If you’re a seasoned traveler, you’ve probably developed a few strategies for saving money when booking vacations.
Maybe you compare prices, apply promotions, use onboard credits, or hold out for last-minute deals. Those tactics can certainly help stretch your budget.
However, when it comes to planning a great vacation, there are a few areas where cutting costs can actually take away from the experience. Rather than focusing on spending as little as possible, I think it’s smarter to decide on your overall vacation budget and then choose where a little extra investment will make the biggest impact.
These are five travel splurges that can make your trip feel more luxurious, help you relax, and provide an excellent return on your investment.
I’m a big believer in paying the extra cost for airport lounge access, especially in certain situations. If you’re flying internationally and know you’ll be arriving at the airport several hours before departure, an airport lounge can completely change your travel experience.
Many lounges include complimentary meals, snacks, coffee, cocktails, and other beverages. Some even offer showers, which are especially refreshing during long layovers. I also appreciate the quieter atmosphere, comfortable seating, charging stations, televisions, and space to read, relax, or simply unwind before a flight.
I especially enjoy lounges that welcome families. When you’re traveling with children, spending your wait in a calm lounge can be far less overstimulating than sitting in a crowded gate area.
Whether it’s worth paying extra for a balcony cabin is one of the biggest debates in cruising, and there are certainly pros and cons. If I have clients who are focused on keeping costs as low as possible, I’m happy to recommend interior cabins, which can save a significant amount of money.
However, if you’re someone who enjoys fresh ocean air, tends to feel claustrophobic, or is sailing to a destination like Alaska, a balcony is often well worth the additional expense. Having your own private outdoor space adds so much to the experience.
I particularly recommend this upgrade on Disney Cruise Line. Because Disney ships have relatively few interior cabins compared to many other cruise lines, the price difference between an interior and a balcony cabin is often smaller than people expect. In many cases, that makes upgrading to a balcony an excellent value.
Private transportation is one of the travel upgrades I recommend most often. While many travelers choose shared shuttle services between the airport and their hotel, private transfers can make the beginning and end of a vacation much smoother.
With shared transportation, you may have to wait for other passengers to arrive before leaving the airport. On the return trip, your shuttle may stop at multiple hotels or airport terminals before reaching your destination. Those extra stops can add unnecessary time and frustration.
Another factor to consider is cost. Shared shuttle services are often priced per person, so for larger families, the total can end up being surprisingly close to the cost of a private vehicle. When you factor in the convenience, time savings and comfort, private transportation is often well worth the upgrade.
Travel insurance is one of the easiest upgrades you can add to a vacation, and one of the most valuable. There are more providers than ever, making it simple for your travel advisor to offer several options for comparison.
The biggest benefit is peace of mind. Travel insurance can protect your investment if an unexpected event forces you to cancel your trip, and it can also provide valuable assistance if an emergency arises while you’re traveling.
This is especially important when traveling internationally, where your regular health insurance may provide limited or no coverage. Knowing you have support if something goes wrong allows you to focus on enjoying your vacation instead of worrying about the unexpected.
Finally, consider where you’re staying in relation to the attractions you plan to visit. It’s often possible to save money by booking a hotel farther from the city center or major attractions, but I don’t always think that’s the best value.
Long commutes, navigating unfamiliar public transportation, and spending extra time getting from place to place can quickly eat into both your vacation time and your enjoyment.
Instead, I recommend working with your travel advisor to find the best-priced accommodations in a convenient location, then looking for savings elsewhere in your vacation budget. Staying close to the places you came to see often makes the entire trip feel more relaxing and enjoyable.
Planning a vacation that feels stress-free, relaxing and luxurious doesn’t necessarily mean spending dramatically more money. By choosing a few upgrades that truly enhance your experience, you can create a trip that feels special while still staying within your budget.
As a travel advisor specializing in family vacations, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, Europe, and theme park destinations, I’d love to help you plan your next adventure. Reach out anytime to get started at ericat@friendlikemetravel.com or visit here.
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