4 Tips for Luxe Travel on a Budget

Nothing restores your mind and recharges your batteries quite like a vacation. Whether you’re making an annual trip to a favorite spot or are exploring a new destination, traveling is the ultimate indulgence that’s worth every penny. 

But just because embarking on a vacation may be worth your time and money, it doesn’t mean you should go broke to make your dreams come true. With a little strategic planning, you can travel luxuriously on a shoestring budget. Here are four ideas to get you started.

1. Do Your Research

Sure, you scored a great rate on your airfare and accommodations, but do you know how much you can expect to spend when you actually arrive at your destination? In order to really travel luxuriously without spending a fortune, you need to know how much things will cost you during your time away from home. 

Before you book your next vacation, thoroughly research the cost of living and currency exchange rates in the places you plan to visit. You may find that it’s worth spending more on airline tickets to a less common destination in order to have money leftover for meals, entertainment, transportation, shopping, and other activities. 

2. Bundle to Save

One way to save big on travel is by bundling expenses together. Taking a cruise is one easy way to do this. With everything from your accommodations and entertainment to your meals included, it can be a really cost-effective way to see far-off destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean or even Australia.

There are many different ways to save big when adventuring on the open seas. Some travelers swear by last-minute bookings, while others prefer the slow pace of one-way repositioning cruises. But one of the easiest ways to save on 2019 Alaska cruises is by looking into small group packages for families as well as off-season rate discounts. 

3. Travel During the Shoulder Season

While many budget travelers enjoy booking off-season trips to score the lowest rates, it can often be a real gamble. While there might not be tons of crowds, you may find the weather bleak and not ideal for exploring your destination. Or, if you are traveling to Florida or the Caribbean during hurricane season, a storm could altogether cancel your trip. 

But there is a happy medium that offers a price break with a little less risk: traveling during the shoulder season. Now, when the shoulder season actually happens will vary from destination to destination, but generally, it falls just between the end of the peak season and the beginning of the offseason.

Flights and hotels are typically less expensive during these times, and the weather tends to be a toned down version of the peak season weather, making for suitable conditions all around.

4, Cash in Those Points

Make the most out of using your credit card by cashing in your points to book airfare or a hotel at your destination. If done so strategically, you can have most of your trip covered by points. Not sure how to go about it all? The Points Guy offers a ton of helpful information on how to do this by taking advantage of sign-up bonuses and other special promotions.

An Adventure of a Lifetime Awaits You

By choosing an affordable destination, bundling expenses, cashing in your credit card points and traveling during the shoulder season, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime without spending your life savings. Start researching now to find your new favorite vacation spot and book your next trip for an adventure of a lifetime.