable travel experiences are the ones that are unplanned.
Be Flexible: Be open to detours and unexpected adventures. Sometimes the most rewarding experiences happen when you step off the beaten path.
Embrace Local Recommendations: Ask locals for their recommendations on hidden gems, local events, and the best places to eat.
Go with the Flow: Don't overschedule your itinerary. Leave room for spontaneity and allow yourself to simply enjoy the moment.
Luxury travel doesn't have to be a distant dream. By utilizing these strategies, you can indulge in those "champagne dreams" even on a "beer budget." Remember to prioritize experiences over possessions, embrace the local culture, and most importantly, have fun!
I hope this post inspires you to plan your next luxurious adventure!
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Credit cards are NOT for everyone, so please use them responsibly and consult with a financial advisor for personalized guidance.
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