How to travel in luxury on a budget – 10 insider tips

Who said luxury travel is reserved exclusively for the rich? While that’s the general consensus, it’s not always true!

With a touch of creativity and savvy planning, you can enjoy the finer things in life without breaking the bank. 

Let me share some of my secrets to indulging in opulence, minus the hefty price tag! Here’s my ultimate guide on how to travel in luxury on a budget.

1. Choose your destination wisely

Selecting the right destination is the cornerstone of planning a luxurious yet affordable trip.

I’ve found that Southeast Asia has some of the most sumptuous hotels in the world, and they cost half as much as their peers in the likes of Paris or London. 

For example, how does a beachfront villa with a private pool in Phuket, complete with fine dining, butler service, and an impeccable 5-star service, sound?

While you may not be able to afford that in the Algarve of Italy, it may just be doable in Thailand or other Southeast Asian countries. 

2. Stay just outside of the city centre

Hotels are often bigger and better as you go further away from the city centre and wade into the outskirts.

Some travellers are pre-programmed to think that they’ll miss out on the main tourist attractions if they move outwards, but that’s not necessarily the case. 

Countryside manors usually have spacious rooms, lush surroundings, and better amenities.

The best part is that they come at a much lower price, and the distance to the city is rarely prohibitive. 

If you’re visiting Rome, here’s a little tip: there’s a stunning boutique hotel in the Prati district where you can truly experience Roman life, past and present. 

Plus, the local restaurants are amazing!    

3. Timing matters, go off-season

You can still get a memorable holiday in Europe, stay at a wonderful hotel, and pay up to 40% less. The secret? Skip the high season! 

The French Riviera is just as gorgeous in April as it is during the summer, but the bill isn’t as heavy.

The same goes for Santorini in October; the weather is often warm at that time, and the sunsets are breathtaking.

There’s also an added perk that the island isn’t too crowded, which brings out its serenity and beauty a lot more. 

The same applies to the vast majority of destinations in the off-season

4. Book boutique hotels over large chains

Boutique and independent hotels offer a bespoke, personalised, authentic experience for their guests, and they aren’t terribly expensive.

That’s hard to match in big-name hotels, where services follow a preset model, and the bills are pretty high. 

In fact, there’s a rising trend of favouring boutique hotels over large chains, and I agree that it’s a memorable experience.

The unique blend of direct human interaction, individualised services, and immersive local experiences is simply irresistible. 

5. Use local guides and get authentic luxury

One of the first things I do when I visit a new city is book a tour with a local guide. It’s a great way of getting your bearings and unearthing insider information about the best things in town. 

Soliciting the services of a concierge, or a large tour company, usually costs three times as much.  

The locals will help you find priceless hidden gems – and on occasion, from my experience, even welcome you into their home to show you their way of life.

Moments like this are the real meaning of luxury travel, where memories are made and experiences are one-of-a-kind.

6. Have lunch at a Michelin restaurant

Dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant is an exquisite experience, and there’s no better way to sample and savour a country’s cuisine. 

But, we all know how much that costs, and it’s not exactly budget-friendly! 

The good news is that you can get the same experience on a budget if you book a lunch instead of a dinner.

I’ve discovered that some of the top restaurants offer lunch menus at a fraction of the price. In many ways, lunch is the new dinner!   

7. Leverage points and rewards

Frequent travelling teaches us a thing or two, and one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is how to use credit cards, airline miles, and hotel loyalty programmes strategically.

Accumulating points and rewards can easily add up to a hefty sum. 

You can save upwards of 20% on your travel expenses, or get a significant upgrade for your accommodation, by simply using your points and rewards

That’s how luxury on a budget works!

8. Book in advance and be flexible

Booking well in advance has saved me considerable amounts of money over the years. 

Many hotels offer early booking discounts reaching up to 30%, which is not bad at all.

The same goes for flights – the later you leave it, the more expensive the tickets get.

9. Purchase day passes for luxury hotel pools and spas 

You can get the epitome of luxury at one of the finest hotels, use the infinity pools, get full access to the spas, and enjoy world-class amenities at an affordable price. How?

By spending the day only at the hotel, and not committing to an overnight stay. 

Purchasing day passes is an ingenious way to live in luxury and opulence without breaking the bank.

There’s actually a name for that: daycation! Fairmont, Marriott, Hilton, and many other luxury hotels offer day passes for select guests.  

10. Find hidden gems and travel off the beaten path 

Getting the full experience of a country isn’t limited to visiting costly places.

Every city has its hidden gems in the form of gardens, historic sites, museums, local eateries, bookshops, cafes, and many other spots that are right around the corner.

One of my favourite ways to get to know a country is by taking a road trip. I’ve been to some of the most scenic trails in Europe, and I can’t recommend it more. 

The Amalfi Coast in Italy, and the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, are absolutely incredible.  

Exploring the less-trodden path is in itself a rich experience, and the money you save on outings allows you to splurge on other activities or fancier accommodation.  

Read my guides to hidden gems in the UK, Italy and Paris.

Have you got any tips for enjoying luxury travel on a budget? Let me know in the comments below!

You may also like:

• 11 top tips for saving money while travelling