There’s nothing more exciting than travelling in style. Whether you’re headed to the airport, or you’re off on a cruise, we’ve put together some top tips for travelling in luxury on a small budget.
1. Stay closer to home for short holidays
While you may think jetting off halfway around the world for the weekend is a wild and adventurous way to spend your holiday budget, it makes much more sense to stay closer to home for shorter holidays. Save your money for luxury accommodation, excursions and food, and then go long-haul for an extended break when your finances allow.
One of our favourite places to find great deals on flights, hotels, car rental and even package vacations, is Travelocity. Their price match guarantee means they will refund the difference if you find a cheaper, identical trip!
2. Go on a cruise
Although many believe that cruising holidays are only for the elite, the industry has come a long way in the past twenty years, making it more affordable than ever to sail around the globe. Operators such as Imagine Cruising offer holidays to key destinations like Norway, South America, Europe and the Mediterranean, giving you more choice than ever for your next getaway. Whether you’re looking for a week in the sun or you’re ready for a culturally-rich expedition, a cruising holiday can be whatever you want it to be – just don’t forget to pack your swimming costumes!
3. Travel in the low season
With the majority of families and tourists wanting to jet off in the summer months, it makes sense to hold back and book your holiday in the low season. Hotels, flights and packages are often cheaper during the autumn and spring, so look around and see what you can find for your money. Travelling out of season not only benefits your bank balance but often means your destination is quieter – meaning that you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying activities instead of queuing!
4. Enter the VIP lounge
Paying for an upgrade to the VIP lounge can be a surprisingly affordable method of starting your holiday with a bang – and mixing with the high-flyers and VIPs who you’ll be travelling with. Most major airports and transport hubs offer VIP lounges which can be accessed with a pass – order your own, and you’ll be able to enjoy newspapers, drinks and food before you travel, giving you a chance to unwind and add some sparkle to your journey.
5. Try to ask for an upgrade
It’s entirely possible to get upgraded on your flight – but the key is to be friendly, positive and thankful. Dress smart at your hotel or check-in counter, as you’ll give yourself a better chance of being seen as important or ‘elite’. In other words, if you look and act like the rest of the people in first class, you’re more likely to end up there yourself.
Another method of getting an upgrade is to tell your travel agent that you’re celebrating an important occasion – honeymoons, anniversaries and birthdays are all great excuses for an upgrade. By telling your waiter, operator or travel agent that you’re choosing to spend a special moment with them, they will be more inclined to offer you a superior service than to their standard customers.
CAR RENTAL TIP: We always try to rent our own car when we travel, so that we can explore off-the-beaten-path places on our own schedule. Check out the best deals on rental cars for your trip and explore your independence! Check cheap prices here, now!
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