Are you often bombarded with pictures of friends and family traveling worldwide whenever you log into your Instagram or Facebook account? And after seeing them, do you get a little travel envy?
When you are living a life that entails “burning the candle at both ends,” dropping everything to set sail around the world is never in the cards – nor in the budget.
But think: traveling across the world, lodging at luxurious hotels, sleeping in premium bedding, shopping at your favorite stores, and, of course, eating meals that are topped with taste and richness. Everybody wants that – right?
So, how do you get the best of both worlds while remaining within your budget? With some forethought and planning, you can maximize your money and enjoy the vacation of a lifetime. To help you in that manner, here are a few ways you can plan a luxurious vacation on a limited budget:
- Find affordable cabins to stay in.
When you travel, the location you choose will significantly impact your budget. The more expensive spots and resorts may be reserved for future vacations when you have more time to plan and save.
Look for seasonal travel deals if you have your heart set on a destination or a cabin that is out of your price range. Many cabin rental services may offer discounts to those interested in traveling and lodging during the off-season.
Furthermore, if you require a recommendation, you will not find a better or more exotic place to plan a vacation than Gatlinburg. It is loaded with mesmerizing attractions and cabins that offer the same thrills.
You’ll find cabins with every type of relaxation imaginable, including the best accommodation options, game tables, outdoor fire pits, etc.
Here’s a pro tip – type in Gatlinburg cabins with indoor pool on Google to find great deals on personal & family-focused accommodation options.
- Define your priorities
You must also define your travel priorities before you begin browsing online or leafing through brochures.
Suppose you’re unwilling to settle for anything less than a first-rate experience. In that case, you’ll probably have to save up before spending the cash.
On the other hand, if your primary goals are to experience a different heritage or unwind for a few days, you can most likely achieve such plans on the cheap.
Begin by determining your vacation priorities. Some examples are:
- Trying new foods
- Relaxing
- Going to a specific location, such as a historic site or a beach
- Learning something new
Once you’ve determined what you want from your trip, you can concentrate on how to get it!
- Remember that it is impossible to do everything.
What is the one thing that is bound to destroy any vacation? Trying to squeeze as many places and activities of interest as possible every 24 hours.
We understand that FOMO is real when traveling, but the last thing you want to do is overbook your plan. Pace yourself to dodge any itinerary-induced nervousness.
When you’ve finalized your itinerary, list “must-see” locations and other “would love to visit” places. You can prioritize your hours without feeling obligated to see and do it all.
- Exercise caution when flying.
Choose a Tuesday for your trip. Midweek flights are less expensive because a surcharge is added to weekend flights. You’ll have fewer lines at airport check-ins and security.
Fly economy as well; there’s no need for an upgrade, no matter how enthralling Business Class appears. You can use the money you save on cheap tickets to pay for food or lodging when you arrive.
Low-cost, budget airlines are ideal for short flights and frequently offer low-cost deals. If you’re going on a weekend trip, try to pack light and only bring hand luggage to save cash on hold luggage.
- Use public transportation
Although it is much easier to take a taxi, sitting on a bus with the locals and watching the city go by is a cheap way to discover lovely places.
No, you won’t get a running commentary, but it will be less expensive and endlessly more enjoyable.
For instance, Bus Routes 72 along the Seine or 42 from the Eiffel Tower beneath the Champs-Elysées are unrivaled in Paris.
In many cities, your day pass also encompasses ferries on the harbor or river, and taking one is cheaper and more convenient.
- Consume meals in
We know that eating food in a hotel room may appear to be the polar opposite of luxury travel, but bear with us.
Eating at home does not have to mean missing out. Going to a local deli for local staples or bakery, eating on a balcony or park bench, and making a sandwich can be a far more memorable experience than an unremarkable meal in a crowded restaurant.
- Find free activities
We travel for experiences and activities, don’t we?
So, why not look for free activities in the town or city you’re visiting? Museums are frequently free (or have a student discount), so many cities offer free guided tours.
If you want to do something more energetic, go for a swim at the beach or visit the local park and plan a Pinterest-style picnic.
But don’t limit yourself to only accessible adventures! Who would pass up a safari in Kenya or a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia? Plan and keep some money aside for those big-ticket items.
- Don’t do it for the sake of the ‘gram.
Finally, make sure you’re planning a luxury vacation that you truly want to take.
Doesn’t it seem self-evident? But so many of us fall into the trap of booking a trip because it appears to be the type of vacation we “should” be taking or the type that will amaze others.
Like anything else in life, our vacation choices can be affected by social pressure, so consider where you’d want to go if no one else cared.
Whether you want to spend seven days on a beach or discover remote corners of the world, the most important thing is to make a decision representing your interests and desires.
Conclusion
Traveling with luxury in mind doesn’t have to be expensive.
The truth is that you can have a luxury experience for much less money if you use some of these tips when planning your next vacation.
By knowing what you want and having the will to compromise, you may find a little wiggle room within your budget.
So don’t listen to what social media says about luxurious travel, do your own thing, and have fun.