The benefits of high-end travel aren’t hard to appreciate—who doesn’t want to stretch out on a full-length bed on an overnight flight?—but even if you’re in the luxury bracket and ready to spend, every moment of your vacation doesn’t necessarily need to cost top dollar. As travel experts point out, you can make your money go further and have an even more memorable trip by mixing smart splurges with less expensive alternatives.
As head of Boston-based Viva Lifestyle PR, Alison Sager markets five-star properties around the world. And as an avid traveler herself—who has stayed in everything from humble student hostels to the most luxe hotels—Sager offers these tips to those who want to maximize their luxury travel dollars in a way that will also maximize their experience.
Alison Sager
Delve Into DIY Adventures
It pays to prioritize where you want to spend big bucks, and blending experiences in an à la carte manner can be a smart tactic, Sager says. Choose, for example, which flights warrant a first-class ticket. From Rome to the East Coast of the United States is a daytime flight of seven hours. That’s manageable in economy, says Sager. But for that long-haul overnight flight? Go ahead and book business class. Or if you’re in a hotel for a quick stay—say, to be close to the airport for an early flight—don’t bother with the most luxe option when you won’t have time to enjoy the amenities.
You can also find ways to experience things like a local, and really sink into the atmosphere of your destination. Instead of hiring a driver for the length of your trip, rent a car yourself, or take public transportation. You’ll have the satisfaction of navigating your own journey, and maybe you’ll even find a gem as you wander—getting a little lost sometimes is part of the fun. Mixing street food with expensive dining experiences is another way to appreciate the vibrant, authentic cultural life of a destination—and it saves major money. Similarly, local markets will turn up more unique gifts than mainstream luxury shops.
Seek Out Luxury-Adjacent Experiences
What’s the difference between a four-star hotel and a five-star one? Sometimes very little, as it turns out—and Sager points out that being savvy about these small differences can help you enjoy a nearly identical experience for less. Independent properties, for example, might not have top ratings simply because they lack something you might not even plan to use, such as an on-site spa. Or they may partner with other properties to increase their offerings; for example, a pool may be available at a sister hotel just a short drive away. Some five-star brands also include three- and four-star options in their lineups, so you can experience luxury with a lower price tag.
Use Points and Rewards
It pays to invest the time in learning how points systems work, Sager says. Whether offered by airlines, hotel groups or credit card companies, they help stretch your travel dollars.
Independent hotel groups abroad—those too small for their own points programs—will often participate in cooperative plans. One example is Preferred Hotels and Resorts, which represents more than 700 independent properties, Sager says.
And when you do decide a travel splurge is well worth the price, there’s a bonus: By spending more money, you’ll earn extra points or rewards.
Tim Mullaney is a New York-based financial writer whose work has appeared in BusinessWeek, The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post magazine and many others.
Inset photo courtesy of Alison Sager.